Attractions in the Peaks
Adventures in the Heart of the Peak District
The Peak Edge is perfectly situated in the heart of the Peak District, offering the ideal base from which to explore the area’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and local charm. While we encourage you to indulge in the comforts of our hotel, we also understand that many of our guests are eager to venture out and make new discoveries. There are plenty of wonderful places to visit nearby, and we’ve selected a few local attractions that are sure to offer exactly what you’re looking for.
Hardwick Hall
One of the finest Elizabethan buildings in the country, Hardwick Hall is the culmination of the personal taste and ambition of Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury. This historic country house, located in the Peak District, was designed by Robert Smythson between 1590 and 1597. Renowned for its Renaissance-style architecture, Hardwick Hall is one of the earliest Elizabethan prodigy houses, distinguished by its large windows and grand interiors.
Wander through the historic gardens, which burst with colour and life throughout the year. Explore the Fruiting Orchard, where a charming variety of apples, pears, and stone fruits thrive — including heritage apple varieties such as Newton Wonder, Blenheim Orange, and Norfolk Beefing. Nearby, the Ornamental Orchard offers a different kind of beauty; designed not for fruit production but for its stunning spring blossom. In autumn, it is equally enchanting, with branches adorned with clusters of vibrant Chinese crab apples.
Haddon Hall
An English country house near Bakewell, Haddon Hall is one of the seats of the Duke of Rutland and boasts over nine hundred years of history. Described by some as one of the most perfectly preserved houses in the country, it is regarded as one of the finest examples of a medieval house to have survived from the Middle Ages. Haddon Hall is set within 500 acres of medieval parkland, which has remained largely undisturbed for centuries and is remarkable for its unaltered landscape.
Wander through the Elizabethan walled gardens, famed for their magnificent roses that cascade down the Hall’s walls in summer. Beautifully carved edging stones are softened by colour-filled herbaceous borders, interlaced with walkways, lawns, and topiary. Originally designed by the Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson, the gardens retain an ancient and timeless charm.
Heights of Abraham
On the edge of the Peak District, Matlock Bath is the perfect destination for a unique and memorable day out at the Heights of Abraham estate, offering a wealth of activities for families to enjoy.
Famous for its cable cars, which carry visitors up Masson Hill, the Heights of Abraham welcomes you with over 235 years of history. Begin your day with a ride on the cable cars, first installed in 1984, and travel in style across the picturesque Derwent Valley while taking in the stunning views of Matlock Bath below.
Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Peak District, with peaks and valleys stretching in every direction. Visitors can take guided tours into the estate’s famous caverns: the Great Masson Cavern and the Great Rutland Cavern. Explore the hidden world and geological formations of the Great Masson Cavern as you venture a third of a mile underground, or step into the Great Rutland Cavern to experience the life of a 17th-century lead mining family, taking on the roles of family members during this fascinating period. For younger visitors, the Woodland Adventure and Explorer’s Challenge playgrounds offer hours of fun, with giant slides, climbing frames, and plenty more to keep the kids entertained.
Great British Car Journey
Explore the history of the motor at The Great British Car Journey , located in Ambergate, Derbyshire. The exhibition houses a collection of over 150 modern British classics, including one of the last cars to roll off the Longbridge production line. The Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British car industry from the early 1900s to the turn of the century. Each vehicle has its own unique story, from Elton John’s Bentley to the car used to chauffeur British High Court judge Sir Fenton Atkinson.
Visitors are guided through the exhibition using a unique handheld audio-visual device, transporting them through decades of British design and manufacturing.
Buy tickets at our hotel reception, online or at the museum. Take a look.
