Looking for the best things to do in the Peak District? We’ve got you covered! In this guide, I share all of the top places to see in the Peak District. As well as where to stay, how to get around, and our top tips for visiting!
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Best Things to Do in The Peak District
1. Mam Tor
Mam Tor, meaning “Mother Hill”, is one of the most famous peaks in the Peak District. Accessible via a fairly short walk from Castleton, it allows for stunning panoramic views over the Hope Valley.
The quickest way to walk to Mam Tor is to park on Mam Tor Road. It’s a 15-20 minute climb to the summit, but it’s well-paved and easy to manage.
With its unobstructed 360-degree views, Mam Tor is the perfect spot to watch sunrise or sunset. There are also plenty of opportunities to increase the length and intensity of your hike.
2. Bakewell
I couldn’t write a list of things to do in the Peak District without including Bakewell. This picturesque town is one of the prettiest in the national park.
There’s so much to see and do in Bakewell. You could easily spend an entire day here getting lost amongst its twisted lanes and adorable local shops.
3. Stanage Edge
Stanage Edge is one of the most famous viewpoints in the Peak District. A dramatic gritstone ridge stretching for 4 miles across the Hope Valley, it once appeared in the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.
One scene saw Keira Knightley standing on the ridge overlooking jaw-dropping views of the valley. Fans visit from far and wide for a photo on the famous ‘Keira Knightley Rock’.
If you walk on Stanage Edge, you should check out Robin Hood’s Cave. Legend has it that Robin Hood used this exact cave as a hideout. It’s a really cool spot to visit at sunset.
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4. Winnats Pass
Winnats Pass is one of the UK’s most famous and picturesque hill passes. Its name translates to ‘windy gates’. If you come through here on a windy day, you’ll understand why.
The pass has dramatic limestone cliffs on either side. Driving through it is pretty epic but you can also hike to the top for an even better perspective.
Start your walk to Winnats Pass in Castleton. For a shorter walk, park at Speedwell Cavern directly in front of the pass. Reaching the top is a sketchy climb, but worth it for the incredible views.
5. Cave Dale
Just around the corner from Winnats Pass is another significant limestone valley. Kids especially will love this walk of Cave Dale with plenty of rocks and natural caverns for them to play on.
There’s a gradual ascent and some rocky terrain to tackle; otherwise, this is one of the most family-friendly things to do in the Peak District.
6. Kinder Scout
Kinder Scout is the highest point in the national park, providing some of the Peak District’s most challenging yet exciting walks. It’s famous for its vast moorland, gentle streams, unique rocks, and even a waterfall.
At 636 metres high, there is no easy route to the top of the Kinder Plateau. My favourite way is this Kinder Scout walk from Edale. It isn’t a hike for the faint-hearted, but it’s an adventure for those up to the challenge!
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7. Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower Reservoir consistently ranks among the best things to do in the Peak District. It’s one of three scenic reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley and attracts millions of visitors each year.
The most popular activity at Ladybower Reservoir is walking or cycling around it. The classic route is just under 6 miles, and its accessible terrain attracts cyclists, wheelchairs, prams, and walkers.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, I recommend this circular walk of Ladybower Reservoir.
8. Castleton
Considered one of the best villages in the Peak District, Castleton is well worth a visit. It’s been mentioned a few times on this list already since it’s close to many notable hikes, but the village is also very nice.
I love walking around Castleton, exploring its narrow streets and pretty stone architecture. You should also visit the Peveril Castle ruins, check out the local stores, and enjoy the cosy atmosphere in the local pubs.
9. Speedwell Cavern
Also in Castleton is another top Peak District attraction – the show caverns!
These underground wonderlands are home to all types of stalactites, stalagmites, rocks, minerals and fossils. It’s the only place in the world where you can see the rare Blue John stone
The four caves in Castleton are Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern.
