Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Peak District, England

April 14, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

Discover the best top things to do in Peak District, United Kingdom including Kinder Scout, Stanage Edge, The Roaches Peak District, Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill, Arbor Low Stone Circle & Gib Hill Barrow, Treak Cliff Cavern, Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail, Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Crich Tramway Village, River Wye.
Restaurants in Peak District

1. Kinder Scout

Peak District National Park England http://www.facebook.com/kinderscoutpeakdistrict
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 290 reviews

Kinder Scout

Reviewed By amdgriggs - Sheffield, United Kingdom

I’ve been walking on and around Kinder for nearly 60 years now and it’s probably my favourite place in England for grand walking, certainly if all the places you can reach easily from Sheffield. It boasts a couple of true classic routes (eg up Grindsbrook from Edale, round the southern edge of the plateau westward to Edale Rocks and then down Jacobs Ladder and via Upper Booth, with options to go up Ringing Roger to start to avoid the Grindsbrook crowds, and to extend by heading north across the plateau to Kinder Gates and Kinder Downfall before heading south along the western edge to Jacobs Ladder) - great walks and spectacular in good weather but also never to be underestimated. Kinder is very different in cold, wet or misty weather - I well remember wintry walks on Kinder with my dad as a child, but also more recent occasions when I’ve marvelled at inexperienced and under-equipped walkers up there in descending mist with no map or compass and only a sketchy idea where they want to be. There’s a reason the Edale Mountain Rescue Team is so busy.... Things have changed in the past few years and much of the popular stretch of the plateau edge from Grindsbrook to Jacobs Ladder is now well-engineered with millstone slabs (to control erosion; the centre of the plateau also has far more vegetation than 60 years ago, thanks to extensive replanting of heather and the construction of hundreds of leaky dams which have prevented the further erosion of many of the peat hags. My favourite sections to walk are now some of the quieter and more remote areas at the eastern or northern ends of the plateau, where there are a surprising number of clear but little-used paths and some wonderful rock outcrops. A great walk is to walk up to Hope Cross (eg from Bagshaw Bridge on the Edale side), up to the plateau and then do as long an anti-clockwise circuit as you have the energy for, cutting across to the south side at one of the narrower points and using your navigation skills. There are also paths across the plateau, most not shown on OS maps but clearly shown on (eg) Open CycleMap, which comes free with the ViewRanger app. There’s another fine walk too from the Snake Inn west up Ashop Clough to Ashop Head, then east along the plateau’s northern edge before descending again off Fairbrook Naze. Kinder gets really popular at weekends and in good weather - good to see, of course, and not surprising too as it’s also the start of the Pennine Way - and it’s always good to know there are quieter parts which are just as dramatic and just as wild: check out the iconic Kinder Gates, or the Madwoman’s Stone. Very highly recommended.

2. Stanage Edge

Peak Park, Hathersage, Peak District National Park England http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/visits/stanage.php
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 492 reviews

Stanage Edge

Reviewed By aashildg

We followed a guide book from Hathersage and it was an amazing walk with a lovely view over the Peak District.

3. The Roaches Peak District

Upper Hulme, Leek ST13 7LX England +44 1782 847409 http://www.roaches.org.uk/
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 462 reviews

The Roaches Peak District

Reviewed By kenhI2641SB - Ipswich, United Kingdom

Visited when staying at the Camping and Caravanning site at Blackshaw Moor near Leek. It was a superb 10 mile round trip hike from the campsite, across country via Lower Blackshaw Farm and Whitty Lane up to Hen Cloud. From there its an excellent north west trek following the Roaches ridge past Doxy Pool to the Trig point before turning back. Superb views of Tittesworth Reservoir. Plenty of places to stop for a picnic with a view. There is limited roadside parking that runs below the Roaches albeit it gets full very quickly. It is worth noting that it is not a bad walk from the reservoir Visitor Centre where there is ample parking, toilets etc.

4. Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill

Castleton, Peak District National Park England +44 7854 024242 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinder-edale-and-the-dark-peak/trails/mam-tor-circular-walk
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 756 reviews

Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill

Reviewed By 677KarenL

Highly recommend this walk in the Peak District - it's a firm favourite. I love the great outdoors and this really is an area of unspoilt natural beauty. Walks for all abilities - simply from the NT car park up to the top of Mam Tor peak to take in the views or to carry on and follow the ridge all along and descend into Castletown for a walk around. It's a stunning walk that I will happily do time and time again!

5. Arbor Low Stone Circle & Gib Hill Barrow

Long Rake Monyash, Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1JS England http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/arbor-low-stone-circle-and-gib-hill-barrow/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=arbor%20low
Excellent
47%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

Arbor Low Stone Circle & Gib Hill Barrow

A prehistoric monument that was started in the Neolithic period, probably between 3,000 and 2,500 BC, consisting of 42 stones in a 40-meter diameter circle.

