tourist map of derbyshire uk

Peak District Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 3, 2022

Our Peak District Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most beautiful areas of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to the Peak District!

Let’s plan your visit to the Peak District

The beautiful Peak District National Park in the East Midlands of England is a favourite destination for visitors from all over the UK.

Although the bulk of the Peak District is found in northern Derbyshire it spreads into a number of other English counties including Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester towards the north west.

The Peak District National Park was the first National Park to be established in the UK in 1951. It is divided into the southern area known as the White Peak and the northern area referred to as the Dark Peak.

Both are areas of natural beauty and feature dramatic landscapes, valleys and moorlands, ridges and hills. The White Peak is characterised by areas of limestone and is located primarily in Derbyshire and Staffordshire while the Dark Peak is found to the north and has a wilder and more desolate character.

If you love the outdoors the Peak District is the perfect holiday destination.

What you will find in this complete Peak District Travel Guide

Peak District Map

When is the best time of year to visit the peak district, how much time should i plan to spend in the peak district, what are the very best places to visit in the peak district, how can i get around the peak district, what is the best way to get to the peak district from london, what traditional english foods originate from the peak district, attractions and things to do in the peak district, places to stay in the peak district, books to read about the peak district, enjoy your visit to the peak district.

FAQ’s for visiting the Peak District

The Peak District is a wonderful destination throughout the year though can at times parts can be less accessible due to weather conditions (especially during the cold winter months when snow is common) If you do head there in winter it is perfect for long walks and cosy pubs!

If you visit at the end of August into the first week of September expect to see purple as the heather flowers across the landscape.

You can easily spend a week touring the Peak District and exploring the area by car or on foot if you enjoy hiking.

Book accommodation in a central location in one of the pretty towns and villages such as Bakewell or Matlock and use this as a base for day trips to surrounding areas.

The Peak District is the perfect destination for a weekend break or staycation . Accommodation options include cottages and cabins perfect for a relaxing countryside stay.

To provide a quick snapshot these are my top places to visit and things to do in the Peak District:

• Visit beautiful Chatsworth House and estate home to Lord and Lady Devonshire.
• Sample Bakewell Pudding in the pretty market town of Bakewell
• Take a hike along the Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail or Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill
• Take a trip to the picturesque Dovedale Valley and cross the River Dove using the famous stepping stones
• Visit Cromford Mills the location of the world’s first water powered spinning mill and birthplace of the modern factory system (Arkwright’s Mill) and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take the cable car from Matlock to the Heights of Abraham for amazing views of the countryside
• Visit Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton famous for its Blue John Stone

The Peak District is famous for its walking trails to suit all fitness levels and interests from short strolls to longer hikes. Kinder Scout, the Limestone Way, the Bakewell to Chatsworth walking route and the Cromford Mill and Village Walking route are just some of the walks popular in the Peak District.

Public transport is available in the Peak District with buses and trains connecting the larger towns and most popular areas.

In the summer the Hope Valley Explorer (a hop on hop off bus) runs from Edale, Hope, Bamford (change at Sheffield for these train stations) or Chesterfield and Dronfield. (Please note that the bus was cancelled in 2020 but hopefully should make a return soon)

The Peak District National Park is spread across a large part of England so identifying your first destination will influence the best method of transportation.

If the train is your preferred method of transportation to the Peak District I recommend travelling to one of the larger train stations such as Derby, Chesterfield, Buxton, Sheffield or Manchester and picking up a hire car to make the most of your visit to the Peak District.

If you drive from London allow around 3 hours (from central London to Matlock in the heart of the Peak District)

Tours to the Peak District are available from Manchester including:

• Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip

Experience the delights of Derbyshire on a full-day tour from Manchester. See the rolling hills of the Peak District, taste the traditional treats of Bakewell, and journey into the natural wonder that is Poole’s Cavern.

• 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour

Travel through the best of Northern England on this tour to York, Chatsworth House, the Peak District and more. On this 3-day small-group tour from Manchester, you explore all of it in the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach.

Read more – Complete transportation guide to the UK

There are many famous Derbyshire dishes that must be sampled when visiting the Peak District. These include:

• Bakewell Pudding or Tart
• Hartington Stilton Cheese
• Ashbourne Gingerbread
• Buxton Pudding

Don’t miss a visit to a farmer’s market or farm shop to purchase locally grown produce. Chatsworth Farm Shop (located on the estate) and the Bakewell Farmers Market (held on the last Saturday of the month) are particularly noteworthy!

PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PEAK DISTRICT (AREA & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE)

PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY

THINGS TO DO IN BAKEWELL

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

This guide to visiting the Peak District will have answered all your questions and helped you plan your trip to one of England’s prettiest regions.

You can find more practical tips, resources and advice in all my UK travel guides which include:

• York Travel Guide
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Bath Travel Guide
• Jurassic Coast and Dorset Travel Guide
• Cotswolds Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• Best UK staycation destinations

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Accommodation Search

Featured blogs.

The county's premier city is Derby, which although steeped in history, is one of Britain's youngest cities, being awarded its Charter by Her Majesty the Queen in 1977.

Derby has many unique characteristics with a rich mixture of arts, tourism and cultural venues and a pedestrianised city centre, which makes shopping a joy.

The larger conurbations of Sheffield and Nottingham are two cities just to the east, whilst to the north lies Greater Manchester.

