31 of the most breathtaking places to visit across Derbyshire and the Peak District – including scenic walks, stunning waterfalls and remarkable attractions

Tom Hardwick
·6-min read
These are some of the places you need to visit across Derbyshire and the Peaks. (Photo: Brian Eyre/Jason Chadwick)
These are some of the places you need to visit across Derbyshire and the Peaks. (Photo: Brian Eyre/Jason Chadwick)

Derbyshire and the Peak District offer something for everyone – from impressive viewpoints and historic attractions to unique hidden gems dotted across the area.

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Whether you’re a tourist venturing into the Peak District for the very first time, or a Derbyshire resident looking to explore the county, these are 28 places that you need to visit.

Solomon’s Temple - otherwise known as Grinlow Tower - is situated in the hills above Buxton. It was built in 1896, with the support of the Duke of Devonshire, before being restored in the 1980s. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © G Laird - geograph.org.uk/p/6125321)
Solomon’s Temple - otherwise known as Grinlow Tower - is situated in the hills above Buxton. It was built in 1896, with the support of the Duke of Devonshire, before being restored in the 1980s. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © G Laird - geograph.org.uk/p/6125321)
It might take a few hours to reach this spot, but it is well worth the climb for the amazing views of this waterfall on the edge of Kinder Scout. (Photo: © Dave Dunford - geograph.org.uk/p/50573)
It might take a few hours to reach this spot, but it is well worth the climb for the amazing views of this waterfall on the edge of Kinder Scout. (Photo: © Dave Dunford - geograph.org.uk/p/50573)
Speedwell Cavern is one of the many impressive caves that can be found dotted across the Peak District - and is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass. (Photo: © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/5952026)
Speedwell Cavern is one of the many impressive caves that can be found dotted across the Peak District - and is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass. (Photo: © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/5952026)
This waterfall along Blackden Brook is nestled in the High Peak, close to the A57 Snake Pass - and is well worth a visit. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © steven ruffles - geograph.org.uk/p/4105532)
This waterfall along Blackden Brook is nestled in the High Peak, close to the A57 Snake Pass - and is well worth a visit. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © steven ruffles - geograph.org.uk/p/4105532)
Lumsdale Falls can be found to the north-east of Matlock - and should be high on your list if you find yourself in the area. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Lyne - geograph.org.uk/p/6444024)
Lumsdale Falls can be found to the north-east of Matlock - and should be high on your list if you find yourself in the area. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Lyne - geograph.org.uk/p/6444024)
Osmaston is a fairytale village near Ashbourne, complete with thatched cottages and stunning woodland. Visitors should head to Osmaston Park for a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill. © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714 (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714)
Osmaston is a fairytale village near Ashbourne, complete with thatched cottages and stunning woodland. Visitors should head to Osmaston Park for a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill. © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714 (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714)
Repton is the perfect place for anyone looking to delve into Britain’s medieval history. It was once the capital of the kingdom of Mercia, and notable landmarks include St Wystan's Church - where visitors will find an 8th century crypt built as a mausoleum for Mercian royals. (Photo: Google)
Repton is the perfect place for anyone looking to delve into Britain’s medieval history. It was once the capital of the kingdom of Mercia, and notable landmarks include St Wystan's Church - where visitors will find an 8th century crypt built as a mausoleum for Mercian royals. (Photo: Google)
The Rowter Rocks at Birchover have caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were lead to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Patrick Baldwin - geograph.org.uk/p/2818130)
The Rowter Rocks at Birchover have caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were lead to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Patrick Baldwin - geograph.org.uk/p/2818130)
Chatsworth House is one of the Peak District’s most recognisable landmarks - and there is plenty to keep the family entertained here. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
Chatsworth House is one of the Peak District’s most recognisable landmarks - and there is plenty to keep the family entertained here. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
