Enjoy a ramble with a Derbyshire Dales expert, knowing you won’t get lost and have all your questions answered along the way. Peak District cottage holidays don’t have to be about walking the hills. From Chatsworth House and Alton Towers to the Blue John Caverns and the Heights of Abraham, the Derbyshire Dales offer many adventurous and relaxing days out.
For other active holiday options, consider booking a luxury Peak District holiday cottage with a hot tub, swimming pool or games room. Trips to some beautiful Peak District villages, such as Ashford in the Water (known as the Peak District’s Little Venice), Whaley Bridge and Fritchley, are a must and a great way to enjoy all this National Park has to offer.
Take a trip to the market town of Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District. Like many of the market towns of the Derbyshire Dales, the variety of pubs, shops, and restaurants makes this charming town a great place to visit. But, of course, you can always try some of the famous Bakewell Pudding while you’re there. While Bakewell is known for its pudding (or tart), the little village of Winster is known for its pancakes, particularly its Pancake Race, which runs the length of its main street every February on Shrove Tuesday.
Nearby Bakewell is the famous Spa town of Buxton, which is most famous for water but is also well worth a visit to enjoy the old streets and cute shops. For those interested in architecture, the Devonshire Dome, the largest unsupported dome in Britain, is more significant than St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
- Mam Tor: Mam Tor is a 517m hill in the heart of the Peak District that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The circular walk from Castleton to Mam Tor is one of the most popular walks in the area, with stunning views of the Hope Valley.
- Kinder Scout: Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District at 636m and offers some of the area’s most challenging and rewarding walking routes. The circular walk from Edale to Kinder Scout is a classic Peak District walk, taking in the Kinder plateau and the famous Kinder Downfall waterfall.
- Stanage Edge: Stanage Edge is a dramatic gritstone escarpment located in the eastern part of the Peak District. It offers some of the best views in the area and is popular with walkers, climbers and mountain bikers. The circular walk from Hathersage to Stanage Edge has stunning views and interesting rock formations.
- Monsal Trail: The Monsal Trail is a former railway line converted into a walking and cycling path. It runs for 8.5 miles through some of the most picturesque parts of the Peak District, including the Monsal Viaduct and the Wye Valley.
- Dovedale: Dovedale is a beautiful limestone valley in the southern part of the Peak District, with stunning views of the River Dove and its famous stepping stones. The circular walk from Ilam to Dovedale is a popular route, taking in the beautiful countryside and historic villages.
My Favourite Holiday Cottages offers a beautiful collection of Peak District cottages scattered throughout The Peaks in picturesque towns and villages like Hope Valley, Bakewell, Castletoun, Buxton, Matlock and Matlock Bath.