THE PEAK DISTRICT
Over 500 square miles of outstanding natural beauty spread across the borders of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire, the Peak District National Park was the very first area to be designated a national park in the 1950s.
Today it remains a very special haven of tranquility and the perfect year round holiday destination to explore from your cosy self catering cottage or spacious country house. The great outdoors is literally on your doorstep, but also the nation’s most historic houses, Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, and the must-do family favourite, Alton Towers, is just a few miles away.
For breathtaking scenery, take a walk in the park and head for Dovedale, the Gritstone Trail and Kinder Scout, the spectacular crags of Stanage Edge or the Ridge Walk at Mam Tor. Wildlife lovers will find plenty to see at Ladybower, while thrill seekers can go rock climbing at The Roaches, caving at Castleton or the Treak Cliff Cavern, ballooning over Bakewell or abseiling down Millers Dale Bridge. Swim under a blue sky at Hathersage, sail on Carsington Water or cycle on the Monsal Trail, into the Manifold Valley, on the Tissington Trail.
And when you’ve done all that and worked up a healthy appetite, try the delicious local produce - Bakewell pudding, Staffordshire oatcakes, Hartington cheese, real ales and spring waters. There are markets in Leek, Bakewell, Buxton, Ashbourne and Matlock Bath, farm shops on every lane and every pretty village seems to have its own picturesque pub.
The delightful Opera House and Buxton's annual music and literary festivals attract visitors from all over the world. Lovers of good design won’t want to miss the David Mellor Visitor Centre, and the Potteries are just a short drive away with outlet stores galore.
Stroll along the UK’s only inland promenade in Matlock Bath and take the cable car to the Heights of Abraham, go pony trekking in Edale or see the sights on a sidecar safari. Whatever the weather, there’s never a dull day in the park.