Reviewed By jacquelinee930

If you expect to see standing stones then this is not for you. However, it was obviously a very important place at some point in the dim and distant past. Although it’s managed by English Heritage it’s located on private land so there is a token £1 charge to enter. Payment is made via an honesty box just before you enter the farmyard. It’s a relatively short walk from the parking area through the farmyard before you turn left and head over 2 fields to the monument. There are a couple of information boards in the area which are worth looking at to get some idea of the importance of the site. The stoned themselves are impressive but so are the views you get from the top of the site. Brown signs make it easy to find from the A515.

6. Treak Cliff Cavern

Buxton Road, Castleton, Peak District National Park S33 8WP England +44 1433 620571 [email protected] http://www.bluejohnstone.com
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 738 reviews

Treak Cliff Cavern

Started as a Blue John mine over 300 years ago, Treak Cliff Cavern continues to mine, process and manufacture ornamental items and jewellery from Blue John Stone today. On the 40 minute guided tour visitors can see the most abundant veins of Blue John Stone in the world and some of the 'finest stalactites' in the Peak District. We also have a shop with a vast array of rocks and minerals from around the world. Visit our free to enter museum and read about the history of the mine and see some beautiful antique Blue John ornaments, after which you can enjoy a slice of Blue John cake and refreshments from our on site cafe while admiring the view down the valley.

Reviewed By Sozlovesholisays - Ipswich, United Kingdom

We managed to nip into the cavern just before a bus of school children arrived. We had a private tour with Lorna, she was such a knowledgeable guide as well as being amusing too. We really enjoyed the whole experience including a lovely cup of tea from the on site cafe. All the staff were so friendly it made it so much more enjoyable.

7. Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail

Peak District National Park England +44 1335 343666 http://www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/tissingtontrail.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 436 reviews

Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail

Reviewed By My-Nayvee

Pleasant stroll in the sun , walking from Parsley Hay to Hartington and back ... nice and level made for a nice amble... Great for walking and cycling alike ... Off down the other way tomorrow ;)

8. Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park

Green Lane, Buxton SK17 9DH England +44 1298 26978 [email protected] http://www.poolescavern.co.uk
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,678 reviews

Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park

Poole’s Cavern is the most spectacular natural cavern in the Peak District. The cavern is famous for the spectacular and unique crystal formations including the longest stalactite formation in the region. Your expert guide will accompany you on a 45 minute journey through chambers once used as shelter and worship by prehistoric to roman visitors. See the cathedral sized main chamber carved from Limestone by an ancient river and follow safe and accessible walkways through beautifully illuminated passages on a journey deep underground. Back above ground browse through our rock and gem shop and view the archaeological discoveries from the cavern in the exhibition. Due to Covid restrictions we have a reduced cafe with take away drinks and snacks for 2020, lots of picnic tables for visitors. Complete your day with a stroll on our country park woodland trails with animal sculptures to find which lead to Solomon's Temple viewpoint at 439m above sea level and views of the Peak District.

Reviewed By 550bridgete - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Great place to visit, we had a very knowledgeable guide,the caves are amazing and are lit really well and with the guides torch you can see a lot, a real gem and well worth a visit

9. Crich Tramway Village

Cromford Road Crich, Matlock DE4 5DP England +44 1773 854321 [email protected] http://www.tramway.co.uk
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,250 reviews

Crich Tramway Village

Crich Tramway Village is a family visitor attraction and home to the National Tramway Museum. Take a trip back in time and ride vintage trams into the open countryside. There's an enchanting Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail, Tearoom, gift shop, children's play area, exhibitions and Workshop Viewing Gallery. We are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Monday 31st August and weekends from 10am until Sunday 1st November 2020. Please check our website for opening times: www.tramway.co.uk and download the Covid-19 Crich Tramway Village Guidelines.

Reviewed By KellyGreen123 - Mytchett, United Kingdom

Lovely day seeing trams, the museum, doing the woodland walks... the memorial hall is not a walk for the faint hearted - it took quite a while!! The views were amazing and the different trams to ride were fantastic Plenty of eateries, pub, tea room, icecream parlour and old fashioned sweetshop, as well as a selection of picnic areas! Loved it! Suitable for all ages, Ps the memorial walk isn't easy with a buggy or wheelchair mind u!

10. River Wye

Monsal Head, Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1NL England
Excellent
57%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

River Wye

Reviewed By Fishker82 - Oxford, United Kingdom

Nice run out to Bakewell in the car from Sheffield on a sunny but cold November Sunday afternoon. Many cafe's and shops were open in accordance with COVID-19 rules (lots of queues outside etc.) but you could get fish and chips, cups of tea, snacks etc with ease. Bought some duck food from a local pet shop and fed the ducks whilst walking down the river. Really nice day.

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