It’s easy to do a Peak District day out from Manchester, car or no car. Trains from Piccadilly will take you within walking distance of most of the Peak District things to do listed here (the exceptions being Chatsworth and Thornbridge). And the journey across the stunning Derbyshire landscape is a must-see in its own right.
Here we’ve picked out six of our favourite Peak District visitor attractions including family days out, walks, and sight-seeing. This was the first National Park to be established in the UK and it’s still one of its most popular, in part because of the variety of landscapes and things to do here.
We’ve tried to avoid listing the places that get too crowded in high season (though Mam Tor at sunrise and sunset is notoriously on-trend right now). Although these places are some of the best places for a day out, they’re big enough, or well-organised enough, that you can still find a peaceful spot for yourself.
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BaslowChatsworth
More detailsThe classic vista of the grand 17th century house overlooking the River Derwent is the most famous image of Chatsworth, but this Peak District visitor attraction offers much more than a stately home tour. Its parkland, gardens, farm, adventure playground, shops, restaurants and places to stay bring more than 600,000 visitors a year to this beautiful corner of Derbyshire.
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HathersageHathersage Swimming Pool
More detailsCatch the Hope Valley line train from Piccadilly to this picturesque Peak District village for a dip in Hathersage Swimming Pool, a heated lido built in the 1930s.
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GrindlefordLongshaw Estate
More detailsIf you’re looking for eye-widening views of the Peak District and miles of contrasting countryside to explore on foot, take a trip to Longshaw Estate near Hathersage. This National Trust destination is one for the walkers with loads of routes setting off from its three car parks.
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CastletonMam Tor
More detailsMam Tor is one of the highlights of the Peak District in an area that’s full of gems. The name means Mother Hill because the frequent landslips have created a series of mini-hills around it. This geological instability caused by layers of shale also give Mam Tor its other name, Shivering Mountain.
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BuxtonPavilion Gardens Buxton
More detailsIt’s the variety of attractions and things to do that make Pavilion Gardens Buxton special. This elegant Victorian park and pavilion has something for all seasons, which is lucky really considering Buxton is known for having a microclimate all of its own due to its high altitude.
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BakewellThornbridge Estate
More detailsType ‘Rubber ducks Derbyshire’ into Google and your first result is this place – handy if, like us, you keep forgetting its name. Thornbridge Estate or Thornbridge Hall is a stately home with gardens, a house tour, a cafe, and kids attractions near Bakewell. Independently owned and restored by couple Jim and Emma Harrison, it’s a quirkier, good-value alternative to a National Trust day out.
