The Peak District National Park, founded in 1951 as Britain’s first national park, unfurls a mosaic of limestone dales, gritstone edges, and handsome stone villages. Roman roads, medieval halls, and Victorian spa towns tell a deep story—yet everything here feels refreshingly accessible, with trailheads, tearooms, and pubs never far away.

Base yourself in Bakewell, a riverside market town famed for its almond-and-jam pudding and well-dressing traditions. From here, wander to Chatsworth House, cycle the traffic-free Monsal Trail through tunnels and over viaducts, and tackle classic walks like the Great Ridge from Mam Tor to Lose Hill.

Spring through autumn brings gardens and heather-clad moors to life; winter offers moody skies and roaring fireplaces. Book popular attractions and restaurants ahead on weekends, pack layers (weather turns quickly), and carry small change for village car parks and farm shops.

Bakewell

Handsome stone bridges cross the River Wye, ducks paddle in the weirs, and the scent of warm pastry drifts from bakeries—Bakewell is Peak District cozy at its best. It’s a practical base too: Chatsworth and Haddon Hall are minutes away; the Monsal Trail starts nearby at Hassop Station; buses run to Castleton and Buxton.

• Top sights: Chatsworth House and Garden; Haddon Hall (seasonal); Monsal Head and Headstone Viaduct; Ashford-in-the-Water’s photogenic Sheepwash Bridge.
• Outdoor highlights: Monsal Trail cycling; Curbar & Baslow Edge sunsets; Mam Tor & Great Ridge walk; limestone river walks in Lathkill Dale.
• Food & drink: The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop for the classic pudding; Thornbridge Brewery Taproom for craft ales; farm-to-table comfort at The Devonshire Arms (Pilsley); destination pub dining at The Packhorse (Little Longstone).
• Fun fact: The Bakewell Pudding predates the tart; locals are loyal to their flaky original and happy to tell you the difference.

Where to stay (Bakewell): Browse riverside inns, stone cottages, and family-friendly apartments on VRBO or compare hotels and country house stays on Hotels.com. Aim for central Bakewell for easy dining, or nearby Ashford-in-the-Water/Great Longstone for village tranquility.

Getting to Bakewell:

• By train: From London St Pancras to Chesterfield (~1h50) or Sheffield (~2h); continue by bus to Bakewell (~45–55 min). From Manchester Piccadilly, trains to Buxton (~1h) or Hope/Edale (~40–60 min), then bus or taxi to Bakewell. Search UK/Europe rail on Omio.
• By bus: Regional buses link Sheffield, Chesterfield, Buxton, and Castleton to Bakewell; check times and book on Omio.
• Flights: Nearest airports: Manchester (MAN) and East Midlands (EMA). Compare international fares on Omio (flights in Europe), or long-haul options via Kiwi.com and Trip.com.

Day 1: Arrive in Bakewell, Riverside Wanders, and Classic Pubs

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs on the River Wye loop: cross the 13th‑century stone bridge, follow the riverside path toward the weir, and circle back through town. Pop into The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop to compare the flaky pudding with the shortcrust tart; pair with a tea at The Lime Lounge Coffee House (friendly baristas, reliable flat whites).

Evening: Book a table at The Woodyard (Riverside Business Park) for wood-fired pizzas, Derbyshire lamb, and local ales—casual, family-friendly, and walkable. For a refined pub, taxi 10 minutes to The Packhorse, Little Longstone: order the signature steak and ale suet pudding or seasonal venison; their cask beer lineup often features Thornbridge. Nightcap at Thornbridge Brewery Taproom back in Bakewell; try Jaipur (IPA) or Lukas (Helles) and grab a few cans for tomorrow’s picnic.

Day 2: Chatsworth House + Curbar and Baslow Edge

Morning: Breakfast at The Lavender Tea Rooms (scones and hearty English breakfasts). Head to Chatsworth House (15 minutes by bus/taxi). Tour the grand State Apartments, sculpture-dotted gardens, and the Victorian rock garden. In spring/summer the maze delights; in autumn the parkland glows bronze. Book timed entry in advance, and don’t miss the Farm Shop nearby for picnic supplies.

Afternoon: Lunch at the Chatsworth Farm Shop Café (Derbyshire beef burgers, seasonal soups) or the Devonshire Arms, Pilsley (ale-battered haddock, pies, local cheeses). Then lace up for a classic 2–3 hour loop across Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge. Expect gritstone escarpments, wind-twisted heather, and views over the Derwent Valley; keep an eye out for red deer on the moor. If you prefer a gentler spin, hire bikes at Hassop Station and sample a short section of the Monsal Trail instead.

Evening: Dine at The Peacock at Rowsley (heritage coaching inn with seasonal menus and a well-curated wine list) or head to Rafters at Riverside House in Ashford-in-the-Water for a special-occasion tasting menu highlighting British produce. Finish with a twilight stroll to Sheepwash Bridge in Ashford—the village looks dreamlike under warm streetlamps.

Day 3: Monsal Trail or Mam Tor’s Great Ridge, then Farewell Bakewell

Morning: Coffee and bacon rolls at Hassop Station Café, then rent bikes from the on-site hire shop. Ride the traffic-free Monsal Trail west toward Headstone Tunnel and Monsal Head, pausing on the Headstone Viaduct for sweeping dale views. Families can turn back here (8–10 km return); confident riders push on through tunnels to Millers Dale and the lit Chee Tor tunnels (allow 2–3 hours round-trip). Alternative: early bus (~50 min) to Castleton to hike Mam Tor and the Great Ridge to Lose Hill (6–10 km; 2–3.5 hours), with optional detours to Blue John Cavern or Treak Cliff Cavern.

Afternoon: If you rode the Monsal Trail, reward yourself with lunch at Hobb’s Café at Monsal Head (vista-packed terrace) or back at Hassop for homemade cakes. If you chose Mam Tor, celebrate in Castleton at The Cheshire Cheese Inn (Peak District cheeses, game pies) or Ye Olde Nags Head. Return to Bakewell to collect bags.

Evening (Departure): Travel onward: buses link Bakewell to Chesterfield/Sheffield for trains to London; or to Buxton/Hope for Manchester connections. Check schedules and book tickets on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). For flights within Europe use Omio; for long-haul, compare fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Optional Self‑Guided Game: Explore More Hidden Corners

Want a flexible, kid-friendly way to discover extra viewpoints and quirky facts between villages? Try this app-led treasure-hunt experience—great for filling gaps around your core plans or for a rainy-hour challenge.

Peak District Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

• Self-guided; start anytime over 7 days
• Kid-friendly, avoid crowds, fun trivia between sights

Insider tips:

• Weather: Pack waterproofs and grippy footwear; conditions change fast on the edges and ridges.
• Transport: For linear hikes (e.g., Great Ridge), use buses or local taxis to avoid out-and-back routes. Check/book on Omio trains and Omio buses.
• Seasonal openings: Haddon Hall usually opens spring–autumn; double-check dates if visiting early March.
• Picnics: Stock up at the Chatsworth Farm Shop or Bloomers (excellent pork pies) in Bakewell.

Three days in the Peak District delivers everything from stately-home grandeur to wind-in-your-hair ridgeline walks and hearty village suppers. Base in Bakewell, roam far, and let the valleys, edges, and old stone lanes work their quiet magic—then start planning your return.