Top things to do when visiting the peak district

This summer is all about UK staycations and having adventures closer to home, but this does not mean your summer adventures are going to be any less exciting this year. It is the perfect opportunity to explore places in Britain that you have never been to before and discover why so many people choose to visit the UK each year (in normal circumstances).

If you are looking for the ideal destination for outdoor adventures and lots of exciting activities, the Peak District could be the best choice for you. As well as being located centrally in the UK, making it easier to get to compared to many other places of beauty, the Peak District has an endless list of great things to do. The Peak District National Park was also the first-ever National Park in the UK, founded in 1951, so there is a long history of being a top location for exploring.

Here are our top picks of things to do when visiting the Peak District:

Pooles Cavern

The limestone caverns are a popular place to visit and one of the main highlights includes walking through woodland trails to a stunning panoramic view over the peaks. There are numerous guided tours of the cavern that you can book.

Monsal Trail

The Peak District is a hiker’s paradise and one of the most famous hiking trails is the Monsal Trail, which is also a popular route for cyclists. The trail runs along a disused railway line, spanning 8.5 miles from Chee Dale to Bakewell. It is a picturesque route that is mostly flat and suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Chatsworth House

If you enjoy visiting historic sites, then the magnificent Chatsworth House is worth visiting. It is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and the grounds include beautiful gardens, a farmyard with Britain’s best farm shop and a children’s playground.

Kinder Scout

For some more challenging walking compared to the Monsal Trail, Kinder Scout offers numerous trails for different abilities. The Kinder Downfall is a stunning waterfall that you will find on the edge of the Kinder Scout hill, which is certainly worth the walk.

Derwent and Ladybower Cycle Route

If your idea of a great day out is a scenic, challenging bike ride, the Derwent and Ladybower circuit takes you around three reservoirs: Derwent, Ladybower and Howden. The route is 25km and is fairly flat, but the tracks are mostly rough terrain, so a mountain bike is needed.

Outdoor adventures

There are lots of areas that are ideal for rock climbing, both for experienced climbers and beginners who would like to have a lesson from one of the local climbing schools.  You can also try caving, abseiling and stream scrambling (a bit like Gorge walking).

Watersports

There are several reservoirs in the Peak District where you can have a go at watersports. At Carsington Water you can hire kayaks, paddleboards, sailing boats and windsurfing boards, to have fun adventures on the water.

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping trip, or you want to enjoy the Peak District’s beauty with your family, there are so many great adventure options to choose from. To prepare for your trip, shop at PF Jones for everything you need, including roof boxes, cycle carriers and watersports carriers.

Shop for your trip with PF Jones.