The Peak District has something for everyone.
things to do in peak district
Last updated: April 2023
The Peak District is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, making it one of its main attractions.
Apart from its natural allure, the region boasts a diverse cultural heritage with a long-standing history of agriculture and mining. Visitors can explore fascinating museums and heritage sites showcasing the area’s industrial past or tour various caverns, historic houses, and gardens.
For adventurous souls seeking an adrenaline rush, the Peak District offers various outdoor activities and theme parks, such as rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, and zip-lining. Regardless of whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo adventure, the Peak District is an ideal destination. Its stunning scenery, rich culture, and thrilling experiences will make it a memorable trip.
Chatsworth House is home to the Devonshire family, and has been passed down through 16 generations. Explore over 25 rooms in the stately home including the Painted Hall, State Rooms, Sculpture Gallery and discover its art, history and family. Plus, learn how succeeding generations have made their mark on one of Derbyshire’s finest country houses.
Explore Chatsworth Garden, the ever-evolving garden surrounding one of Derbyshire’s most popular country houses. The 105-acre garden is the product of nearly 500 years of careful cultivation and includes an arboretum, rock garden, fountains, sculptures and more.
The farmyard has been a favourite day out for children since 1973. There are so many farmyard friends to meet, from Eugenie the rare breed Suffolk Punch mare to Grace the pygmy goat. Our woodland playground offers hours of adventures and excitement for all ages, with a zipline, water and sand play.
Take a cable car flight to the Heights of Abraham 60-acre hilltop park, with cavern tours, exhibitions, adventure playgrounds and more.
Country park and famous show caverns set in 60 acres of woodland and reached by cable car over deep limestone gorge in the Peak District. A great family day out in Derbyshire
Matlock Bath was developed as one of the country’s first tourist destinations and is sometimes referred to as ‘the seaside town without the sea’. Known for its colourful buildings set alongside the River Derwent, it’s been a popular tourist destination since the late 17th century when spa waters were discovered here.
A popular destination for families, bikers and fun seekers, there are plenty of things to do and see in Matlock Bath.
With 900 years of history, Haddon has much to offer.
Brimming with history and stories of old, a remarkable tapestry collection; an early English furniture collection reputed to be the best of its kind in England; and stunning Elizabethan Walled Gardens, recently redesigned by Arne Maynard, Haddon is one of the most significant and oldest heritage destinations in the country, and we welcome friends, families, groups and societies to join us for a memorable and fascinating day out.
Our restaurant provides delicious, home cooked, locally sourced seasonal produce meals and comes highly recommended by our visitors across all categories, ages and nationalities.
“The most perfect house to survive from the middle ages” Simon Jenkins
Close to mysterious Mam Tor, locally known as the ‘Shivering Mountain’, Castleton is one of the most beautifully-situated villages in the Peak District.
Whether you approach through the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass or from the Hope Valley, you’ll appreciate the fabulous views created by its location on the cusp of the Peak District’s breathtaking limestone and gritstone landscapes.
Whatever the weather, Castleton has something to offer visitors of all ages at any time of year. If it’s fine and you’re feeling fit, climb the steep steps up to the atmospheric Norman ruins of Peveril Castle, completed in 1086 for William Peverel, a favoured knight of William the Conqueror.
Castleton is the only place in the world where the semi-precious stone Blue John, unique to the Peak District and Derbyshire, can be found and there are numerous show caverns to explore
Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton is famous throughout the world for its unique and large deposits of Blue John stone and houses some of the most beautiful cave formations found in the UK.
Some other noteworthy things to do:
If you are looking for Peak District accommodation options, take a look at our guides featuring the best Peak District Hotels, Cottages, or Lodges.
You are in the right place if you are looking for inspiration for your next Peak District walks.
