Things to do nearby
in the heart of the peak district
Being right at the heart of the Peak District there is plenty to do right on your doorstep as well as many places of interest within a short walk or drive. Some people find that they don’t use their car all week.
Walking
Walking routes in the Peak District
The Peak District is known for its walking routes and we are at the centre of them all.
Here are our five favourite routes that you can do straight from the house with no need to load boots or belongings into the car. Maps for these walks are provided at the house.
- Monsal Dale, a beautiful walk taking in the weir and viaduct. (45mins to 1hr)
- Brushfield loop, taking in one very steep climb and descent. (1.5 hours)
- Ashford village circular route. (1.5 to 2 hours) or more if you stop off in the village for a coffee or lunch.
- Litton Mill, a really scenic route but not for young children or crazy dogs as it involves a precipitous path at one point. (2 to 2.5 hours)
- The 5 Dales Walk to Litton and back. (6/7 miles). Beautiful and varied walk. Time depends on how long you spend at The Red Lion in Litton!
There are many other walking paths which you can follow using our guides or your own.
Cycling
Cycling routes in the Peak District
Again the Peak District has some fantastic cycling routes:
The easier tracks are found on the disused railway lines along the Monsal Trail (8.5 miles) Tissington Trail (13 miles) and High Peak Trail (17 miles) or on the Manifold Track (8/9 miles). You can bring your own bikes and store them in our garage or hire them (including e-bikes) from the nearby Hassop Cycle Hire or from other bike hire centres in Ashbourne or Parsley Hay.
There are many other great routes for more experienced cyclists taking in quiet roads and some fantastic scenery. We have maps and guides for you to use.
Places to visit
Explore the Peak District's Attractions
The Peak District has an abundance of wonderful places to visit and explore:
THORNBRIDGE HALL (1.5 miles)
A minor stately home located in Gt Longstone which has opened its gardens to the public and has a great kids play area next to the ‘Quackers’ cafe. A useful stop off point for anyone cycling the Monsal Trail.
CHATSWORTH HOUSE, GARDENS and ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND (7 miles)
Renowned home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire open to the public all year round except Jan to mid March.
HADDON HALL (5 miles)
One of Britains most stunning, best preserved, medieval Manor House’s dating back some 900 years. Open all year except end Dec to March the following year.
BAKEWELL (3 miles)
An historic market town with a weekly cattle and stall market (Mondays) and featuring numerous shops and cafes, the imposing All Saints Church and the Bakewell Old House Museum. Also famous, of course, for its Bakewell puddings.
EYAM (6 miles)
The famous ‘plague village’ where villagers chose to self isolate during the Great Plague of 1665 and 1666. You can visit the famous boundary stone, the Riley Graves and the Eyam museum. A lovely, typical Derbyshire village it also has a good children’s play park opposite the museum.
Further afield
EXPLORE THE WIDER PEAK DISTRICT
If you fancy venturing a little further, you'll find a wealth of attractions, picturesque villages, stunning landscapes and places of interest within easy reach. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, family days out or somewhere to enjoy a leisurely lunch, there's something for everyone nearby.
Water Sports
Canoeing on the River Derwent or the Cromford Canal. Contact Peaks and Paddles
General water sports ( kayaking/ paddle boarding tastern sessions) on Tittersworth Reservoir.
Abseiling or Caving
Again contact Peaks and Paddles to arrange.
Places to visit further afield
BUXTON (12 miles)
Home to the famous Buxton Opera House which hosts a wide variety of music and theatrical arts, the Buxton Dome and the Buxton Crescent Hotel. The Pavilion Gardens offer 23 acres of gardens to explore with a boating lake, miniature train, play areas, fountains and wildlife to see.
ASHBOURNE (19 miles)
A fascinating old town with numerous listed buildings and antique shops. Known as the ‘gateway to Dovedale’, it is also home to the ancient tradition of Shrovetide football for which all the shops are boarded up and chaos ensues!
CASTLETON (11miles)
A beautiful village situated at the head of the Hope Valley, it is home to the famous Peveril Castle, Winnats Pass and to numerous caves that can be visited including the Treak Cliff and Blue John Caverns.
HARDWICK HALL (24 miles)
An Elizabethan gem housing an internationally significant collection of 16th-century textiles, furniture, and portraits. A national Trust property, it often has brilliant kids activities in the school holidays. Well worth a visit.
ALTON TOWERS (26 miles)
Well known theme park open from March until October.
Food & Drink
Where to go
The Monsal. (Monsal Head 100 metres!)
Stables Bar (Atmospheric bar and good food for smaller groups. Can’t easily accommodate larger parties.)
Canteen More space in here. (Good for walkers’ breakfasts and lunches.)
The Packhorse Inn. (Little Longstone 1/4 mile)
A favourite pub for locals and tourists alike. Can just about accommodate a large group but would need to book in advance.
The Ashford Arms. (Ashford in the Water 1 mile)
Recently refurbished by local hotelier. Good food.
The Crispin Inn (Gt Longstone 1 mile)
Traditional pub food, has larger room suitable for groups.
Thornbridge Tap Room (Bakewell 3 miles)
Tap room for local brewery with a lively atmosphere serving a range of their beers and good pizzas.
The Bulls Head (Foolow 4 miles)
Their claim is ‘old school done exceptionally well’.
The Barrel (Bretton 5 miles)
Stunning location with panoramic views. Good traditional fare.
Photo courtesy of The Packhorse Inn