10. Alport Castles
Alport Castles is a series of unique rock formations that rise from the ground like towers. They are the result of an enormous landslip, said to be the biggest in the UK.
You’ll need to be prepared for a strenuous day hike to Alport Castles. This circular walk took us 7 hours and was quite challenging. But those up to the challenge will enjoy one of the best hikes in the Peak District.
11. Monsal Trail
Another unmissable thing to do in the Peak District is The Monsal Trail. This is another accessible route for everybody to enjoy. Its flat terrain is ideal for cyclists, horse riders, prams and wheelchairs.
The 8.5-mile trail runs from Chee Dale to Bakewell and was originally a railway line. The original tunnels and Headstone Viaduct remain as part of the trail, which traverses some of the Peak District’s most striking scenery.
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12. The Trinnacle
It’s hard to believe that this breathtaking viewpoint is in the UK, let alone just 15 miles outside of Manchester. The Trinnacle Trail is by far one of the most incredible places to see in the Peak District.
You can access the 3-tiered megalith known as The Trinnacle by parking at the Binn Green car park in Oldham. From there, it’s a 6.5 km circular hike which involves 350 metres of steep incline.
If that sounds too strenuous, this circular walk of Dovestone Reservoir is an easier alternative.
13. Goyt Valley
The Goyt Valley is another underrated part of the Peak District, Home to two reservoirs, various peaks, diverse terrains, and the remains of a historic estate, the opportunities for adventure are endless.
To access the trails, you can park at Errwood Car Park. It does get quite busy here, but most people are here for the reservoir. Once you get out onto the trails, there’s barely anybody around.
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14. Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House often tops the list of things to do in the Peak District. A grand estate home to the Cavendish family, it’s one of the most visited country houses in all of the UK.
Personally, I think it’s one of the least interesting Peak District attractions. But that’s speaking from a place that prefers nature over architecture. It’s undoubtedly an impressive property, and its feature in various films and TV shows proves a testament to that.
15. Camping
As you’ve probably gathered, visiting the Peak District is all about enjoying the great outdoors and spending time in nature. So if you really want to get into the spirit of things, a camping trip in the hills will make your visit unforgettable.
There are tons of campsites dotted around the Peak District. Many people bring their backpacks and camping gear and walk from campsite to campsite. Others pitch up in one campsite and travel around in their car. Plenty of people also visit the peaks in their campervan.
Peak District FAQs
Best Time to Visit
The Peak District is all about spending time outdoors. Ideally, you want to plan your visit for when it’s warm and dry. Plan your visit between May and September for the best chance of good weather. At the very least, it will be warm. If you get lucky, you’ll also get some dry, sunny days.
Another thing to consider is the crowds. Some parts of the Peak District are remote and rarely visited; however, some of the more popular hikes and villages can get busy on weekends and during school holidays.
Getting Around in the Peak District
I recommend having a vehicle to get around the Peak District. The national park covers a vast area, and while there is some public transport, having a car will allow you more flexibility.
Ourselves, we got around the peaks in our self-converted campervan. The Peak District is the perfect spot for van lifers, with many campsites and wild camping spots dotted around the national park.
If you need public transport, the Hope Valley train line, which runs between Manchester and Sheffield, has several stops in the Peak District, including Edale, Hope and Hathersage. There are also several bus routes.
How Long to Stay in the Peak District
You could easily spend weeks in the Peak District, discovering all that there is to see and do. But most of you will only have a few days, so you will need to pick out the things that stand out to you and build your itinerary around that.
Where to Stay in the Peak District
Many say that Castleton is the best place to base yourself in the Peak District since it’s in the heart of the Hope Valley and close to many of the Peak District attractions and hikes. Another popular spot is Bakewell which provides a more relaxing getaway. We use Pitch Up for locating campsites and booking.com for anything else.
Enjoy These Best Things to do in The Peak District
I hope you enjoy these epic Peak District attractions as much as we did. If you’re visiting the area soon, you might find some of our 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.