The Peak District National Park, was one of Britains first National Parks and sits in the heart of England mostly in the county of Derbyshire but reaches out to the neighbouring counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. It is a popular holiday spot with visitors that enjoy walking, cycling, caving, rock climbing, paragliding, hang gliding, painting and family holidays.

Buxton is situated in the heart of the Peak District and was once home to Roman settlers and Royal prisoners. Today it hosts a number of events and venues contributing to one of the largest Festival Fringes in England.

If heading south be sure to visit the market towns of Ashbourne and Bakewell, both steeped in history and having their own traditional atmosphere. Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District National Park and famous for its Bakewell Pudding. The ancient five arched bridge is a well known construction for artists to paint and the fine spire of All Saints Church looks down over the town where there are some of the finest houses and buildings to be seen in this part of the Derbyshire Dales.

Ashbourne is an ideal base for visiting the famous Alton Towers. It is home to a variety of shops, especially antique shops and cobbled market place. Don’t forget to sample some Ashbourne Gingerbread or look out for some Derwent Crystal. Both market towns offer a range of guest accommodation as well as a vast choice of eating and drinking establishments.

The High Peak in the north is where you will find the show-caverns (4 underground show caves) in the pretty village of Castleton. Castleton is situated in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District National Park. High above the village is the ruins of Peveril Castle (built by the Normans) and the new Visitor Centre which is also open to the public.

Chatsworth House known as the “Palace of the Peak” is well worth a visit. It is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and lies in 1000 acres of beautiful farmed park land. The house and grounds are open to the public and a visit here will stay with you forever.

There is so much to see and enjoy in the Peak District National Park. It is no wonder visitors return time and time again to sample the local produce, enjoy the friendly hospitality and browse the many antique shops. It makes an ideal holiday spot for any time of the year.

Bed and Breakfast accommodation in The Peak District