Peak District

Buxton sits proudly alongside Britain's first and the world's second most popular National Park. The Peak District was formed in the early '50's after workers from the nearby cities demanded a place to walk after toiling in the factories and mills during the week. It is a rich tapestry of colour sitting at the foothills of the Pennines. It really is almost two national parks in one. To the north lies the mysterious moorlands of the Dark Peak with its harsh gritstone and 'Edges'& to the south lies the softer, greener landscape of the White Peak with limestone walls and sparkling rivers running through wooded valleys alongside grand Stately Homes.




Chatsworth House - sitting on the River Derwent is home of the Devonshire family and quite probably the country's finest Stately Home. 100 acres of landscaped gardens, 1000 acres of open parkland, estate villages of Pilsley, Edensor, Beeley and of course the house itself - Chatsworth House, the Palace Of The Peak.

Haddon Hall - the most authentic medieval house left in Britain today. On the banks of the River Wye just over the hill from Chatsworth sits Haddon Hall. Built several centuries before Chatsworth and belonging to the Duke of Rutland Haddon Hall lay fallow for hundreds of years and therefore escaped many whims of change and fashion. It now represents an impressive piece of history and as you approach the building from the modern A6 there is a feeling of being transported back in time to bows, arrows and knights and damsels in distress.

Bakewell - famous for its cooking error that gave the world the Bakewell pudding. Bakewell is a thriving town with a very busy weekly market on Mondays and regular livestock markets. A pretty town that enjoys the River Wye running through its centre. Individual shops make it a popular palce to visit.

Castleton - delightful Peak District village that has many caverns to visit. Stalactites,stalagmites and the semi-precious Blue John Stone all to be found under the ground of Castleton. On the streets there are quaint, unique shops that are not only busy in the spring and summer months but in December take on a real Christmas card feel when the shops and streets decorate themselves with an abundance of Christmas trees and lights. High above Castleton sits Peveril Castle - the Castle of the Peak built by William Peveril the illegitimate son of William the Conqueror.

Edale - the starting point of the 240 mile journey to Scotland - the Penine Way.

Hathersage - nestling beneath the Edges that are often decked out with colour of rock climbers, Hathersage is reputedably the resting place of Little John, the liuetenant of Robin Hood.

Matlock Bath - although located just outside the National Park, Matlock Bath is worth a visit. Known as a Little Switzerland due it sitting in a high limestone gorge there are very interesting things to see and do. The Heights of Abraham is a journey on a cable car to the top of the sheer limestone sides where wonderful views can be enjoyed. Nearby to Matlock Bath is Crich which is home to the National Tramway Museum - a museum a mile long that will transport you back (literally!) to the yesteryear of trams.

Tideswell - beautiful church within this Peak District that is known as the Cathedral of the Peak.

The Dales - Millers Dale, Monsal Dale (best viewed from Monsal Head), Dovedale, Lathkill Dale are just a few of the magnificent dales in the Peak District. Whether its as a seasoned walker or just as a sightseer these are a must for you to see and enjoy.

Well Dressing - a unique custom to this part of the world. Well Dressing started as a pagan sacrifice to water gods and was frowned upon by the church. Nowadays it is supported by the church and many pictures that are produced have strong religious themes. This prtactice of 'Dressing Wells' is real community in action. Villages and towns within the Peak District each dress and display their wells for a period of about a week during the Spring & Summer. Residents volunteer their time to create pictures by using natural products of clay, grass, petals, bark, moss etc to create pictures that could be historical, religious or topical. The 'Wells' become attractions for visitors and all monies raised is for charity. Due to the fact that natural products have been used the it means that after about a week the pictures become spoiled by the weather and another village will take up the role of dressing their wells. This leads to a calendar of weeks where dressed wells are available to see throughout the Peak District during the Spring & Summer.