As a national park in the centre of England, the Peak District offers a beautiful outdoor recreation area that is accessible to many. Its hiking and cycling paths and trails take visitors through gorgeous scenery. There is a tremendous wealth of fascinating villages to explore and enjoy, such Hathersage for the Jane Eyre Trail and burial place of Little John, Eyam – a village that demonstrated courage and selflessness during the plague.
There are also plenty of commercial tourist attractions, caves and places to visit with an entrance fee but the very best things to see in the Peak District are free. You just need to go out and about and enjoy.
These are our Top Five Places to visit in the Peak District.
Hathersage – a fascinating village
Visit the village of Hathersage when you holiday in the Peak District and enjoy a Jane Eyre Discovery walk. The local church of st. Michael and all Angels sells postcards that map out the route of Jane Eyre related buildings around the village. Whilst at the church, see Little John’s grave in the graveyard.
Admire the views from the high spots in Hathersage, the tall chimney of the needle factory and moors beyond.
Stop for lunch at one of Hathersage’s eateries where you can enjoy a good meal and watch tourists at the same time.
Monsal Trail
One of several traffic-free trails in the Peak District. Bring or hire bicycles, or walk, to enjoy a flat path along the route of a former railway line that has been left to nature. Wild flowers flourish in their thousands. Walk or cycle through narrow gorges, railway tunnels and past a bridge where absailers scale dizzy heights.
Dovedale
This Peak District beauty spot is a victim of its own success of warm summer days when umpteen tourists descend to view the lovely valley. Come early or late to see it at its best.
Chatsworth House
A grand stately home set in acres of stunning countryside has long been a popular attraction. Various seasonal events are held throughout the year which add interest. There is a tea shop, gift shop and farm shop where visitors can indulge themselves.
Buxton
Buxton is a sizeable town on the western side of the Peak District. It offers the attractive Pavilion Gardens, a boating pond and playpark for children. This is the pretty side of Buxton. The Opera House and association historic buildings are handsome and are decorated with flower baskets during the summer.
If you do decide to book a show at Buxton Opera House, one of the few places open early enough to eat before the shows is the Lone Star Tex Mex Restaurant. We can recommend the quality of food, the generous portions and attentive service.
As a lively spa town, Buxton offers plenty to see and do for visitors. Another of its tourist attractions is Poole’s Cavern which you may wish to visit of you have not yet had your fill of the numerous Peak District caves.
It’s the town’s historic buildings such the Georgian Crescent and Derby University buildings with an impressive dome that make it stand apart from other Derbyshire towns. It is the kind of place to walk around, admire and have a good lunch followed by shopping in the restored Cavendish Arcade.
Buxton Raceway on the southern side of the town may appeal to those who like fast adrenalin sports.
Related Peak District pages
Recommended drives for scenery through the Peak District