10 Best Things to Do in the Peak District (Perfect for a Weekend Break)

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in the Peak District—home to England’s first national park. If you are looking for adventures in the Peak District for a weekend break, you’ll find the area is dotted with charming villages, dramatic landscapes, and historic gems. Whether you’re wandering through the spa town of Buxton, indulging in a Bakewell pudding, or hiking up Mam Tor for sweeping views, this region offers something for every traveler.

On our recent trip to the Peak District in November 2025, Chris and I explored highlights such as Eyam’s fascinating plague history, the beauty of Mam Tor, Chatsworth House Christmas markets, and the scenery around Ladybower Reservoir—all while winding along scenic drives such as Winnats Pass. If you do happen to visit in the late off-season, you will want to be mindful of the weather and dress appropriately.

10 Things to Do in the Peak District

Planning an international trip to the UK? The Peak District is a must-see destination with a variety of things to do, from sweeping ridge walks to cozy village stops.

England Facts

• Official Language: English
• Capital City: London
• Population: 58.6 million
• Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
• Power Outlet: Type G

1. Explore Buxton – The Spa Town of the Peak District

Stroll Through the Pavilion Gardens

The Pavilion Gardens in Buxton date back to 1871. These beautiful gardens shows off the historical splendor of Buxton and make the perfect setting for fun family days in the park, enjoying food and drink with friends, and shopping. You’ll find that Buxton hosts over 100 festivals and events all year long.

Visit the Devonshire Dome

The Devonshire Dome was originally built in 1779 as a stable for the grand home of John Carr of York, the 5th Duke of Devonshire. At the time, it housed up to 120 horses and provided accommodation for the servants of those staying in the The Crescent.

Known for having the largest unsupported dome in the UK, Devonshire Dome today houses the Buxton Campus of the University of Derby. In addition, it is open to the public for events, has a cafe, spa, and fine restaurants.

Discover The Crescent

The Crescent was also built by John Carr (in the 1780s); it was meant to establish Buxton as a fashionable spa town. In the 1700s, the Crescent contained two hotels and numerous private residences. After a significant renovation, the Crescent stands today as an 80-bedroom, five star hotel next to the state-of-the-art Natural Mineral Baths and Wellness Spa, with six charming boutiques, and a restaurant.

2. Indulge in Bakewell – Home of the Famous Pudding

Try the Original Bakewell Pudding

The origin and history of Bakewell pudding are often debated, but the pastry was believed to come about as an accidental creation at a local inn.“Bakewell pudding…is an ensemble of puff pastry, jam and a rich & buttery egg custard topping enhanced with a few other ingredients, including ground almonds. It’s a real treat guaranteed to get diners talking when it’s served.” ~ Little Sugar Snaps

Wander Along the River Wye

The prominent feature flowing through Bakewell, a market town in the Peak District, is the River Wye. If you are looking for picturesque scenery and relaxing things to do in the Peak District, Bakewell fits the bill. Follow along the river to begin one of the popular starting points for walks in the area.

Browse Local Shops and Markets

It was a rainy weekend (Storm Claudia November 2025), when Chris and I browsed through some quaint gift shops in Bakewell. Known as a market town, Bakewell offers the weekly Monday market, a Saturday market once a month, and a special Christmas Market in mid November.

3. Try Adventures in Castleton – Caves and Castles

Explore Blue John Cavern

If you want to delve a little deeper into the depths of the Peak District, take a guided tour at the Blue John Cavern led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who make geology and history come alive.

If you are interested in taking home a beautiful Blue John stone, explore the shops in Castleton for the perfect piece of jewelry.

Visit Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle, perched on the hill above Castleton, offers panoramic views of the village and Hope Valley. Be prepared for a fairly steep 15-minute “walk” up to Peveril Castle along a well-marked trail. I would highly recommend sturdy footwear—ie., hiking boots—along the uneven path, especially after rain.

Once you reach the castle, you can wander through the castle ruins, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, explore the stone keep (central fortified tower), and discover a variety of remnants and medieval structures.

