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Things to do in the Peak District

The Peak District is a beautiful upland area in the north of England which was designated the status of the country’s very first National Park, attracting millions of visitors every year.

There are so many things to do in the Peak District you just won’t know where to begin sightseeing. Thanks to its natural hills, valleys, and gorges, the area is renowned for attracting a wide variety of tourists looking to do some walking, hiking, mountain biking, or even rock climbing in the breath taking landscape. So if you’re interested in pursuing some outdoor activities, this is the perfect spot for you to start exploring.

There are also plenty of towns and villages, such as idyllic Bakewell, with a variety of different attractions just waiting to be discovered when you visit this National Park. The spa towns of Buxton and Matlock Bath are also popular amongst tourists when visiting the area. Not to mention the many heritage sites, such as country houses, which populate this beautiful region, you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for things to do in the Peak District.

It is easy to get to the Peak District by car from either our Liverpool or Hull ports. If you are travelling from Ireland it is around a two hour drive to Buxton or a two and half hour drive from Hull Port. The scenic drive from Hull will take you via Doncaster and Sheffield, both are great places to stop off during your drive.

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Dublin

LIV

Liverpool

Tuesday - Friday	09:00
Saturday	21:30

Book from £ 298

See More Times

1
Bakewell and Buxton
2
Chatsworth House
3
Outdoor adventures
4
Alton Towers

About the city

Bakewell and Buxton Bakewell is the biggest town in the Peak District, famous for its unique and delicious pudding, the famous Bakewell Tart. This tranquil town is nestled within the hills and valleys of the National Park itself and is popular amongst painters, photographers, and sightseers thanks to its medieval stone buildings and quaint courtyards. We highly recommend visiting the Old House Museum, one of the oldest buildings in Bakewell, to gain some insight into the town’s fascinating past. It’s also the perfect spot for a riverside walk along the Wye – and why not take a picnic and feed the ducks while you’re at it?

The historic spa town of Buxton, Derbyshire, is another great spot for a bit of rest and relaxation. Buxton has been welcoming visitors since Roman times to enjoy its natural thermal springs, where you can also enjoy fantastic views as it sits an impressive 300m above sea level, making it the highest market town in England. Renowned for its beautiful Victorian and Georgian architecture, this quaint town is ideal for taking a leisurely stroll around. Prime examples of this can be found at the Devonshire Dome and the Edwardian Opera House. Whilst you’re here you’ll also want to make sure you stop by the gorgeously landscaped Pavilion Gardens, complete with a family-friendly café and shop to keep everyone entertained.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is an impressive stately home located a mere 10 minute drive outside of Bakewell. Renowned for its high quality landscaping and art collection, inside you can view artworks which span over 4,000 years, with examples from the Ancient Egyptians and Romans, to Renaissance masters such as Rembrandt, to modern and contemporary artists like Lucian Freud and David Nash. You can take a guided tour to discover over 30 lavishly decorated rooms which will transport you back in times as you explore all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful manor house.

The grounds of the house feature lots of family-friendly activities, such as a playground and Rope Park with trampolines, slides, and more, plus a farmyard where you can enjoy tractor rides and animal handling which the kids are bound to love. Chatsworth House’s historic gardens are a true sight to behold, renowned for their intricate waterworks, sculptures, and Victorian rock garden. There’s even a maze for you to navigate – just make sure you don’t get lost in the greenery!

Outdoor Adventures

Trail walking, camping, cycling, horse riding – whatever your passion, you’re bound to enjoy exploring the great outdoors when you visit the Peak District. Renowned for its countless walking routes and trails, the Peak District National Park features a wealth of spectacular scenery just waiting to be discovered by the avid trail hiker. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, there’s something for everyone here in the stunning 524km square of landscape. For those looking to do some intense uphill climbing you’ll want to head to the Pennine Way National Trail towards Kinder Scout, the highest point in the area, for some breath taking views.

Cycling and horse riding are also two popular activities that bring lots of tourists to the Peak District National Park. If you haven’t brought your own bikes with you then fear not, as you can easily hire some in the nearby towns of Ashbourne, Parsley Hay, or Derwent. For those looking to explore nature the old-fashioned way, there are miles of bridleways and country lanes perfect for horse riding throughout the area. There are lots of pony trekking, horse riding, and equestrian centres located close by, where you can meet experts to give tips and advice or even take you on guided tours if you so wish. The options really are endless!

Alton Towers

The perfect place for a day out with the whole family, Alton Towers Resort is packed full of activities and entertainment to suit all ages and tastes. We recommend booking tickets in advance to get the best deals and avoid any disappointment. If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker then you’ll be excited to ride the Galactica, the world’s first fully VR (virtual reality) roller coaster, which integrates state-of-the-art technology to make the ride’s twists, turns, and drops even more thrilling. There are also lots of other fun activities to take part in here, such as the Enchanted Forest Tree Top Quest, a high ropes challenge definitely not for the faint of heart!

There are over 50 rides and attractions to choose from in the theme park, so if you’re not really an adrenaline junkie, then you don’t need to worry – there are still lots of fun things to do that don’t involve you having to leave the ground if you don’t want to! For small children, CBeebies Land is the perfect interactive experience, full of all your favourite TV characters where kids can learn whilst playing and engaging in live shows. Extraordinary Golf is also a fun activity for players of all ages, and you’ll have to explore the Waterpark if you’re visiting in the summer. There are so many things to do in the Peak District your holiday is bound to be one you’ll never forget.