It was designated a National Park by the UK government in 1951. It has since become one of Britain’s most popular National Parks alongside The Lake District and Pembrokeshire Coastal Park. The towns of the Peak District are not well-known.
The Peak District, located in the middle of the UK is an amazing contrast between lively markets, picturesque villages, and stunning landscapes. The Peak District in the UK is a place of natural beauty. It has everything from mountains, caverns, rivers, reservoirs and stately homes.
The Peak District is too big to include all the great towns you can visit, but here are the four most amazing ones.
Peak District: 4 Must-Visit Towns
If you ever find yourself in the Peak District, make sure to stop by at least one town.
1. Bakewell
Bakewell, one of the Peak District’s most visited towns attracts visitors throughout the year. There are many small cafes and tearooms in the town, along with several pubs and hotels. Stop by the old original Bakewell Pudding Shop to try Bakewell’s famed Bakewell Puddings.
You’ll also find stately houses and walking trails away from the town centre. Bakewell’s location in the southern Peak District allows you to visit the towns of Buxton, Matlock and Matlock.
![Beautiful Countryside of England - Bakewell Derbyshire - Peak District - YouTube](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q6-7jmAc-XM/maxresdefault.jpg)
Bakewell has a perfect combination of pubs, shops and cafes along with short walks. The Peak District is perfect for families or couples looking to enjoy the beauty of the Peak District while still having a little home comfort.
Manchester is the perfect daytrip for visiting The Peak District. This day trip includes Derbyshire and the Peak District, as well as stops in Bakewell.
Where is Bakewell located?
Enjoy a stroll on the River Wye
Follow the path away from the town, starting at Bakewell Recreation Ground.
Walk or cycle part of the Monsal Trail
Monsal Trail, an 8.5-mile cycling and walking trail that links Bakewell with Chee Dale along a former rail line. You can access the Monsal Trail from Bakewell Station’s car park. If you prefer to cycle, you can rent bicycles or ebikes at Hassop Station, cafe.
Visit Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House, one of Derbyshire’s best-known stately homes. You can drive to Chatsworth in 15 minutes or combine it with a beautiful walk. The 8 or 6 mile round route from Bakewell to Chatsworth will take you along the Monsal trail and past the charming village of Edensor.
tickets for Chatsworth are available online. You can choose between different options, based on whether you wish to see the House, Gardens, or Farmyard. Check ahead for events at Chatsworth to help you plan your trip.
Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall, another stunning Stately Home is just 10 minutes from Bakewell. Haddon Hall, with its Tudor Hall, manicured gardens in the medieval style and parkland is full of historical significance. Adult tickets are available for PS23.90 and can be bought on-line.
Visit Bakewell: Tips and tricks
Bakewell is very busy at weekends, especially during summer, and even more so when there’s an Chatsworth House or Bakewell . Plan ahead to visit Bakewell on a day when there are fewer visitors. Also, avoid public holidays and event days. Visit the Visitor Information Centre on Bridge Street for information about nearby attractions, such as restaurants, walks and shops.
Parking in Bakewell: There are several parking lots. Smith’s Island is located on the other side of the River, near the Bakewell Showground. From this parking lot, you can walk into the town via a footbridge. Market Place and Granby Road car park is located in the town centre, near the Coop. It can be difficult to park in Bakewell during peak summer season. Arrive early to avoid driving around looking for a spot.
Matlock is the nearest station for public transport. You can catch the bus number 172 or 6.1 from Matlock’s train station. Transpeak, Transpeak 172 or 6.1 are the busses that go to Bakewell.
Public Toilets: The toilets are located behind the Coop, on Granby Road.
2. Buxton
Buxton’s natural thermal springs have been popular since Roman times when the mineral-rich warm water was believed to be healing. Buxton, which is known as the UK’s top spa town, also has a number of historic Georgian and Victorian buildings. Mary Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned in 16th-century at the Old Hall Hotel is perhaps the most notable.
