The Complete Derbyshire Peak District Guide
The beautiful county of Derbyshire makes up the vast majority of the Peak District National Park. It is roughly split into two parts: the White Peak to the south, comprising gently rolling slopes of lush pastureland, and the Dark Peak to the north, characterised by wild, heather moorland and dark gritstone crags.
Use the links below to discover more about each location, and explore the tags to find more villages with similar characteristics.
Ashbourne
Ashbourne, the Gateway to the Peak District, is a picturesque market town with a rich history, independent shops, and the ancient tradition of Royal Shrovetide Football.
Ashford-in-the-Water
Ashford-in-the-Water is a perfect chocolate-box village with a medieval bridge, pretty limestone cottages, and the famous Sheepwash Bridge.
Bakewell
Bakewell, the ancient capital of the Peak District, is a beautiful market town famous for its Bakewell Pudding, the Monsal Trail, and proximity to Chatsworth House.
Bamford
Bamford is a pretty village in the Hope Valley, underneath the dramatic heights of Bamford Edge, on the banks of the River Derwent.
Baslow
Baslow is a beautiful village on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, overlooked by the dramatic gritstone edges of Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge.
Beeley
Beeley is a picturesque little village at the southern end of the Chatsworth House Estate, with pretty stone cottages clustered on quiet lanes.
Birchover
Birchover is a characterful village with a fascinating history, the mysterious Rowtor Rocks, and the ancient Nine Ladies Stone Circle.
Buxton
Buxton, the Gateway to the Peak District, is a historic spa town with stunning Georgian architecture, the magnificent Opera House, and the famous St Ann’s Well.
Calver
Calver is a picturesque Derwent Valley village with a historic mill, a beautiful 18th Century bridge, and the historic Shuttle House.
Castleton
Castleton is the jewel of the Hope Valley, famous for its four show caves, Peveril Castle, and the dramatic Mam Tor.
Curbar
Curbar is a very pretty village sheltering under the mighty gritstone edges of Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge, overlooking the River Derwent.
Earl Sterndale
Earl Sterndale is a small but pretty village in the Upper Dove Valley, lying in the foothills of Parkhouse and Chrome Hills.
Edale
Edale is surrounded by probably the most stunning scenery in the whole of the Peak District, circled by Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Win Hill and Dalehead.
Edensor
Edensor is a charming chocolate-box village within the Chatsworth Estate, with a fascinating history and a beautiful mix of architectural styles.
Eyam
Eyam is the famous Plague Village with a fascinating and inspiring history of sacrifice and bravery during the 1665 plague outbreak.
Foolow
Foolow is a delightful White Peak village with a village green, medieval cross, and a picture-perfect duck pond with white Aylesbury ducks.
Froggatt
Froggatt is a beautiful village nestling beneath the mighty gritstone escarpment of Froggatt Edge, on the banks of the River Derwent.
Glossop
Glossop is a bustling market town on the edge of the Peak District, with a rich industrial heritage and easy access to the wild moorland of the Dark Peak.
Grindleford
Grindleford is a pretty village in the Hope Valley, overlooked by the wild moorland of Eyam Moor and the impressive edifice of Froggatt Edge.
Hartington
Hartington is a beautiful White Peak village famous for its cheese shop, St Giles Church, and proximity to Dovedale and the Tissington Trail.
Hathersage
Hathersage is a gem of the Dark Peak, surrounded by wooded hillsides and magnificent gritstone edges, with connections to Robin Hood and Charlotte Bronte.
Hope
Hope is a peaceful village in the heart of the Hope Valley, overlooked by Win Hill and Lose Hill, with a fascinating ancient history.
Litton
Litton is an utterly charming White Peak village, small but perfectly formed, with pretty stone cottages around a village green and ancient stocks.
Matlock
Matlock is a historic spa town on the edge of the Peak District, offering a perfect blend of heritage, culture and outdoor adventure.
Matlock Bath
Matlock Bath is a lively destination in the Derwent Valley, famous for its dramatic limestone gorge, the Heights of Abraham cable car, and the spectacular Illuminations.
Miller’s Dale
Miller’s Dale is a small but perfectly formed village on the banks of the River Wye, surrounded by the limestone crags of the White Peak.
Monyash
Monyash is a lovely White Peak village at the head of Lathkill Dale, with pretty stone cottages, a village green, and the Bull’s Head pub.
Over Haddon
Over Haddon is a small but very picturesque village overlooking Lathkill Dale, with glorious views and the wonderful Lathkil Hotel.
Parwich
Parwich is an idyllic Peak District village in the Derbyshire hills, with a beautiful duck pond, Parwich Hall, and the cosy Sycamore Inn.
Rowsley
Rowsley is a peaceful village on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, where the River Wye meets the River Derwent, with the heritage Peak Rail railway.
Sheldon
Sheldon is a gem of a village perched high above the River Wye, with the fascinating Magpie Mine and the cosy Cock and Pullet pub.
Stanton in Peak
Stanton in Peak is a beautiful village with a rich history, the Thornhill family estate, and access to Stanton Moor and the Nine Ladies Stone Circle.
Stoney Middleton
Stoney Middleton is a fascinating village with an unusual octagonal church, Roman Baths, and the only Grade II listed fish and chip shop in Britain.
Tideswell
Tideswell, known as the Cathedral of the Peak, is a beautiful village with a magnificent 14th Century church and a thriving community.
Tintwistle
Tintwistle is a pretty village in the Longdendale Valley, with a historic conservation area, Christ Church, and stunning views over the reservoirs.
Tissington
Tissington is a perfect Peak District village with a Jacobean hall, ancient wells, beautiful stone cottages, and the famous Tissington Trail.
Whaley Bridge
Whaley Bridge is a pretty gateway town to the beautiful Goyt Valley, with the Peak Forest Canal and the annual Whaley Water Weekend festival.
Winster
Winster is a pretty lead mining village with 70 listed buildings, the National Trust’s first Peak District property, and the village curfew bell.
Wormhill
Wormhill is a pretty village with a fascinating wolf-hunting history, ancient stocks, and the unusual helmet steeple of St Margaret’s Church.
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For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide.