Things to do in the Peak District

• Explore Chatsworth House – This stately home has grand interiors and even grander grounds, often full of herds of deer. There’s an adventure playground for kids, too.
• Climb Kinder Scout – It’s a challenging hike, but you’re rewarded with unforgettable views.
• Take a stroll through Bakewell – This cute-as-a-button town is home to antique shops, bakeries and a five-arched stone bridge.
• Drive Winnats Pass – It’s a dramatic drive that winds its way through a narrow limescale valley.
• Take a tram ride through time – Crich Tramway Village is an open-air museum that combines a working tramway and a recreated village.

Popular towns in the Peak District

The Peak District is dotted with lively towns and charming villages, made for exploring on a group holiday.

• Bakewell – Famous for its Bakewell Pudding, riverside walks and bustling market.
• Buxton – A historic spa town with beautiful Georgian architecture and the lovely Buxton Opera House.
• Castleton – A walkers’ favourite, set beneath Mam Tor, with show caves and traditional pubs.
• Matlock Bath – With arcades, an aquarium and a cable car, families and groups won’t run out of things to do in this lively little town.
• Ashbourne – A charming market town with cobbled streets, antique shops and easy access to Dovedale.

Popular local walks in the Peak District

No Peak District trip is complete without hitting the trails. Here are some of the best walks for groups of all sizes:

Mam Tor circular walk

A short but rewarding 3-mile walk with panoramic views. A top choice for families.

Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder

A tougher challenge for adventurous groups of friends who love a hike.

Dovedale Stepping Stones

This family favourite takes you through a dramatic limestone valley.

Stanage Edge Walk

This one’s perfect for groups of friends or couples looking for that iconic gritstone scenery.

Monsal Trail

A long, but mostly flat and traffic-free path that’s great for dog walks or bike rides.

Eat and drink around the Peak District

The Peaks are packed with cosy pubs and country inns – perfect for group meals out.

• The Old Hall Hotel, Buxton – England’s oldest hotel, with hearty meals in a historic setting.
• The Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone – A classic Peak District pub with real ales and superb Sunday roasts.
• The Devonshire Arms, Beeley – Cosy interiors and locally sourced menus make this a crowd-pleaser.
• The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell – The bakery that’s home to the Bakewell Pudding, but also does deli bits and cream teas.