Heading out of the city there is a choice of bustling market towns such as Ashbourne , Bakewell, Buxton and Wirksworth .  Chesterfield with its famous twisted spire is the largest market town in Derbyshire.

There are many picturesque villages, nestled in tthe unspoilt Derbyshire countryside, some with a long association with the  traditional  agriculture, while others are steeped in history, having provided homes for miners and quarrymen or have their roots in the Industrial Revolution as people moved from the country to work in the newly developing industries.

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• 1.3 Villages
• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 5.1 By train
• 5.2 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 7.1 Countryside
• 7.2 Country houses
• 7.3 Other historic buildings
• 7.4 Museums
• 7.5 Heritage of transport
• 12 Stay safe

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Derbyshire\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Derbyshire is a county in the English Midlands part of the United Kingdom . Derbyshire has many attractions, including Peak District scenery such as Mam Tor and Kinder Scout, and more urban attractions such as Bakewell, Buxton and Derby. Its heritage sites include Bolsover Castle, Castleton, Chatsworth House, National Tramway Museum at Crich, Peak Rail steam railway, Midland Railway steam railway, Dovedale, Haddon Hall, the Heights of Abraham and Matlock Bath.

Cities, towns and villages

• 52.921944 -1.475833 1 Derby
• 53.14 -1.55 2 Matlock – county town
• 53.097 -1.38 3 Alfreton
• 53.016 -1.731 4 Ashbourne
• 53.213 -1.6759 5 Bakewell – market town and home to the Bakewell Tart
• 53.029 -1.475 6 Belper
• 53.2304 -1.2875 7 Bolsover
• 53.259 -1.911 8 Buxton
• 53.235833 -1.4275 9 Chesterfield
• 53.443 -1.949 10 Glossop
• 53.367 -2.007 14 New Mills
• 53.0502 -1.4077 15 Ripley
• 53.082 -1.574 17 Wirksworth
• 53.344 -1.775 19 Castleton
• 53.108 -1.561 21 Cromford
• 53.49 -1.894 22 Crowden-in-Longdendale
• 53.366 -1.816 23 Edale
• 53.284 -1.671 24 Eyam
• 53.33 -1.655 25 Hathersage
• 53.38 -1.94 26 Hayfield
• 52.823 -1.429 28 Melbourne
• 53.090395 -1.420483 29 Oakerthorpe
• 52.868 -1.352 30 Shardlow
• 53.3304 -1.9838 33 Whaley Bridge

Other destinations

• 53.35 -1.833333 1 Peak District

The varied landscape of Derbyshire makes it an attractive destination for sightseers, particularly hikers. The south is a low-level clayland area, dominated by the broad, flat, gravel-filled valley of the River Trent. The north and central west of the county is classic limestone hills and valleys. Further north, surrounding these limestone areas, are higher level moorlands, dotted with rock outcrops and gritstone edges, while the lower area are rolling hills and deep valleys with small picturesque villages that a hobbit might feel at home in. The eastern part of the county consists of a rural and urban landscape influence by its industrial, mainly coal-mining, past.

Derbyshire also has many historical attractions from stately homes to early industrial heritage buildings, and includes the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, a long, wooded corridor running from Derby to Matlock and containing some of the first water-powered mills of the Industrial Revolution.

• Derbyshire Council website

Derby people do have a noticeable accent but this is easily understood. You may be greeted by Ey Up Mi Duck . Do not be concerned: it is not an insult but a friendly greeting.

• To Derby and Chesterfield: Direct trains from many places including London (St. Pancras station), Birmingham , Bristol , Oxford , Newcastle , York , Leeds , Sheffield , Edinburgh and Nottingham
• To Buxton and Chapel-en-le-Frith: Trains from Manchester (Piccadily station)
• To Glossop and Hadfield: Trains from Manchester (Piccadily station)
• To Belper and Matlock: Trains from Derby and Nottingham
• To Edale, Hope and Hathersage: Trains from Sheffield and Manchester
• For train times, contact National Rail Enquiries , ☏ +0845 748 4950 (UK only).
• The nearest airports to Derbyshire are Manchester Airport and East Midlands Airport .

The M1 from London and Leeds runs along the eastern edge of Derbyshire while the A6 crosses from north west to south east of the county.

Coach services are operated by National Express to Derby from around the country. Trent Barton connects the Derby to Chesterfield and Nottingham at very regular intervals on weekdays and weekends. The 'Transpeak' bus service by High Peak connects Derby with the Peak District and Manchester .

• Local bus services operate between many of the towns in Derbyshire. A number of villages are served by bus services, but many have only a limited frequency. The buses are operated by numerous different companies, including Arriva , High Peak buses and Trent Barton .
• The Derbyshire Wayfarer rover ticket is good value if travelling on more than one bus or train service. It is valid on nearly all buses and trains within Derbyshire.
• The Transpeak bus is the main service for crossing the county. It runs from Nottingham via Derby, Belper, Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton to Manchester.
• For timetable information see the Derbyshire County Council public transport website [ dead link ] or phone Traveline on ☏ +0870 608 2608 (UK only).
• Within the county, there are train services between Derby and Matlock and between Derby and Chesterfield.
• East Midlands Railway . Cheap train tickets to and from Derby. East Midlands Railway runs services across Derbyshire plus high speed services to Derby from London, Leicester, Nottingham, Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Countryside