![Buxton, Derbyshire: Great British Breaks](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Fsundaytimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F5eddd980-3693-11e9-83b1-70570211a34e.jpg?crop=2250%2C1500%2C0%2C0)
Buxton, one of the largest towns in the Peak District, has a lot of attractions, shops, cafés and restaurants. This is a wonderful destination for those who want to spend a relaxing day or a romantic weekend in the Peak District.
What can you do in Buxton, UK?
Picnic in the Pavillion Park
Buxton’s main attraction is the Pavillion Park and Gardens. There is a miniature railway, a duck pond and sand playground in the pretty gardens. A cafeteria and gift store are also available. In the summer, there are food trucks and small rides outside the Pavillion. They sell donuts and frozen treats. There are plenty of paths that can be used by wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Attend a show at Buxton Opera House
The Buxton Oper House offers a wide range of evening entertainment. Opera, Ballet, and Theatre performances are held in the Edwardian-style building. The Buxton cinema is located in the Pavillion Arts Centre next to the Opera House.
Visit Buxton’s Crescent and Pump Room
Learn more about Buxton and its thermal water at The Crescent, a building from the 18th century that houses the Pump Room. The exhibits can be explored on your own or you can join a tour.
Explore Pooles Cavern
The best thing to do in Buxton is take a guided tour through Pooles Cavern. Discover the limestone underground caves with their beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. Booking in Advance is Essential for the Caves Tour. This is Buxton’s top attraction. Adults pay PS14.50, and children PS6.80. From the parking lot, follow the Woodland Path to Grin Low’s summit. It’s a short, family-friendly walk through the forest.
Go Ape!
The adventure park is located next to Pooles Cavern. Buxton’s treetop adventure course is the UK’s highest Go Ape. Assault course: Test your nerves and swing around the forest!
Take a relaxing spa vacation
A visit to an historic Spa Town would not be complete without a day at the spa. There are several packages available at the Buxton Crescent Hotel, which include day spas. Book ahead.
Visit Buxton with these Tips
Buxton offers a wide range of dining options in the evening. However, it’s best to reserve a seat in advance to ensure you get seated at whichever restaurant is your preference. Buxton, one of the Peak District’s most popular towns to stay overnight is very busy at night. This is especially true if the Opera House is performing. The Buxton Visitor Centre is in The Crescent in the centre of town. It has a wealth of information about attractions around Buxton.
Parking If you’re visiting Buxton for a day trip, there are a number of car parks around town. Pavillions Garden is located in the heart of the town, but it can get very busy at peak times during summer. Market Street Car Park on South Mews, and Spring Gardens on Wye Street are also options for parking just outside the centre.
Check with the hotel before you travel. Some have car parking, but it may be necessary to book a space due to limited supply. It can be difficult to find parking in Buxton in summer. You may have to go further outside the town, unless you get there early in the morning. If you are able to, consider taking the train.
Public Transportation:Buxton train station is in the center of town and has direct connections to Manchester. Plan your journey to Buxton using the rail network by visiting the website.
Public Toilets: Public restrooms can be found in the Pavilion Gardens parking lot and market place.
3. Castleton
Castleton, a picturesque village located in the Peak District National Park is worth a visit. Castleton, surrounded by rolling hills and caves, is the ideal destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It has the best hiking and walking trails of the Peak District at its doorstep.
Castleton is a great place to visit.
Cave Dale Walk
From Pindale Road, Castleton you can walk through Cave Dale Valley. You will be led through a rocky path with stunning views over the valley and past the remains of Peveril Castle.
Browse Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle, which stands above Cave Dale is one of Norman Fortresses’ earliest. Ascend to the top for panoramic views of Hope Valley. Families visiting Castleton will enjoy this activity, particularly when it is combined with a hike through Cave Dale. Tickets cost PS7.80 per adult and PS4.70 per child.
Climb Mam Tor
Mam Tor, also known as Mam Tor Mountain in Peak District National Park is one of its most popular and well-known mountains. The mountain is accessible to most people of all fitness levels. It’s also popular among families because it only takes a short distance to reach the top from the parking lot at the base.
