P

eak District, Britain's first National Park with its dramatic moorland and breathtaking landscapes, is a must visit for outdoor enthusiasts. But with some of England’s finest country houses and picturesque stone villages, as well as the cities of Sheffield and Manchester close by, it’s also the perfect place to mix urban chic and rural retreat.

History and Heritage
Come face to face with 4000 years of history at Arbor Low, the Stonehenge of the North or explore the last Ice Age at Creswell Crags. And with Chatsworth Estate, the medieval Haddon Hall and Lyme Park, there’s plenty of opportunities to soak up the grandeur of yester-year. Or simply walk around the many historic villages, discovering ancient customs such as well dressing.

Food and Drink
For a tasty tart or the perfect pudding head to the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop where age-old recipes still satisfy even the sweetest of tooth. Other regional delights include Staffordshire oatcakes and Ashbourne gingerbread. And to quench your thirst drink the delicious mineral-rich water straight from the well at Buxton.

Family Fun
It doesn’t matter if you’re an adrenalin junkies or keen horticulturalist; a day out at Alton Towers will go by in a glorious blur. And the kids will go bonkers at Conkers where teenagers can tackle an assault course whilst the little monkeys can attempt some treetop walking - it’s an all-weather, sure-fire hit.

Shopping
Visit the spiritual home of retro confectionary at the Swizzels Matlow factory where you can pick up such tuck shop treats as Parma Violets and Love Hearts. Then sugar-rush your way around the historic market towns of Buxton and Bakewell which are chock full of independent shops. And if you really want to shop till you drop hit the streets Manchester and Sheffield.

Key Events
Each July, Buxton is a hive of cultural activity with concerts, fringe comedy, and literature glitterati and much more. The Well Dressing Festival inspires local villages to decorate their springs with floral displays from May to September. And with over 170 routes opened up by expert guides, the Peak District Walking Festival is a real treat for ramblers.

Music and Nightlife
Glossop is fast becoming recognised as the musical hub of the High Peak. Home to a truly diverse range of musicians, bands and festivals, Glossop’s burgeoning live music scene offers something for all tastes whether folk or funk, classic pop or choral. For everything from Puccini operas to fringe theatre check the programme at the Buxton Opera House.

Sports
As well as being one of the best places for walking in the UK, the undulating landscape of the Peaks is perfect for paragliding, ballooning, and hang-gliding. There’s also plenty of opportunity for rock climbers to test their mettle on vertical gritstone edges and anglers can bag themselves a veritable whopper in the reservoirs and famous rivers.