A guide to planning a holiday in the Peak District
The Peak District is an area of spectacular scenery situated mainly in Derbyshire. There is so much to enjoy about the Peak District that it's a good idea to take some time to plan your holiday.
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Getting there and where to stay
Getting there Most people will travel to the Peak District by car but it is also a great area for keen walkers who may prefer to travel by train and then set out with a map to wander the Derbyshire dales.There are several camp sites where you can stay if you are walking across the Peak District. Where to stay There are many different options available for accommodation such as national park camping sites, as mentioned already, self catering cottages, tourist hotels or full five star luxury hotels. Peak District hotels include the Rockside Hydro Spa Hotel, the Izaak Walton Hotel and others set in beautiful old buildings. You can also find self catering cottage accommodation right across the area, some with truly spectacular views and others which are pet-friendly. There is also the option of national park lodges for those wishing to stay right in the heart of the national park area.
What to see and do
Cycling, walking and horse riding The Peak district is perfect for walks with several walking routes laid out, ranging from easy to difficult. There are also five themed walking festivals which you can join each year that have group walks in the Derbyshire area, again ranging in difficulty to suit all ages and experience. For cyclists, you can either bring your own bike or hire one from the various points. There are suggested routes on the Peak District official website which you can download so that you can plan your cycling trip to take you to the areas which you particularly want to visit. For those who are keen on four-legged travel, there are riding stables and trekking centres around the region so that you can enjoy all this Peak District beauty from the saddle. Sights and attractions There are many attractions and things to see in Derbyshire, such as the Chatsworth House and Hardwick Manor, two of the most famous historic houses in Britain. Both have featured in TV programmes and films such as the Harry Potter series. Bolsover Castle is also a great place to visit. You can go caving and canal boating. You can also visit the Crich Tramway Village, with its vintage horse-drawn trams or scream your head off on the roller coasters at Alton Towers theme park. A full list of attractions can be found on the official website. Last word The Peak District is perfect for family holidays, romantic getaways and serious walking holidays, so start planning your holiday to the Peak District now.