72 Peak District Activities, Attractions & Things To Do

Address: Bakewell DE45 1PP

See website: Chatsworth House

One of the most impressive stately homes in the country and owned by the same family for over 400 years.

The first house on the site was commissioned by the indomitable Bess of Hardwick in 1552. Renovated, rebuilt and redesigned by several of her direct descendants, the only part of the original build to remain unchanged since inception is The Hunting Tower, which looks out over the house and grounds.

Famed for its sumptuous interiors and  artworks, Chatsworth has over 30 rooms open to the public and is a wonderful place to while away a couple of hours.

Chatsworth has also been used as a location for several films and TV series, notably Pride and Prejudice (2005 film) The Duchess (2008 film ) Death Comes to Pemberley (2013 TV drama) and The Wolfman (2010 film).

Address: Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ

See website: Hardwick Hall

‘Old Hardwick Hall’, is one of two grand houses on the same site at Doe Lea near Chesterfield.

When Bess of Hardwick’s final marriage broke down in 1584 she returned to her family estate and began to build, what we refer to as ‘The Old Hall’. Now an empty shell and undergoing conservation work, it still demonstrates the wealth and power Bess commanded.

Before work on the Old Hall was completed, Bess (having inherited a fortune upon the death of her husband, The Earl of Shrewsbury) commissioned architect Robert Smythson to design a new hall along Italian architectural lines. This hall stands today, lavishly decorated with beautiful embroidered panels. An incredible testament to its owners’ fortitude and desire to leave a lasting legacy.

Address: The Estate Office, Haddon Hall, Bakewell DE45 1LA

See website: Haddon Hall

Dating from the 12th century when it was built as a Norman fort, Haddon Hall is a perfectly preserved example of a house surviving practically intact from the middle ages.

Owned by the Vernon family from the 12th century before passing, via marriage, to the Manners in 1567.

Haddon escaped the renovation that so many other medieval buildings were subjected to by the Georgians and Victorians, by dint of the fact that in 1703, having received the title Duke of Rutland, John Manners upped sticks and relocated the family to Belvoir Castle.

Left empty for some 200 years it took the ninth Duke, John Manners, to realise the historical importance of the former family seat and he set about a careful restoration project.

The Manners family still own the hall which retains an air of almost cosy livability missing in many grander stately homes.

Address: Tissington, Ashbourne DE6 1RA

See website: Tissington Hall

Another stately home in the area which can boast having been lived in by the same family since first built.

The Tissington we see today was first built in 1609 by one Francis FitzHerbert, a descendant of a Norman family who lived in nearby Norbury Hall and who acquired Tissington by marriage in 1465. Of course it’s the various additions and changes over the years which have given us the house we see today

Nearby Tissington village (link?) remains wholly owned by the FitzHerbert family, testament to the financial acuity of previous generations who clung onto both land and houses when many others succumbed to the burden of death duties and fiscal impecunity!

Address: Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR

See website: Lyme Hall

Lyme Hall is a gorgeous National Trust owned property on the very edge of the Peak District.

The first record of a house on the site is dated 1465 but the house we see today is built around an L shaped design from the mid 16th century. Subsequent additions and renovations to the exterior and interior ensued, including work in the gardens in the 20th century.

Richard Legh, the last of his family line to live at Lyme Park, gave the house and land to the National Trust in 1946 after it had seen use as an RAF lorry depot during WWII

Lyme Hall is also home to one of the UK’s earliest printed books – the Lyme Caxton Missal, which contains the most popular version of the Mass used in England before the Reformation. The book is the only (nearly) complete copy of the earliest edition dated 1487 and it is on display to visitors.

The hall is set in substantial grounds and gardens making it an ideal place for a full day visit.

Address: Market Pl, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WQ

See website: Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle sits high above the village of Castleton. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it is one of England’s oldest Norman castles having first been established soon after the conquest in 1066. William Peveril (Peverel) after whom the castle was named, was a favourite of William the Conqueror and was awarded large amounts of land (called ‘manors’) in recognition of his service.

Peveril Castle’s elevated position was chosen so that a close eye could be kept over the surrounding valleys and hills, as the area contained rich hunting grounds, as well as lead and silver mines.

