Destinations > Northern England > Peak District
Peak District Road Trip
This captivating road trip will help you discover the beauty of the stunning Peak District National Park, which boasts exceptional views & charming stone villages.
Traverse the southerly Pennine hills, marvelling at the scenic peaks and picturesque valleys. Explore stately homes & scenic trails along the way, offering sweeping views & cultural landmarks, showcasing a diverse landscape of rolling hills, limestone dales, and gritstone edges.
Discover the renowned "White Peak" region, featuring limestone landscapes and charming villages like Ashbourne and Bakewell. Dive into Hope Valley to experience charming villages, historic landmarks, and scenic walks, including Mam Tor's panoramic views and Winnats Pass's awe-inspiring cliffs.
Visit the Peak District National Park
Join this captivating road trip through the stunning Peak District National Park, where you'll enjoy spectacular scenery as traverse the peaks and valleys of the region's diverse landscape of rolling hills, limestone dales, and gritstone edges. Discover the renowned "White Peak" region, with its limestone landscapes and charming villages. Explore Hope Valley’s charming villages, historic landmarks, and scenic walks, including Mam Tor's panoramic views and Winnats Pass's awe-inspiring cliffs. Explore stately homes, and cultural and historical landmarks as you uncover your own Peak District.
☑ Peak District Driving Route:
Our guide has two routes within this guide, that can be explored with a flexible itinerary, around the “White Peaks” of the Peak District and the stunning Hope Valley. Together, these routes cover 70 miles (112km) with a drive time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Includes 7 of the most scenic drives in the Peak District. Make this Peak District, by using the flexible itinerary to fit the time you have from 3 days to 2 weeks. Get the best out of your Peak District road trip and cherry-pick from a great choice of places to visit and things to see.
☑ Peak District Walks:
With an extensive network of footpaths totalling over 1,800 miles, the Peak District offers an abundance of hiking opportunities, catering to all levels. Explore national trails, former railway line paths, and routes leading to peaks and through picturesque valleys, ensuring an unforgettable outdoor adventure in this scenic national park. Whether you choose Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, the Tissington Trail, Dovedale or WInnats Pass, or choose them all, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
☑ Chatsworth House:
Visiting the magnificent stately home of Chatsworth House is a must on your road trip through the Peak District. Soak up the history, take a tour of the grand interiors and wander the stunning gardens and landscapes. Don't miss the iconic Cascade Fountain and the impressive Emperor Fountain, among other highlights. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Peak District, a visit to Chatsworth House promises to be a memorable part of your road trip.
☑ Bakewell, Buxton, Castleton and Beyond:
Explore the beautiful market towns of Bakewell, Buxton and Castleton and other historic and cultural towns in the Peak District, a delightful aspect of your journey, but don't overlook the hidden gems and lesser-explored towns and villages that are equally quintessential to the region's charm. By venturing beyond the well-trodden paths, you'll discover the true essence of the Peak District with our guide to 25 locations and destinations to enjoy.
☑ Mam Tor:
A Peak District road trip wouldn't be complete without discovering the iconic Mam Tor and its surrounding delights. As you traverse the scenic routes of the Peak District, make sure to include a stop at Mam Tor, also known as the "Shivering Mountain," for an unforgettable experience. Hike to the summit of Mam Tor, where you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
☑ Winnat’s Pass:
Including Winnats Pass on your Peak District road trip itinerary promises a captivating experience through one of the region's most dramatic landscapes. Either drive or walk through this breathtaking limestone gorge, where towering cliffs rise on either side, creating a stunning natural amphitheatre. Admire the unique geological features, including caves and rock formations, and keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna.
☑ Dovedale:
Including a visit to Dovedale on your Peak District driving route ensures a memorable experience amidst some of the area's most stunning natural scenery. Take a stroll along the picturesque River Dove, flanked by towering limestone cliffs and verdant woodland. Cross the iconic stepping stones that span the river. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, consider hiking to the summit of Thorpe Cloud, a distinctive hill that offers panoramic views of Dovedale and the surrounding countryside.
