Sandwiched in between the mighty northern cities of Manchester and Sheffield in England you'll find the tranquil Peak District National Park. Covering 555 square miles, green and rolling hills straddle five counties to create the perfect space to escape from the urban grind.
The Peak District is a great destination for a wide range of activities for everyone from picturesque hiking trails to relaxing spa days. Here are some ideas to get you started when planning and preparing for a trip around England's central national park.
Hike yourself happy
Many visitors head to the Peak District to enjoy its hundreds of miles of walking and hiking trails. Despite the name, the area doesn't have any really pointy "peaks" to conquer but mostly consists of rolling hills and valleys. The highest point in the park sits at just over 2,000 feet above sea level. That said, there are still some pretty challenging trails to tackle for advanced walkers including a trail over the peak of Kinder Scout with a steep climb and descent. The park is also crossed by many national and international walking trails including the Pennine Way and Trans Pennine Way running from coast to coast. You could even follow the E8 European trail over 2,500 miles down to Turkey!
For maps and details check out the official park website or call into one of the friendly visitor centers throughout the park.
Great local food
Another lovely aspect of the Peak District is the fact that you're never far away from some great local food. Make sure you stop off at one of the many local pubs to enjoy some hearty British favorites like Sunday roast or a steak and ale pie. You'll also find a great selection of local and national award-winning ales available on tap, the perfect reward after a thirsty hike. The Knight's Table between Buxton and Leek serves up some great traditional British dishes. The top spots for food get booked out at weekends and in peak season so make sure you call ahead to secure a table.
Also be sure to try one of the famous Bakewell Puddings in the quaint market town of Bakewell. The puddings are made to a secret recipe dating back to the 1860s featuring eggs, almonds, puff pastry and jam.
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Cozy places to stay
The Peak District is scattered with some really stunning and unique places to stay - as a quick search on AirBnB will reveal. Many farm buildings and old cottages have been converted into modern, cozy accommodation, meaning you can stay at the heart of the beautiful local scenery in comfort. Check out Anroach Farm close to the town of Leek as a prime example. The thick stone walls of this former farm building make the perfect shelter from the elements and the hosts will even provide a fresh "breakfast hamper" for you to wake up to.
Pretend you're in a period costume drama
No visit to the Peak District is complete without a stroll around the stunning rooms and gardens of Chatsworth House. Set in an idyllic location on the banks of the River Derwent, the current house dates back to 1560 in parts and is today home to priceless collection of art, books and other artifacts. The gardens, at over 100 hectares, have developed over five centuries and are a great place for children to explore. With stunning views in all directions, it's the perfect place to bring your own picnic and relax on the grand lawn in front of the main house.
Chatsworth House is mentioned as one of the estates Elizabeth Bennet visits in the Jane Austen novel "Pride and Prejudice." So it's no surprise it was used as a filming location in the 2005 movie adaptation and a the 2013 BBC drama "Death Comes to Pemberley."
Have some 'me time'
Originally founded by the Romans, Buxton is another of the Peak District's picturesque market towns, which became a big draw in Victorian times for the alleged healing properties of its natural spring waters. The geothermal spring water makes its way to the surface at a constant 28 degrees C and is piped up to the public St Ann's Well in the town center. Make sure you stop by to drink some of the mineral goodness.
After all that exploring, you might need a little bit of relaxation so head inside the recently restored Buxton Crescent building for a soothing dip into the thermal waters. There's a full range of spa packages available if you really want to indulge yourself! Whatever you get up to in the Peak District, you'll be glad you visited this stunning, yet often overlooked national park in England.
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