Peak District

Welcome to the Peak District

Just south of Manchester lies one of England’s most visited places - the Peak District National Park. Its 550 square miles conjures up romantic images of rugged wild scenery, rich varied wildlife, picture perfect villages, roaring log fires and a sense of escapism.  Backdrop for many a TV show it is one of the most popular National Parks in Europe and is a great place for a short break in the UK, the Peak District attracts hikers, walkers and cyclists and those in search of a relaxing, romantic short break away. The added advantage of the Peak District is its close proximity to Manchester, allowing you to combine the great outdoors with a great city in one visit!

Things to do in and around the Peak District

Outdoor playground of Greater Manchester, the Peak District offers something for everyone, not just those looking to get out an explore the great outdoors. Although if you want to, there are some fantastic walking and hiking trails that you can take advantage of to appreciate the truly spectacular scenery in this part of England. You’ll find companies offering organised tours to some of the fascinating limestone caves, mountain bike rentals, horseriding, canoeing, rock climbing or perhaps you could enjoy a spot of fishing. If you wish to explore some of the rich heritage of this glorious part of England, there is certainly plenty to delight. Dubbed the ‘Palace of the Peaks’, Chatsworth House is the stunning stately residence of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire and truly one of the finest in the Peak District. You can enjoy some of the grandest rooms filled with treasures collected over five centuries, famous gardens with truly spectacular water features, a fantastic farmyard plus an adventure playground for the younger members of the family. Buxton, ‘the Bath of the North’ is a delightful Georgian spa town. Blessed with a backdrop of stunning scenery, the therapeutic waters of Buxton where first enjoyed by the Romans, nowadays the thriving town offers magnificent architecture, a wealth of shops and a thriving arts scene – don’t miss the 2007 Buxton Festival 6-22 July. Lyme Park in the village of Disley is not just a beautiful park but is also home to the intricately Italianate Lyme Hall mansion, blooming gardens and reflection lake, deer sanctuary, children’s adventure playground as well as extensive parkland for walking. For something a little different Crich Tramway Village is home to a superb collection of running trams, set in a carefully restored period townscape. The trams run down the cobbled street and out into the breathtaking countryside of the Derwent Valley. Over at Alton Towers brace yourself for the magic, excitement and thrills of Britain's favourite theme park. Whether it's white-knuckle legends like Nemesis and Oblivion or wild, wacky themed zones for all ages, this is a definite choice for the whole family. Set in 500 acres of beautiful Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers is easily reached from the Peak District. With the bright lights of Manchester being so close by, visitors choosing the Peak District for their next UK short break can combine the rugged unspoilt scenery of the Peaks with the buzz, culture, history, shopping and up to the minute attractions of city life in one of the North of England’s greatest cities.

Evenings out in the Peak District

Evenings out in the Peak District can be a lively or as relaxed as you wish. Take advantage of the many restaurants in the quaint towns and villages that make up the Peak District, many serving fresh local produce, for a leisurely evening of good food and good wine. On the other hand you may wish to take advantage of the many traditional English country pubs and get to know some of the locals. For a livelier evening out the bright lights of Manchester city centre can easily be reached.

Shopping in the Peak District

Shopping in the Peak District is colourful and varied, huge flagship department stores give way to a more relaxed shopping experience, with smaller high street name stores, quaint arts, craft, antique and shops selling the Peak District’s local produce. The city of Manchester adds a different dimension to shopping; with up to the minute designer names, high street brands and upmarket department stores including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols all within easy reach of the Peak District. While the Trafford Centre, one the UK’s largest indoor shopping malls, has over 200 big name stores plus countless restaurant and entertainment options under one roof.

Fascinating fact
The scenes from the 1995 Price & Prejudice production where Darcy emerges from a lake where filmed at Lyme Park in the village of Disley!

For hotels in the Peak District click here