4. Step Back in Time at Eyam – The Plague Village

Discover Eyam’s Remarkable History

Eyam is known as the “Plague Village” because of a bubonic plague outbreak in 1665 that killed 260 people, but more importantly, it is famous for the heroic decision made by community members to create a self-imposed quarantine where necessary supplies were delivered to the village’s boundary line. This quarantine localized the plague to Eyam and kept it from spreading to surrounding communities.

Visit Eyam Museum

Learn about the village and the plague of 1665 in the local museum. The visit to the museum takes about 45 minutes and then encourages people to venture into the community to explore the historic sites of note.

Park in the lower car park next to the museum that includes coach parking and public restrooms. Parking in the upper car park is FREE.

Explore the Village’s Historic Sites

Once you finish touring the museum, you’ll receive a map of the historic sites within the village where you can read the history of this selfless village. Chris and I had to stop at Eyam Hall with its variety of unique shops, a bookstore, boutiques, and restrooms.

5. Drive Through Winnats Pass – A Scenic Wonder

Capture Instagram Worthy Views

Chris and I were enchanted with Winnats Pass. Enough that we drove through it each day of our weekend break in the Peak District. Most of the days were rainy and overcast, but it was sunny as we were driving back to Manchester and we just had to stop again for a different background to our photos.

Learn the Geological History

Winnats Pass—meaning “wind gates”—is a dramatic limestone gorge in the Peak District known for its chanelled winds that rush through the pass. Geology suggests that the valley was carved by melting glaciers and underground cave systems that eventually collapsed to create the steep valley you and I see today.

The area is popular for not only its geological features but also for a local ghost story, Instagrammable views, natural beauty, easy access, abundant hiking paths, and popular cycling trails.

Note * Winnats is a protected site known as a “Site of Special Scientific Interest”. As such, rocks and plants cannot be removed.

6. Experience the Grandeur of Chatsworth House

Tour the Stately Home

There are a number of tours available for exploring Chatsworth House and its surrounding Gardens. If you are looking for things to do in the Peak District, do a little research on a tour that meets your needs. You can even request a made-to-order tour designed specifically for you.

• Personal House and Garden Tour
• Behind the Scenes Tour
• Bespoke Tour
• Curated Escapes

Wander the Gardens

Chris and I purchased tickets for the Christmas in the Garden tour. Many of the lights were simply laser lights shining in the trees. Those were a little underwhelming, but the light trail ended with a spectacular animated light and sound show projected onto the house. That was cool.

Seasonal Event: Chatsworth House Christmas Market

I LOVED the Chatsworth House Christmas Market. My initial thought as we strolled through the market was, “Now, this is what a Christmas market should look like.” Having only been to a few markets in the US and Europe, I was impressed. Pretty sure I need to visit more!

7. Peak District Hikes – Mam Tor

Mam Tor, also known as “Mother Hill” and as the “Shivering Mountain” for its frequent hill slides, presented a formidable challenge on a rainy day when Chris and I visited in November. You just have to know if you are visiting in the off-season, you are likely going to encounter rainy days. Before we ever arrived in the UK, I sent Chris a picture of a women climbing Mam Tor in the mud and noted, “I DO NOT want to hike in the mud!” Turns out, we did and I slipped on the grass and mud a number of times and fell twice!

The route to Mam Tor is well marked with stones laid along part of the path. We were socked in with clouds and some rain for the day, but I can imagine the view would be amazing on a sunny day.

The Best Time to Hike

If you are hoping for ideal weather on your Peak District Hikes, late spring to early summer (May-June) features an abundance of wildflowers and pleasant weather. Autumn from September to October has cooler temperatures and fall colors with the bonus of fewer crowds.

If you you are choosing the best time of day, you’ll get awesome views at sunrise and sunset with more available parking. As you can imagine, hiking during the week often means less crowds.

Panoramic Hope Valley Views

The best Hope Valley views that I could photograph in November were laced with low-hanging clouds. But the hillsides were an abundant green and dotted with sheep.