• The Peak District National Park — Britain's first ever national park, set up in 1951. A very large part of Derbyshire is within the park, and it extends into parts of neighbouring counties.
• Dovedale — a picturesque valley, very popular with visitors and so can be crowded on Summer weekends and Bank Holidays
• Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs
• High Peak Trail — path for cyclists and walkers along former railway line
• Monsal Trail - footpath
• Pennine Way — a long distance footpath, which starts in the north of the county
• Carsington Water — a reservoir

Country houses

• Chatsworth House — near Bakewell
• Haddon Hall — near Bakewell
• Kedleston Hall — near Derby
• Calke Abbey — near Melbourne
• Sudbury Hall (also includes The Museum of Childhood) — south of Ashbourne near Uttoxeter

Other historic buildings

• Derwent Valley World Heritage Site
• Cromford Mill
• Belper North Mill
• Derby museums (see Derby article)
• Derbyshire Stone Centre, Wirksworth

Heritage of transport

• Crich Tramway Village (also known as The National Tramway Museum)
• Midland Railway Centre, Ripley
• Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Wirksworth
• Watch cricket: Derbyshire CCC play at the County Ground in Derby.
• Walk the Pennine Way , which starts in Edale and heads north into Yorkshire.

There are many great country inns serving English pub food making exploring the villages very rewarding.

The tea rooms serve some excellent cakes. Cream tea (scones, clotted cream and jam) makes a pleasant afternoon break, but also look out for locally made Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tarts.

Also do not miss checking out the local fish & chips takeaways, not just for fish and fries but also for the steak and kidney pies, chicken and mushroom, battered sausages and mushy peas.

The city of Derby has some excellent Indian restaurants.

The county has a large number of pubs in the towns and in the country serving numerous brands of real ale.

Derbyshire whisky and gin are made at White Peak Distillery at Ambergate, north of Belper.

There's a vineyard at Renishaw Hall near Chesterfield.

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15 tourist attractions in Derbyshire - have you visited them all?

Derbyshire is home to some spectacular scenery

• 14:47, 6 AUG 2018
• Updated 16:51, 20 OCT 2021

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Derbyshire is blessed with many things – and one thing that the county isn't short of is tourist attractions. From the stunning stately homes of Chatsworth, Kedleston Hall and Calke Abbey to theme parks, museums, cable cars and even an aquarium, there is a lot to be discovered.

And not all the attractions cost a fortune to visit – as Derbyshire is home to some spectacular scenery, such as Dovedale, which, apart from car parking, is completely free.

So, whether you're looking for somewhere to take the kids during the school holidays or something to do at the weekend, why not check out our list of 15 tourist attractions in Derbyshire – have you visited them all?

1. Dovedale

Dovedale is a renowned beauty spot with stunning scenery and many walks. A dramatic limestone ravine, busy with wildlife and rare wild flowers Impressive rock outcrops, tranquil woodlands and of course the much-loved stepping stones which cross the River Dove.

WHERE: The Dovedale car park can be found in Ilam, near Ashbourne, DE6 2AY

COST: £2.50 parking charge

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Discover the stately ruins of the birthplace of Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest and most remarkable women of Elizabethan England. During a trip to the site, run by English Heritage, you can ascend through four floors to enjoy spectacular views over the Derbyshire countryside and Hardwick New Hall.

WHERE: Hardwick Hall , Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ

OPENING TIMES: 10am to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday (March to September)

COST: Adults – £6, children aged 5-15 – £3.60, family (2 adults, 3 children) £15.60. All prices without Gift Aid.

Incredible homes in the county

3. Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate complete with peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards. The house and stables feature many abandoned areas, vividly portraying a period in the 20th century when many country houses did not survive to tell their story. There are plenty of things to do, including walks around the nature reserve and fun family activities in Squirt's Stable.

WHERE: Calke Abbey , Calke, DE73 7LE

OPENING TIMES: Nature reserve open from 7.30am to 7.30pm, the gardens and stables open from 10am to 5pm and the house is open 11am to 5pm.

COST: Admission to the whole property, including Gift Aid, costs £14.03 for adults and £7.26 for children. Admission to the garden and stables only is £9.52 for adults and £4.73 for children. Admission to the nature reserve is free.

4. Crich Tramway Village

Crich Tramway Village prides itself on being a great day out for all the family – including the dog! Visitors can experience a ride on a tram, step back in time along the recreated period street scene and enjoy indoor exhibitions.

WHERE: Crich Tramway Village , near Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP

OPENING TIMES: Daily from March to October 30 from 10am to 5.30pm (last admissions at 4pm)

COST: Adults – £16, senior (60+) – £12, child (age 4 to 15) – £9, family (2 adults and 3 children) – £39

5. Heights of Abraham

Since first opening its gates in the late 18th century, the Heights of Abraham has become one of the Peak District's most popular destinations. It is set within 60 acres of woodland and includes its famous cable cars, cavern tours, exhibitions, play areas and walking trails.

WHERE: Heights of Abraham , Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT

OPENING TIMES: Daily (March to October 30) from 10am to 4.30pm

COST: Adults – £15, children (5 to 16) – £10.50, concessions £10, Family (2 adults, 2 children) – £46

Cheers! All the latest pub and bar news

6. Carsington Water

Owned and managed by Severn Trent Water, Carsington Water is a large reservoir. It boasts a range of wildlife habitats from ancient hedgerows, species-rich wildflower meadows and native woodlands, to pond and scrapes, reedbeds and carefully-managed islands. It is a great spot for bird watching, walks, cycling and water sports

WHERE: Carsington Water , near Ashbourne, DE6 1ST

OPENING TIMES: The visitor centre is open 10am to 6pm in summer, and 10am to 5pm in winter.