At over 500 metres, Mam Tor is certainly steep, but the amazing views over the Hope Valley are more than worth the effort - especially on a frosty morning. (Photo: Jason Chadwick)
At over 500 metres, Mam Tor is certainly steep, but the amazing views over the Hope Valley are more than worth the effort - especially on a frosty morning. (Photo: Jason Chadwick)
The Carsington Water Loop is a long trail with varied scenery - providing great views of the reservoir. (Photo: Photo © Alan Heardman (cc-by-sa/2.0))
The Carsington Water Loop is a long trail with varied scenery - providing great views of the reservoir. (Photo: Photo © Alan Heardman (cc-by-sa/2.0))
The Stone Edge Cupola can be found near Ashover, close to the Red Lion pub. It was built in 1770 and is thought to be Britain's oldest free-standing chimney (Photo: Brian Eyre)
The Stone Edge Cupola can be found near Ashover, close to the Red Lion pub. It was built in 1770 and is thought to be Britain's oldest free-standing chimney (Photo: Brian Eyre)
Located on the edge of Chesterfield, there are three reservoirs to walk round at Linacre. There is a gentle five mile route that takes you around all three, and through the village of Old Brampton, before arriving back at the car park. (Photo: RKH)
Located on the edge of Chesterfield, there are three reservoirs to walk round at Linacre. There is a gentle five mile route that takes you around all three, and through the village of Old Brampton, before arriving back at the car park. (Photo: RKH)
The circular route around Robin Hood’s Stride - at around 2.7 miles - is a lovely walk near the Peak District town of Bakewell. (Photo: Photo © Brian Frost (cc-by-sa/2.0))
The circular route around Robin Hood’s Stride - at around 2.7 miles - is a lovely walk near the Peak District town of Bakewell. (Photo: Photo © Brian Frost (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Calke Abbey may look somewhat neglected compared to the likes of Chatsworth, but the grand country house near Ticknall provides a fascinating insight into the lives of some of Derbyshire’s wealthiest figures. There is also an outdoor recreation area - Calke Explore - situated in the grounds. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Alan Murray-Rust - geograph.org.uk/p/5860693)
Calke Abbey may look somewhat neglected compared to the likes of Chatsworth, but the grand country house near Ticknall provides a fascinating insight into the lives of some of Derbyshire’s wealthiest figures. There is also an outdoor recreation area - Calke Explore - situated in the grounds. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Alan Murray-Rust - geograph.org.uk/p/5860693)
Ladybower is another Derbyshire reservoir that is perfect for a steady stroll. The 5.5 mile route offers beautiful views across the water, and passes the awe-inspiring Derwent Dam along the way. (Photo: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Ladybower is another Derbyshire reservoir that is perfect for a steady stroll. The 5.5 mile route offers beautiful views across the water, and passes the awe-inspiring Derwent Dam along the way. (Photo: Photo © Ken Bagnall (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Almost everyone has heard of the likes of Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall, but Renishaw has its own stunning Grade I listed country house, just a few miles outside of Chesterfield. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
Almost everyone has heard of the likes of Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall, but Renishaw has its own stunning Grade I listed country house, just a few miles outside of Chesterfield. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
The source of the River Lathkill is at Monyash, near Bakewell, and it flows through the Derbyshire Dales until it joins the River Wye at Rowsley. It is unique, as the only river in the area that flows exclusively over limestone, and it provides a very relaxing walking trail. (Photo: Photo © Andrew Hill (cc-by-sa/2.0))
The source of the River Lathkill is at Monyash, near Bakewell, and it flows through the Derbyshire Dales until it joins the River Wye at Rowsley. It is unique, as the only river in the area that flows exclusively over limestone, and it provides a very relaxing walking trail. (Photo: Photo © Andrew Hill (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Arriving at Grindleford Station, walkers can follow Padley Gorge up onto the moors, before taking in the scenery at Surprise View and looping back round to the station. There are some winding paths, but this is a relatively short journey - and a key attraction is the famous Grindleford Cafe, which is a fantastic place to put your feet up after a cold hike. (Photo: Google)
Arriving at Grindleford Station, walkers can follow Padley Gorge up onto the moors, before taking in the scenery at Surprise View and looping back round to the station. There are some winding paths, but this is a relatively short journey - and a key attraction is the famous Grindleford Cafe, which is a fantastic place to put your feet up after a cold hike. (Photo: Google)
