Peak District National Park

Aldern House
Baslow Road
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1AE

Tel: +44 (0)1629 816 200 (Office)
+44 (0)1629 816 558 (Visitor Centres)
Fax: +44 (0)1629 816 310
Email: aldern@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Web: http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk


The Peak District National Park covers 555 sq. miles at the southern end of the Pennines between Sheffield and Manchester.

It was the first National Park to be set up in Britain in 1951 and, although mostly in Derbyshire, covers parts of six counties. About 38,000 people live in the Park. The major industries are farming, mineral extraction and tourism.

Twin Peaks

In landscape terms, there are two Peak Districts, known as the Dark Peak and the White Peak. The White Peak takes its name from the underlying limestone rocks which dominate in the centre and south of the district. This broad, rolling plateau at about 1000ft is split by river valleys into the dramatic, craggy dales so popular with visitors.

The Dark Peak, in contrast, is named after the clerical grey millstone grit rocks which underline the moorland areas enclosing the limestone to the north, west and east like an upturned horseshoe. Fringed with steep 'edges' and weirdly-weathered tors, this is the highest and wildest ground in the National Park, rising to 2,088ft on the bleak tableland of Kinder Scout, north of Edale. In between these two distinct landscapes, the broad shale valleys of the Rivers Derwent and Wye are lined with trees. Here are found some of the largest settlements in the Park, like Bakewell, and the stately homes of HREF="/Chatsworth.htm" title="Chatsworth on AboutBritain.com">Chatsworth and Haddon.

Enjoying the Park

Walking is the number one outdoor activity in the National Park, with about 1600 miles of public rights of way and 193 sq miles of open access land on the northern and eastern moors. This gives an unparalleled choice for the walker, from gentle strolls through the limestone dales or on the converted railway trails, to some of the toughest walking in Britain across the peat bogs of the Dark Peak.

Climbers revel in the short but severe gritstone pitches provided on the 'edges' of the moors, like Stanage, Millstone and Friggatt, while longer, more technical climbing is found on the steep and sometimes overhanging crags of the limestone dales.

Traditional customs like the unique well-dressing ceremonies in many villages during the summer, attract many visitors. Others come to enjoy the wealth of historic buildings, like Peveril Castle at Castleton, Chatsworth and Haddon Hall near Bakewell.

 

Directions
Traveline 0870 608 2 608
Rail Services 08457 48 49 50
National Express Coach Services 08705 808080
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/buses
Show map of Peak District National Park...

Nearby Attractions
Haddon Hall (2 Miles)*
Haddon Hall - the Derbyshire Home of the Duke of Rutland, has belonged to the family since the late 16th century.
Chatsworth (3 Miles)*
Set in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth is one of the Treasure Houses of England. Visitors see 26 rooms in the House, the 105 acre Garden with its celebrated waterworks and maze, and the Farmyard and Adventure Playground.
Eyam Hall (5 Miles)*
Eyam Hall has been the much loved home of the Wright family for over 300 years. A guided tour of this remarkably unspoilt 17th century manor house affords a glimpse of history in miniature.
more nearby attractions...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
New Bath Hotel (7 Miles)*
The New Bath Hotel, a Brook Hotel, is a Regency styled hotel which was built in 1802 and is set in 5 acres of grounds, overlooking the breathtaking Derwent Gorge.
Legacy Chesterfield Hotel (10 Miles)*
Perfectly located within sight of the world famous 'Crooked Spire', Chesterfield town centre and theatre. Enjoy free use of PEAK Leisure, including indoor swimming pool, gym, spa bath, sauna and steam room.
Sandpiper Hotel (10 Miles)*
Ideally located for Chesterfield, Sheffield and the Peak district National Park, the Sandpiper offers 46 executive bedrooms and the excellent, Fanshawe's Restaurant.
more nearby hotels...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Riverside House (5 Miles)*
Riverside House is a 4 star luxury holiday cottage, situated in an unspoiled conservation area in Litton Mill, near Buxton in the Peak District National Park.
The Garret (6 Miles)*
The Garret is a superb conversion of the old village chapel into a spacious, dramatic and luxuriously fitted holiday home. The vaulted ceiling, arched windows with views of the church, spiral staircase and oak flooring.
Roystone Grange (7 Miles)*
Set in a peaceful valley in the Peak District National Park, the Old Farmhouse dating from the 18th Century is listed and is full of character.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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