COST: The main car park costs £2.50 for three hours or £4.70 for the whole day. Sheepwash car park costs £1 for up to two hours or £2.50 for the whole day. Millfields car park costs £2.50 per day.

7. Bolsover Castle

With spectacular views over Derbyshire, the fairy-tale Stuart mansion, Bolsover Castle, was designed to entertain and impress. Its reputation for revelry lives on as it entertains families. Wander the lavish rooms of the Little Castle, explore the romantic ruined terrace range, and delight in the views from the wall walk. Start your visit in the exhibition in the Riding House then run wild in extensive grounds and fun play area.

WHERE: Bolsover Castle , Castle Street, Bolsover, S44 6PR

OPENING TIMES: Daily 10am to 6pm from March until September 30.

COST: Tickets for non-members of English Heritage cost £13.20 for adults, £8.10 for children and £11.60 for concessions.

8. Kedleston Hall

This spectacular Neo-classical mansion is framed by historic parkland and used as a key location for The Duchess, the Hollywood Blockbuster starring Keira Knightley. It is a stunning example of the work of architect Robert Adam and is still home to the Curzon family, who have lived there since the 12th century.

WHERE: Kedleston Hall , Derby, DE22 5JH

OPENING TIMES: Park entry gates open at 9.30am and close 4.15pm daily. Park exit gate closes at 5pm. The hall is open, Friday to Monday only with last entry at 3.30pm.

COST: Admission to the whole property is £14.30 for adults and £7.20 for children including Gift Aid. Admission to the grounds only is £8.80 for adults and £4.40 for children.

Summer holidays in Derby

9. Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood

Sudbury Hall, the country home of the Lords Vernon, offers 17th century craftsmanship with the grandeur of the Great Staircase and Long Gallery. Meanwhile the Museum of Childhood is a delight for all ages, exploring the childhoods of years gone by.

WHERE : Sudbury Hall , Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT

OPENING TIMES : Hall open from 1pm to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Museum of Childhood open daily from 11am to 5pm.

COST: Whole property: Adults – £15, children – £7.50, family – £37.50. Hall only or museum only: Adult – £8.25, children – £4.10, Family – £20.60.

10. Gulliver's Kingdom

Theme park Gulliver's Kingdom is specially designed for families and children aged between 2 and 13. It has a wide range of rides and attractions, from the Western World and pirates play area to the log flume and Drop Tower.

WHERE: Gulliver's Kingdom , Temple Walk, Matlock Bath, DE4 3PG

OPENING TIMES: Opening times and days vary depending on the season. During school holidays it is open every day from 10.30am to 5pm

COST: On the gate prices: Adults and children – £17.95, children under 90cm go free, concessions – £16.95. Online tickets booked at least two days in advance: Adults and children – £15.95, concessions – £14.95

11. Rosliston Forestry Centre

Rosliston Forestry Centre is a hidden gem in the heart of The National Forest in South Derbyshire offering lots of activities for great days out, from quiet walks to action-packed family fun activities. Come and see nature at its best. Rosliston's mix of woodland and meadow, ponds and play areas offer the perfect playground for visitors of all ages and physical abilities, all year round. Spot the wildlife, join a guided walk or take advantage of our packed programme of events.

WHERE: Rosliston Forestry Centre , Burton Road, Rosliston, DE12 8JX

OPENING TIMES: Open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day from 7.30am to 5pm.

COST: Entrance is free but car parking charges apply – £1 for an hour, £3 for the day

12. Matlock Bath Aquarium

Located in a Victorian building in the centre of Matlock Bath, the aquarium and its exhibitions are a popular family attraction. As well as the aquarium that houses more than 50 species of fish, there is one of the largest public displays of holograms in Europe, the thermal pool which is home to the carp collection, a display of gemstone and fossils and a trip down memory lane with the Past Times in Matlock Bath exhibition.

WHERE: Matlock Bath Aquarium, 110 North Parade, Matlock Bath, DE4 3NS

OPENING TIMES: 10am to 5.30pm from Easter until the end of October

COST: £2.90 per person. Under 4s go free.

13. Heage Windmill

Heage Windmill is the only six-sailed stone tower windmill in England and produces flour. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mill to discover its history and how stoneground flour is traditionally milled.

WHERE: Heage Windmill , Chesterfield Rd, Belper DE56 2BH

OPENING TIMES: 11am to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays from April until the end of October.

COST: Adult – £4, concessions – £3.50, children aged 5 to 15 – £1.50, buy-one-get-one-free for children aged 5-16.