If you want amazing views over the Hope Valley, look no further than Curbar Edge. (Photo: Tom Hardwick)
If you want amazing views over the Hope Valley, look no further than Curbar Edge. (Photo: Tom Hardwick)
The Monsal Trail runs between Wye Dale and Bakewell, and contains plenty of greenery. The trail is relatively flat, but does span 13.6 kilometres, so make sure you're up to the challenge before attempting it. (Photo: Google)
The Monsal Trail runs between Wye Dale and Bakewell, and contains plenty of greenery. The trail is relatively flat, but does span 13.6 kilometres, so make sure you're up to the challenge before attempting it. (Photo: Google)
Even without the cable car tour, there's plenty to see here. It's more of a scenic walk than a challenging one, clocking in at less than two miles - but with so many sights to see, it can't be overlooked. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
Even without the cable car tour, there's plenty to see here. It's more of a scenic walk than a challenging one, clocking in at less than two miles - but with so many sights to see, it can't be overlooked. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
It is certainly an impressive sight when the water cascades over the Derwent Dam - and is the perfect place to stop towards the end of a scenic circular route around Ladybower Reservoir. (Photo: Tom Hardwick)
It is certainly an impressive sight when the water cascades over the Derwent Dam - and is the perfect place to stop towards the end of a scenic circular route around Ladybower Reservoir. (Photo: Tom Hardwick)
The Blue John Cavern is another of the Peak District’s remarkable caves - and it is well worth taking the tour to explore the site. (Photo: jason chadwick)
The Blue John Cavern is another of the Peak District’s remarkable caves - and it is well worth taking the tour to explore the site. (Photo: jason chadwick)
This Peak District viewpoint is popular with climbers - offering a spectacular vista over the area. (Photo: Photo © David Martin (cc-by-sa/2.0))
This Peak District viewpoint is popular with climbers - offering a spectacular vista over the area. (Photo: Photo © David Martin (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Dovedale is a stunning valley in the southern part of the Peak District - known for its picturesque stepping stones over the River Dove. (Photo: Photo © Brian Frost (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Dovedale is a stunning valley in the southern part of the Peak District - known for its picturesque stepping stones over the River Dove. (Photo: Photo © Brian Frost (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Thor’s Cave is a magnificent natural cavern located around 10 miles from Ashbourne - providing spectacular views into the valley below. (Photo: Photo © Graham Hogg (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Thor’s Cave is a magnificent natural cavern located around 10 miles from Ashbourne - providing spectacular views into the valley below. (Photo: Photo © Graham Hogg (cc-by-sa/2.0))
This Peak District chasm is both naturally and historically remarkable. It was known as a secret place of worship in the 15th century, and myths also claim that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck hid here from the authorities. (Photo: Photo © Anthony O'Neil (cc-by-sa/2.0))
This Peak District chasm is both naturally and historically remarkable. It was known as a secret place of worship in the 15th century, and myths also claim that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck hid here from the authorities. (Photo: Photo © Anthony O'Neil (cc-by-sa/2.0))
The Stardisc is a star chart carved into black granite in the hills above Wirksworth. It offers great views during the day, and is dimly illuminated after sunset - providing the perfect space for some stargazing. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Humphrey Bolton - geograph.org.uk/p/3905379)
The Stardisc is a star chart carved into black granite in the hills above Wirksworth. It offers great views during the day, and is dimly illuminated after sunset - providing the perfect space for some stargazing. (Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Humphrey Bolton - geograph.org.uk/p/3905379)
The stunning grounds of Ilam Park are perfect to explore on a warm day in the Peak District - and it costs nothing to get in. (Photo: Photo © Paul Harrop (cc-by-sa/2.0))
The stunning grounds of Ilam Park are perfect to explore on a warm day in the Peak District - and it costs nothing to get in. (Photo: Photo © Paul Harrop (cc-by-sa/2.0))
The National Trust's Kinder, Edale and High Peak Estate is a stunning area, which is open and free to visit. (Photo: jason chadwick)
The National Trust's Kinder, Edale and High Peak Estate is a stunning area, which is open and free to visit. (Photo: jason chadwick)