Looking for a Peak District itinerary that’s perfect for a first visit? Don’t worry, I’ve put everything you need to know in this guide.
The Peak District is one of the most stunning parts of the UK.
Yet it often gets overlooked – it’s not as famous as Cornwall, the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands. But boy, is it one of the most beautiful places I’ve explored.
Winding country roads, dramatic hilltop views, dreamy villages with stone cottages, cosy pubs – the Peaks have it all. History, nature, adventure – all packed into easy drives between charming towns.
You might think it’s just pretty scenery. But there’s so much more. Iconic hikes, grand historic houses, riverside strolls and even hidden foodie spots.
This Peak District itinerary covers three full days of must-see villages, walks and experiences. You can easily stretch it to five days if you want to stay a little longer.
If you’re after more hidden gems, you can also check out my full Peak District guide with extra ideas and local tips.
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| Booked It, Loved It: My Peak District Picks Where to Stay: Cavendish Hotel in Baslow or The Pilsley Inn at Chatsworth Highlights: Ebike Tour and Chatsworth House Tour Travel Insurance: SafetyWing |
Peak District At a Glance
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Region | Peak District National Park |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Currency | Pound Sterling (£) |
| Population | ~38,000 (park villages; wider area more) |
| Main Airports | Manchester (MAN), East Midlands (EMA), Birmingham (BHX) |
| Time Zone | GMT / BST (summer) |
| Famous For | Rolling hills, limestone dales, quaint villages, historic estates |
| Best Travel Months | April–June, September–October (mild, scenic, fewer crowds) |
| Driving | Highly recommended – scenic roads and village hopping made easy |
Overview – 3-day Peak District Itinerary
Ready to explore the Peaks? Here’s an overview…
▶ Click to View: 3-Day Peak District Itinerary
1 – Castleton & Surrounds
- Stroll Castleton village and explore Winnats Pass.
- Climb Mam Tor for panoramic views.
- Lunch at The George, Hathersage and visit Bakewell.
- Overnight at The Pilsley Inn, Chatsworth Estate.
2 – Chatsworth & Baslow
- Explore Chatsworth House and Gardens.
- Champagne afternoon tea at The Cavendish Hotel.
- Dinner at The Prince of Wales pub in Baslow.
- Overnight at The Cavendish Hotel.
3 – Monsal Trail & Callow Hall
- Cycle or walk the Monsal Trail, cross Monsal Viaduct.
- Lunch at Wildhive, Callow Hall.
- Optional extra stops or scenic drives before departure.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May): Fresh, green, and colourful. Perfect for walks and picnics. Temperatures 10–18°C.
- Summer (June–August): Warmest months, 18–25°C. Ideal for long hikes, but busy in popular villages.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, golden leaves, fewer crowds. 10–18°C. Great for photography.
- Winter (December–February): Chilly 2–8°C. Some paths muddy or icy. Peaceful and quiet; perfect if you love cosy pubs and fireplaces.
Your Day-to-Day Peak District Itinerary
1. Castleton, Mam Tor & Bakewell
Start your adventure in Castleton, one of the Peak District’s most picturesque villages. Stone cottages, colourful doors, and tiny independent shops give it real charm.
Grab a coffee and wander the streets before heading just outside the village to Winnats Pass. This limestone gorge is dramatic. Steep cliffs on both sides, narrow winding road – it almost feels like something out of a fantasy movie. Stop at the lay-by for photos and take a moment to drink in the views.
Next up, Mam Tor, also known as the Shivering Mountain. There are a few ways to tackle it:
- Shortest Route – starts at Mam Nick car park, 15–20 minutes to the top, steep but manageable. Perfect if you want quick, stunning views.
- Great Ridge Walk – Mam Tor to Hollins Cross and then Lose Hill, around 7 miles, 3–4 hours. Incredible vistas, open moorland, windy but worth every step.
- Circular Route – combines the climb, ridge walk, and moorland scenery. Ideal for a full-day adventure if you want to see it all.
After working up an appetite, head to The George Hotel in Hathersage. Cosy interiors, hearty pub lunches, and a lovely beer garden if the sun is out. Try local ales and settle in before your afternoon adventure.
In the afternoon, drive to Bakewell, famous for its pudding. Stop at The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. Warm, sweet, perfectly balanced – a treat you won’t forget.
Walk along the River Wye and through Bath Gardens to burn off the pudding and enjoy calm riverside scenery.
Evening: Settle in at The Pilsley Inn, tucked inside the Chatsworth Estate. Rustic charm, three-course dinner, and cosy rooms. Perfect start to your Peak District escape.
2. Chatsworth House & Baslow
After breakfast, explore Chatsworth House, a highlight of the Peak District. Spend a couple of hours in the gardens, which cover 105 acres.
Waterfalls, sculptures, a maze, lakes and the Victorian rock garden make it feel like stepping into a painting.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into history, photography or just soaking up countryside vibes.
Lunch: light bite at the estate café or in Baslow before afternoon indulgence. Treat yourself to Champagne afternoon tea at The Cavendish Hotel. Finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, petite cakes, and a glass of bubbly. The Garden Room has wide countryside views – a peaceful way to slow down.
Evening: Head to The Prince of Wales pub in Baslow for dinner. Cosy interiors, fantastic gin selection, and delicious pub dishes. Pan-seared tiger prawns, chicken liver parfait, or roasted lamb rump are all winners.
Overnight at The Cavendish Hotel, which feels like a countryside retreat with four-poster beds and quiet gardens.
3. Monsal Trail & Callow Hall
Start the day with the Monsal Trail. Rent e-bikes from Hassop Station to make it easy. The trail is mostly flat, passing through tunnels, along rivers, and across woods. The highlight? Monsal Viaduct – cross this Victorian bridge for stunning views over the valley. Stop at the base for a different perspective and photos.
Lunch: Café at Hassop Station or a picnic along the trail.
Afternoon: finish at Wildhive at Callow Hall, just outside Ashbourne. Bright, airy restaurant with seasonal local ingredients and a calm, fresh vibe. If you want to stay overnight, the woodland hives and treehouses are magical – wake up to birdsong and greenery all around.
Optional: a short walk around Callow Hall grounds before heading home. Reflect on your three days of winding roads, villages, walks and cosy pubs.
Top Tips for Your Peak District Itinerary
- Drive, but plan extra time: Roads are narrow and scenic – slower than you expect. Traffic can build in Castleton, Bakewell, and Baslow on weekends.
- Pack layers: Weather can change fast. Waterproofs and sturdy shoes are a must for walks and moorland hikes.
- Start early for popular spots: Mam Tor and Chatsworth House get busy. Early mornings = quieter and better photos.
- Food stops matter: The Peaks are full of hidden gems – from traditional pubs to independent cafés. Don’t skip Bakewell pudding!
- Local tips: Check estate opening times, especially outside peak season. Some gardens and attractions close early.
- Stay overnight near attractions: It makes day trips more relaxed. Baslow, Hathersage, or Ashbourne are perfect bases.
- Bring cash just in case: Most places take cards, but small cafés and village shops sometimes prefer cash.
Peak District Itinerary FAQS
Q: What is the most beautiful part of the Peak District?
A: Many say the Dark Peak for dramatic hills and moorland, or the White Peak for limestone dales and charming villages. Castleton and Monsal Dale are crowd favourites.
Q: What are the seven wonders of the Peak District?
A: Often listed as: Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, Monsal Dale, Dovedale, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, and Tissington Trail.
Q: How to plan a trip to Peak District?
A: Decide on days, choose villages/hikes you want to cover, plan accommodation centrally, and leave extra travel time for narrow scenic roads.
Q: What is the only town in the Peak District?
A: Castleton is a village, Bakewell a town. The Peaks are mostly villages and hamlets; towns are rare.
Q: What is the prettiest village in the Peak District?
A: Castleton, Bakewell, Eyam, Hathersage, and Tissington are all extremely picturesque.
Q: What food is the Peak District famous for?
A: Bakewell pudding, local ales, Chatsworth Estate-inspired dishes, pub roasts, and seasonal farm-to-table produce.
Q: How long to walk Mam Tor?
A: Short route: 15–20 mins. Great Ridge: 3–4 hours. Circular route from Castleton: full day.
Q: What is the prettiest drive in the Peak District?
A: Monsal Dale to Bakewell, through Castleton and Winnats Pass, or Hathersage to Ladybower Reservoir – all classic scenic routes.
Q: Are the Peak District walks suitable for kids or beginners?
A: Many walks are gentle and family-friendly, like Monsal Trail. Ridge walks are more challenging but doable with moderate fitness.
Q: Where to stay for first-time visitors?
A: Baslow, Hathersage, Ashbourne, Bakewell – all central to major sights. Check out my Peak District itinerary for ideas.
Your Perfect Peak District Escape
The Peak District isn’t just pretty scenery – it’s the full package. Even a short three-day visit gives you a taste of its magic, but you can easily stretch this itinerary to five days or more.
Whether it’s wandering Castleton, climbing Mam Tor, indulging in Bakewell pudding, or cycling the Monsal Trail, there’s something for every pace and every interest.
If you want to explore even more hidden gems, quirky villages, and local spots beyond this itinerary, check out my full Peak District guide.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe and enjoy every view – and trust me, you’ll leave already planning your return.