14. Chatsworth

Chatsworth is one of the treasure houses of England, with fine furniture, sculpture, tapestry, paintings and other works of art. Set in beautiful surroundings, in the heart of the Peak District National Park, it attracts admiring visitors from all over the world. Laid out by Lancelot "Capability" Brown in the 1760s, the 1,000-acre park is mostly open to the public free of charge throughout the year. The grass is grazed by sheep and cattle and a large herd of deer, which can usually be seen as you walk through the park. Whether you want to admire the splendour of the house, explore the garden, meet the animals in the farmyard or enjoy afternoon tea and shopping in the stables, there's something for everybody at Chatsworth

WHERE: Chatsworth House , Bakewell, Derbyshire

OPENING TIMES: March 19 to May 27 and September 5 to November 4: House – 11am to 5pm; garden – 11am to 5.30pm; farmyard and adventure playground – 10.30am to 5.30pm.May 28 to September 4: House – 10.30am to 5pm; Garden – 10.30am to 6pm; farmyard and adventure playground -10.30am to 5.30pm.

COST: Complete ticket: adult - £23, child - £16, senior/student - £21, family (two adults and 3 children) - £69. House and garden: adult - £20, senior/student - £18; child - £12, family - £56. Garden only: adult - £12, senior/student - £11, child - £7, family - £33.

Fun things to do in the region

15. Peak Cavern

Nestled in the hills of Castleton, Derbyshire, Peak Cavern offers two unique underground experiences not to be forgotten. Dare you take a walk into the notorious Peak Cavern? You can also see Peak Cavern's historic rope-making works on your fully guided tour of the cave.

WHERE: Peak Cavern, Winnats Pass, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WA

OPENING TIMES: April to October - 10am to 5pm, November to March - 10am and 4pm

COST: Adult - £10.25, child (five to 15) £8.25, concession £9.25, family (two adults and two children) £36

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This map features 26 tourist attractions in Derbyshire . TouristLink also features a map of all the tourist attractions in East Midlands Want more information? Check out this list of top ranking tourist attractions in Derbyshire

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Matlock is a very attractive town on the edge of the Peak District, with plethora of interesting places to visit and several nearby family attractions.

Matlock Town and Dale viewed from the Heights of Abraham © TAB

Matlock, and the nearby Matlock Bath , are two towns of very different character. Matlock is a bustling commercial centre, whilst Matlock Bath is a much smaller tourist resort, which developed around the warm springs that made it a popular spa in Victorian times. The spectacular Derwent Gorge, with its pleasant walks and trails, runs between the two towns.

Matlock, the municipal county town of Derbyshire, grew up around the ancient stone bridge that crosses the Derwent. Its lovely riverside setting in a steep wooded gorge, is always spectacular, whatever the weather.

The town has many interesting shops to look around, with a range of both familiar and independent outlets along the High Street. There are also plenty of pubs cafes and restaurants, offering a wide range of refreshments from coffee and snacks to full course meals.

Matlock outdoor market is held on each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. A farmers market is also held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Many events and festivals are held in the town throughout the year, including a Victorian Christmas weekend on the first week of December.

Riber Castle © TAB

Overlooking Matlock to the south (at a height of 800 ft (245 m)) is Riber Castle, designed and built in 1862 by John Smedley. Smedley was a rich textile baron who helped developed Matlock as a spa town. The house fell into ruins during the 1960s and its grounds later became a Nature Reserve and Wildlife Park. The site is currently being restored and converted into luxury apartments.

What to see and do in Matlock

Hall leys park.

Matlock Bath

For a list of attractions in Matlock Bath visit the Matlock Bath page.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Bakewell (Derbyshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Bakewell (Derbyshire, England)

A cosy market town and tourist escape, Bakewell is in the White Peak in the southeast of the Peak District National Park.

The town is a springboard for two of the England’s most celebrated stately homes.

Chatsworth House is the magnificent seat of the Dukes of Devonshire, replete with art and often voted the country’s favourite country house.

Less famous but equally exquisite is Haddon Hall, shining for its Medieval and Tudor architecture.

You can discover the best of the White Peak along the Monsal and High Peak Trail, two traffic-free walking and cycling paths on converted railway lines using old tunnels and viaducts.

Back in the town there’s a 16th-century Yeoman’s house converted into a museum, a Medieval bridge and a church with wonderful monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Bakewell :

1. Chatsworth House

In 2018 this world-famous stately home completed its largest restoration for two centuries.

Sixteen generations of the powerful Cavendish family (the Dukes of Devonshire), have lived at Chatsworth since 1549. Facing the hills from the east bank of the Derwent, this house is stuffed full of precious art, furniture, ceramics and Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

The building itself has been altered down the years to suit its residents, and while its exterior is mostly Neoclassical from the 19th century, you can see older 17th-century Baroque elements on the eastern facade.

Also from this time are the Painted Hall and the Chapel, two of the least altered rooms in the house.

The Devonshire Collection has paintings by Rembrandt, Gainsborough and John Singer Sargent, as well as drawings by Old Masters, invaluable metalwork, ceramics, Enlightenment scientific instruments and 18th-century furniture.

2. Peak District

In Bakewell you’ll be under the spell of the UK’s first ever National Park (1951). This southern portion of the Peak District is the White Peak, which comes from the white limestone geology of the region.

This stone has been quarried for centuries, and if you travel the Monsal Trail, which we’ll talk about below, you’ll be able to see the underlying strata.

The countryside around Bakewell is all drystone walls, heather moorland and dales awash with wildflowers in summer and speckled with grazing cows and sheep.

At the Bakewell visitor centre in the handsome 17th-century market hall you can check out exhibitions about the Peak District and get hold of information on walking trails and sights in the White Peak.

