Derbyshire is a beautiful county with a variety of stunning scenery, a wide array of interesting places to visit and things to do, whatever the time of year.
Outdoors
Derbyshire is home to the Peak National Park which lies at the southern end of the Pennines, between Sheffield and Manchester, it's boundaries also spread into several other counties. The park covers over 500 square miles, three quarters of which lie within Derbyshire itself.
You'll find a range of stunning countryside including dales and valleys, rock faces and caves, rolling hills and meadows and rivers and streams. The vast woodlands create a wonderful landscape, with clusters of native oak readily scattered creating a beautiful canopy for the habitats beneath.
The area is rich in birds, amphibians, insects and other animals, in fact, the Peak District is one of the most important places in Europe for many species of birds!
Derwent Reservoir
Ladybower Reservoir
Peak District
Belper
There is also a choice of bustling market towns which you can explore including Ashbourne, Bakewell and Chesterfield; and many picturesque villages nestled in unspoilt countryside such as Buxton.
Heritage and History
Derbyshire has a rich heritage and history. Chatsworth is one of Derbyshire's most loved historic houses and estates. It has something for everyone to do, from the famous art galleries, beautiful water features and amazing gardens and grounds, to the finest shops, food and drink.
The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is set in the picturesque landscape of Derbyshire's Peak District National Park.
Chatsworth House
Kedleston Hall
Hardwick Hall
Family Fun
Derbyshire is home to Alton Towers Theme Park, one of the countries most famous and visited attractions! If you're looking for the perfect, fun day out for you and your family then this is it. You can experience rides such as the 'Rita - Queen of Speed' which will propel you from 0 - 100 in 2.5 seconds! The theme park also features its very own gardens which in the summer provide a beautiful walk around the grounds.
Alton Towers also has two hotels set in 500 acres of countryside. The hotels, Alton Towers Hotel and Splash Park Hotel, are perfect after a long day at the theme park and residents have the opportunity to relax in the spa, situated right next door.
Food and Drink
When visiting Derbyshire and the Peak District, trying the local produce and food is all part of the experience - and luckily, we're spoilt for choice. There are plenty of fantastic farmers' markets and farm shops, passionate producers, local breweries, cosy pubs and great restaurants in Derbyshire and within the Peak District National Park.
Treat your tastebuds to local classics such as the famous Bakewell Pudding from the historic market town of Bakewell, sample delicious local cheese made in the village of Hartington, enjoy freshly-made Ashbourne Gingerbread, or try tasty local Derbyshire or Staffordshire Oatcakes - and see if you can taste the difference!
For hearty homemade meals followed by local ales, check out the brilliant choice of gastro pubs. Or if you're searching for sweet treats and dainty sandwiches, there's a great range of tea rooms and cafes offering afternoon tea in elegant surroundings.
If you want a fine dining experience to remember, why not visit Fischers of Baslow Hall? With elegant surroundings, first-class service and innovative menus combining locally-sourced ingredients, it's the perfect place for a special occasion.
After all those countryside walks, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite, so see below for some of the best food and drink that Derbyshire and the Peak District has to offer.
Shopping
From Intu Derby, East Midlands Designer Outlet to Bakewell Market, Derbyshire and the Peak District is full of every type of shop you could want.
The big shopping centre of Derby and its award-winning Cathedral Quarter, are full of all types of shop- a great day out when coupled with a lovely lunch too!
Why not pop into some independent shops in Derbyshire & the Peak District’s charming towns and villages such as Ashbourne, Bakewell or Buxton; they’ve lots of offer and exploring them makes for a great day out.
Chesterfield Market is another reason why Derbyshire has lots of to offer if you’re in the mood to shop. The flea market comes to Chesterfield town every Thursday- full of vintage, second-hand and antique items.
So whether you chose to shop in one of Derbyshire’s big town centres or a weekly local market, you’re bound to find the thing that you’re after, and perhaps some lovely things that you didn’t even know you needed.