Peak District National Park
A land of two halves
Immerse yourself in exploring famous hills, dramatic rock edges beside wild moorlands and tranquil dales all in one day.
At more than 550 squares miles and the UK’s original national park, the Peak District provides a taste of the outdoors to millions. Considered by many as the spiritual home of the free access to the countryside we all enjoy today, the Peak District continues to provide a warm welcome to those seeking some of their first inspirational connections with nature.
Key activities
Be a trail blazer , Activity
With over 35 miles of traffic-free level, easy access and all-user trails, let us take you into the heart of the national park.
On your bike , Activity
With your own wheels or from several bike hire centres amongst stunning scenery, there’s no better way to explore.
It’s a cave, man , Activity
Get a different perspective on the Peak District by heading below the famous summits to discover a whole new underground world.
Special qualities
10 reasons to visit the Peak District
The ‘Mass Trespass’ took place within what is now the Peak District’s boundary, a group of working-class pioneers paving the way for the countryside access we all enjoy today.
Our boundary takes in the counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, South & West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
We have over 1,600 miles of rights of way to explore across the ‘White Peak’ and ‘Dark Peak’ areas of the national park.
Kids (and adults too!) love travelling through the myriad tunnels of the Monsal Trail, a reminder of former days of steam running through our valleys.
Our resident wildlife includes bold and bugling red deer in the autumn, white mountain hares in winter, and the rare and enigmatic ‘mountain blackbird’ (the ring ouzel) on our rocky edges.
History abounds within our built heritage from inspiration for Charlotte Bronte at our North Lees Hall, to the iconic towers of the Derwent Dam flown over by the 617 ‘Dambusters’ squadrons on their training missions.
The Pennine Way – which stretches along the UK’s spine to Scotland, starts in the Peak District in Edale, at the Nags Head pub.
Our network of level and surfaced former railway line trails extends to more than 30 miles, allowing everyone to get into the heart of the Peak District, including with our own range of mobility hire equipment.
If adrenaline is your go-to day out, then expect world-class rock climbing and bouldering, plus cycle routes that have helped get some of our top Olympians games-ready.
Get a taste of Peak District living with craft ales brewed right alongside our rivers, puddings that have been to outer space, or fire your creativity with the annual well dressing festivals.
A place for pioneers
As the UK’s original national park, our past stretches back almost a century – far beyond our nearly 70 years since designation.
Our uplands played host to the ‘mass trespass’ events of the 1930s, whose pioneering spirit would go on to set the foundations for our protected landscapes and the public access we all enjoy today. Through devastating wild fires, history-making changes to our transport network that saw bustling steam railways fall silent, to war time secrecy as home to the Dambusters training sorties, the Peak District has often been at the heart of change in our culture and communities. Fast forward generations and today we welcome visitors from all corners of the globe and all walks of life. Our all-access trails bring a nationally-renowned outdoors experience to thousands – wherever you set your limits – and our climbing and cycling offer is good enough for our finest medal-winning athletes. With over 38,000 residents, community spirit remains at our heart – whether you want a taste of the Peak District, are ready to immerse yourself in our annual festivals or want to explore your creativity there’s always something around the corner. If you’re ready to re-connect with nature, then the Peak District is ready with a warm welcome.
Getting there
Trains from nearby cities of Sheffield and Manchester run into the heart of the Hope Valley (for Castleton, caves and the Pennine Way) and to Buxton just outside the national park boundary, but close to many popular areas. Buses travel into and throughout the Peak District from other nearby towns and cities including Nottingham and Derby, Macclesfield and Chesterfield. The Hope Valley Explorer is a seasonal bus service run in partnership with the National Park Authority, and usually operates from Easter and throughout the summer holidays (sorry, no service currently due to Covid-19 restrictions).
Getting there alternatives
As well as the above rail and bus services, international airports at East Midlands and Manchester are less than an hour’s travel to the national park, with locations such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Doncaster Robin Hood airports just a little further.
In North York Moors National Park a project that champions both the community and insects is thriving. GrubsUp! has already planted native hedgerows, restored grasslands, created ponds and improved roadside verges so insects can move more easily between isolated pockets of habitat.
Working with farmers, landowners and local volunteers, the project shows the possibilities for nature when a local community comes together.
Read more and discover more nature recovery stories on our website 🔗🌿 #NatureRecovery #NationalParks
Our research shows we care about our natural environment and are looking for ways to protect it. National Parks are places where nature recovery takes place within local communities, every day.
Programmes range from reintroducing endangered species through to conservation work to to protect and restore land.
Discover how National Parks are recovering nature by clicking the link in our bio🔗 💚
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
National Parks could hold the answer to nature recovery 🌿
Every day, our National Parks are actively restoring damaged habitats, reintroducing lost species, and linking green spaces across local and landscape scales.
With work spanning the breadth of the nations, we`re an integral part of the solution to the challenges we face surrounding degraded natural environments across Great Britain.
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
For people living with dementia, time outdoors can offer routine, companionship and a welcome connection to the world around them.
Developed in partnership with @Alzscot and located at @badaguish_, the centre is leading the way in supporting patients to experience the benefits of nature.
Read more about the programme and discover more health and wellbeing stories on our website💚
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
We know that nature helps us feel better, and even a little time outdoors can make a big difference.
From specialist programmes and guided walks to simply catching up with friends over a coffee, our National Parks offer many ways to unwind, connect and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.
Click the link in our bio to discover how National Parks are supporting our wellbeing 🔗💚
#Wellbeing #NationalParks
💚Better health and wellbeing? National Parks could hold the answer.
Every day, our 15 National Parks across the UK help people unwind, connect with others and experience the benefits of spending time in nature.
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
Our new research has revealed what we`re currently concerned about the most.
We want better wellbeing. To feel part of a local community. To help nature recover, and feel prepared for what`s coming next in our changing climate.
Our new report reveals what our priorities are and how the 15 National Parks are putting solutions into action.
Read the report on our website by clicking the link in our bio 🔗
#NationalParksUK #Research
What if the solutions to some of our biggest challenges are already taking shape?
From improving our health and wellbeing and helping communities thrive to restoring nature and building climate resilience for the future, National Parks are places where answers are being found, tested and brought to life every single day.
Click the link in our bio to discover how 💚
#NationalParksUK