3. Haddon Hall

Built in stages between the 13th and 17th centuries, Haddon Hall is a splendid country house on the Wye a couple of miles from the centre of Bakewell.

This was a residence for the Dukes of Rutland, and is held as arguably the finest surviving Medieval manor house in the UK. One reason so little has changed is that Haddon Hall was abandoned for 200 years until it was made habitable again in the 1920s.

You’ll tour the interior, stepping into the atmospheric old kitchen and the banquet hall, which has a massive table that has never been moved from this location.

There’s a wonderful parterre and walled topiary garden outside, with breathtaking views of the Peak District.

With so much genuine period character, Haddon Hall has been chosen shooting location for movies like The Princess Bride (1987), Elizabeth (1998) and Jane Eyre (2011)

4. Bakewell Old House Museum

Open March to November, this museum is in a 16th-century Yeoman’s house, a tithe (tax-collector’s home). The building was constructed in 1536 and enlarged later, in Queen Elizabeth’s reign as a gentleman’s residence.

In the 18th century this building housed workers for Sir Richard Arkwright’s mills.

The Old House has decoration and architecture from Tudor to Victorian times, furnished with grand fireplaces, wooden beams and walls of wattle and daub.

You can see a display of period textiles, as well as tableaux showing Christopher Plant, the Tudor tithe collector at his ledger, and learn the story of the Bakewell Pudding in the kitchen.

5. Thornbridge Hall Gardens

On Wednesdays and Thursdays in summer you can discover this astonishing garden in the grounds of a large country house.

Thornbridge Hall Gardens has recently become a Royal Horticultural Society “partner garden”, and was designed in a formal style in the 19th century.

The man behind the garden, George Marples, wanted to be able to see “1,000 shades of green” from his bedroom window.

In these 12 acres there’s a koi lake, rock garden, woodland, 30-metre herbaceous border, Italian garden and terraced lawns with a beautiful prospect of the Peak District countryside.

Some of the statues here come from Chatsworth, while others were gifts from the Greek government,

6. Monsal Trail

Bakewell is at the end of a fantastic 8.5-mile walking and cycling trail on the route of the old Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midland Junction Railway.

The line was founded in 1863 to create a rail link between Manchester and London, and was shut down in 1968. The route ends, or starts, just east of Bakewell at Coombs Road, and what makes it such a treat is the amount of railway architecture to be found on the route.

You’ll ride or walk past former stations, over viaducts and through six tunnels, four of which are so long they have to be lit during the daylight hours.

The Headstone Viaduct is a real highlight, spanning one of the most beautiful dales in the Peak District.

7. All Saints’ Church

Bakewell’s fine parish church has Anglo-Saxon origins and was founded in 920. The Normans reconstructed the church in the 12th century, and this building was heavily reworked in the 1230s.

Most of the architecture is Gothic, although the west front and parts of the facade are Norman Romanesque.

Some of the oldest fixtures at All Saints’ Church relate to the local Manners and Vernon families who lived at Haddon Hall.

The Vernon Chapel is a joy, and has tombs for figures like Sir Thomas Wendesley, who died at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. The 14th-century Foljambe monument is carved from alabaster and shows Godfrey de Foljambe and his wife Avena looking out of a balcony.

In the choir are three misericords from the 1400s (the remaining 18 are 19th-century), and the church also has a 14th-century baptismal font.

8. Bakewell Bridge

Not much of Medieval Bakewell has made it to the 21st century, which only makes this solemn five-arched bridge over the Wye more valuable.

Built from ashlar sandstone, this Grade I-listed monument dates from around the beginning of the 14th century and has Gothic pointed arches and has triangular cutwaters that extend up the side of the bridge to form retreats for pedestrians.

The last major intervention took place in the 1800s when it was broadened for road traffic.

Set off here for a wander south next to the Wye, which has some of the prettiest scenery in Bakewell.

9. Arbor Low

A six-mile drive, Arbor Low is an enthralling Neolithic henge often called the “Stonehenge of the North”. In truth Arbor Low has more in common with the stone circle in Avebury and has some 50 large rocks, quarried locally from the limestone of the White Peak.

The stones are arranged in a rough egg pattern, and are on an elevated oval bank (henge), encircled by a ditch and bank.

Some 3,500 years after Arbor Low was abandoned its earthworks still climb to more than two metres, while there’s a barrow (burial mound) on one side of the ditch, and about 300 metres away is Gib Hill, an enormous Neolithic barrow around 4,500 years old.

10. Bath Gardens

Beside Rutland Square in the centre of Bakewell is a tranquil garden maintained by the local council.

This little park has paths between colourful borders and expertly manicured lawns.

There are walls clad with ivy, young fruit trees, a pergola and ornaments like a sundial and birdbath.

The fountain here is fed by water from Bakewell’s warm chalybeate spring while the park is the former site of a bath house, built in 1697, and later part of an attempt to establish Bakwell as a spa resort to rival Buxton and Matlock.

11. Magpie Mine

On the limestone uplands west of Bakewell you’ll come to this disused lead mine, within walking distance of the village of Sheldon.

The ruins go back to the 17th century and rest in attractive grassland bright with cowslips and wild orchids in early summer.

The Magpie Mine is famed locally for the often violent disputes between workers here and at the Maypitts and Red Soil Mines.

