Thinking of visiting the Peak District? Well, you should! The Peak District is the perfect place to visit with the family, friends or as a couple. Located right in the centre of England, the phenomenal views and gorgeous historic towns are something you HAVE to see! Though some of the main towns were a little touristy on weekends, it was never over-crowded and managed to keep that quiet, countryside feel. Whether you’re someone who loves long walks, scenic drives or just to escape to the country, this is the perfect place to do it! Keep scrolling for a 48 hour guide including must-see areas and good places to eat & sleep!
Scenic Drives
If you’re into driving then The Peak District roads are right up there with The Black Mountains and Devil’s Dyke. The stunning National Park is filled with incredible driving routes with lots of bends and gorgeous views. Whether you prefer cars or motorbikes, this is definitely a popular place to visit for an adventurous drive, as there are so many routes to take. If you visit just outside of peak season, then the roads are much quieter too! With so many country pubs dotted around, you won’t find yourself short of great places to stop for lunch and drinks afterwards. Cat ‘n’ fiddle, which is located on the West of The Peak District near Macclesfield, is a very popular driving route. It runs about 12.5km long and is full of twists and open space. This route is actually considered one of the most dangerous in the UK, and due to this, the speed limit has been reduced to 50mph with cameras and unmarked police cars to enforce this. Another popular route in The Peak District is The Snake Pass, which is about 14km long and starts from the Ladybower Reservoir by Hope Valley, and ends in Glossop. During parts of the route, if the sky is clear you can actually see Manchester in the distance! This is definitely a road that every driving enthusiast should experience, but be aware that there is a high accident record and it often closes when there is snow.
Disclaimer: Please drive responsibly and stick to the speed limits at all times.
Countryside Walks
There are countless places to go out for a long walk in The Peak District so anywhere you decide to go, you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy stunning views, looks of sheep, cows and horses! There are walking routes, pathways, open spaces and gorgeous towns to roam around in. I’d highly recommend bringing some comfy walking shoes and a jacket if its chilly – the rain can be unpredictable here! Make sure you grab a little bit of money to end your walk with a much deserved drink or ice cream, you’ll thank me later! Definitely take a phone or camera, the photos never do the view justice, but they’re still so spectacular it wouldn’t hurt to grab a photo or two…
My Favourite Walking Routes Include:
Castleton
Castleton is one of the main towns within The Peak District and it is home to the National Park’s Visitor Centre and Peveril Castle. There are also two popular caves to visit in Castleton, and you can buy a joint ticket which will allow you to gain access to both caves. Prices start from £15.50. Click here to head to their website. Also in Castleton are pretty cafes and antique shops, it makes the perfect place to wander around at your own pace. Be aware that some of these independent shops take cash only, so either come prepared, OR there is a post office in the town that allows free cash withdrawals. The locals are generally very friendly and happy to help with anything whilst you’re in the area!
Glossop
Within The Peak District is a lovely town called Glossop, it is located near the North West section of The Peak District and is full of shops, restaurants and cafes! This popular town is modern and busy with locals and tourists roaming through the streets and browsing in the shops. It is really close to Manchester, so you can either jump on a train which takes 30 mins, or drive there which with no traffic will also take 30 mins. Manchester is a very popular and busy area though, so if you’re driving, plan ahead! Though Glossop felt much more modern compared to the rest of The Peak District, it still kept a countryside charm with old buildings and monuments. This is definitely a good place to stop for something to eat or drink, or even a shopping trip! Whilst visiting, a coffee stop is a MUST, and there are so many to choose from!
I Recommend:
Where to Stay
With so many cottages and hotels to choose from, how do you know where to stay when visiting The Peak District? In the National Park, there are lots of B&Bs and guest houses that you can stay in, some of which are absolutely gorgeous and some are quite dated – so check the photos and reviews before you book! To save a little bit money on your stay, you could choose a hotel just outside of the National Park in Sheffield or Chesterfield, they tend to cost a little less. However, to get the best of both worlds, you could stay at The Peacock at Barlow – (photos below). It’s a 10 minute drive from Chesterfield so close to lots of shops and restaurants, but is tucked in the countryside, so you can have a quiet, blissful stay! To get a proper feel of this gorgeous hotel and an honest review on the place, click here. OR if you’ve already decided that you LOVE the place, click here to book it!
Enjoy your visit to The Peak District! Need to know more? Just ask! contact@elisetanriverdi.com
As always, love Elise x
Tanriverdi Travels 