Never really intended for defensive purposes, the castle gradually fell into disrepair and by the 16th century was largely abandoned, only the keep remained virtually intact. It took the advent of hiking as a leisure activity to rekindle the interest of the public. The site is now protected by English Heritage and is well worth a visit.

Address: Long Rake, Monyash, Derbyshire DE45 1JS

See website: Arbor Low

Arbor Low is a neolithic stone circle near Monyash. Sometimes referred to as the Stonehenge of the north, it is actually more similar to the stone circle of Avebury, and is the most significant prehistoric monument in the Peak District. Sadly none of the 50 odd stones remain upright, but you can still sense the mystery and grandeur of the site and imagine how it must have looked when first constructed.

The circle itself forms part of a larger complex which includes a ditch and massive raised earthworks. A ‘round barrow’ burial chamber on nearby Gib Hill, in itself an impressive testament to our bronze age ancestors’ construction skills.

Address: Lees Rd, Stanton in Peak, Matlock DE4 2LS

See website: Nine Ladies Stone Circle

Nine Ladies stone circle lies just outside of Stanton in the Peak near Bakewell. Despite the name, there are actually ten stones in the circle, nine of which are still upright, the tenth having only been rediscovered in 1977. 40 metres to the west of the circle lies the King Stone measuring 1.22m, although only about 50cm of the stone is visible at the surface leaning at an angle towards the south-east. There is no strong archaeological evidence linking the circle to the King Stone, other than their proximity.

It’s a peaceful place to visit, surrounded by trees, where you can feel cut off from the 21st century – at least for a while!

Address: Eyam, Hope Valley S32 5QW

See website: Eyam Village

In many ways Eyam is just another pretty Peak DIstrict village, with pretty stone built cottages; some dating back to the 1600s; a fine church and a couple of lovely tea-rooms. Looks however can be deceptive because this particular village holds a dark secret…

The Black Death (aka bubonic plague) stalked the village from 1665 to 1667, imported along with cloth from London. In a display of unity that is hard to imagine in these days of ‘self first’, the entire village quarantined themselves to prevent the spread of the disease to other villages and towns.

A total of 260 villagers died in the epidemic, out of a population assumed to be around 800. Entire families were wiped out. But they succeeded in preventing the spread of plague and thus saved potentially thousands of lives.

Several houses in Eyam carry plaques noting the occupants at the time of the quarantine and it makes for a fascinating, yet sad, tour around the village. The local museum is also well worth a visit.

Address: Tissington, Ashbourne DE6 1RA

See website: Tissington Village

Tissington is one of the prettiest villages in the Peak District, complete with a duck pond and village green. The stone houses, mainly dating from the mid 1800s but deliberately built in the earlier style local to the area, sit beautifully in the landscape.

St Mary’s Church, originating in the 1200s but heavily rebuilt 700 years later, looks over the village from its position opposite Tissington Hall. The walls in the church tower are 1.2ms (4 feet) thick and the Norman font is still in use. It is believed that the existing site of the church was considered a place of worship right back to Celtic times.

Owned by the FitzHerbert family since 1465, Tissington actually has a more ancient past and is recorded in the Domesday book of 1086 as ‘Tizinctun’.

Address: 158 Bakewell Rd, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2EB

See website: Caudwell’s Mill

There has been a working mill on this site in Rowsley for hundreds of years, it’s spot on the river Wye not far from the where it joins the Derwent, making it an ideal location for water powered machinery.

The existing mill dates only to the 1870s but is one of the few remaining operational flour mills from that era. You can see the mill in action as you tour the 4 floors, although flour is no longer milled on site.

Address: Heage Windmill, Chesterfield Rd, Belper DE56 2BH

See website: Heage Windmill

Heage village, in between Belper and Ripley, is the site of the six sailed Heage Windmill. Perched on a hill overlooking the village, the windmill was constructed in the late 1790s on an outcrop of ironstone which was quarried as part of the excavation work. Originally only four sails were included, and it wasn’t until the 1890s that six sails were installed following a violent storm when the cap and all four sails were blown away.

The windmill continued in operation until 1919 when, once again it was damaged and the owners decided not to rebuild.

The restoration of the windmill began in the 1970s, initially just to secure the structure but latterly to restore it to full working condition after close to £450,000 was raised in the late 1990s.