One act of sabotage by the Magpie Miners lead to the death of three Red Soil miners in 1833. The widows supposedly put a curse on this mine, and the facility was eventually abandoned in 1958. Lots of interesting features like a chimney stack and winding gear remain, all labelled by information boards, while volunteers are on hand on weekends to answer questions.

12. High Peak Trail

This walking and cycling route crosses the Peak District for 17 miles, passing just south of Bakewell.

Part of the National Cycle Network, the High Peak Trail is on the trackbed of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway, established in 1831 to carry stone and minerals between the Cromford and Whaley Canals.

After the line closed, Derbyshire County Council purchased the a big chunk of the line and turned it into a trail, laying the path with crushed limestone, which makes it suitable for walkers of all ages.

Around Ladmanlow the trail reaches its highest point, at 386 metres above sea level, and although the views are phenomenal the going can be tricky in bad weather.

About five miles from Bakewell, at Parsely Hay, the High Peak Trail intersects with the Tissington Trail, on another repurposed railway line.

13. Thornbridge Brewery

Established in the grounds of Thornbridge Hall in 2005, this brewery moved to a new, modern facility on Bakewell’s outskirts in 2009. Thornbridge has been described as the UK’s first craft brewery and has garnered scores of awards over the last 15 years.

You can get to this riverside brewery on foot in ten minutes from the centre of Bakewell, for a 90-minute tour, to hear the history of the brand, find out about how Thornbridge selects its ingredients.

In the brewhouse you can check out the large stainless steel vats and discover the intricacies of boiling, fermentation and maturation.

At the end you can try three from a big range of cask, keg and bottled beers.

14. Bakewell Market

A market has traded in Bakewell since 1330, and the tradition is kept alive at the Stall Market on Mondays at the Marketplace and Granby Road.

Between 09:00 and 16:00 you’ll find more than 100 traders selling flowers, fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread, toys, jewellery, fabrics, yarn, clothes and shoes, as well as food made on the spot.

It’s the largest market in the Derbyshire Dales, and on the last Saturday of the month you can browse the wares of local producers at the UK’s second largest farmers’ market.

15. Bakewell Pudding

You’ll see this well-known sweet delicacy across the town.

The Bakewell pudding, with a pastry base, a layer of jam and a sweet egg and almond paste filling, has been around since the first decades of the 19th century and according to tradition was invented by accident at the White Horse Inn.

Supposedly, the landlady ordered her cook to bake a jam tart, but rather than add the egg and almond to the pastry, it was poured on top and set like a custard in the oven.

Four different establishments claim to own the original recipe, and the most frequented is the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop on The Square.

15 Best Things to Do in Bakewell (Derbyshire, England):

• Chatsworth House
• Peak District
• Haddon Hall
• Bakewell Old House Museum
• Thornbridge Hall Gardens
• Monsal Trail
• All Saints' Church
• Bakewell Bridge
• Bath Gardens
• Magpie Mine
• High Peak Trail
• Thornbridge Brewery
• Bakewell Market
• Bakewell Pudding

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Welcome to Bakewell

Perhaps best known for its unique and delicious Pudding, Bakewell has many more  tempting treats to offer - ranging from shopping and specialist markets to relaxing strolls and special events.

Things to do in Bakewell in the Peak District & Derbyshire

Idyllically situated on the banks of the river Wye, Bakewell is the biggest town in the Peak District National Park. With mellow stone buildings, a medieval five-arched stone bridge and quaint courtyards, it's a magnet for painters, photographers and sightseers alike.

Legend has it that the town's famous Bakewell Pudding was created by mistake by a local cook in the mid-19th century. Today her delectable 'jam tart that went wrong' can be sampled at various bakeries and cafés and posted virtually anywhere in the world!

Bargains galore are on offer every Monday at the bustling outdoor market, and for an extra buzz, head for the livestock market to experience the action in the theatre-like auction ring.

Cherry-pick choice local produce at one of Britain's best Farmers' Markets or browse in specialist shops selling everything from high fashion and outdoor clothing to handmade chocolates and rare whiskies. Savour a light snack, lunch or dinner at a host of cafés, restaurants, pubs and tea rooms and take a brewery tour and sample world-beating craft beers at Thornbridge Brewery.

Catch the colour of Bakewell Carnival Week and Well Dressing in July or Bakewell Show, one of the oldest agricultural events in the country, in August.

Thinly disguised as 'Lambton' in Jane Austen's literary classic Pride and Prejudice, Bakewell is the ideal place for an interesting town walk. Take a stroll through the town and discover scenic buildings, charming courtyards and pretty streets, or feed the ducks during a riverside stroll.

See below for a list of places to stay in Bakewell including hotels, self-catering cottages, Bed & Breakfasts and more!

Featured Businesses

Chatsworth garden.

Chatsworth is welcoming visitors with more than 50,000 new flowering perennials, shrubs and trees as well as a huge, new stone sculpture called…

Bolehill Farm Cottages

Bolehill Cottages comprise of modern dog-friendly barn conversions wrapped around a tranquil courtyard set within 20 acres of Peak District National…

Ashford Mill

Ashford Mill is an award winning watermill on the River Wye at Ashford in the Water. A Grade 2 listed 3 bedroomed historic conversion. incredibly…

Tagg Lane Dairy

Come visit our Luxury ice cream & coffee bar in the heart of the Peak District, just outside of the beautiful village of Monyash and a stone's throw…

In The Area

Peak village.

