This was published 1 year ago
The Peak district and Derbyshire travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights
The Peak District provides a highly walkable landscape of rolling hills and brooding moorland.Credit: Visit Peak District and Derbyshire
THE ONE VILLAGE
The Peak District was England's first national park and although it provides a highly walkable landscape of rolling hills and brooding moorland, the character comes from the patchwork of small Midlands towns and villages. If picking just one, plump for outrageously pretty Castleton in Derbyshire which offers up several handsome old pubs, castle ruins, multiple trailheads and a selection of cave tours. See visitpeakdistrict.com
THE ONE CAVE
Of those cave tours, if you can pick just one, make it Speedwell Cavern. After descending seemingly endless steps carved into the hill, there's a narrow, claustrophobic tunnel, and the only way to move along it is in a boat. The mini-cruise finishes once you hit the large subterranean cavern, where hokey old stories are told next to an underground pool, once thought to be endlessly deep. See speedwellcavern.co.uk
THE ONE WALK
Mam Tor, the bulging green hill that looms over Castleton, can be tackled as part of the Great Ridge Walk. Starting in the village, you'll also go past Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern, then teeter along the ridge line that offers imperious views over both the Edale and Hope valleys. A full loop gives you a 10.5 kilometre workout.
THE ONE CHURCH
For history rather than beauty, Eyam is the top village. Often known as the Plague Village, Eyam shut itself off from the world in the 17th century in a valiant bid to stop the plague from spreading further afield. Scores of villagers died, and they are commemorated inside St Lawrence's Church. Displays inside tell some of the story, although there's more detail at the nearby Eyam Museum. See eyamchurch.org, eyam-museum.org.uk
THE ONE DELICACY
The Bakewell Tart is better known, but the Bakewell Pudding is what the town of Bakewell insists on calling its own. It's a pretty simple affair – a pastry base topped with an egg mixture, jam and ground almonds – but by heavens, it's moreish. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, as the name suggests, specialises in these sweet treats. See bakewellpuddingshop.co.uk
THE ONE BREWERY
Thornbridge was one of the pioneers in the British craft brewing renaissance, and its main production facility is on the outskirts of Bakewell. There's a Tap Room on-site, with several beers available for tasting. These include the signature Jaipur IPA, plus some of the more experimental concoctions that don't make it anywhere near the supermarket shelves. See thornbridgebrewery.co.uk
THE ONE STATELY HOME
Credit: Visit Peak District and Derbyshire
Chatsworth House stands like a grand palace amid a sprawling estate of grazing sheep, sculpted gardens and dancing fountains. Inside, there are suitably high levels of lavishness. The tapestries are enormous, the paintings grandiose and the wood panelling unrelenting. But amongst the highly expensive furniture are some surprising modern touches, such as the large, gory bronze statue by Damien Hirst. See chatsworth.org
THE ONE SPA
Credit: Visit Peak District and Derbyshire
The natural, spring-fed thermal pools have made Buxton a destination for the well-heeled since the 18th century. The original thermal pool is housed inside a handsome Victorian building, and is part of the Wellness Spa at the Ensana Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel. You don't need to be staying at the hotel to use it, although some of the day spa prices are uncomfortably high. See ensanahotels.com
THE ONE TRADITION
The ancient tradition of well-dressing sees elaborate pictures made from flowers, leaves and other gathered natural materials. It started out as a thanksgiving to water and the life it brings to the villages. It's now something done as a source of pride, with scarcely concealed rivalry as to which village produces the most impressive dressings. These outdoor artworks are usually displayed for a week over summer, with each village picking different dates. See welldressing.com
ONE MORE THING
The Peak District is best known as a walking destination, but the Monsal Trail should keep cyclists happy. Running alongside the River Wye for just under 14 kilometres, this former railway line passes through tunnels, over a dramatic viaduct and past the hulking mills that powered the Industrial Revolution. Bikes can be hired at Hassop Station along the route. See hassopstation.co.uk
David Whitley travelled at his own expense.
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