These are some of the best places to visit across the Peaks and Derbyshire.
Credit: TL: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)/TR: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714/Jason Chadwick/Brian Eyre — These are some of the best places to visit across the Peaks and Derbyshire. Credit: TL: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)/TR: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714/Jason Chadwick/Brian Eyre

These are some of the best places to visit across the Peaks and Derbyshire.
Credit: TL: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)/TR: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714/Jason Chadwick/Brian Eyre — These are some of the best places to visit across the Peaks and Derbyshire. Credit: TL: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)/TR: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714/Jason Chadwick/Brian Eyre

Peak District bucket list: 49 of the most scenic walks, beautiful waterfalls, hidden gems and best places to eat and drink across Derbyshire and the Peak District

By Tom Hardwick

Trainee reporter

Published 6th Sep 2023, 10:57 BST

If you’re heading to the Peak District or Derbyshire, these are some of the most remarkable attractions, scenic walks and great places to eat and drink.

Derbyshire and the Peak District offer something for everyone – whether you’re looking for impressive views, unusual attractions or delicious food and drink.

READ THIS: 13 of the best garden centres to visit across Chesterfield, Derbyshire and the Peak District – based on Google reviews

These are 47 of the best spots across the area that need to feature on your Peak District bucket list.

These are some of the best places to visit across the Peaks and Derbyshire.
Credit: TL: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)/TR: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714/Jason Chadwick/Brian Eyre

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These are some of the best places to visit across the Peaks and Derbyshire. Credit: TL: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)/TR: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714/Jason Chadwick/Brian Eyre Photo: TL: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)/TR: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714/Jason Chadwick/Brian Eyre

Solomon’s Temple - otherwise known as Grinlow Tower - is situated in the hills above Buxton. It was built in 1896, with the support of the Duke of Devonshire, before being restored in the 1980s.

. Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s Temple - otherwise known as Grinlow Tower - is situated in the hills above Buxton. It was built in 1896, with the support of the Duke of Devonshire, before being restored in the 1980s. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © G Laird - geograph.org.uk/p/6125321

It might take a few hours to reach this spot, but it is well worth the climb for the amazing views of this waterfall on the edge of Kinder Scout.

. Kinder Downfall

It might take a few hours to reach this spot, but it is well worth the climb for the amazing views of this waterfall on the edge of Kinder Scout. Photo: © Dave Dunford - geograph.org.uk/p/50573

Speedwell Cavern is one of the many impressive caves that can be found dotted across the Peak District - and is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass.

. Speedwell Cavern

Speedwell Cavern is one of the many impressive caves that can be found dotted across the Peak District - and is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass. Photo: © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/5952026

Osmaston is a fairytale village near Ashbourne, complete with thatched cottages and stunning woodland. Visitors should head to Osmaston Park for a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill. © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714

. Osmaston Sawmill

Osmaston is a fairytale village near Ashbourne, complete with thatched cottages and stunning woodland. Visitors should head to Osmaston Park for a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill. © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714 Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714

Repton is the perfect place for anyone looking to delve into Britain’s medieval history. It was once the capital of the kingdom of Mercia, and notable landmarks include St Wystan's Church - where visitors will find an 8th century crypt built as a mausoleum for Mercian royals.

. Repton - capital of medieval Mercia

Repton is the perfect place for anyone looking to delve into Britain’s medieval history. It was once the capital of the kingdom of Mercia, and notable landmarks include St Wystan's Church - where visitors will find an 8th century crypt built as a mausoleum for Mercian royals. Photo: Google

The Rowter Rocks at Birchover have caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were lead to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago.

. Druids Rocks Birchover

The Rowter Rocks at Birchover have caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were lead to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Patrick Baldwin - geograph.org.uk/p/2818130

An enchanting Bronze Age stone circle located on Stanton Moor, between Matlock and Bakewell, where druids and pagans celebrate the summer solstice.

. Nine Ladies Stanton Moor

An enchanting Bronze Age stone circle located on Stanton Moor, between Matlock and Bakewell, where druids and pagans celebrate the summer solstice. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © G Laird - geograph.org.uk/p/6126277

The Romans were the first to discover the springs around Buxton, and they called the town ‘Aquae Arnemetiae' - ‘The Spa-Town of the Sacred Groves’. Buxton has been famous for its healing waters for centuries, and it can be sampled straight from the spring at St Ann's Well in the town centre.

. St Ann’s Well, Buxton

The Romans were the first to discover the springs around Buxton, and they called the town ‘Aquae Arnemetiae' - ‘The Spa-Town of the Sacred Groves’. Buxton has been famous for its healing waters for centuries, and it can be sampled straight from the spring at St Ann's Well in the town centre. Photo: Google

Chatsworth House is one of the Peak District’s most recognisable landmarks - and there is plenty to keep the family entertained here.

. Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is one of the Peak District’s most recognisable landmarks - and there is plenty to keep the family entertained here. Photo: Brian Eyre

At over 500 metres, Mam Tor is certainly steep, but the amazing views over the Hope Valley are more than worth the effort - especially on a frosty morning.

. Mam Tor

At over 500 metres, Mam Tor is certainly steep, but the amazing views over the Hope Valley are more than worth the effort - especially on a frosty morning. Photo: Jason Chadwick

The Carsington Water Loop is a long trail with varied scenery - providing great views of the reservoir.