Peak Village is in the picturesque village of Rowsley, just a couple of miles from Chatsworth and Bakewell.

Chatsworth is a place to learn, explore and create in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Hassop Station Cafe and Monsal Trail Cycle Hire

Cafe & Cycle Hire on the Monsal Trail near Bakewell

Endmoor Farm Holiday Cottages

A warm welcome awaits you at Endmoor Farm Holiday Cottages nestled in the heart of the stunning Peak District National Park. In the grounds of a…

PeakePedals eBike Tours

Countryside eBike Tours are a new way to see the Peak District suitable for all levels of fitness & cycling experience

Hoe Grange Holidays

4 award winning log cabins set on a working farm with stunning views of the White Peak countryside. Unwind in the hot tub or log-fired sauna. Dogs…

Hoe Grange Gorgeous Glamping Pods and Gypsy…

Go glamping in style with stunning views of the Peak District countryside from your pillow. Spacious ensuite shower and every luxury you need for a…

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground

The farmyard at Chatsworth has been a favourite day out for children of all ages since 1973.

Chatsworth Farm Shop and Café

Fresh, quality produce from the Chatsworth Estate, tenant farms, Derbyshire suppliers and small food producers.

Our Great Itineraries

Discover derbyshire's hidden food and garden gems.

Explore the Peak District and Derbyshire’s hidden food and garden gems on this fabulous 3-day itinerary around Bakewell, Baslow and Pilsley.

How to spend 48 hours in Bakewell

This itinerary is based in the historic market town of Bakewell, famed for its sweet confection, and includes some Peak District classics!

Day trip from Sheffield: Explore Matlock &…

The busy market towns of Matlock and Bakewell are a great day out for all the family and the bus is the hassle-free way to travel.

Events in Bakewell

Mercatum christmas artisan market.

Enjoy a wonderfully festive day at Haddon Hall's MERCATUM Christmas Artisan Market

Bakewell Christmas Sparkle - Free Family Event at…

Bakewell Christmas Sparkle returns with family entertainment, food, bars and a local makers' market.

Christmas Markets at Thornbridge Estate

Due to the success of our previous markets, we will be doing a MONTH OF MARKETS! The dates are as follows:

Trails nearby

Bakewell children's walk.

This short walk takes you around the beautiful old town of Bakewell, with plenty of opportunities for adventurous kids to explore.

Rowsley Circular Walk

Starting and ending at the trentbarton Sixes bus stop in the village of Rowsley, this is a beautiful walk that takes in some of the best countryside…

Stately homes and standing stones cycle route

Experience typical White Peak landscape, a Stone Age henge and a Bronze Age stone circle, magnificent historic houses and their parklands.

Birchen Edge to Chatsworth walk

This 7-mile circular walk takes in Birchen Edge, Chatsworth and Dobb Edge- all of which are gems of the Peak District. Chatsworth and the surrounding…

Places to stay

Peak astronomy.

Peak Astronomy specialises in delivering bespoke stargazing & astronomy experiences, astrophotography training and astrophotography imaging workshops.

Hattersley Wines

2024 UKs Favourite Wine Retailer. Local independent, multi-award winning wine merchant based in Bakewell.

Church Cottage

Filled with charming character and personality this cosy cottage bestows the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful Peak District scenery.

Special Offer

Sunday Lunch at Bareca Peak District

Join us for a Sunday Lunch in Hope Valley

3 night Bed & Breakfast Stay at The Bike & Boot…

Get up to 25% off

Christmas Getaway with Bike & Boot

Enjoy a Festive Breakfast and Christmas Day Lunch on our 2 night Festive Package

House Tour, Cream Tea & Garden Entry at…

Enjoy a House Tour, Cream Tea & Garden Entry for £22!

Villages nearby

Ashford in the water.

One of the Peak District's most picturesque villages and most photographed bridges.

Nestling on the northern fringe of Chatsworth Park, the attractive village of Baslow is close to some of the Dark Peak's most dramatic scenery.

Situated six miles north of Matlock, at the southern end of Chatsworth Park, Beeley was originally an estate village inhabited by employees of the Duke of Devonshire.

A pleasant stone built village in the Derwent Valley, its' surroundings combine some of the best of both White and Dark peak scenery.

A delightful hillside village with fantastic views over the Derwent Valley to the White Peak.

Specially commissioned by the 6th Duke of Devonshire, Edensor is a quintessentially English village.

Great Longstone

An attractive limestone village set around a pretty little green with an old cross.

A small picturesque hamlet with some grand buildings and fine architecture set in beautiful countryside.

A picturesque green, with the remnants of an old market cross. The attractive church of St Leonard has an elegant spire atop and is a landmark in the surrounding countryside. The Limestone Way passes through the village.

Over Haddon

There are some pretty little cottages in this quiet village and spectacular views over the surrounding hills and dales. Nearby are good camp and caravan sites, holiday homes and also some guest accommodation is available in the village.

On the river Derwent at the edge of the Peak District National Park, there is plenty to do and see in and around Rowsley. Midway between Bakewell and Matlock, with Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall close by.

Beauty spots nearby

Trails monsal trail.

An iconic traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

Business Directory Monsal Head and Monsal Dale

One of the most popular beauty spots in the Peak District, with absolutely fabulous dales scenery.

Business Directory Curbar Edge

A popular place for walkers and climbers with stunning views across Chatsworth and beyond.

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