If you’re looking for a list of the best villages in the Peak District, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I share 9 of the most picturesque Peak District towns and villages that all deserve a place on your bucket list.
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The Best Villages in the Peak District
1. Bakewell
I’ll kick off the list with what’s probably the most well-known village in the Peak District. Technically, Bakewell is a town, but it has all the feels of a village, so I figured it deserved a spot on this list.
Bakewell is famous for its traditional English pudding, ‘the Bakewell tart’, but there’s so much more to it than that. You could easily spend an entire day or afternoon here, admiring its picture-perfect views.
Some of the best things to do in Bakewell include visiting All Saints Church, strolling along the River Wye, visiting the Love Lock Bridge, and wandering around the pretty Hebden Court.
You can also access the Monsal Trail from Bakewell – one of the best easy walks in the Peak District.
2. Edale
Edale is another gorgeous village in the Peak District whose scenic streets are fit for a postcard. Tucked away at the end of the Hope Valley, it provides access to the Pennine Way and other walking routes.
You can even walk to Kinder Scout from Edale. This is one of the most exciting routes to the highest Peak District peak and involves a gentle scramble up a waterfall which is nice.
3. Castleton
Castleton is immensely picturesque. It is home to some of the top things to do in the Peak District and is the starting point for many popular hikes, including Mam Tor and Cave Dale.
Like other Peak District villages, Castleton has charming streets, stone cottages, unique local stores, and lovely village pubs. The show caverns are also a major attraction in the area.
4. Hope
While often over-shadowed by its bustling neighbour, Hope is an idyllic Peak District village that’s well worth a visit. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more peaceful and less touristy destination.
Hope has plenty to offer visitors. It has a great range of shops, cafes, and pubs. Not to mention the most spectacular scenery surrounding it.
Win Hill and Lose Hill are two notable peaks overlooking Hope, providing access to other popular hiking routes in the Hope Valley.
5. Buxton
Buxton is best known for its natural thermal springs, which were discovered in Roman times and are believed to possess healing properties. But that’s not all there is to enjoy in Buxton.
For a start, Buxton is home to world-renowned Georgian and Victorian architecture, with the Opera House and Museum being notable examples. There are also tons of excellent restaurants, pubs, and shops.
6. Hathersage
Hathersage seems relatively modern and atmospheric compared to other Peak District towns and villages. It’s always bustling with people enjoying its various restaurants, bars, and shops.
North of the village is Stanage Edge, a dramatic gritstone ridge boasting some of the best views in the Peak District. Here, you’ll also find Robin Hood’s Cave.
There are various links to the legend of Robin Hood, with ‘Little John’ said to be buried at St Michael’s Church in Hathersage. The village also inspired Charlotte Bronte when writing ‘Jane Ayre’.
7. Wetton
If visiting Thors Cave is on your list of things to do in the Peak District, you’ll likely visit Wetton. Most people start their Thors Cave walk from here, as well as other trails in the Manifold Valley, such as Wolfscote Dale.
Wetton has everything you would expect from a typical Peak District village: pretty stone cottages on picturesque streets, a historic church, a cosy English pub, and picture-perfect views.
8. Alstonefield
Alstonefield is the first village I visited in The Peak District, and I remember it getting me so excited for the three weeks I had to explore this beautiful region.
This village is to be admired for its beauty, not because there’s tons of stuff to do. Most importantly, there’s a pub, The George, which I recommend stopping at if you find yourself passing through. It’s also a hotel.
Enjoy These Beautiful Peak District Towns & Villages
I hope you enjoy these picturesque Peak District Villages as much as we did. If you’re visiting the area soon, you might find some of our other Peak District articles helpful.
If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.
Planning a trip around the UK?
Check out our England series for more travel tips and advice.
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