When I find myself seeking escape from my overflowing inbox or busy schedule, there’s only one place I want to go - the Peak District.
Packed with natural beauty, rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and views to die for, it is a crying shame the Peaks are often overlooked by people heading further north to the *sighs* Lakes.
Despite its smaller size, we think the Peak District is even better than its big brother.
Read more: Gorgeous Peak District
It is easily accessible, being close to major cities. It's only an hour's drive from places like Sheffield and Manchester and can be reached by bus or train.
Whether you're looking to relax or seeking adventure, we can think of many reasons to pick the Peaks.
Growing up nearby was a gift that I sometimes took for granted. It will always hold a special place in my heart, and it never fails to take my breath away every time I get the opportunity to go there.
You can easily discover hidden gems before returning to everyday life.
There are not many places in the world that offer the same level of natural beauty as the Peak District does, so if you haven't already, my advice would be to treat yourself to a trip.
Still not convinced? Scroll on for more reasons.
Despite its smaller size, we think the Peak District is even better than its big brother.
![The Peak District has been featured in many blockbuster films, including Pride and Prejudice and The Duchess. This is due in part to its exquisite properties, some of the finest in the UK. One must-visit property, in my opinion, is Chatsworth House. The house is stunning, with an impeccable interior and an impressive art collection. It’s beautiful grounds are perfect for long walks, especially during Christmas when they are adorned with lights and decorations.
Chatsworth is not the only impressive property in the Peak District. There are many other splendid stately homes to visit, such as Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall, Calke Abbey, Kedleston Hall, and Bolsover Castle, just to name a few.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/25/15/06/Emperor_fountain,_Chatsworth_House,_Derbyshire_-_geograph-org-uk_-_1810474.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. Stately homes
The Peak District has been featured in many blockbuster films, including Pride and Prejudice and The Duchess. This is due in part to its exquisite properties, some of the finest in the UK. One must-visit property, in my opinion, is Chatsworth House. The house is stunning, with an impeccable interior and an impressive art collection. It’s beautiful grounds are perfect for long walks, especially during Christmas when they are adorned with lights and decorations. Chatsworth is not the only impressive property in the Peak District. There are many other splendid stately homes to visit, such as Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall, Calke Abbey, Kedleston Hall, and Bolsover Castle, just to name a few. | Andrew Abbott
![The region is rich in history and culture. It’s filled with historic mills and caverns that were once the centre of lead mining. I find it fascinating to wander around and see how everything has developed over time.
You can learn all about it in museums like the Peak District Lead Mining Museum and Cromford Mills, which offer an interesting insight into the past of the Peak.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/25/15/54/Cromford_Mills_-_geograph-org-uk_-_3922797.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Culture and history
The region is rich in history and culture. It’s filled with historic mills and caverns that were once the centre of lead mining. I find it fascinating to wander around and see how everything has developed over time. You can learn all about it in museums like the Peak District Lead Mining Museum and Cromford Mills, which offer an interesting insight into the past of the Peak. | David Martin
![All the walking and activities can be tiring at times. You might just want to take a leisurely stroll through the quaint towns you come across along the way. Expect to discover charming market towns with cottages, shops, and pubs to explore.
Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District and is full of charm. It's best known for its delicious pudding, the Bakewell tart, so you must try it.
You can find it in one of the lovely cafes in the town. There are many things to do, from shopping to relaxing strolls, visiting the markets, and attending the many events that Bakewell holds.
Some other notable places to visit are Castleton, Ashton-in-the-water, Edale, Edensor,Eyam, Hartington, Hathersage, Tideswell, Tissington and Alstonfield. However, no matter what town or village you end up in the peak district they are all surrounded by jaw-dropping views, sweet local shops and cafes, and traditional pubs to enjoy.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/25/15/19/Water_Lane,_Bakewell_-_geograph-org-uk_-_2612346.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Pretty towns and villages
All the walking and activities can be tiring at times. You might just want to take a leisurely stroll through the quaint towns you come across along the way. Expect to discover charming market towns with cottages, shops, and pubs to explore. Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District and is full of charm. It's best known for its delicious pudding, the Bakewell tart, so you must try it. You can find it in one of the lovely cafes in the town. There are many things to do, from shopping to relaxing strolls, visiting the markets, and attending the many events that Bakewell holds. Some other notable places to visit are Castleton, Ashton-in-the-water, Edale, Edensor,Eyam, Hartington, Hathersage, Tideswell, Tissington and Alstonfield. However, no matter what town or village you end up in the peak district they are all surrounded by jaw-dropping views, sweet local shops and cafes, and traditional pubs to enjoy. | Andrew Hill