Explorers wanted.
The Peak Park provides a spectacular arena for numerous activities with miles of trails, winding country lanes, a plethora of Country Houses, lakes and rivers, historic market towns stuffed with antiques and little picturesque villages full of tearooms and farm shops.
Experiences
Get your boots on and taste the air…
Being located in the National Park means you have access to array of activities to help you unwind and here are some ideas…
All Outdoor ActivitiesHiking
Just step outside the door and immerse yourself in miles of spectacular scenery.
To help you get started these are some of our favourite walks. The best walking map for the area is OS/The White Peak Area OL24 A really good walking guide is the AA 50 Walks in The Peak District ISBN 978-0-7495-74437
Biking
The Peak District has a range of trails with various levels of difficulty.
In the High Peak you’ll find a more challenging terrain for the serious mountain bikers. These trails are to be found around Mam Tor, Castleton and Edale.
The White Peak has several easy trails suitable for all ages. The Tissington Trail heads north from Ashbourne and links with the High Peak Trail.
The Manifold Trail runs south west from Hulme End to Waterhouses and the Monsal Dale Trail runs north east from Bakewell into the High Peak at Wyedale.
For more information and bike hire check these links:
thepeakdistrict.info/mountain-biking-in-the-peak-districtpeakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/bike-hire-centreshassopstation.co.uk/cyclehire
carsingtonwater.comvisitpeakdistrict.com/cycle-guides
Fishing
With the famous River Dove on your doorstep the cottages make a great opportunity to cast a fly.
In addition to the River Dove you also have the Manifold and Derwent rivers to explore. For great still-water options try Carsington Water (hire a day boat) or Rudyard Lake. Tight lines! The Peak Passport scheme is a very easy way of getting time on various beats: peakanglingpassport.co.uk
For more information check these links:
peaksflyfishing.com
dovecottages.co.uk/river
abangling.co.uk/derwent
carsingtonwater.com/fishing
Sailing & boarding
If you fancy messing about in boats or balancing on a board Carsington Water or Rudyard Lake provide lessons and lake access to all levels.
For more information check these links:
carsingtonwater.comrudyardlake.com
Climbing
The most popular locations to climb in the Peak District include Stanage Edge, Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge, and Burbage.
The climbing routes vary from easy to hard so you should choose your location based on skill level.
For more information:
peakdistrict.org/climbing
Country Houses
Staying in the Peak District provides you with a plethora of Country Houses, Gardens and Estates to explore.
Within the White Peak area, we have the majestic Chatsworth House and Gardens and also the lesser known but memorable medieval Haddon Hall. These will make a great day out and can be combined with a picnic or lunch (see our Dining suggestions). Tissington Hall and Village is on the Tissington Trail so a great biking/walking option (close to the three cottages at Parwich Lees). Ilam Hall is set in a beautiful valley where the Manifold and Dove Rivers join and makes a great walking/picnic spot. Calke Abbey was owned by the Harpur-Crewe family who also owned Alstonefield Manor. Although Calke is rather ‘un-stately’ the gardens and parkland around the house have spectacular circular walks. Slightly further afield you also have the stunning Lime Park made famous in Pride and Prejudice as the exterior of Pemberley. The gardens and Deer Park are breath-taking. The imposing Elizabethan Hardwick Hall made famous by Bess of Hardwick and the Robert Adam neo-classical Kedleston Hall and finally The Children’s Country House at Sudbury Hall.
Spa's
Fancy a spa, yoga class or blow dry…
The purpose-built Sally Montague Salon and Spa in Ashbourne offers a wide range of hair and spa treatments:
https://m.sallymontague.co.uk/salons/ashbourneThe recently refurbished Buxton Crescent is a beautiful location and is home to the famous Buxton Health Spa:
www.ensanahotels.com/buxton/en
Cinema and Theatres
Two great little cinemas showing blockbusters, arts and classics. Check out Buxton Opera House for Theatre Performances as its not just classic opera but plays, concerts and ballet set all in a beautifully restored theatre.
Antiques
If you enjoy a little rummage, explore the towns of Leek, Wirksworth, Matlock, Ashbourne, Bakewell or Buxton, you might find a bargain or something special.
