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Peak District Market Towns Guide

The market towns of the Peak District are vibrant, historic communities that have been centres of trade and commerce for centuries. Each has its own unique character, with independent shops, traditional markets, and excellent places to eat and drink.

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.

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.

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.

Leek

Leek is a bustling market town in the Staffordshire Moorlands, known locally as The Queen of the Moorlands, with fine Victorian architecture and independent shops.

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Cheshire | Derbyshire | Staffordshire | Yorkshire

For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide.