Campsites in Derbyshire & Peak District

Derbyshire, a top destination in the East Midlands, is home to the stunningly beautiful Peak District National Park, which offers a whole range of activities from hiking and cycling to climbing and caving. From enchanting towns and villages to impressive stately homes, this largely rural county also has a fascinatingly rich cultural heritage. 

The Peak District is home to some of the country’s most stunning walks, popular areas are Dovedale Valley, the highest peak of Mam Tor and the Neolithic henge monument at Arbor Low to unlock the secret of a stone circle. The Monsal Trail is a classic for cyclists and horse riders, while the Dark Peak and the White Peak will tempt your wandering feet, and the moorland Plateau of Kinder Scout is the ultimate prize, standing as the highest point in the Peak District.

Don’t Miss

•    Peak District National Park

•    Chatsworth House

•    Peak Cavern

Magnificent history at your fingertips

The East Midlands is full of opportunities for fabulous stately homes, the best of which might be Chatsworth House. Visitors can stroll through more than 30 rooms in the house and view the magnificent art collection, while outside the attractive gardens include a rockery, a fountain and a maze. 

Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall and Calke Abbey are all also on the list for culture vultures. Hardwick Hall takes you into the world of a niece of Mary Queen of Scots, who laid claim also to the throne of England, and the Abbey allows you to spot the ‘Old Man of Calke’, a 1,200 year old oak tree.

Other buildings of note include the Church of St Mary and All Saints in Chesterfield, the grand Buxton Opera House and the breathtaking medieval ruins of Peveril Castle.

Museums and galleries are plentiful- the National Tramway museum is an opportunity to step back in time and is located in the quaint period style village of Crich. The Derby Museum and Art Gallery is worth multiple visits as they change their collections regularly, and the Peak District Lead Mining Museum allows visitors to experience the working life of the miners that has played an integral part of life in the area.

The Buxton Museum and Art Gallery tells the history of the geology and archaeology of the Peak District taking you through seven time zones in the 'Wonders of the Peak Time Tunnel.

Going even further back in history, the prehistoric site of Arbor Low and the nearby Bronze Age burial mound of Gib Hill are definitely worth a visit.

The Heights of Abraham where brave tourists can climb up to the sky via cable car, offer great views plus cavern and mine tours. You can also take your explorations underground within the Peak and Speedwell Caverns located in hills near Castleton. 

Peak Cavern, affectionately known as the Devil’s Arse, boasts the largest natural cave entrance in Britain and Speedwell cavern is visited by boat by intrepid tourists. Every cavern boasts a unique personality, from Blue John to Treak Cliff along the Winnats Pass. 

Turning your attention towards the sweet towns and villages of the county, here’s the cream of the crop. The pretty village of Castleton is located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and due to its fine stone buildings and stunning setting has a well-deserved reputation as a favourite. From the swooping hills beside Castleton there’s the chance to get your heart racing with hang gliding and para gliding from every direction.

But there are countless other enchanting towns and villages is this area – don’t miss Bakewell, home of the famous pudding, or the village of Eyam renowned for successfully isolating itself during the plague.

Located very close to Matlock, the county town of Derbyshire, is the very pretty village of Matlock Bath. This picturesque location is well worth checking out for the remarkable surrounding scenery as well as the chance to visit the Life in a Lens Museum and its Victorian teashop, and the Matlock Bath Aquarium’s thermal pool for carp and other heat-loving fish.

Enticing Activities

A large part of the Peak District National Park is located in northern Derbyshire and will leave outdoor enthusiasts completely enchanted. The truly stunning landscapes within the park are best explored by leaving the car behind and travelling on foot, by bicycle or even on horseback.  

The Peak District has some of the best climbing routes in Europe and is brilliant for experienced and novice climbers alike. Caving is also a popular activity here.

Situated near the National Park is Carsington Water which offers outdoor adventuring suitable for people of all ages and abilities. This reservoir is ideal for trying watersports such as sailing, kayaking and windsurfing, and it’s worth exploring the surrounding area by bike. The area around the reservoir is also suitable for bird watching, horse riding and beautiful country walks.

One nice way to spend an afternoon is with a tour of the Derby Brewing Company which includes lunch, the opportunity to sample some of the beers, as well as a bottle of beer to take home. Amber Ales Brewery and Brampton Brewery also offer tours.

Alternatively you could opt for a tour of the lovely Renishaw Hall vineyard which includes wine tasting and the Sitwell Museum dedicated to an eccentric poet of the area.

There are regular farmers’ markets held across Derbyshire and your taste buds are sure to be tantalised at the Derbyshire Food and Drink Festival. It’s crucial that you try the local cheese in places such as Hartington, and why not make that the topping to the brilliant local Derbyshire or Staffordshire oatcakes found in nearby villages.

Delighting your (inner) child

Children will be excited by Gulliver’s Theme Park located in Matlock Bath. The theme park is aimed at kids aged 2 to 13 years old and features outdoor and indoor rides, themed areas, shows, as well as play areas. Nearby Matlock Farm Park is also sure to be a hit with animal lovers and anyone who likes cuddling a cute, fluffy animal.

Freshfields Donkey Village is a wonderful charity that looks after rescued donkeys and children will love meeting the animals here, which are very well looked after.  For further furry adventures visit the Chestnut Centre Conservation and Wildlife Park - a number of fantastic animals can be spotted here such as otters, owls, pine martens and deer. The Keeper Day experiences are also great for getting hands-on experience.