☑ Peak District Maps
The Peak District road trip is mapped out on 3 Peak District maps, which include a flexible driving route. Use the Overnight Stay to locate 40+ campsites, 30+ motorhome stops, pub stops & almost wild spots, 30+ hotels and 60+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges and the Uncover More map pinpoints to 40+ viewpoints, 110+ places of interest, 35+ hidden gems and 7 wild swim spots. This planner is suitable for motorhomes, campervans and caravans as sites are included. If you are travelling in a car, choose to camp or stay in a B&B or hotel are also listed.
☑ Peak District Itinerary
This itinerary is perfect for exploring the Peak District National Park. The travel guide covers visitor information for 25 destinations along the way, with lots of links and references. Check out a huge variety of trails and walks, scenic drives, caving in the Peak District, and more.
England Road Trip Travel Guide: Peak District Overview
Save hours searching the internet using our well-researched inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect visit to the Peaks.
Enjoy a road trip to the Peak District on this flexible driving route itinerary.
Find the best Peak District campsites, almost wild spots, pub stops and motorhome stopover spots from our Overnight Stays map.
Travelling in a car? Stay overnight in a hotel or B&B.
This Peak District route planner covers guides to 25 destinations and locations
The Peak District destination guide includes references and embedded links to over 50 attractions, experiences, and activities.
Browse from a range of bookable, local experiences and activities, by location, such as tours, boat trips, bike hire, and things to do in the Lakes.
Easily locate viewpoints, hidden gems, wild swim spots and more.
Buy the Peak District Road Trip in two ways:
Road Trip member
One-off payment: 1 year access. No subscription to cancel.
Regional member
One-off payment: 1 year access. No subscription to cancel.
Things to do in the Peak District
The Peak District is a great place to relax and unwind, taking in the views on this stunning Peak District drive. The national park is one of the most beautiful areas of the UK, you will enjoy stunning scenery, rolling hills, lush valleys, and dramatic limestone gorges in the Peak District.
What to do on a road trip around the Peak District
Stunning landscapes: Enjoy spectacular scenery, including Dovedale, one of the most popular beauty spots in the Peak District.
Scenic drives: There are several notable drives as well as stunning scenery all around. Snake Pass, a renowned driving route in the Peak District, is a scenic hill pass in Derbyshire, crossing the Pennines from Glossop to the Ladybower Reservoir at Ashopton. Engineered by Thomas Telford, it opened in 1821 and reaches a height of 1679 feet above sea level. Winnats Pass, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), stands out as one of the finest routes in the Peak District, offering breathtaking views. The limestone valley is rich in fossils from ancient sea creatures that once inhabited the tropical sea below. While the area is protected, prohibiting any disturbance to rocks or plants, visitors can still enjoy a stunning drive through this unique landscape.
Cultural and Historical Sites: Visit awe-inspiring cultural and historical sites including the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, an ancient stone circle surrounded by myths and legends, and Mam Tor, known as the "Shivering Mountain" due to its landslips. Mam Tor offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Picturesque Towns & Villages: There are many picturesque towns to visit in the Peak District National Park. Famous for its Bakewell Pudding, Bakewell town is a charming destination with historic buildings and a scenic riverside setting. The village of Castleton is known for its show caves and the imposing Peveril Castle, plus its beautiful surroundings. This guide covers visitor information for 11 places to visit, including the beautiful spa town of Buxton.
Stately Homes and Gardens: There are some stunning homes, gardens and parks to visit, including one of England's most famous stately homes, Chatsworth House, which is set in a vast estate with beautiful gardens, a sculpture gallery, and a maze. Also in the region, visit historical homes including a medieval manor house.
Local Cuisine: Try a Bakewell Pudding, a sweet dessert pastry with layers of jam, frangipane, and flaky pastry and a Derbyshire Oatcake, a regional speciality, that can be served with various fillings, both sweet and savoury.
There are a variety of activities to enjoy on your Peak District roadtrip, including hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, and caving. Hike up to Mam Tor, the highest point in the Dark Peak, and visit a stunning underground cave system.
Caves and Gorges: The area is rich in limestone, which has resulted in the formation of fascinating caves and gorges.
Hiking and Walking: The Peak District offers an extensive network of walking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
Cycling: There are numerous cycling routes catering to various levels of expertise.
Rock Climbing: The park is popular among rock climbers due to its limestone cliffs and gritstone edges.
Water Sports: Several reservoirs and lakes offer opportunities for sailing, canoeing, and fishing.
Find out more about our self-drive road trip planner/itinerary for the Peak District below!