. Carsington Water

The Carsington Water Loop is a long trail with varied scenery - providing great views of the reservoir. Photo: Photo © Alan Heardman (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The Stone Edge Cupola can be found near Ashover, close to the Red Lion pub. It was built in 1770 and is thought to be Britain's oldest free-standing chimney

. Stone Edge Cupola

The Stone Edge Cupola can be found near Ashover, close to the Red Lion pub. It was built in 1770 and is thought to be Britain's oldest free-standing chimney Photo: Brian Eyre

Located on the edge of Chesterfield, there are three reservoirs to walk round at Linacre. There is a gentle five mile route that takes you around all three, and through the village of Old Brampton, before arriving back at the car park.

. Linacre Reservoirs

Located on the edge of Chesterfield, there are three reservoirs to walk round at Linacre. There is a gentle five mile route that takes you around all three, and through the village of Old Brampton, before arriving back at the car park. Photo: RKH

The circular route around Robin Hood’s Stride - at around 2.7 miles - is a lovely walk near the Peak District town of Bakewell.

. Robin Hood’s Stride

The circular route around Robin Hood’s Stride - at around 2.7 miles - is a lovely walk near the Peak District town of Bakewell. Photo: Photo © Brian Frost (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Calke Abbey may look somewhat neglected compared to the likes of Chatsworth, but the grand country house near Ticknall provides a fascinating insight into the lives of some of Derbyshire’s wealthiest figures. There is also an outdoor recreation area - Calke Explore - situated in the grounds.

. Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey may look somewhat neglected compared to the likes of Chatsworth, but the grand country house near Ticknall provides a fascinating insight into the lives of some of Derbyshire’s wealthiest figures. There is also an outdoor recreation area - Calke Explore - situated in the grounds. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Alan Murray-Rust - geograph.org.uk/p/5860693

These intricate wooden carvings are hidden away in woodland at Westwood - close to the Peak District.

. Wooden sculptures, Westwood

These intricate wooden carvings are hidden away in woodland at Westwood - close to the Peak District. Photo: Julia Rodgerson

Ladybower is another Derbyshire reservoir that is perfect for a steady stroll. The 5.5 mile route offers beautiful views across the water, and passes the awe-inspiring Derwent Dam along the way.

. Ladybower Reservoir

Ladybower is another Derbyshire reservoir that is perfect for a steady stroll. The 5.5 mile route offers beautiful views across the water, and passes the awe-inspiring Derwent Dam along the way. Photo: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0)

How many visitors to Chesterfield, just outside the Peak District, will know that the plot to depose King James II was hatched in an Old Whittington pub - which now functions as a museum?

. Revolution House, Old Whittington

How many visitors to Chesterfield, just outside the Peak District, will know that the plot to depose King James II was hatched in an Old Whittington pub - which now functions as a museum? Photo: Photo © Paul Harrop (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Almost everyone has heard of the likes of Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall, but Renishaw has its own stunning Grade I listed country house, just a few miles outside of Chesterfield.

. Renishaw Hall

Almost everyone has heard of the likes of Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall, but Renishaw has its own stunning Grade I listed country house, just a few miles outside of Chesterfield. Photo: Brian Eyre

The source of the River Lathkill is at Monyash, near Bakewell, and it flows through the Derbyshire Dales until it joins the River Wye at Rowsley. It is unique, as the only river in the area that flows exclusively over limestone, and it provides a very relaxing walking trail.

. River Lathkill

The source of the River Lathkill is at Monyash, near Bakewell, and it flows through the Derbyshire Dales until it joins the River Wye at Rowsley. It is unique, as the only river in the area that flows exclusively over limestone, and it provides a very relaxing walking trail. Photo: Photo © Andrew Hill (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Arriving at Grindleford Station, walkers can follow Padley Gorge up onto the moors, before taking in the scenery at Surprise View and looping back round to the station. There are some winding paths, but this is a relatively short journey - and a key attraction is the famous Grindleford Cafe, which is a fantastic place to put your feet up after a cold hike.

. Padley Gorge to Surprise View

Arriving at Grindleford Station, walkers can follow Padley Gorge up onto the moors, before taking in the scenery at Surprise View and looping back round to the station. There are some winding paths, but this is a relatively short journey - and a key attraction is the famous Grindleford Cafe, which is a fantastic place to put your feet up after a cold hike. Photo: Google

If you want amazing views over the Hope Valley, look no further than Curbar Edge.

. Curbar Edge

If you want amazing views over the Hope Valley, look no further than Curbar Edge. Photo: Tom Hardwick

Solomon’s Temple - otherwise known as Grinlow Tower - is situated in the hills above Buxton. It was built in 1896, with the support of the Duke of Devonshire, before being restored in the 1980s.

1. Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s Temple - otherwise known as Grinlow Tower - is situated in the hills above Buxton. It was built in 1896, with the support of the Duke of Devonshire, before being restored in the 1980s. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © G Laird - geograph.org.uk/p/6125321

It might take a few hours to reach this spot, but it is well worth the climb for the amazing views of this waterfall on the edge of Kinder Scout.

2. Kinder Downfall

It might take a few hours to reach this spot, but it is well worth the climb for the amazing views of this waterfall on the edge of Kinder Scout. Photo: © Dave Dunford - geograph.org.uk/p/50573

Speedwell Cavern is one of the many impressive caves that can be found dotted across the Peak District - and is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass.

3. Speedwell Cavern

Speedwell Cavern is one of the many impressive caves that can be found dotted across the Peak District - and is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass. Photo: © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/5952026

Osmaston is a fairytale village near Ashbourne, complete with thatched cottages and stunning woodland. Visitors should head to Osmaston Park for a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill. © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714

4. Osmaston Sawmill

Osmaston is a fairytale village near Ashbourne, complete with thatched cottages and stunning woodland. Visitors should head to Osmaston Park for a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill. © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714 Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714

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