Address: Mill Rd, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3RQ

See website: Cromford Mills

Cromford Mill is the home of the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill. Built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright it remained operational until the mid 1800s when problems with the water pressure began to limit the fabric production.

Arkwright was one of the first factory owners to provide housing for his workers and a large part of the village of Cromford was developed to house the mill workers.

The entire site is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and is free to enter. Facilities include a visitor centre, managed workspace, two restaurants, several meeting rooms, office accommodation, galleries and several shops.

Address: World Heritage Site along the River Derwent in Derbyshire

See website: Derwent Valley Mills

The Derwent Valley has, rightfully, been tagged the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Spanning 24kms and encompassing Cromford, Belper, Milford and Darley Abbey, the area saw the first large scale factory developments in the world where cotton and silk were spun on an industrial scale using water powered machinery.

When the cotton industry moved largely to Lancashire; due to its closer proximity to the docks of Liverpool and thus the supply of raw materials; the mills of the Derwent Valley were left largely untouched, missing out on the urbanisation of the later industrial revolution. This allows us to see the renovated buildings in more or less the same rural surroundings as they were built.

Address: 196 S Parade, Matlock DE4 3NR

See website: Peak District Mining Museum

Address: Terrace Rd, Buxton SK17 6DA

See website: Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Located in the centre of Buxton, just off the A515, the museum boasts that its collections cover 360million years of Peak District history. Amongst the items held there are animal bones and teeth from the Pleistocene (Ice Age) period which have been found in various caves and quarries. You will also find fossils and an extensive mineral collection, including the famed Blue John from Castleton.

In addition to its regular collections, the museum also hosts ever changing exhibitions.

Address: Cunningham Pl, Bakewell DE45 1DD

See website: The Old House

The museum is housed in a building dating back to the Tudor period , originally a tax inspectors cottage and then extended into a ‘gentleman’s’ residence in Elizabethan times. Later still Sir Richard Arkwright converted it to mill workers cottages.

The collection can be best described as an eclectic mix of Derbyshire ephemera but it’s definitely worth a visit when you’re in Bakewell.

Address: Crich, Matlock DE4 5DP

See website: Crich Tramway Village

Crich, a small village just outside the south-eastern corner of the Peak National Park, is home to the National Tramway museum with around 60 trams built between 1873 and 1982.

A ‘period’ village has been created on site through which the trams run. The recreated village contains a working pub, period style tearoom and sweet shop. Also on the site, a former quarry, you will find a woodland walk and sculpture trail and there is a picnic area with amazing views over the Amber Valley.

Address: Hawkhill Rd, Eyam, Hope Valley S32 5QP

See website: Eyam Museum

Situated just outside the centre of the village, and right opposite the main car park, you will find Eyam’s museum which, uniquely, was created and is run by the villagers themselves. Proud of their history as ‘the plague village’ they share the full story of the dreadful events of 1665-67 as well as showing the development of the village in more recent times.

You will find artefacts dating to prehistoric times as well as mining artefacts and tools connected to the shoe and silk making industries. The museum also houses an exhibition of 17th century medicine, and an array of early medical instruments as well as a collection of mineral’s, rocks and fossils.

Address: Green Ln, Buxton SK17 9DH

See website: Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park

On the edge of Buxton you will find Pooles Cavern, a 2million year old natural limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. A visitor attraction for hundreds of years, Mary Queen of Scots is alleged to have visited the cave in 1582 whilst under house arrest in Derbyshire.

A guided tour of the cave system lasts about 50 mins, it’s cool (a constant 7℃) and can be wet in places, so dress accordingly.

Address: Winnats Pass, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WA

See website: Speedwell Cavern

At the very edge of Castleton, by Winnats Pass is Speedwell Cavern. Originally a lead mine dating back to the 1770s, entrance to the cave system is via 105 steep steps which lead to the original passageway (or adit) created by those 18th century miners. This is where the fun really starts! The passage is now permanently flooded so one now needs to board a boat in order to reach the cavern itself.

As the boat (engine powered these days) glides along the passageway it splits in two so that oncoming boats can pass. A little further on and you enter the huge cavern, complete with it’s “Bottomless Pit” – an enormous underground lake.

