The Peak District is a go-to destination for hikers, with its picture-perfect rolling hills and rugged moorlands. An enchanting world of adventure awaits in these sweeping landscapes. Beyond the hiking spots and rocky landmarks, however, there are many other fantastic tourist attractions to discover. From grand stately homes to dark and mysterious caverns, these are some of the best places to visit in the Peak District.
(Quick heads up: If you want to discover my recommendations for the best walks and hikes in the Peaks, see my previous blog here!
In this article, I’m going to focus on some of the top visitor attractions in this gorgeous National Park. Put simply, these are some of the best places to visit in the Peak District. Add these to your itinerary and you can be sure of a brilliant day out!
If you fancy going underground, the northern Peak District has some wonderful caverns and caves. Peak Cavern, also known as The Devil’s Arse, has the largest cave entrance in Britain! It earned its humorous nickname from the rope-makers who worked at its entrance for centuries. You can book an hour-long tour here to discover how rope was made for lead miners. The cavern is a fascinating place to explore, although it gets pretty chilly so you’ll need to wrap up warm! As well as being a great destination for underground adventures, the cavern is also a cracking live music venue! Imagine if the Beatles had played here – a genuine cavern, unlike their famous Liverpool haunt!
The sparkling waters of Derwent Reservoir are quite a sight to see. As well as being a beautiful jewel in the northern part of the Peaks, this reservoir has historical significance! During the Second World War, Derwent Dam was used as a practice location for the famous Dambusters Raid. RAF pilots flew secret training missions here in 1943, which is difficult to imagine as it’s so peaceful now! There are well-signed walks around the reservoir, taking in the historic dam and a monument to the Dambusters. Definitely one of the best places to visit in the Peak District, whether you’re interested in military history or just fancy admiring the beautiful scenery!
Bakewell is an idyllic town on the banks of the River Wye in the eastern part of the Peaks. It’s often seen as the unofficial capital of the entire National Park! This picturesque market town of stone cottages and cobbled lanes has so much character and charm. There’s a medieval five-arched stone bridge, which makes for some beautiful photographs. If you’re feeling peckish, get an authentic Bakewell tart here at Bloomers or The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop! The town is alive with bustling markets and independent shops and cafes. If you’re a Jane Austen fan, it’s widely believed that Bakewell was the inspiration for the fictional town of Lambton in Pride & Prejudice!
For stunning views over the Derwent Valley, look no further than the Heights of Abraham. One of Derbyshire’s oldest tourist attractions, this 60-acre hilltop park has been welcoming visitors since 1787. Reached by cable car from Matlock Bath, you’ll enjoy giddy heights as well as underground wonders! You can book guided tours to explore the two illuminated show caverns here. There are viewing platforms around the estate offering awe-inspiring views over the valley.
There’s grandeur galore at Chatsworth House, which has been home to the Cavendish family for over 450 years. Movie buffs will be in their element as it was a filming location for the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley! It served as the posh residence of Mr Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen. Inside, the stately home has lavish rooms brimming with artwork spanning 4,000 years. Outside, the house has 105 acres of lovely gardens to explore, and beyond that, there’s more than 1,000 acres of parkland. A real jewel of the Peaks.
Next on the list of best places to visit in the Peak District is the historic spa town of Buxton. This is one you definitely don’t want to miss! Buxton sits on the edge of the Peak District and is famous for its thermal spa waters. Bring your camera with you because there’s some lovely Georgian and Victorian architecture to admire, including Buxton Opera House and the Buxton Crescent. As well as being home to a host of local boutiques, restaurants and bars, Buxton has a thriving festival scene. It’s a brilliant destination for music and theatre lovers!
Nestling among 168 acres of Staffordshire moorland, Rudyard Lake is one of the best places to visit in the Peak District – especially if you’re into watersports. Whether you fancy sailing, canoeing or paddleboarding, you can do it all here! The attraction, situated near the town of Leek, also has numerous hiking and cycling trails. You can even take a ride on a miniature steam train! Here’s an interesting fact – the famous author Rudyard Kipling owes his name to this beautiful lake. It’s where his parents first met in 1863!
Don’t miss Peak Wildlife Park if you’re an animal lover, it’s an absolute must! It’s a chance to get up close and personal with lemurs, penguins, wallabies, and many more. The park is even home to polar bears! This is a perfect place for a family day out, with indoor and outdoor play areas and a bouncy castle to entertain the kids. There are plenty of picnic spots as well as a café and gift shop.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog, in which I’ve cherry-picked 8 of the best places to visit in the Peak District. However, with this magnificent National Park stretching into six counties, there’s always more to see and do. That’s why it’s the perfect destination for an epic road trip, not just the occasional day out or weekend away! If you want to discover more gems, then check out my Road Trip Peak District guidebook here! It’s packed with must-see attractions, itineraries, travel tips and more to ensure your visit to the Peaks is one to remember!
I’m Rob – a UK best-selling travel author, founder of No Fuss Travel Guides, and passionate about making travel simple and inspiring.
My first book, North Coast 500 – The Road Trip of a Lifetime (2022), became an Amazon best-seller and led to collaborations with Visit Wales and features inThe Sunday Times and The Guardian’s “Best of Travel”.
I also speak regularly at industry events, sharing insights on road trips, independent travel, and authentic experiences.
I’m a keen traveller and proud collie dog lover.
I hope you find value in my blogs and videos — and if you’ve got a question, just ask.
👉 Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest tips and updates.
Rob – Staffordshire, UK
