Park or nature areaUsable guide

Peak District

Upland area in England

Photo: Roger Temple, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Peak District (also called The Peak) is a picturesque upland area of the East Midlands, Yorkshire and North West regions of England. There are no precise boundaries; the term comprises most rural areas and small towns which lie between (and are within easy reach of) Sheffield, Huddersfield, Manchester, Macclesfield, Congleton, Buxton, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Matlock and Chesterfield. Popular activities in the area include hiking, climbing, potholing, venturing down into show caves (some of which contain Blue John, a semi-precious mineral found nowhere else in the world), visiting palatial country houses and exploring charming villages (which uphold unique local traditions such as Well Dressings).

Where to eat, drink and stay

Eat1 place

Craft & Gift Fairsfree
Baslow Village Hall
Craft & Gift Fairs at Baslow Village Hall in this very pretty tourist village. Two rooms of varied rooms and demonstrations. Free admission. Call to confirm dates.
Hours
10AM-4:30PM
Price
free
Address
Next to Chatsworth on A619
Directions
Between Cavendish Hotel & Car Park
Phone
+44 7791589906

Getting there and around

Getting there

Manchester and Sheffield are the main approaches by long-distance travel, or you might come via Chesterfield or Derby.

Read in the guide

Getting around

See public transport routes described above, and some places are within hiking distance, eg between Hope or Edale railway stations to the attractive area of Castleton.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Manchester Airport

Manchester, Greater Manchester · International · MAN

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Read before you go to Peak District

Articles and travel topics about Peak District and United Kingdom.

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Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

UnderstandThe Peak District is sometimes called the Derbyshire Peak District, but the area also covers parts of Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire.

Towns and villages

Get inManchester and Sheffield are the main approaches by long-distance travel, or you might come via Chesterfield or Derby.

Get aroundSee public transport routes described above, and some places are within hiking distance, eg between Hope or Edale railway stations to the attractive area of Castleton.

Fees and permitsEntry to the national park is free. Most car parks charge a fee (roadside parking is difficult on some roads), and country houses (whether private, or owned by the National Trust) charge admission.

See

DoThese birds (Turdus torquatus) are like blackbirds but the males have an obvious white neck crescent. They winter in North Africa then in March migrate to crags such as the Peak District to breed.

Buy

EatSeveral outlets in Bakewell serve the famous Bakewell Pudding (a dessert made with almonds and eggs). Locally reared Derbyshire lamb is often available in pubs and restaurants; locally shot grouse is much harder to find.

DrinkPeak District pubs are varied but often interesting.

Sleep

Stay safePeak District towns, villages, and footpaths are generally quiet and safe (or busy and safe on summer weekends). As with anywhere in England, towns and larger villages can get a little boisterous at pub closing time.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Peak District" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Peak District", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Roger Temple, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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