What to do and see in Hope Valley, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Find out about Bubonic Plague in the Peak District village where it killed over a third of the population in 1665- 1666. Learn about the black rats, the fleas that carried the disease, and see the stories of the families it affected. Understand how the village recovered afterwards.

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.

The David Mellor Cutlery Factory, Design Museum, Country Shop and Cafe - all on the same site. Just outside Hathersage in one of the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire, they provide a uniquely stimulating and enjoyable day out in the Peak District National Park.

A Place, A People and A Passion Eyam is a place of pilgrimage where Christians have worshipped for 1,000 years and is currently the destination of the Peak Pilgrimage walk (please see website). The church building displays the inspirational story of the historical reality of the plague in 1665-66 and a community willingly sacrificing themselves for the sake of others. This continues to motivate the church family that meets in Eyam to this day. It also bears witness to another act of great sacrifice: the Christian message that God so loved his world that he gave his son Jesus Christ to die upon the cross. [Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)] This is a historic church with much to see. Enjoy the murals of the tribes of Israel, the plague window, the plague register, Mompesson’s pulpit and chair, the Saxon font, sundial, Celtic Cross, graveyard and many other features. Nevertheless Eyam Church is not a museum looking to the past but a living, vibrant and modern worshipping church community where God is active today. It is a church of all ages, looking to serve the God of the Bible on Sundays and during the week. It has a strong commitment to youth work and families; a church with a heart for God and a heart for our community. The church is open daily and has a book and information stall. School trips by prior arrangement.

Located in Edale, this flagship centre of the Moors for the Future Partnership provides a national focus for moorland research and an inspirational experience for visitors to the Peak District National Park. The Moorland Centre's design reflect its upland setting. It has a living roof of sedum turf which acts as an eco-friendly insulator, and the building is fuelled by an energy saving ground-source heat pump. Edale is at the start of the Pennine Way and our experienced team are here to help you make the most of your visit to this spectacular area.

This cave was also known as "The Devil's Arse" by the rope-makers that worked at its entrance for centuries.

Speedwell Cavern is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of Castleton. You go down 106 steps and board a boat that takes you through the workings of a 230 year old lead mine. Your guide recounts what it must have been like to carve out these tunnels using only the most primitive hand-tools, and tells you the story of the mine which opens into a huge natural chamber, the Bottomless-Pit Cavern. Speedwell Cavern is open daily throughout the year (except Christmas Day). Tours leave at regular intervals through the day, and last for between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Like most caves in the area it is not suitable if you suffer from Claustrophobia. There is a discounted Joint Ticket available with the nearby Peak Cavern. There is a gift shop on site selling a wide range of souvenirs, minerals, rock and fossils together with jewellery set with the local Blue John Stone. There is a pay & display car park on site (currently £4.00. Cavern visitors get a £2 refund voucher redeemable off ticket purchases). Tickets are transferable with Peak Cavern's car park for those on a Joint Ticket. There is more information on the Cavern's web site.

This unique stone is mined and transformed here.