Tucked away in the heart of England, you'll find a land of historic market towns, idyllic villages, heather-clad moorlands and deep dales. Oh yes, Derbyshire is the perfect spot for a UK getaway, with rewarding hikes, an exciting local food scene, and awe-inspiring landscapes to get lost in.
Whether you're a nature lover, history buff or travelling with kids, there is something to keep everyone entertained. Go back in time to impressive historic estates, immerse yourself in the land with a walk or take it all in from above on an alpine-style cable car. Ready to go? Here are some of our favourite things to do in Derbyshire to make your holiday itinerary one to remember…
Chatsworth House and Gardens
An imposing country estate in Derbyshire, and the ancestral home of the Dukes of Devonshire, Chatsworth House and Gardens near Bakewell offers an impressive day out. With over 25 rooms to explore, including the painted hall, regal state rooms, and the sculpture gallery, it’s a great way to spend your day.
The art collection is a particular highlight, with works spanning 4,000 years, from ancient Roman sculptures to masterpieces by everyone from Rembrandt to David Nash; it's one of Europe's most impressive private art collections.
Outside, a 105-acre garden flourished after 500 years of careful cultivation. And if that's not enough, the 1,822-acre park should do the trick for idyllic wanderings! Young children will love a look around the Farmyard and adventure playground, where they can meet friendly animals, including goats, pigs, and horses.
There are several places to refuel, including a café, restaurant, and ice cream parlour, plus the Chatsworth Farm Shop where you can snag some estate-grown produce to enjoy back at your holiday cottage.
It's worth checking the calendar before you go too, as they host an eclectic range of events throughout the year. Depending on the day, you could listen to tales from the impressive Chatsworth Library, enjoy a blazing bonfire and professional firework displays or attend a wine and cheese night - don’t mind if we do!
Peak District National Park
No trip to Derbyshire is complete without a stomp about the Peak District National Park. Our pick? Hiking the ridge from Mam Tor to Lose Hill. It takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete the hike, and it delivers big time on views.
The Mam Tor ascent offers incredible 360-degree panoramic views, and the highest point of the ridge, Back Tor, is the place to get some memorable holiday snaps. The stone paths are well maintained, though there are some steep steps and you'll want to avoid hiking in strong winds. Of course, with 555 square miles to explore, this sprawling National Park promises many wonderful walks to enjoy.
Haddon Hall
One of a few historically significant houses to remain in a single family's ownership, Haddon Hall near Bakewell is the private residence of Lord and Lady Edward Manners to this day. It's a rare and beautiful example of fine, authentic Tudor architecture.
Its secret? It remained empty for nearly 200 years. During this time, the family favoured their main seat, Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, and so time stood still at the Hall. As such, much of the home has stayed exactly as it was, avoiding modernisation during the Georgian and Victorian eras. You can see it in the medieval banqueting hall, complete with the original dais table. Or head into the parlour and observe the Tudor painted ceiling. And in the medieval chapel, you can spot rare 15th-century fresco seccos on the wall.
Outside, the Elizabethan walled gardens are a real treat, offering a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century designs. Explore the series of terraces, which boast expansive views across the ancient parkland and to the Peak District National Park beyond.
Dovedale Stepping Stones
The famous stones were first laid in 1890, off the back of a boom in Victorian visitors to the area. Prior to that, donkeys were often used to cross. To preserve this historic landmark for modern visitors, the stones were acquired by the National Trust in 1934, and Dovedale received National Nature Reserve status in 2006.
If you just want a gander and go on the stones, and nothing else, you can park up at the National Trust Dovedale car park, and it's about a half-mile walk along the River Dove to reach the stones.
Prefer to make a hike of it? Look at the Thorpe Circular Route, a 3.3-mile loop. Or add on a bit extra if you want to have a detour and wander up Thorpe Cloud while you're in the area - the views from the top of this 287-metre limestone hill are outrageously good.
The Heights of Abraham
Prefer a more leisurely approach to soaking up the scenery? Head to The Heights of Abraham, a 60-acre hilltop park in Matlock Bath with alpine-style cable cars. Plus, once you arrive, there are cavern tours, sixty acres of woodland to explore, and a restaurant called Vista - the name of which tells you all you need to know about the setting.
Hop aboard one of twelve cable cars, and soar up over the Derwent Valley to the summit of Masson Hill. The ascent travels up 169m and offers jaw-droppingly good views across Matlock Bath and the surrounding peaks.
From here, explore the Great Masson Cavern with a guided tour and spectacular light and sound show, wander around heritage gardens, and snag a balcony table at Vista Restaurant for a side of views with your lunch.
Bakewell pudding
Move over Bakewell tart; when you're in Derbyshire it's all about the Bakewell pudding. The latter is referenced earlier in history than the tart version, with a Bakewell pudding spotted in The Cook and Housewife's Manual by Margaret Dods, published in 1826.
Nobody is 100% agreed on the exact origins of the pudding, except that it was first conceived in the Derbyshire town of Bakewell. Some say it was first made as an accident, a jam tart gone wrong! However it came to be, you'll want to try one while you're in the area.
And luckily, there are plenty of places to try this flaky pastry topped with sieved jam and an egg-and-almond paste mix. Our top spot? The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, which has been selling this regional delicacy since 1860. Also check out the artisan bakery Bloomers of Bakewell and Bakewell Pudding Parlour, a family-run bakery set in the town's old smithy.
Monsal Trail
Fancy a flat, traffic-free route with epic views? Head to the Monsal Trail, ideal for families and wheelchair users, and explore 8.5 miles of easy access walking through the White Peak hills and dales. Plus, there's easy parking and refreshment stops along the way.
Stretching from Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale to Coombs Road in Bakewell, with plenty of offshoot footpaths along the way, there is plenty to keep you busy. The trail follows the old Manchester to London Midland Railway line, which closed in the late 1960s, so you'll spot former railway tunnels, a stunning viaduct and station cafés along your ramble.
Hardwick Hall and Gardens
The home of a true main character of the Elizabethan era, Hardwick Hall was the creation of Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, more commonly known as Bess of Hardwick. From a humble background, she leveraged networking, business, and strategic marriages to ultimately become one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Elizabethan England
The hall is one of her greatest legacies. It offers an English interpretation of Italian Renaissance architecture, and the imposing building casts a formidable silhouette against the Derbyshire countryside. Inside, you'll find a fine collection of 16th and 17th-century needlework, furniture, and artwork. The garden, laid out around the hall, is a joy to visit whatever the season.
The estate encompasses Grade I listed parkland, so you can enjoy an amble through ancient countryside afterwards. Feeling peckish? Head to The Great Barn for a freshly baked slice of cake or a hearty main.
Gulliver's Kingdom
If you're holidaying with little ones, put Gulliver's Kingdom on your itinerary. This family-run attraction on the edge of the Peak District started out in 1978 as a children's model village, before getting a bit carried away and expanding into a full-blown theme park!
It's geared towards younger children, with over twenty rides in six themed areas. There's a log flume with excellent views of Matlock Bath, laser dodgems, and a treetop drop to keep the older children thrilled too. There's a dedicated area for under-fives as well, so nobody gets left out.
As theme parks go, this is an especially scenic one. The site is built on a steep hillside overlooking the Derwent Valley. And when legs start to get tired, you can simply hop aboard the chairlifts and travelator.
Dreaming of Derbyshire? Check out our collection of holiday cottages in Derbyshire and the Peak District and start planning your next adventure now.
