Top Things to do in Peak District National Park
Top Hotels in Peak District National Park
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Peak District National Park, England
When it comes to outdoor activities, the Peak District National Park is the whole package. Located in the north of England, the park offers everything from horse riding to rock climbing, windsurfing to paragliding, plus walking trails galore. One trail, Derwent Valley Heritage Way, allows you to take in the area’s open landscape while also showcasing its industrial roots. Discovering hidden underground formations at such spots as Titan Cave (the highest natural cavern in the U.K.) is another popular pastime. Best of all, there are camp- and RV sites throughout so guests can settle into these surroundings.
Restaurants in Peak District National Park
1. Kinder Scout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 290 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 492 reviews
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. Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 756 reviews
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!
4. Chee Dale
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Charlotte_Lottie23 - Derby, United Kingdom
Another beautiful part of the Peak District. Parking was easy to find. Toilets and a cafe, following all COVID-19 rules. Easy to follow path with lots of signs along the way. Lots of opportunities to take some lovely pictures.
5. Mam Tor
6. Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
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 ;)
7. River Wye
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
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.
8. Longshaw Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Longshaw is a beautiful part of the Peak District looked after by the National Trust. From a family day out to a base for serious walkers and cyclists, Longshaw has trails for all abilities and interests. Look out for spectacular wildlife and opportunities for photographers, too.
Reviewed By Charlotte_Lottie23 - Derby, United Kingdom
Another amazing walk in the peaks today. Started off at froggart, into the Longshaw estate, on to padley gorge, owlet hill, surprise view and Bole hill. Spectacular views and something for everyone. Quite technical at times but well worth it. Can’t wait to get out again.
9. Winnat's Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By Chastravelman - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Really stunning views we drove up and down then managed to get parked. We had a really nice walk round and really thought how lucky we are living twenty minutes away from this beautiful place.
10. Ladybower Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 773 reviews
Reviewed By adeytaylor - Ivybridge, United Kingdom
We parked at Fairholmes car park which also houses the visitors center, bike hire (not visited), toilets and drinks/food kiosk. We paid £5 to park for the whole day but I think we could have parked in one of the small car parks close by on the road in for free! The money does go towards the upkeep of the area and I think it's good value. We visited the centre - the lady (Karen) was especially friendly and helpful. We then went for 2 walks - one to the West of the reservoirs and one to the East (both found in Norman Taylor's book - see photo). Excellent walks with amazing views after a climb out of the valley and then back down to Derwent and Ladybower to walk back to the car park. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Paths are well marked and maintained. Suitable walks for all ages.
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