Here are our expert-recommended campsites and attractions in the English Peak District.
The Peak District was the first National Park in the UK and, for many years, the most visited (until the South Downs was recognised as a National Park in 2010). It is conveniently located between Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham, making it perfect for a short camping getaway or a longer caravan holiday.
Centrally located in the heart of England, the Peak District National Park was established in 1951, becoming the country's first National Park. Covering over 500 square miles, the park stretches from Huddersfield in the North to Ashbourne in the South. Popular tourist attractions in the region include Last of the Summer Wine Country, Ladybower Reservoir (location of the 1955 film, the Dam Busters), the Caverns of Castleton and towns of Hathersage and Matlock Bath.
Campsites can be found throughout the Peak District, with clusters of campsites found around the Hope Valley, Bakewell and Buxton.
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Found at the Southern end of the Pennines, the Peak District is split into two distinct regions, the 'Dark Peak' in the North and the 'White Peak' in the South. The Dark Peak features peaty uplands and is generally the more rugged, wilder and baren of the two, while the White Peak is formed on a Limestone Plateau with softer, more gently rolling countryside.
Top 3 Peak District Attractions
Chatsworth House and Gardens
Chatsworth House
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is just a short drive north of Bakewell and stands on the River Derwent. Regularly voted Britain's favourite country house, a trip to the Peak District wouldn't be complete without a visit to this 18th century stately home.
The gardens are a big attraction, with the towering Cascade water feature, the Rockeries, and Capability Brown's lawns being particular highlights. In the main house, 26 of the 126 rooms may be visited by the public, and these include the baroque style State Apartments and Drawing Room completed in 1694 and the largest room of the house, the Painted Hall.
The Caves and Caverns of Castleton
The Castleton Caves and Caverns
The attractive village of Castleton is home to four spectacular 'Show Caves'
Peak Cavern is home to the largest cave entrance in the UK. Also known as the 'Devils Arse', a trip to this cave will undoubtedly amuse the more juvenile members of your party! Blue John Cavern is named after the deposits of Blue John, which can be found through the area. An attractive blue fluor-spar mineral, it continues to be mined today. Speedwell Cavern is a 200-year-old lead mine featuring a 450m boat ride to the awe-inspiring underground lake, the 'Bottomless Pit. Treak Cliff Cavern is arguably the most popular and is home to some impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Nearby Mam Tor, locally known as the Shivering Mountain (it's prone to landslides), can be visited on a 6½ mile circular walk, starting from the village.
Bakewell
Monsal Dale
Derbyshire and the Peak District is well known for its delicious local treats. None more so than Bakewells eponymous tart. Jam and frangipane, topped with almonds in a shortbread case, delicious!
Nearby the Monsal Trail offers 8.5 miles of traffic free walking, cycling or horse riding along the former Midland Railway line. You shouldn't miss Monsal Viaduct, nor the four fully accessible tunnels make this a unique experience with views of the spectacular limestone dales; however, you choose to experience it.
The Chatsworth Caravan and Motorhome Club site is set within the old walled garden on the edge of the picturesque Chatsworth Estate. A gate from the site gives you direct access into the grounds of the estate. The site is a lovely holiday retreat for the family to escape the bustle of city living. Surrounded by lots of wildlife, it is fantastic for deer watching. Of course, a visit to the House is a must, where you can immerse yourself in history as you wander round the beautifully decorated rooms, formal gardens and the famously lovely cascade. Another place for an unforgettably scenic stroll is the 1000-acre park laid out by Capability Brown. The village of Baslow is a 20 minute walk with a couple of good pubs, including the Wheatsheaf which offers a discount to members. Bakewell market on Mondays is recommended. Why not visit Bakewell Pudding Shop whilst you are there?
This spacious caravan park on a hill above Matlock has 100 terraced pitches, all on hardstandings and with 16A electricity. 27 of the pitches are fully serviced. Most have good countryside views. Tents are not accepted. There are rows of mature trees and pitches are large and separated by shrubs and bushes. This was previously a market garden, as can be seen from the attractive landscaping. High standards have been maintained and some facilities improved. Recreational grassy areas and attractive flower borders are well tended, whilst the top corner of the park has been kept as woodland.
Ashbourne Heights is set on high, flat ground in the Peak District National Park with marvellous views. The site provides 260 spacious and carefully positioned pitches, of which 170 are for touring units. On grass or with hardstanding, most have 16A electricity. Privately owned caravan holiday homes (30) and 60 seasonal units occupy further fields. Amenities include an indoor, heated swimming pool, which is open all season.
Lime Tree is in a convenient, edge of town location that makes a very good base for touring the Peak District. The site has three widely spaced main areas, touring pitches on two levels with a toilet block on the upper level, a caravan holiday home area which has the reception shop and games room, and above and a short distance away a large, mainly sloping field for tents. The toilet block for the tents and a play area are above reception. The 25 touring pitches are all on hardstandings with 16A electricity supply. There are 40 seasonal pitches. With good views, the park is situated next to a thickly wooded limestone gorge, and a magnificent old railway viaduct provides a dramatic backdrop. This is also an excellent dog walk.
Conveniently situated for the Peak District, yet nestling peacefully in the idyllic valley floor, Buxton Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is the ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life without sacrificing home comforts. It has 118 large, hardstanding pitches, all with 16 amp electricity and TV hook-ups. The delightful town of Buxton, with its colourful Pavilion Gardens, is nearby. The Opera House is of great interest and is home to a wide range of events, including the world famous festival in mid July to August. Only small backpacking tents accepted.
The Grouse and Claret Caravan Park is a very picturesque site with a riverside setting. It is located to the rear of the pub and adjacent to the River Derwent. There are 28 hardstanding pitches that are well laid out around the site although some can be a little close to each other. All pitches have a 16 amp electric hook-up. The adjoining pub serves good quality food and drinks all day every day.
Situated just north of the market town of Ashbourne, Callow Top has an attractive setting in an elevated countryside position. The park’s location makes it well placed to allow visitors to explore the picturesque villages, bustling market towns and the many attractions of the Peak District. It is ideal for both walking and cycling holidays. Spread over seven separate areas at the top of a hill, there are 200 flat pitches of which 100 are for tents only. The touring pitches on hardstanding have 10A electricity, the grass pitches have no power supply. Water points tend to be rather scarce. Some of the pitches are rather small and on these, cars are parked away from the pitch. Day and evening visitors are not permitted.
Greenhills Caravan & Camping Park is a beautiful site set within 12 acres of rolling Derbyshire countryside, surrounded by the slopes of the lower Wye Valley. Shelter is provided by mixed woodland around the site boundaries. It is a large site with 140 hardstanding touring pitches and 45 tent pitches in a separate camping area. There are also 3 separate fields with privately owned static caravans. All touring pitches have 16 amp electric hook-ups. The site is located approximately 1 mile from the centre of Bakewell, which is a short 20-minute walk away.
Ashbourne Camping & Caravanning Club site is ideal if you are planning a holiday in the Peak District. Known locally as the gateway to Dovedale, the lovely site has 70 pitches spread over three fields, two of which offer hardstanding pitches and a third with grass pitches. Some are seasonal and most have electric hook-up. The site also as a self-catering apartment and a camping cabin. The Self-Catering Apartment offers accommodation adjacent to the site. The camping cabin is family and group friendly and caters for all weather glamping. The Tissington Trail starts in Ashbourne and is one of several traffic-free and family-friendly walking and cycle trails in the area. Carsington Water is also close to the site with walking and cycling routes, an adventure playground, bird watching and water-based sports. There are short footpath walks from the site itself.
