A few minutes west

The Peak District

the first national park

Chesterfield truly is the Gateway to the Peak District. Turn west out of the town centre, and within 20 minutes the urban landscape melts away into the sweeping valleys and dramatic hills of Britain's oldest National Park. Here are some highlights of the region.

Curbar Edge

This is the closest gritstone cliff edge to Chesterfield, making it a favourite spot for a quick sunset walk. The ridge offers sweeping, uninterrupted views down over the Derwent Valley, and the Chatsworth estate.

Vibe: High-altitude drama.
What to do: Park at the Curbar Gap car park and take the short, flat walk along the cliff tops. Keep an eye out for the friendly herd of Highland cows that frequently graze among the heather, and watch brave rock climbers tackling the sheer rock faces below.
Admission: Free to walk. The car park is pay and display.
Parking: Curbar Gap car park
Map: Google Maps

Bakewell

Nestled on the banks of the River Wye, Bakewell is the picturesque capital of the central dales. It is a delightful maze of courtyards, independent boutiques, and historic stone cottages.

Vibe: A bustling, historic market town steeped in sweet tradition.
What to do: Feed the ducks from the ancient stone bridge, browse the local markets, and try an authentic Bakewell pudding, which is not the same as a Bakewell tart. The pudding is the older one. We highly recommend picking one up from The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop to taste the rich, almond-egg custard recipe that started it all.
Market: Monday
Address: Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1BT
Map: Google Maps

Monsal Head

Just a ten-minute drive from Bakewell sits a clifftop vantage point looking down into a breathtaking, steep limestone gorge. Spanning the valley floor below is the magnificent Headstone Viaduct, a spectacular feat of Victorian railway engineering.

Vibe: One of the most famous, low-effort, high-reward views in England.
What to do: Walk 30 seconds from your car to the stone wall to drink in the legendary view. For a bit of adventure, walk down the path to join the Monsal Trail — a flat, traffic-free walking and cycling route. You can walk right across the top of the 70-foot viaduct and head through the old railway tunnels, which are fully lit for walkers. Afterward, reward your climb back up to the top with a scoop of ice cream from the vintage van parked at the summit.
Admission: Free to look, and free to walk the trail. Parking is charged.
Address: Monsal Head, Bakewell DE45 1NL
Map: Google Maps

Mam Tor and the Castleton caves

Located further north-west, the vibrant village of Castleton sits beneath the towering ridge of Mam Tor (the “Shivering Mountain”). This area is world-famous for its massive, spectacular show caves.

Vibe: Deep, dramatic valleys and mysterious underground empires.
What to do: Take on the classic ridge walk up Mam Tor for jaw-dropping views of the Edale Valley. Afterward, head underground. Castleton has four show caves: Peak Cavern (famed for its massive natural entrance), Speedwell Cavern (explored by boat), Treak Cliff Cavern, and Blue John Cavern. Blue John stone is mined only at Treak Cliff and Blue John.
The walk: Free. Car parks at Mam Tor are pay and display.
The caves: Each cave sells its own ticket. Prices are on the cave’s website.
Address: Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WN
Map: Google Maps

The High Peak

This section covers the grander, rugged northern spine of the park. It is home to Kinder Scout, the highest plateau in the Peak District, as well as the elegant, historic spa town of Buxton.

Vibe: Wild, untamed moorlands and historic spa towns.
What to do: This is prime territory for serious hikers looking to conquer wild peat moorlands or trace the starting steps of the famous Pennine Way. If you prefer a gentler pace, head into Buxton to admire the stunning Georgian architecture of The Crescent, stroll through the Pavilion Gardens, or catch a show at the exquisite Buxton Opera House.
Pavilion Gardens: Free to walk
Buxton Opera House: A separate ticket
Map: Buxton on Google Maps

Carsington Water

Sitting just on the southern border of the national park, this massive 741-acre reservoir is a bustling hub of outdoor activity.

Vibe: A breezy, active, open-air haven for families and cyclists.
What to do: Rent a bike from the on-site cycle hire shop and tackle the beautiful 7.5-mile circular trail around the water. If you love the water, you can try your hand at kayaking, windsurfing, or sailing at the watersports centre. With a fantastic visitor centre, courtyard shops, a restaurant, and a huge children’s adventure playground, it’s the ultimate spot for a vibrant family day out.
Address: Carsington Water Visitor Centre, Big Lane, Ashbourne DE6 1ST
Visitor centre: Every day except Christmas Day. April to September 10am–6pm. October to March 10am–5pm.
Parking: Charged, at the visitor centre and at Sheepwash and Millfields
Watersports: Book at carsingtonwater.com
Map: Google Maps

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