Peak District Attractions

The Peak District offers visitors a choice of local attractions in the region, visitors have a choice of a number of interesting and charming places to discover. The area includes the scenic Peak District National Park, museums, parks, gardens, a number of historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. Peak District’s location in the East Midlands means the tranquil English countryside and the great outdoors are all within reach located close to local towns and villages with a range of things to see and do in the county.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Peak District, these include:

Visitors can see Chatsworth House located in the region. The historic house offers a number of attractions including the impressive house with its famous collections including art works. The gardens are over 100 acres in size and offer the opportunity to enjoy a stroll in scenic surroundings, there are displays of tress, shrubs, ponds and a number of sculptures for visitors to look out for. The farmyard and adventure playground provides entertainment for children along with education with a number of shows, displays and talks during the day. The park was designed by the acclaimed ‘Capability’ Brown and is approx 1,000 acres in size having been acclaimed as among the most beautiful parks in the UK.

The Derwent Valley Mills are located in Derbyshire and is a world heritage site. The site is made up of a number of mills from the 18th and 19th centuries along with the living facilities for the workers and the surrounding area. Visitors can see a number of mills along the route with plenty of history and heritage on display, there are museums, exhibitions and displays providing a fascinating insight in to the past.

The Heights of Abraham is a popular attraction located in Matlock Bath in Derbyshire. There is a hilltop park surrounded by 60 acres of woodland hillside, the cable cars take visitors from Matlock Bath up to the hilltop park offering some truly stunning Peak District and Derwent Valley scenery along the way. There are a choice of places to eat and drink on the hilltop offering inspiring views of the local area. Visitors can enjoy woodland walks, cavern tours, fascinating exhibitions and there is an adventure play area for children.

Heage Windmill is located close to the Derbyshire village of Heage; 10 miles from Matlock. The historic windmill dates back to 1797 and is a Grade II listed building. The windmill was restored back in 2002 and is currently the only working multi-sailed, stone-towered mill in England. Guided tours last approx 40 minutes looking at the history of the mill, how it is controlled and how stone ground flour is milled. There is a gift shop where visitors can find souvenirs, hot and cold drinks and Heage Windmill Flour.

Hardwick Hall is located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, the estate dates back to the 16th century. The hall is seen as a prime example of renaissance architecture and among the most significant Elizabethan houses in England. The hall is set on a hilltop overlooking the scenic Derbyshire countryside visitors can explore the house noted for its impressive collections including tapestries, furniture, needlework and ceramics. The history of the estate is brought to life on costume days, re-enacting characters from Harwick’s past. The impressive gardens offer a great place to enjoy a stroll in relaxing surroundings. The estate is surrounded by 2,500 acres of scenic parkland, woodland, wetlands providing great place for a picnic and enjoying countryside walks.

The Peak Village Shopping Centre is an outlet shopping centre located in Rowsley close to Matlock in Derbyshire. Visitors can find over 20 retailers here including some well known names including Regatta, French Connection, Craghoppers and Edinburgh Woollen Mill, with discounts available year round. Peak Village is a favourite for those after some retail therapy in a scenic Peak District setting. There are restaurant facilities with hot and cold food and drinks available along with a Walkers Zone offering a number of scenic walks in the local area.

The Chestnut Centre is an otter, owl and wildlife park located in the Peak District National Park, 7 miles from Buxton. The park is located in 50 acres of landscaped grounds and is home to a range of birds and mammals, the park is renowned for its owls and otters, visitors can also see deer, polecats, Scottish wildcats, buzzards and much more. Visitors can follow the woodland trails and learn more about the abundance of wildlife and flora in the park. Established since 1984, the centre plays a dealing role in conversation and education with guided tours available.

The Peak District Mining Museum is located in Matlock Bath close to the A6. The museum showcases the local areas history in mining dating back to Roman times, the museum recreates what is was like to be a miner, the tools they used and the challenging conditions they worked in. There are working models, slide shows, rock and minerals collections along with informative displays where visitors can gain an insight into the activity that has help shape local history over the years.

The Buxton Opera House located in the scenic spa town of Buxton is a favourite among culture aficionados. Set inside a historic Edwardian era theatre dating back over 100 years, there are in excess of 450 performances each year covering several genres including drama, musical concerts, pantomime, dance, children’s shows, comedy and of course opera. In addition the Pavilion Arts Theatre located next to the opera house includes a varied programme of comedy, musical concerts, cinema and summer festivals. Opened in 2010, it provides a contemporary venue complementing the charming opera house.

Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park is located in Buxton. Poole’s Cavern is estimated to be 2 million years old, the limestone cave allows visitors to journey beneath the earth to explore the impressive cave that includes crystal stalactites and stalagmites that line the cave. Guided tours are provided where the knowledgeable guides give more insight in to the fascinating caves and their long histories. The tours are approximately 50 minutes underground giving visitors an insight in to the fascinating world beneath the earth.

Above ground there is the Buxton Country Park where visitors can enjoy woodland walks and Grin Low and Solomon’s Temple viewpoint offering inspiring views overlooking the Peak District. There are picnic areas and areas for children to play offering a great day out for the whole family.

Peak District show caves and mines are world famous and a great attraction. Indeed they provide respite from the heat in the summer or when it is raining. Among the fascinating rock formations found at the Treak Cliff Hill is the mineral Blue John Stone, it is the only place in the world where it naturally occurs. There are guided tours available for visitors to learn more about the rock formations and the history of the tunnels and see the underground limestone cave formations.

There are a number of walking and activity holiday providers in the Peak District with activities including guided walks, map-reading and navigation courses to cycling, climbing and much more. See Simply Walk for more details and ideas.

Fans of Golf can combine their passion for the sport with a break to the area. There some great courses in the vicinity, for those seeking a bit more luxury a stay at a luxury country hotel combined with playing on a top course is available and probably an idea of heaven for golfing aficionados. See Buxton & High Peak Golf Club for further details.

It is recommended that prior to visiting the Peak District; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.

The Peak District is among the most popular holiday and breaks destinations in the UK. The area has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming historic market towns and villages including plenty of picturesque locations and scenic countryside to enjoy. There are the cities of Derby and Sheffield located close by offering visitors a good base from which to explore the area along with their own city attractions. The Peak District includes a large number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks and gardens with attractions to enjoy for the entire family. The Peak District’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.



AddThis Social Bookmark Button





Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Essential Travel Guide Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form or by any means without our written permission.