What Does the Peak District Have to Offer?

Covering 550 square miles across five counties, the Peak District is one of the UK’s most popular national parks. Think rugged moors, limestone valleys, charming villages and trails for everyone from casual walkers to serious climbers. The Peak District has a lot to offer.

1) Dramatic Landscapes & Walking Routes

The Peak District has two sides: the rugged Dark Peak and the softer, limestone White Peak. Walkers love Kinder Scout, Mam Tor’s ridge, and Chrome Hill — the jagged ‘Dragon’s Back’. There is also the Monsal Trail, once a railway, is now a top route for walkers and cyclists.

2) Heritage & Off‑the‑beaten‑track Gems

Discover Bronze‑Age relics like the Nine Ladies stone circle on Stanton Moor, wander through Lumsdale Valley’s romantic industrial ruins, or delve into Lud’s Church, a mossy chasm with an air of mystery. These are the kind of places you stumble across when you rent a VW campervan and follow your nose.

3) Limestone Dales & River Walks

The White Peak’s signature is its limestone dales—Dovedale stands out, with its iconic stepping stones across the River Dove, rock pillars, caves and ancient woodland. It attracts about a million walkers a year. Nearby Wolfscote and Beresford Dales continue the scenic experience if you’re after something quieter.

4) Historic Estates & Country Houses

No visit is complete without Chatsworth House, the Cavendish family’s ancestral seat. Sprawling over 1,000 acres with formal gardens, art galleries and a farmyard, it’s a full-day affair for lovers of history, gardens and fine interiors. Nearby Haddon Hall (just outside the park) and the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle offer medieval charm and hilltop views.

5) Caves & Hidden Wonders

Explore underground at Peak Cavern in Castleton—the largest natural cave entrance in Britain, amusingly called the ‘Devil’s Arse,’ and tour nearby show caves like Speedwell and Blue John.

6) Peak District Gritstone Edges

The gritstone edges—Stanage, The Roaches and Ramshaw Rocks—are magnets for climbers, walkers and day-trippers.

• Stanage Edge, near Hathersage, is a favourite for climbers and history buffs, with old packhorse trails and Robin Hood’s Cave.
• The Roaches offers sweeping views and a rugged ridge steeped in local legends, from wallabies to Doxey Pool.
• Ramshaw Rocks has striking formations and quieter paths — ideal for boulderers and those avoiding the crowds.

Peak Offerings

Altogether, the Peak District is a rare mix of top‑tier walking, history, geology and countryside charm. Whether you’re after a stroll in flower‑filled dales, gritty climbs, cosy pubs or stately homes, it’s got something unforgettable in store.