Address: Peak Cavern Road, Hope Valley S33 8WS

See website: Peak Cavern

Known locally as ‘The Devil’s Arse’ the cavern is located in a deep natural gorge below Peveril Castle. The huge entrance chamber is the biggest natural cave entrance in the UK and for 400 years an entire community lived in that space making rope for the local lead miners. The remains of this village are still visible.

A guided tour lasts around an hour and although there is a lot of walking, it is in the main, on fairly level ground.

Address: Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WP

See website: Treak Cliff Cavern

With a museum, cafe and visitor centre on site, Treak Cliff is an excellent place to spend a few hours. Self guided tours of this cave system in Castleton are available, using the audio on your own smartphone, and will take around 50 mins. Be aware that the ground is always wet and it is chilly in there and that there are lots of steps

Treak Cliff is famed for its Blue John deposits, a mineral found only in Castleton, and you can see veins of the mineral as you walk through the cave system.

Treak Cliff contains more than stalactites, stalagmites and Blue John however! The caves are also home to three species of bats and a colony of Orb Weaver spiders!

Address: Cross St, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WH

See website: Blue John Cavern

Famous for the Blue John deposits after which this cave system is named, the Blue John Cavern is found near the base of Mam Tor. Eight of the fifteen known varieties of the mineral are found in these.

Guided tours run frequently and last about 45 mins. 245 steps into (and obviously out!) mean that this may not be a suitable visit for anyone with mobility issues. Once in the caves highlights are, the Waterfall Cavern with its stalactites which resemble a cascade of water; Lord Mulgrave’s Dining Room, a cavern created by a whirlpool formed at the convergence of two underground rivers, and named because the aforementioned Lord is said to have treated miners to a meal in the spot; and the Variegated Chamber, some 200 metres high and with multi-coloured markings on the walls.

Address: Chatsworth House, Bakewell DE45 1PP

See website: Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground

If you’re looking for something to entertain your little ones, then Chatsworth’s Farmyard and Adventure Playground could be the perfect place.

The working farmyard has daily milking demonstrations and in the Oak Barn children can handle and stroke, chicks, goat kids and lambs (at the right time of year of course.)

To tire them out even more, head to the Adventure Playground where the rope swings, slides, climbing walls and trampolines should wear out even the most energetic child (eventually!).

Address: Dale Rd, Matlock DE4 3NT

See website: Heights of Abraham

Cable cars more reminiscent of Switzerland, than Derbyshire? Why not?

High above picturesque Matlock Bath, looking itself more like a seaside town than a Peak District village, you will find The Heights Of Abraham park and caverns atop Masson Hill. To get there requires a trip in one of the aforementioned cable cars, or a long walk up a steep path.

Once at the top (and enroute if in one of the cable cars) you will have a spectacular view out over the Derbyshire countryside. The park itself covers 60 acres and includes children’s playgrounds, two show caverns (guided tours) and plenty of space to walk and picnic. A restaurant, cafe and a licenced bar are also available as well as several interactive spaces where you can find out about the history of the attraction.

Address: Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG

See website: Gulliver’s Kingdom

A theme park, complete with adrenaline inducing rides and safe play areas aimed at families with younger children. Located in Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Kingdom was first opened in 1978 and is still going strong.

If you’ve ever taken young children to a theme park only to have them turned away from rides due to their height (or rather lack thereof), then Gulliver’s Kingdom will make a refreshing change. Specifically aimed at kids between the ages of 2 and 13 there’s plenty for them to do as well as a choice of eateries.

Oh and, did someone mention dinosaurs? Take a ride on a Dino Car to Dinosaur Kingdom – if you dare.

Address: Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB

See website: Alton Towers

Over the border in Staffordshire is where you will find Alton Towers. Loads of rides and attractions suitable for all the family – although the littlest children will probably not want to stray far from CBeebies Land.

Bigger kids (and adults) have a choice of over 40 rides and attractions to enjoy, ranging from the frankly terrifying Oblivion to the ‘guaranteed to get you soaked to the skin’ Congo River Rapids.

With plenty of places to eat and drink as well as so much to do, Alton Towers is a full day out.

Address: Matlock Station Station Yard, Matlock DE4 3NA

See website: Peak Rail

Lovers of steam engines and the golden age of rail travel will relish a visit to Peak Rail near Matlock. The small section of line is part of what was the Midland Railway route linking Derby and Manchester

There are three stations on the stretch of line, Rowsley, Darley Dale and Matlock and you are free to get off and on the train in order to visit each one. Rowsley is the best place to start your visit as there is car parking for up to 200 cars, plus The Buffet serving hot food/drinks. Wheelchair access is available from this station. You’ll also find a souvenir shop and picnic area there.

