Peak District in ten
Peak District in ten – Top places and experiences you shouldn’t miss –
Chatsworth Known as the ‘Palace of the Peak’, the historic home of the Dukes of Devonshire and its treasure trove of artworks, superbly landscaped gardens, 1000-acre estate, ever-changing exhibitions and popular annual Country Fair are a must-see. Haddon Hall Once described as ‘the most perfect English house to survive from the Middle Ages, enigmatic and enchanting Haddon Hall is home to the Manners family, with a unique atmosphere that never fails to enchant. Popular filming location, starring in three versions of Jane Eyre. National Trust properties The Peak District includes some of the finest and most varied National Trust properties in the country. Jewels include Eyam Hall (at the heart of the Peak District’s famous ‘Plague Village’), Calke Abbey, Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall, Little Moreton Hall, Lyme Park, Quarry Bank Mill, Shugborough Hall, Sudbury Hall and The Museum of Childhood and Tatton Park. 4 | Peak District Visitor Guide 2014
Peak District National Park
Britain’s first National Park boasts some of Britain’s finest, specially-protected landscapes in an area the size of Greater London. Its rugged gritstone uplands and rolling limestone dales offer endless scope for walking, cycling and a wealth of other outdoor activities. Stunning views Don’t just take our word for it – National Trust chairman Sir Simon Jenkins included no fewer than five of our classic landscapes – Mam Tor to Stanage Edge (also in his top ten), The Roaches, Chatsworth, Dovedale and Kinder Scout - in his book England’s 100 Best Views. We’d add Monsal Dale from Monsal Head and the Monsal Trail and ‘Little Switzerland’ and the Derwent Valley viewed from a cable car in Matlock Bath – but you’ll find your own favourites! Castleton’s caverns Marvel at the largest natural cave mouth in Europe at Peak Cavern, travel by boat to the Bottomless Pit in Speedwell Cavern and see stunning underground rock formations
in Treak Cliff and Blue John Caverns. Castleton is the only place in the world where the semi-precious Blue John stone can be seen – buy a piece to take home! Well Dressing Centuries-old tradition of creating living art installations from petals and other natural materials, unique to the Peak District. Scores of communities celebrate the custom between May and September each year and add to the party atmosphere with carnivals, fetes, flower festivals and other special events. Quirky traditions Nowhere else in the world can you see unusual events such as Ashbourne Shrovetide Football (February), Imbolc Fire Festival at Marsden (February), Castleton Garland Ceremony (May 29), the World Hen Racing Championships at Bonsall, near Matlock (August), the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance (September) or Ilkeston’s Charter Fair, one of the oldest and largest events on its kind in Europe (October). Catch one while you’re here for an experience with a difference!
Bakewell Pudding Try the Peak District’s worldfamous delicacy – a delectable confection first made by accident in the 19th century. Then taste Buxton’s famous natural thermal mineral waters at the town’s St Ann’s Well, opposite the Grade I Crescent, due to re-open as a luxury fivestar spa hotel in 2015. Buxton Opera House Take in a show at the Edwardian gem of a theatre, where it’s tempting to gaze at the exquisite gilded interior rather than watch what’s happening on stage! The programme includes music, comedy, opera and drama, and the Opera House is home to several festivals during the year – including the internationallyrenowned Buxton Festival each July.