The Peak District was Britain’s first national park, and it sits within easy reach of Manchester, Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham — which makes it one of the simplest places in England for a weekend break in the hills. Two days is enough to sample both of its characters: the dark gritstone edges and moorland of the north, and the green limestone dales of the south. This itinerary puts the best things to do in the Peak District into a workable order. For places to stay and more ideas, see our Peak District visitor guide.
Day one in the Peak District: Mam Tor, Castleton and the Hope Valley
Start in the Hope Valley, where the two landscapes meet. Mam Tor, the 517-metre “Mother Hill” above Castleton, is the classic first walk: a paved path climbs from the car park below the summit, and the view takes in the Vale of Edale on one side and the Hope Valley on the other. If the weather is kind, carry on along the Great Ridge towards Hollins Cross and Lose Hill before dropping back down to the valley. In poor visibility, stick to the short out-and-back to the summit.
Castleton itself is the place to head for late morning. The village is known for its four show caves — Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern. They are quite different from one another: Speedwell is explored by boat along a flooded underground canal at the foot of Winnats Pass, while Treak Cliff and Blue John are where you can see the rare Blue John stone in the rock. One cave is plenty for a short visit; check each cave’s own website for tour times, as they vary through the year. Above the village are the ruins of Peveril Castle, a Norman stronghold with a stiff climb and a fine view, and the steep limestone gorge of Winnats Pass is worth the short walk or drive.
After lunch in Castleton or Hope, move a few miles down the valley to Hathersage. From here it is a short drive or a steady uphill walk to Stanage Edge, a long gritstone escarpment that is popular with climbers and gives one of the best easy high-level walks in the park. Film fans may recognise it from the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice — see our guide to UK film and TV locations you can visit. The path along the top is level once you are up, but it is exposed, so bring a windproof layer at any time of year.
If you would rather walk than sightsee, swap the afternoon for Edale, the village at the southern end of the Pennine Way and the usual starting point for walks on to Kinder Scout. The moorland plateau is serious ground in bad weather; take a map and proper footwear.
Day two in the Peak District: Bakewell, the Monsal Trail and Chatsworth
Day two belongs to the gentler limestone country. Begin in Bakewell, a market town on the River Wye with a medieval bridge, stone-built streets and several bakeries selling the Bakewell pudding — the local speciality that predates the better-known tart. It is a pleasant place for breakfast and an hour of wandering.
From the edge of town, join the Monsal Trail. This traffic-free route follows a former railway line for 8.5 miles between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale, and is open to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. Its old railway tunnels were reopened by the national park authority in 2011, and the highlight is the Headstone Viaduct at Monsal Head, high above the river. You do not need to do the whole length: a walk or cycle from Bakewell to the viaduct and back makes a satisfying half day. Cycle hire is available on the trail — check opening days out of season.
Spend the afternoon at Chatsworth, a few miles east of Bakewell. The home of the Dukes of Devonshire is one of England’s great country houses, set in parkland beside the River Derwent, with a large garden, a farmyard and adventure playground, and miles of free-to-walk park. Opening is seasonal. For this winter, Christmas at Chatsworth runs from 7 November 2026 into the first days of January 2027 and tickets must be booked in advance; the house then closes for its annual winter conservation work and usually reopens in spring. Check the official Chatsworth website for dates and prices before you travel.
With more time, add Haddon Hall, a medieval manor house just south of Bakewell (also seasonal), or Eyam, the “plague village” whose residents isolated themselves during the outbreak of 1665–66.
Getting to the Peak District and getting around
The Peak District is unusually easy to reach without a car. The Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield stops at Edale, Hope, Bamford, Hathersage and Grindleford, which puts most of day one within walking or bus distance of a station. Hope is the nearest station to Castleton, about two miles away by road. Buxton has trains from Manchester, and from Derby a branch line runs up the Derwent Valley to Matlock, with onward buses towards Bakewell and Chatsworth.
Bakewell has no railway station, so day two is easier by car or bus. If you are driving, arrive early at popular car parks such as Mam Tor and Monsal Head, particularly on sunny weekends and bank holidays, and never park on verges or across gateways. Bus services thin out in the evenings and on Sundays, so check timetables before relying on them. Good bases include Castleton, Hathersage, Bakewell and Buxton; Derby and Nottingham work if you prefer a city stay with day trips.
When to visit the Peak District
The park is open all year, and each season has its appeal. Late spring and summer bring long days and the Derbyshire tradition of well dressing, when villages decorate their wells and springs with pictures made from petals. Late August sees the heather moors turn purple. Autumn is quieter, with good colour in the dales, and winter can be superb on a clear, frosty day — see our UK winter walks guide — though daylight is short, some attractions close and the high ground can be icy. Whatever the season, weekdays are far calmer than weekends at the best-known spots.
What’s on in the Peak District
From well dressings and agricultural shows to Christmas markets and guided walks, there is usually something happening. Browse dated listings on our Peak District events page, or see the full UK events calendar. If you are visiting in December, our best UK Christmas breaks guide has more festive ideas in and around Derbyshire.
Plan your trip
- Book ahead where you can. Chatsworth, cave tours in school holidays and weekend accommodation all fill up.
- Dress for the hills. Even short walks such as Mam Tor and Stanage Edge are exposed. Bring waterproofs, warm layers and sturdy shoes.
- Check before you set off. Opening times for caves, houses and cycle hire change with the season — always confirm on the official site.
- Read more. Our Peak District guide covers where to stay and what to see, and the Central England page has neighbouring destinations. For other short breaks, try two days in Oxfordshire or two days in Northumberland.