Darley Dale station has a museum dedicated to the railway as well as a picnic area, whilst Matlock has a small gift shop.

Address: Winkhill, Leek ST13 7QR

See website: Peak Wildlife Park

Peak Wildlife Park is a small zoo situated near Leek, you won’t find ‘lions and tigers and bears’ but you will see lemurs, wallabies and penguins.

Indoor and outdoor play areas, the latter with a bouncy castle, picnic areas and a cafe are on site. The park itself has been designed as a ‘walk through’ and the paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs/prams, making it accessible for everyone.

Address: Water St, Buxton SK17 6XN

See website: Buxton Opera House

A stunning Grade II listed building, Buxton Opera House was opened in 1903. Seating abound 900 people, nowadays it is more likely to host a rock or pop concert as an opera.

A natural spring (Buxton is famed for its waters after all) runs under the building and it has apparently been known for members of the orchestra to perform in wellies…just in case!

Address: Jaggers Ln, Matlock DE4 5LH

See website: Matlock Farm Park

Matlock Farm Park with its animals, outdoor activities, play areas and a cafe is a great day out for families with young children.

There are farm animals like pigs, sheep and goats, plus animals from slightly warmer climes, such as meerkats and wallabies. At set times during the day visitors are allowed to feed and handle some of the small animals.

An indoor play barn, toddler outdoor play area, adventure playground for older children and a small go-kart track complete the attractions.

Address: Bakewell DE45 1PP

See website: Chatsworth House

If the grand house at Chatsworth is not your cup of tea, maybe the fantastic gardens would be more up your street,

105 acres of landscaping is the result of nearly 500 years of cultivation, and numerous changes in design and layout. Wander around the kitchen garden and the sensory garden or explore hidden ponds, grottos. Maps are available online to guide you through the grounds.

Hard to miss is the Emperor Fountain as it jets a spray of water 60m into the sky, and the amazingly beautiful Cascade.

Address: St John’s Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE

See website: The Pavilion Gardens

One of the most impressive stately homes in the country and owned by the same family for over 400 years.

The first house on the site was commissioned by the indomitable Bess of Hardwick in 1552. Renovated, rebuilt and redesigned by several of her direct descendants, the only part of the original build to remain unchanged since inception is The Hunting Tower, which looks out over the house and grounds.

Famed for its sumptuous interiors and  artworks, Chatsworth has over 30 rooms open to the public and is a wonderful place to while away a couple of hours.

Chatsworth has also been used as a location for several films and TV series, notably Pride and Prejudice (2005 film) The Duchess (2008 film ) Death Comes to Pemberley (2013 TV drama) and The Wolfman (2010 film).

Address: The Crescent, Buxton SK17 6BH

See website: Buxton Crescent Heritage Experiences

Looking remarkably like the Royal Crescent in Bath, Buxton Crescent is a Grade II listed building which has just been fully renovated and restored.

Originally built for the 5th Duke of Devonshire who wanted Buxton to become a fashionable spa town, the Crescent has now been transformed into a 5 star hotel. Offering a range of spa treatments utilising the natural Buxton water, William Cavendish would probably be delighted to see his vision reimagined several centuries after his death.

Address: Hassop Station, Hassop Rd, Bakewell DE45 1NW

See website: Hassop Station Cafe and Monsal Trail Cycle Hire

‘Not just a cafe’ should be the sub-heading here. Sited in the old station house on what was part of a Midland Railway line’s extension from Rowsley, the cafe is well known locally for its delicious home cooked food.

The old station building also contains a book and gift shop, and cycle hire is available to enable visitors to ride the Monsal trail

Address: Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1ST

See website: Carsington Water

Address: Fairholmes, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ

See website: Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs

Over in the Upper Derwent Valley are a series of three reservoirs, each worthy of a visit, and each offering something a little different. The scenery is stunning at all three sites.

Ladybower is the largest (it took two years to fill), newest, and lowest, of the three. Built between 1935 and 1943 its construction resulted in the demise of two villages – Ashopton and Derwent. It’s circular overflow, which resembles a plug hole, is much photographed.

