Looking for a short break in the Peak District, 2 days in a rural paradise? Imagine deep valleys sheaved in limestone, dramatic dales and high peaks, moorland crossed by footpaths and bridleways, tantalizing landscapes that encompass the Peak District National Park, a world heritage site in the heart of England. Walk the hills, capture the scenery, visit the castles, enjoy the food, sip a beer in an old country inn, then relax in a pretty English cottage or camp out under the stars.
Tempted? If you want to see the Peak District in 2 days, follow our insider guide on the beautiful National Park to discover the best walks, the sights to see, places to eat and where to stay.
An Insider’s Guide to The Peak District – What to See & Do in 2 Days
Authored by Molly Scott
Peak District National Park
The Peak District was the very first National Park in the UK and was recently voted the fourth best National Park in Europe in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The Peak District has everything you would expect from a world class National Park from stunning scenery, fascinating historical sites and extensive walking, hiking and cycling routes. This is one of the most beautiful parts of England, along with Devon and Cornwall.
The great outdoors has never been more attractive. At a time when many of us are seeking to keep our social distance from the throngs of other tourists, the Peak District is a perfect rural destination.
It rivals any of the premier tourism destinations in the world, but is likely to be far less crowded and does not feel overly ‘touristy’. Obviously the big, famous attractions do get busy at peak times but likewise it is entirely possible to stay off the beaten track. Two days in the Peak District midweek at a relaxing holiday lodge is a better idea than a weekend trip.
Looking for UK staycation ideas? Here are some of my favourite parts of the Peak District, two days is perfect for a short break, a week gives you extra time to enjoy the walks and sights, while a day trip from London or anywhere in central England is good with a little planning using travel apps.
The Hope Valley for Walking or Exploring
The Hope Valley is a particularly beautiful part of the Peak District. Hope is a pretty village to explore. Make sure you check out The Grasshopper Café for quality coffees, locally sourced food and their pretty garden. Famous for their grilled cheese sandwiches (e.g. the Brooklyn is made from Welbeck sourdough, Harrington’s mature cheddar, American mustard and pastrami) or their homemade cinnamon waffles.
Nearby Castleton is one of the most beautifully situated villages in the Peak District and the perfect base for some of the best walks in Derbyshire. Climb the steep steps up to the atmospheric ruins of Peveril Castle. For a longer walk, Mam Tor has stunning views of the National Park, including the photogenic Winnats Pass. As one of the most-loved ridge walks in the Peak District, you can see all the way to Manchester on a clear day.
Castleton is the only place in the world where Blue John, a semi-precious stone, unique to Derbyshire and the Peak District can be found. There are various caverns to explore such as Speedwell Cavern which features an underground boat ride to the eerie ‘Bottomless Pit’.
If you’ve been out walking, nothing beats that first cold drink at the pub afterwards! There are numerous traditional pubs in Castleton that welcome both muddy boots and dogs. For instance try The George, an old country inn with a cosy bar and hearty pub grub. Their beer garden has stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
If you’d rather fine dine in the Peak District, try the double AA rosette awarded, Grafene at Losehill House (also a luxurious accommodation option). As one of the best restaurants in Derbyshire, it was listed by The Times newspaper as one of their ‘20 best wild places to eat in Britain’. Famous documentary maker Louis Theroux recently stayed here and was very complimentary about his stay.
The Monsal Trail for Walking & Cycling (or just a great base to explore the local area)
The Monsal Trail is an 8.5 mile, traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales. It runs from Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale to Bakewell. The trail is on an old railway line so is very accessible. You can even walk through the old train tunnels which are well lit.
There’s a large pay and display car park at Hassop Station where you can also rent bikes, and relax in their extensive café facilities. There’s also a small children’s play area. From Hassop Station you can easily walk to Bakewell in one direction (just over a mile and a half) or the magnificent views at Monsal Viaduct (2 miles).
Bakewell is a pretty market town well worth exploring and one of my favourite places in the Peak District. It is rumoured that Jane Austen wrote and based Pride and Prejudice whilst staying at The Rutland Arms. Feed the ducks during a riverside stroll.
Mooch around the local shops and then take home a Bakewell pudding. Numerous bakeries sell them, but The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is often regarded as the best. Takeaway or enjoy inside or in their sunny courtyard.
Country Houses and Castles
Chatsworth House is often described as the jewel of the Peak District and is probably my favourite place on earth. Jane Austen is believed to have based her idea of Pemberley on Chatsworth House. More recently it has featured in cult classic Peaky Blinders.
Chatsworth has extensive, exquisite interiors, which are breathtakingly beautiful all year round, but something truly magical when the house is dressed for Christmas. The 105-acre gardens are equally impressive. Famous for their rich history, there is something for everyone. On a sunny day, children enjoy paddling in the Cascade. Families with younger children would enjoy the farmyard with animal handling and milking demonstrations, and the large woodland playground with rope park, trampoline, slides, and water and sand play.
