Have a relaxing adventure in the Peak District of England

The beautiful Peak District is an upland area at the southern end of the Pennines in England. While the Peak District National Park is mostly in Derbyshire, it also extends into Greater Manchester, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Staffordshire. The park includes the Dark Peak, with its moorland and the White Peak, a limestone area of gorges and valleys. In 1951, the Peak District National Park became the first of the national parks of England and Wales.

Visiting the Peak District

With the park’s proximity to Manchester, Derby, Stoke-on-Trent and Sheffield, it attracts millions of visitors each year. Meanwhile, for a comfortable stay, accommodation options are available throughout the area including quaint bed & breakfasts and luxury cottages in the Peak District.

While the Peak District National Park is popular with visitors these days, the area has been home to various peoples from the Mesolithic era, as well as the Bronze and Iron Ages. The area was then settled by the Romans and Anglo-Saxons. Meanwhile, once the railways came to the area, tourism truly kicked off due to the beautiful landscapes, fascinating Castleton caves and quaint spa towns.

Things to do in the Peak District

- Walking holidays

The Peak District includes a variety of stunning landscapes to enjoy on walking holidays. From the Dark Peak, with its rolling limestone, and its highest point of Kinder Scout, to the flower-rich White Peak, visitors are certainly not spoiled for choice. Try out the famous Pennine Way, which starts in the Peak District National Park, or head to the wilderness that is Kinder Scout.

However, the park is not just about gorgeous landscapes, as the area also has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Peak District also features pretty villages and spa towns, which make the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable walking adventure. In fact, the area is also known for inspiring famous authors such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë in their works, including Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre.

- Visit Chatworth House

This includes Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, which was the inspiration for Jane Austen’s Pemberly. This grand country estate is one of the must-see locations on any Peak District tour. The magnificent house has more than 25 rooms to explore, including the State Rooms, a grand Painted Hall and Sculpture Gallery. The house also features works of art spanning more than 4,000 years, including an ancient Roman sculpture, right up to works by modern artists.

Meanwhile, the gardens surrounding Chatsworth House cover some 105 acres and include a rock garden, greenhouse, many grand sculptures and a maze. After all that walking, a sit down in one of the two cafés or the restaurant is welcome.

- Spa holidays in the Peak District

Anyone looking for a little “me time” will appreciate the lovely spa towns and hotels of the Peak District. These include The Devonshire Spa in the town of Buxton. The venue is famed as the largest unsupported dome in the UK and features a hydrotherapy pool, Hammam wet room, reflexology foot baths, an ice fountain, monsoon shower, essence-filled sauna and a relaxation lounge.

For a unique spa day experience, The Three Horseshoes Mill Wheel Spa is the ideal location, set in a typical Peak district converted stone barn. Here, visitors have the option of a Steam Bath Experience, or relaxation in the Mill Wheel Shower, Farmers Sauna, Cedar Plunge Pool, Outdoor Vitality Pool and Spa Garden, or the Relaxation Suite.

Whether seeking a walking holiday, looking or quaint villages to explore, or a wonderful spa experience, take time out to explore the wonderful Peak District National Park in 2022.