Places to visit in the Peak District

Fall in love with Chatsworth House, one of England’s finest stately homes. Dating back to the 11th century, you may recognise Chatsworth from its on-screen appearance as the home of Mr Darcy in Price and Prejudice film. Beyond its cinematic credits, it’s easy to fall in love with Chatsworth’s intricately painted ceilings, ornate galleries and grand Elizabethan gardens. Budding botanists can join one of their nature walking tours which happen throughout the seasons.

Discover the village that's a haven for climbers, period drama fans and anyone who loves a breathtaking view. Hathersage inspired Charlotte Bronte when writing 'Jane Eyre'. Visit the grade II listed North Lees Hall, dubbed the main inspiration for the fictional Thornfield Hall in the 1845 novel. It's a short drive from the hall to Stanage Edge, an iconic gritstone loved by climbers, and the location is where Keira Knightley stands in Pride and Prejudice.

Enjoy the waterside views of Ladybower Reservoir and its mighty pine forest. The reservoir's flat cycling route is ideal if you prefer a two-wheeled adventure. The 5.5-mile loop follows one-half of the Y-shaped body of water, sticking close to the shores with very few hills, making it accessible for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

After a day of adventure, recuperate with a glamping stay at Edale Gathering in the nearby Hope Valley. Pick between either one of their four luxurious tented safari lodges, the Victorian shooting lodge or the renovated cottage and get settled in for an evening of fire-side star gazing in the heart of the Peak District.

Head underground and discover the natural beauty of Treak Cliff Cavern, one of the UK's most beautiful caves, shimming with Blue John stone. On a self-guided tour, you'll learn about the Peak District's millions of years of geological history, evident in the flowstone deposits, stalagmites, and stalactites of these massive caves. Keep your eyes out for the resident bats, too!

The rocky peak of Mam Tor is the national park’s highest peaks and one of the best viewpoints in the Peak District. Head out to see if it is for yourself on a three-mile circular walk and enjoy views of Edale Valley, Kinder Scout, and the Derwent Moors once you reach the top. Afterwards, head back down to the nearby town of Castleton for a pub lunch and shop for Blue John Stone.

Relax for the evening at a Georgian grade II-listed farmhouse. Cosy up in one of the holiday cottages or guest rooms, and then in the early morning, see the sunrise on one of many walking trails, which start right outside Rushop Hall's front door.

Peddle through the heart of the Peak District National Park on the 8.5-mile Monsal Trail, a traffic-free, accessible route. Using a disused railway line, the Monsal Trail has been transformed into a flat path connecting Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale to Coombs Road in Bakewell. Choose from a standard or electric bike from Blackwell Cycle Hire and head out to enjoy the trail. You'll pedal past the River Wye, under brick tunnels and between limestone gorges. Refuel with lunch at The Refreshment Room, the railway's old station turned cafe.

Float above the Derwent Valley in a cable car journey to the Heights of Abraham, a 60-acre hilltop park inspired by the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, Canada. Once you ascend over the River Derwent, head out to explore the various attractions such as the dramatic caverns, history exhibitions and the wild woodland trails. Climb the Victoria Prospect Tower for 360-degree panoramic views of Matlock Bath town and beyond.

Matlock Bath is famous for being Derbyshire's answer to a traditional seaside town. There's everything but the sea here, including plenty of fish and chips shops, penny arcades, sweet shops selling old school sweets from your childhood and even a Instagrammable Victorian aquarium.