Full of history and character, the beautiful town of Ashbourne in Derbyshire is known as the Gateway to the Peak District. Situated on the southern edge of the Peak District, it boasts beautiful architecture, independent shops and lovely cafés, and it's the perfect base from which to explore the spectacular White Peak countryside.
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70 Best Days Out in the Peak District: Ashford in the Water
Ashford-in-the-Water is - arguably! - the most perfect little village in the Peak District. Certainly if you're looking for chocolate-box appeal, you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere more picturesque. It has everything that a country village needs: an idyllic riverside setting, complete with a medieval bridge, pretty limestone cottages, narrow lanes, a tearoom and cosy country pubs. The Sheepwash Bridge across the River Wye is one of the most photographed bridges in England, and it’s not hard to see why.
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70 Best Days Out in the Peak District: Bakewell
The picture-perfect town of Bakewell in Derbyshire is often referred to as the ancient capital of the Peak District, and it’s the only town that lies wholly within the boundary of the National Park. Bakewell is a relatively small market town with a population of less than 5,000, but its peaceful setting on the River Wye and its wealth of historic buildings, shops and restaurants make it a very popular destination for visitors. We think it’s a wonderful place to explore, with pretty riverside walks, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards.
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70 Best Days Out in the Peak District: Birchover and Rowtor Rocks
The lovely village of Birchover lies on the south eastern border of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, surrounded by the most stunning scenery. Although only five miles out of the town of Matlock, it stands amid the most magnificent open moorland that's steeped in history. On the edge of the village you'll find the mysterious cave complex of Rowtor Rocks, consisting of numerous interlinked tunnels, passages, viewpoints and caverns, some man-made. Many of the rocks have been carved with symbols and pictures, including serpents, circles and cups. The modifications and carvings reputedly date from the 17th Century and are the handiwork of a very intriguing individual, the village parson, Reverend Thomas Eyre. Despite being a man of the cloth, Thomas Eyre was a...
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70 Best Days Out in the Peak District: Blue John Cavern
The Blue John Cavern in Castleton is home to 8 of the 14 known varieties of Blue John Stone, where it’s been mined for centuries. During the winter months miners still descend deep into the tunnels here, armed with traditional picks and shovels, in search of the beautiful stone. This is then cleaned and polished to be made into jewellery and ornamental objects. Guided tours of the cavern are conducted at short regular intervals. Each tour lasts around an hour and gives a wonderful insight into these magnificent natural cave systems. The famous Blue John Stone can be seen in its natural state, along with stalactites, stalagmites and huge, beautifully lit caverns, up to 200 feet high and 30 feet wide.
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70 Best Days Out in the Peak District: Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle is a true fairytale castle, perched high on a ridge above the Vale of Scarsdale on the eastern edge of the Peak District. It's a great place to spend a day, with plenty to see and do for the whole family. The Little Castle, Terrace Range and Riding House are all open to the public to explore, as are the beautiful gardens. There's also a cafe, gift shop and children's playground on site.
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70 Best Days Out in the Peak District: Bradfield
If you've never spent a day in and around beautiful Bradfield, you've really missed a trick! Only 7 miles out of Sheffield but surrounded by the most wonderfully wild countryside, Bradfield straddles the border of the Peak District National Park in Yorkshire. It's the largest civil parish in England and it's made up of two villages: High Bradfield, which is situated on the hillside, and Low Bradfield, which sits down in the valley alongside the River Loxley.
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