Follow this 8 or 6.5 mile round trip starting in Castleton to reach the top of Mam Tor, then continue onwards towards Back Tor, and Lose Hill Pike. It is a popular route for hiking in the area because of its spectacular views.
Explore the Caverns
Castleton’s caverns are a great place to visit. The cave that is closest to Castleton village, Peak Cavern boasts of the UK’s largest cave entrance. The Blue John caves are located at the foot of Mam Tor. Here you can find the UK’s most stunning rock and cave formations, rare stalactites and marine fossils, as well as the Blue John Stone. You can go on an underground boat ride through the caves at Speedwell Cavern.
Walk or drive Winnats Pass
Winnats Pass, a limestone gorge just outside Castleton is dramatic. You can drive the scenic route through the pass or hike the steep trail to the top.
Castleton Visitor’s Tips
Castleton is a small village that attracts many visitors who want to hike the trails around it. You will have to reserve your accommodations in advance if you intend to stay over night, particularly if you’re visiting during summer. You can pick up supplies at the small grocery store located opposite the bus terminal. Many cafes also sell sandwiches and pies to take away for a picnic.
Parking: The main Castleton car park is located behind the visitor centre and just off of the main road that runs through the village. Peak Cavern All Day Car Park, on the opposite side of Buxton Road is also an option.
Public Transport: The nearest train station to Castleton is Hope village, located just two miles away. You can take the 272 or 271 bus from Hope Station to Castleton. You can travel from Sheffield to Castleton by taking either the 271 or 272 bus.
Toilets publics: There are toilets near the visitor centre and bus station on Buxton road, the main road that runs through the village.
4. Matlock and Matlock bath
Matlock Bath and Matlock, a popular Derbyshire city, are located on the border of the Peak District National Park. The heart of Matlock is the picturesque riverside park where the Annual Matlock Illuminations Festival is held every Friday and Sunday in September and October. Matlock offers something to do for everyone. If you decide to stay over, it’s perfectly located to explore nearby attractions such as Cromford and Darley Dale.
Matlock Bath and Matlock: What’s there to Do?
Take to the heights of Abraham
Abraham Heights, a hilltop historic estate located above Matlock Town. Matlock’s top attraction offers a variety of activities for all ages. The only way to reach the Heights of Abraham, is to take the cable car to the top.
Tickets for the cable car are PS23 per adult and PS15 per child. They include access to all the attractions in the upper park including the guided cave tour and the visiting of exhibitions. You can also explore the woodland trails and playground. When booking, you will be required to select the day and time that suits your schedule.
Hall Leys Park A stroll around the park
Hall Leys Park, the centrepiece of Matlock’s pretty town is its crowning glory. Landscaped award-winning gardens line the River Derwent, and make a lovely place to enjoy a fish and chip meal or a hot beverage. The miniature train and boating on the lake will be a hit with the kids.
High Peak Trail
High Peak Trail, one of Peak District’s popular cycling and walking routes. This 17.5-mile linear route is a continuation of an ancient railway track. It starts at High Peak Junction, close to Cromford. Then it continues on towards Dowlow near Buxton. You can rent bicycles at Middleton Top Visitor Centre, a great place to start the trail.
Take a trip back to the past at Crich Tramway Village
Crich Tramway village, a restored historic period village with a National Tramway Museum is located 10 minutes south of Matlock. Visit the museum, ride the trams of the past, and walk through the village with its old pubs and shops. The tickets cost PS20 per adult and PS12 per child. Tickets for Crich Tramway Village can be purchased online.
Enjoy a day of fun at Carsington Water
Carsington Water can be reached in 20 minutes from Matlock. It is a great place to relax for a couple of hours, or even a whole day. You can try out watersports like windsurfing, paddle-boarding and kayaking. It’s a good place to spend a day with the family. There are plenty of areas for picnics and a playground for children.
Carsington Water offers three walking and biking trails. Take a break halfway around the 7.5-mile route to have lunch at The Miners Arms Pub in Carsington Village.