What to do and see in Peak District National Park, England: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

August 4, 2021 Kaleigh Reichenbach

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

Peak District National Park England http://www.facebook.com/kinderscoutpeakdistrict
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
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1%
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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%
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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. 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%
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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!

4. Curbar Edge

Calver, Peak District National Park England
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
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Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 106 reviews

Curbar Edge

Reviewed By philipj311 - Manchester, United Kingdom

Using the national trust car park, as a starting point we enjoyed a lovely fine day with great views from the edge an it was a circular walk back along white edge. The scenery an surrounding countryside is stunning with such panoramic views .

5. Abseiling Derbyshire

Excellent
99%
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5.0 based on 135 reviews

Abseiling Derbyshire

Abseiling from Millers Dale Bridge off the Monsal Trail and directly over the sparkling River Wye must be the best way of viewing the beautiful valley and Derbyshire Dales. Whether you're visiting the Peak District for an adrenaline rush, fun-fueled stag or hen party, a 10 year olds birthday party or family gathering, our friendly, qualified & professional team will give you a memorable adventure.

6. Mam Tor

Hope, Peak District National Park England http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/mam-tor-peak-district
Excellent
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Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 144 reviews

Mam Tor

7. Parsley Hay Bike Hire, Repair and Service Centre

Parsley Hay near Buxton Derbyshire SK17 ODG, Hurdlow, Peak District National Park SK17 0DG England +44 1298 84493 [email protected] http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/parsleyhay
Excellent
97%
Good
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

Parsley Hay Bike Hire, Repair and Service Centre

One of the best ways to enjoy the Peak District National Park. Enjoy traffic-free-trails with gentle gradients surrounded by beautiful countryside. We have a range of bikes for all ages and abilities including electric and accessible access bikes for those with additional mobility requirements. Parsley Hay Bike Hire, Repair and Service Centre is situated eight miles south of the spa town of Buxton. Easily reached via the A515 from both Buxton and Ashbourne, its location makes the ideal starting point to explore the Peak District. Popular cycling routes include the 13 mile former railway line and now recreational hotspot, the Tissington Trail. We have a friendly and knowledgeable cycling team on hand to offer help and advice to help you hire the perfect bike for you. Repairs, servicing and second-hand bikes for sale are also available.

Reviewed By markoK7473XD - Ferndown, United Kingdom

Great Service - Friendly helpful staff - hired a couple of bikes no issues with them . Prices were fine . The trial is easy going down to Ashbourne - slight incline of way back !

8. Chatsworth House

Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1PP England +44 1246 565300 [email protected] http://www.chatsworth.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,431 reviews

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the river Derwent. Explore the historic house for fascinating stories and one of Europe's most significant art collections. In the garden, discover water features, giant sculptures and beautiful flowers set in Britain's most stunning and surprising country estate. Or come face to face with our farm animals in our working farmyard and enjoy adventurous fun in the playground. Furthermore, with holiday cottages and hotels, shops and restaurants, including Britain's best farm shop, you can really make the most of your time with us.

Reviewed By 186louisem - Solihull, United Kingdom

Christmas market???? was Wonderful very well organised lots of different lovely stalls ,food????,drink????, and lovely Christmas presents ideas????.Will be returning next year .As a family we had a lovely day would highly recommend this event.At different times we have also visited the house and gardens which are beautiful

9. Eyam Plague Village Museum

Hawkhill Road, Eyam, Peak District National Park S32 5QP England +44 1433 631371 [email protected] http://www.eyam-museum.org.uk
Excellent
59%
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5%
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4.5 based on 677 reviews

Eyam Plague Village Museum

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.

Reviewed By Mag666000 - Ormskirk, United Kingdom

Museum dedicated to the Eyam Plague of 1666, and to the Black Death generally. Amazing amount of information about this morbid chapter in human history, really bizarre how much dedication is attributed to the memory of the great plague, well worth a visit.

10. 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.

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