Just a stone’s throw away
HOPE VALLEY FROM STANAGE EDGE Sunshine streams through the clouds to light up one of the Peak District’s most familiar landscapes
We’re well connected Located at the centre of the UK, the Peak District has excellent rail, bus and air links and is within easy reach of the country’s main motorway network. The train from London St Pancras International reaches Derby in just 91 minutes. Other mainline rail stations include Sheffield, Chesterfield, Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent. And regular services on branch lines to towns like Buxton, Glossop and Matlock take you even deeper
into the heart of the area – so you can let the train take the strain and leave your car at home. We’re just a short hop from four UK airports – Manchester, Robin Hood, East Midlands and Birmingham. And when you arrive here, you’ll find that our comprehensive public transport network and special travel deals will keep you on the right track. Check www.visitpeakdistrict.com/ peakconnections for full details
MAIN IMAGE: CHRIS CHARLESWORTH
ONE DESTINATION, MANY TREASURES TO EXPLORE
Leeds Manchester
Sheffield
Macclesfield Stoke-on-Trent
Chesterfield Derby
Edale from Mam Tor
Masson Mill, Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site
Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in Europe - around one third lies in the Peak District. Famous for, and proud of, its industrial heritage, the city boasts quality museums and attractions, top class shopping, award winning sports facilities and international live entertainment.
Nottingham
Birmingham
Shining Tor, Cheshire
Market Place and Waterfall, Derby
London
The Peak District’s Historic Border Country spans the busy market town of Chesterfield and its Crooked Spire, Bolsover and its fairytale Castle, and the scenic countryside of North East Derbyshire.
From pre-historic Creswell Crags to Elizabethan Hardwick Hall, the area includes outstanding attractions and pretty villages for all the family to enjoy. Amber Valley lies within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, cradle of the Industrial Revolution. It includes gems such as award-winning Crich Tramway Village and six-sailed, working Heage Windmill. The charming historical town of Belper, delightful villages and gently rolling countryside add to its appeal. Derby is the area’s southern gateway. With its chic Cathedral Quarter and Westfield Derby, it’s a fashionable place to shop and eat. Free museums, vibrant nightlife and great places to stay make Derby a popular choice for city breaks. It’s an excellent base for exploring theme parks, country houses and spectacular scenery.
Cheshire encompasses both peaks and plains, where you’ll find bracing walks, beautiful gardens, historic houses, stylish restaurants, gastro pubs and picturesque country inns. Come face to face with cutting-edge science at Jodrell Bank, or escape to one of the UK’s most complete historic estates at Tatton Park. The Staffordshire Peak District is home to Britain’s premier theme resort, Alton Towers. Enjoy the great outdoors at The Roaches, Dovedale, Manifold Valley or Churnet Valley. Discover sleepy villages Ilam, Longnor and Ellastone, bustling market towns Leek, Cheadle and Uttoxeter or the world capital of ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent.
IF YOU WANT TO BRANCH OUT
The Roaches, Staffordshire
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Derbyshire presents ‘England’s Golden Triangle’, encompassing many of the finest, specially-protected landscapes and wildlife of the Peak District National Park. Here – in an area bounded by Buxton, Edale and Bakewell – you’ll find some of the most beautiful countryside and man-made treasures in Britain. Step further south to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the famous Derbyshire limestone dales.
Chesterfield’s famous crooked spire
The National Forest offers wonderful woodland walks, sun dappled glades, sparkling lakes, fantastic festivals such as The National Forest Wood Fair, fascinating historic houses and fabulous activities for all the family. Highlights include Conkers, the National Brewery Centre, the National Memorial Arboretum and Calke Abbey. Turn over a new leaf, get fit and have fun at the National Forest Cycle Centre. www.nationalforest.co.uk
More to explore online www.visitpeakdistrict.com Visitor Guide 2012
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