Higher up the valley, and a little more remote are the Howden and Derwent reservoirs, fed by the River Ashop. These two reservoirs are where the ‘Dambusters’ practiced for their mission to the Ruhr during World War II, and the 1945 movie ‘Dambusters’ was filmed here.

Address: Longshaw, Sheffield S11 7TZ

See website: Longshaw Estate

The Longshaw Estate is a National Trust managed area of woodland and moorland. Annual sheepdog trials have been held here since 1898, making them the oldest established trials in England.

With a visitor centre, coffee shop and a learning facility called the Moorland Discovery Centre, it’s a ‘get back to nature’ kind of day out.

Address: Ringinglow Road, Hathersage, Derbyshire, S32 1BR

See website: Stanage Edge

If remote, rugged landscapes and amazing views are your thing, head to Stanage Edge, just north of Hathersage.

A favourite spot for both climbers and walkers alike it does get very busy during the summer months and the small car park quickly fills up. Sunsets and sunrises can be spectacular, and the scenery is stunning all year round – so take your camera.

Address: Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire

See website: Mam Tor

Mam Tor, meaning ‘mother hill’ because frequent landslips on the eastern side have resulted in lots of ‘mini hills’. It is also known locally as ‘the shivering mountain’ due to these frequent landslips.  At 517m Mam Tor definitely falls more into the hill category than mountain, but either way it is a very recognisable landmark and worth a visit.

If you reach the top you will be rewarded with 360° views over both the Dark and White Peaks. Mam Tor is also the site of an Iron Age hill fort.

There is parking at the bottom of the hill.

Address: Nr Gradbach, Quarnford, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 0SU

See website: Lud’s Church

Address: Northfield Farm, New Rd, Flash, Buxton SK17 0SW

See website: Northfield Farm Riding and Trekking Centre

If you’re a lover of all things equine and would like to see some of the area from horseback, then head to Northfield Farm near Buxton. They offer a selection of guided pony treks from 1 to 4 hours duration and suitable for all riding abilities and experience.

There is a minimum age of 8 however, unless your little one has had previous riding lessons.

Address: Jaggers Ln, Matlock DE4 5LH

See website: Matlock Farm Park

In addition to its other facilities, Matlock Farm Park offers children the opportunity to try out a spot of pony riding. Lessons or mini treks (within the confines of the park) range from between 30 min to 2 hours in duration.

If your child is horse obsessed, but has no inkling of the work involved in caring for one, there is also a full day ‘own a pony’ option!

Address: Lea Mills, Lea Bridge, Matlock DE4 5AG

See website: John Smedley Mill Shop

Knitwear designer and manufacturer, John Smedley, has a factory outlet shop at its site in Lea Bridge, Matlock. Offering up to a 70% reduction on RRP, if you’re a fan of their designs, it is well worth a visit.

Address: B158 Bakewell Rd, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2EB

See website: Cauldwell’s Mill Craft Centre

No visit to Cauldwell’s Mill would be complete without coffee and cake in the beautifully constructed cafe, which has stunning views out to the river. Caudwells Gift and Homeware Shop, housed in a huge 1906 constructed wooden building, has plenty of goods to peruse, including Blue John jewellery.

Also on site are several artisan makers, including a glass artist, a blacksmith, stonemason, upholsterer and a silversmith.

Address: The Round Building, Leadmill, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1BA

See website: David Mellor

If you are looking for stylish kitchen equipment or designer cutlery, head out to the David Mellor Design shop just outside Hathersage. Their cutlery is made on site in the famous ‘Round Building’ and tours are available. There is also an excellent cafe and design museum.

Address: Chatsworth Rd, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2JE

See website: Peak Shopping Village

With a number of shops, and a cafe, Peak Shopping Village is in Rowsley, not far from Bakewell. There is a large, free, carpark.

Address: Pilsley, Bakewell DE45 1UF

See website: Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Not actually in the grounds of the estate, but not far away at Pilsley, The Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop is a delight for all foodies. Browse the fresh fruit and vegetables, choose a delicious pork pie, sausage roll or selection on cold meats from the deli counter, and feel your mouth watering as you peruse the patisserie section. There is also a butchery section selling locally farmed meats.