Peak District National Park

In addition to hiking and cycling, the park’s varied landscape also lends itself to activities such as rock-climbing, water sports, and helicopter tours. Alternatively, you can learn more about Midland heritage at historic homes, such as Chatsworth House, or try out a traditional craft at a sculpture or woodwork class. Time-limited travelers can take advantage of multi-day tours that combine the Peaks with other British attractions, such as the Yorkshire Dales, Moors, or even Snowdonia.

*The Peak District is a must-visit for any lover of England’s Great Outdoors. *Peak District Visitor Centres are fully accessible and provide detailed information on how people with alternative needs can explore the park. *Peak District weather is famously brisk, so it’s worth packing windproofs along with your waterproofs. *Good-quality walking shoes are invaluable when exploring the Peaks on foot.

Unlike many of Britain’s outdoor attractions, the Peak District is widely considered to be at its best during winter, when you can intersperse winter walks with a warming beer or two and see the stately homes decked out in their festive best.

Some tours offer round-trip transfer from major cities, whether by coach, car, or even boat. Otherwise, the Peak District is easily accessible by public transport, with bus and train connections running regularly from Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, and Stoke-on-Trent.

The Peak District is made up of two sections, commonly referred to as the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The Dark Peak is the higher, more northerly section, characterised by its wild, dark terrain, while the more southerly White Peak is better known for its lush greenery and gentle slopes. Look out for tours that visit both for a comprehensive overview of the park’s iconic landscape.

It depends. If you’re looking for a brief overview of the park and some of its most famous trails and attractions, 2–3 days is a good starting point. However, outdoor enthusiasts who fancy extensive hiking trails, climbing, or cycling may find a week allows a more rewarding exploration.

Monsal Head is often touted as one of the most photogenic spots, offering stunning panoramic views of the Monsal Dale. However, it’s hard to shortlist just one place as there are so many scenic highlights, such as Thor’s Cave, The Roaches, and the aptly named Surprise View.

Yes, the Peak District National Park is free to visit. There are more than 1,600 miles (2,575 kilometers) of rights of way in this majestic location, considered the UK’s original national park. The only charges to factor in are costs for attractions within the park and food and accommodation.

Yes, you can do a day trip to the Peak District. The cities of Manchester or Sheffield make good starting points, and a guided tour with transportation included is the most time-efficient way to explore the park without worrying about navigating. Common stops include Castleton, the Monsal Trail, and Bakewell.

Derby is the closest city to the Peak District National Park, and it provides great access to the southern areas of the park, such as Matlock and Bakewell, in around 35–60 minutes. Next up, Manchester and Sheffield are also great choices as you can get to the park in around an hour.

Encompassing 555 square miles (1,440 square kilometers), there are lots of hiking trails you can do at the Peak District National Park. For example, the Peak District Boundary Walk is a 155-mile (249-kilometer) long route that circumnavigates the whole of the park and can be completed in stages.