Take a picnic or enjoy the range of catering facilities at Chatsworth. The Carriage House is ideal for families and serves freshly made, seasonal dishes using local ingredients in a canteen style. For a more refined experience, The Flying Childers restaurant offers the ultimate English indulgence – a luxurious afternoon tea served on Wedgewood china.
You could easily spend the whole day exploring Chatsworth. Various walks can be done around the estate, my favourite is up to the Hunting Tower for stunning views of the estate. The estate’s award-winning farm shop at nearby Pilsley is also worth a visit. There’s a lovely Peak District walk to Baslow about 4 miles away though some picturesque countryside.
If you’ve had your fill of Chatsworth, but are still in need of coffee and cake the Village Green café and The Coolstone, both in the picturesque village of Eyam (infamously ‘the plague village’) are well worth a visit. In normal times there is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to this gory history.
Or head up to Curbar Gap for beautiful vistas, country walks and Jolly’s, a vintage Citroen van selling good quality coffee and home-baked delights.
There’s a multitude of other historic houses and castles to visit, most with exquisite gardens and parklands. I particularly like Thornbridge Hall which is smaller and quieter than Chatsworth but just as lovely, and really good fun with children who will adore its famous rubber duck fountain.
Food and Drink
The Peak District has a wealth of great independent restaurants. For fine dining, The Peacock at Rowsley and Fischer’s of Baslow Hall both have excellent reputations locally. The Peak District has a plethora of cosy, traditional pubs (e.g. try the Bulls Head in Ashford in the Water) but if a decent gin menu or perfectly mixed cocktails are more your idea of what makes a fabulous 2-day break, try The Coolstone in Eyam or the Red Lion at the Peak Edge Hotel both of which are excellent for cocktails and high end gastro pub style dining.
Getting to the Peak District
International visitors might arrive at East Midlands Airport or Manchester Airport. My honest opinion is that you’d be wise to hire a car to enjoy the Peak District to the full, but it is possible to access it via public transport.
Most trains would head to either Derby or Manchester prior to the park itself, but once you decide exactly where you want to be based you can research local train and bus timetables. One distinct advantage of using public transport is the fact that parking is severely limited.
Where to Stay in the Peak District
There is a full range of accommodation from the simplest of campsites and brilliant places for glamping, to quirky shepherd’s huts, luxury country houses and family friendly woodland lodges. For a great all-rounder I would recommend the Peak Edge Hotel. It’s handily situated to explore the Peak District, has a great bar, expertly made cocktails and a wonderful restaurant.
For a romantic mini-break opt for The Peacock at Rowsley for rustic, old school luxury and exquisite fine dining (The Peacock Hotel, Rowsley, Peak District National Park, DE4 2EB);
Fischer’s Baslow Hall a luxurious country house with Michelin starred dining (Calver Road, Baslow, DE45 1RR);
The stylish, sumptuous rooms of The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow (Church Lane, Baslow, Bakewell, DE45 1SP);
Or The Devonshire Arms at Beeley for an upmarket gastropub with an exceptional restaurant (Chatsworth Estate, Bakewell, DE4 2NZ).
For something a bit quirkier, how about staying in an award-winning shepherd’s hut? Check out The Hut at Eyam (Hillcrest, The Nook, Eyam, Peak District National Park, S32 5AB).
For a weekend away with friends, try The Devonshire Arms at Baslow, recently listed in The Times Top 40 summer pubs (Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1SR).
For a family trip, Darwin Forest is a 5-star lodge holiday park that is set within 47 acres of stunning woodland (Darwin Forest, Two Dales, Matlock DE4 5PL).
For a tranquil camping experience check out the family run Dale Farm, a quiet and peaceful campsite set on a working farm (Moor Road, Great Longstone, DE45 1UA).
For a luxury stay, award winning cuisine and a spa experience, 4 * Losehill House is the perfect place to to pamper yourself for a couple days (Losehill House Hotel & Spa, Losehill Lane, Edale Road, S33 6AF).
Bringing your furry friend too? The Rutland Arms is a lovely coaching Inn built the 19th century which offers dog-friendly rooms in a stylish ambiance, and fine local cuisine (The Square, Rutland, DE45 1BT).
Finally, The George is an authentic 16th century British pub overlooked by the ruins of Peveril Castle! With only 4 guest rooms, traditional grub (and full English breakfast!), and a beer garden, it’s a wonderful down-to-earth option (Castle Street, Castleton, S33 8WG.
About the Author
Molly Scott is a Derbyshire blogger at www.lovelylocalindie.com who helps locals and visitors to the Peak District find the very best independents across Derbyshire to eat, drink and stay at.
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Thank you so much for featuring my article on your brilliant site. I’m very proud to live near the Peak District – it truly is a wonderful part of the world.
It looks absolutely beautiful in the Peak District! Hope to do some walks there next time we are over in the UK.