Family-friendly Routes

If you are a regular hiker, the Peak District hikes including Mam Tor, will not be too much of a challenge. In fact, the Mam Tor route is considered to be family friendly.

What to Pack for Your Hike

Usually Chris and I try to pack is light as possible for our international trips, but we knew we would try at least one of the Peak District hikes so we packed:

• Hiking boots
• Wool hiking socks
• Backpack
• Umbrella
• Trekking poles (though we inadvertently left them in the car)
• Rain jackets
• Puffy jackets
• Fleece jackets
• Gloves
• Scarves

We didn’t bring rain pants but wish we had (Next time!) We saw many locals staying warm and dry in their head to toe rain gear. If in doubt, discover what the locals wear and you will stay dry. Check out my free Day Hike Packing List for guidelines on what you should bring.

8. Enjoy the Scenery at Ladybower Reservoir

Scenic Walks

Chris and I got out for some short walks to try and capture some photos. We were still walking in the rain, but if you’ve come for a weekend break in the Peak District all the way from Colorado, you’ll brave a little dreary weather to see the sights.

World War II History

In 1940, the villages of Derwent and Ashopton were relocated as the area was intentionally flooded to create the reservoir and create a strategic water supply. If you are a history buff, visit the area when the water is low and you can still see the remains of some of the homes, a bridge, and a church spire.

Ladybower Reservoir, located in the Upper Derwent Valley was used as a strategic training ground for a squadron known as the “Dambusters” during World War II. To simulate attacks on German dams, they practiced using the Ladybower Reservoir dams.

9. Discover Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots

Winnats Pass was such an intriguing and beautiful destination that we drove through it everyday during our weekend break to the Peak District. You may also love to capture photos at other natural landmarks and charming English countryside villages:

• Mam Tor
• Castleton
• Bakewell
• Eyam
• Chatsworth House Christmas Market and Grounds

10. Accommodation in Peak District – Stay in Charming Villages

Chris and I based ourselves in Buxton and loved the quaint Lee House (a Best Western property) for our stay. We used Chris’ Chase Sapphire points to book our stay.

You won’t go wrong staying here or at any of the myriad of charming small towns in the area—Bakewell, Buxton, or Castleton. Buxton offers historical sites, gardens, art and music, and a variety of outdoor activities. 

If you are interested in a quaint vacation cottage for your weekend break in the Peak District, check out the myriad of offerings through VRBO.

Practical Tips for Your Weekend Break in the Peak District

Tips for Visiting the Peak District in the Summer

• Plan Peak District hikes to enjoy the outdoors.
• Be sure to sample Bakewell Pudding and other sweet treats.
• Take a tour and sit back and enjoy the ride.
• Rent a bike to enjoy nature.
• Consider renting a car.
• Don’t forget your hiking gear.
• Download maps to your phone when you have WiFi.
• Bring water and snacks.
• Explore caves such as Blue John Cavern which are generally open year-round.
• Plan a visit to a historic stately home.
• Plan your visits on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Specific Tips for Visiting in the Off-Season

• Dress in layers. Be prepared for changing weather.
• Pack walking gear (hiking boots, rain jackets, rain pants, gloves, hats, etc.)
• Be prepared for cold, damp, and windy conditions.
• Check opening times for historic sites, railways, and tours (may be limited in the late off-season).
• Photograph the wildflowers in the spring.
• Enjoy autumn colors in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts on Why the Peak District Belongs on Your UK Bucket List

From “stately homes” to rugged hikes, Chris and I found the Peak District to be the perfect destination for blending history, nature, and charm into one unforgettable weekend. Our journey from Buxton to Bakewell and Castleton to Winnats Pass was perfect for simply wandering and finding panoramic views

Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots, bring your iPhone or Apple iPhone 15 Procamera, and get ready to discover why the Peak District is one of the UK’s most magical escapes. Use my free Day Hiking Packing List to help you remember all the gear you may need.

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