10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom – Where to Go, Attractions to Visit

In the southern end of the Pennines, you will find some of the best things to do in the Peak District. This upland area offers great diversity and a glimpse of classic England.

The unforgettable landscape is dotted by stately homes, rounded hills, gorges, valleys, and lakes. It has been a tourist destination for centuries, with a great tradition of public access and outdoor recreation.

A wealth of fantastic experiences await. Explore this list of the top 10 things to do in Peak District and have a blast!

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Historic Buildings

1. Chatsworth House

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Chatsworth House by Dun.can

Popularly known as the Palace of the Peak, this lavish stately home built in 1552 has dutifully served the dukes and earls of Devonshire for centuries. Mary, Queen of Scots, was also imprisoned here in 1569.

Today, the building presents one of the best things to do in the Peak District. It houses a notable art collection, along with period furniture within its mural-painted staterooms. Outside, ornamental gardens embrace the house. A playground also delights children, while the footpaths offer a nice walk for all. A farm shop and cafe are also on-site.

Price: House and garden entry costs £20 for adults and £12 for children; Gardens only costs £12 for adults and £7 for children
Hours: 10.30 AM to 5 PM from late May to early September, shorter hours during mid-March to late May and early September to early January
Location: 3 miles northeast of Bakewell DE45 1PP, United Kingdom

2. Haddon Hall

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Haddon Hall by alh

Built in the 12th century, Haddon Hall is an exquisite example of how a medieval manor should appear. In fact, its stone turrets, timbers, and walled gardens have been chosen time and again to be the set for numerous period blockbusters. There is no denying that a visit is one of the best things to do in the Peak District.

Price: £13.50 for adults and £7 for children
Hours: Open daily from 10.30 AM to 5 PM from May to September, every Saturday to Monday from April to October, and up to 4pm in early-mid December
Location: 2 miles south of Bakewell on the A6, Haddon Rd., Bakewell, England

Castle

3. Peveril Castle

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Peveril Castle by stephen boisvert

Only 350 metres from the town centre, this 11th-century castle overlooks the village of Castleton and offers sweeping views of the Hope Valley. Built by the son of William the Conqueror, this evocative castle used to be the hunting lodge of Henry II, King John, and Henry III.

Price:  £5.10 for adults and £3 for children
Hours: Open daily every 10 AM to 6 PM from Easter to September, 10 AM to 5 PM in October and 10 AM to 4 PM every Saturday and Sunday from November to Easter
Location: Market Pl, Castleton S33 8WQ, United Kingdom

Church

4. Cathedral of the Peak

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Cathedral of the Peak by Eamon Curry

Since the 14th century, the parish church of St. John the Baptist, commonly known as Cathedral of the Peak, has played silent witness to the transformation of the town of Tideswell. As one of the best things to do in Peak District, highlights include the Ten Commandments on the wooden panels and the 14th-century tomb of Thurston de Bower in a complete medieval armor.

Price: Free
Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
Location: 8 miles east of Buxton, Commercial Rd, Tideswell, Peak District, England

Outdoors

5. Pavilion Gardens

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Pavilion Gardens by Nigel’s Europe & beyond

Beautiful and grand, the Pavilion Gardens adjoin the opulent Opera House in Buxton. It covers 23 acres of domed pavilions and pleasure gardens with a tropical greenhouse, cafe, and tourist office. A variety of events, concerts, and fairs happen here so stay tuned.

Hours: Open daily at 9 AM to 5.30 PM
Location: St John’s Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE, United Kingdom

6. Poole’s Cavern

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Poole’s Cavern by Matt Brown

Prepare to be wowed by this limestone cave two million years in the making. The cave is only a mile away to the south of the town centre and you can join the tours that start every 20 minutes. It takes only 28 steps to descend to the cave but you certainly feel much further away!

Price: £9.75 for adults and £5.25 for children
Hours: Open daily from 9.30 AM to 4 PM
Location: Green Ln, Buxton SK17 9DH, United Kingdom

7. Slopes

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Slopes by Ady

This park built in 1818 gets its name from the series of grassy terraces that you must ascend to enjoy the best views of Victorian rooftops in Buxton. If you enjoy landscaped walks, be sure to add a visit to your best things to do in the Peak District itinerary.

Price: Free
Hours: Open access
Location: Buxton SK17 6EL, United Kingdom

Restaurants

8. Fischer’s Baslow Hall

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Fischer’s Baslow Hall by Tripadvisor

Dining at Fischer’s Baslow Hall is quite the experience. The Michelin-starred dining room is built inside a 1907 manor house, which makes you crave the British classics the restaurant beautifully serves. Food is sourced locally and the vegetables come from the kitchen garden, too! Sit down for lunch or dinner and enjoy an incredible meal. Be it two, three, or seven courses, you are sure to leave satisfied and delighted.

Price: 2-course lunch menu starts at £20; 2-course dinner menu starts at £55/72/80
Hours: Open daily from 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM
Location: 259 Calver Rd, Baslow, Bakewell, England

9. Samuel Fox

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Samuel Fox by Tripadvisor

Modern British food shines brightly in this restaurant, making a visit one of the best things to do in Peak District. Sample the beautiful food of pedigreed chef James Duckett, which includes best-sellers like rare roasted venison with pickled red cabbage and roast pheasant with braised vegetables. You have to admit, just the name of these dishes make you go hungry!

Prices: Lunch mains start at £12; dinner mains start at £13.50
Hours: 6 PM to 9 PM every Wednesday and Thursday, 12 PM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM every Friday and Saturday, and 1 PM to 8 PM every Sunday
Location: Stretfield Rd, Bradwell, Hope Valley S33 9JT, United Kingdom

10. Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

10 Best Things to Do in Peak District, United Kingdom– Where to Go, Attractions to Visit
Original Bakewell Pudding Shop by Tripadvisor

Home of the famed Bakewell Pudding, everything comes out fresh in this bakery, deli, and restaurant. It has a bright atmosphere with exposed beams and a view – definitely one of the best places to have afternoon cream tea or a light lunch with friends and family.

Price: Food starts at £7
Hours: 8.30 AM to 6 PM every Monday to Saturday and 9 AM to 6 PM every Sunday
Location: The Square, Bakewell DE45 1BT, United Kingdom

Find accommodation in Peak District, England

Monkey Dividers

Recommended Hotels

BudgetAlison Park Hotel

Mid-RangeThe Palace Hotel

LuxuryThe Lamb Inn

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Extra Tip: Check out Plumguide for the best holiday homes and vacation rentals in United Kingdom.

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