The Peak District is often described as an area of contrasting natural beauty, with moors and dales, rivers and springs. At its heart lies the Peak District National Park, which became the first national park in the UK in 1951. The cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derbyshire are located nearby and are easily accessible by road and rail network.
Regardless of whether its summer or winter, The Peak District and its surrounding area is a fantastic place to visit for a family day out, short break or holiday. The choice of accommodation available is extensive. If you are looking for a holiday cottage in the countryside, bed and breakfast or a luxurious spa hotel you will be sure to fine something to suit all needs.
The Peak District offers walkers a selection of footpaths and trails to choose from some established many years ago by the area’s residents on their travels to and from market. Stop off at Dovedale within the Peak District, suitable for all ages enjoy the lovely walk to the stepping stones and beyond.
If you like to explore historic houses then there are some of the best located within Derbyshire, including Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Renishaw Hall. Chatsworth is set in the heart of the Peak District, with over 30 rooms to explore including the beautiful sculpture gallery you will not be disappointed a real treasure house of England.
Bolsover Castle is also well worth a visit. Perched on a hilltop overlooking Derbyshire, it was designed both to entertain and impress. An extremely interesting castle both from an historical and architectural viewpoint, there is audio guides available, helping to provide insight into this point in time of English heritage.
Manchester
Take a day trip to the city of Manchester famed in recent years for its football and music scene, which helped propel the city onto the world stage and make it a must-see destination. A down to earth and friendly city that has had to overcome industrial decline, but in the process has become a confident and diverse city of well over two million people.
For art and science lovers, Manchester is a gold mine of interest with Whitworth Art Gallery, the Lowry Art Complex and the Museum of Science and Industry. Visitors are advised to set aside at least four hours for a visit where you will be taken on a journey through Manchester’s rich heritage.
See first-hand what it was like to work in a Cotton Mill as well as observe the world’s largest collection of steam mill engines. For a close and in-depth look at the Great War, the Imperial War Museum is well worth a visit.
Alternatively Sheffield can’t be missed, not least if you are green fingered, what with Sheffield’s impressive Winter Garden. It is one of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK with more than 2,500 plants from around the world making it the perfect oasis in the heart of England’s fourth largest city.
