WELCOME TO DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
Step into the heart of England’s most enchanting landscapes. Whether you are here to wander ancient footpaths, explore timeless towns and villages, or uncover hidden gems, this is your trusted independent guide to everything Derbyshire and the Peak District have to offer.
LET’S PLAN A DAY OUT
Whether you are visiting Derbyshire and the Peak National Park for the day or on holiday in the area, this guide makes it easy to plan a day out. All you have to do is select a town or village to start your day, and you can explore it before and after enjoying a walk in the surrounding countryside.
The walks have been specially chosen for their scenic beauty and suitability to most walkers of different abilities. The refreshment suggestions should be checked to see that they meet your requirements. There are often plenty of alternatives to choose from within a short distance if you wish.
For those who do not want to go on a walk or have plenty of energy left after completing their walk, a list of nearby special places of interest has been included in your plan.
NEW
The Ultimate A to Z Derbyshire and the Peak District: 60 Chapters of Local Secrets, Scenic Escapes and Hidden Gems. Click to go to the guide.
LATEST ADDITIONS AS AT EASTER 2026
OVER 50 VILLAGES AND WALKS – TEN TOWNS – 40 ATTRACTIONS
Historic Towns to Visit
The charming market town of Bakewell offers riverside walks, historic architecture, and a vibrant weekly market. It is the only town in the Peak District National Park. Outside the park boundary are several ancient towns of considerable character, including the city of Derby. Look for independent shops selling a wide range of specialist goods and for tempting places to eat and drink.
Charming Villages to Enjoy
Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park are home to some of England’s most picturesque villages. These include quaint stone-built cottages, impressive churches, cafes, and pubs of great character, all surrounded by stunning countryside, from Castleton, with its four show caverns, castle, shops, and places to eat and drink, to the idyllic estate village of Tissington, with its pretty cottages.
Stunning Walks to Follow
Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park are perfect for walkers of all abilities. They offer some of the finest walks in the country with breathtaking views, from the forbidding mass of Kinder Scout to gentle strolls through glorious dales by slowly meandering streams. But if you want something very challenging the Pennine Way starts at Edale. For those less able, surfaced trails along former railway lines are ideal.
Attractions to Visit
Derbyshire and the Peak National Park not only have an abundance of fine scenery but also numerous places to visit and activities to try, from grand stately homes like Chatsworth and Haddon Hall to ruined castles like Peveril Castle and the show cattle at Bolsover. Rock climbing and potholing are two of the more strenuous activities. A more gentle pursuit is giving well-dressers a hand.
