The Peak District is an exceptionally beautiful part of England, with unforgettable scenery at every turn.
But with 555 square miles of stunning landscape to explore, it can be difficult to know just where to go to appreciate the very best of the sights.
This guide is designed to help you plan your journey to the Peak District, to ensure that you don’t miss a thing.
From a list of the best Peak District villages to the best views you can enjoy by car, it includes all the information you’ll need to enjoy every moment of your visit to this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Best Peak District Viewpoints
If you’re searching for the best Peak District viewpoints, this section is for you. Note that the following viewpoints are accessible via a short walk or hike.
Heights Of Abraham
Located in Matlock Bath, this 60-acre attraction made up of gorgeous parks and woodland is at the top of Masson hill. When it opened in the Victorian era you needed to climb the Hill in order to see it – but there are now gondola cable cars running from the valley floor to take you to the top.
In addition to exploring the park itself – which has several picnic areas and two playgrounds – you can enjoy exceptional views across the lush countryside.
Dovedale
With its iconic stepping stones that have been in place since Victorian times, the River Dove has carved out the scenic valley of Dovedale. At one end you will find Thorpe Cloud – a limestone hill that rises straight up from the river and reaches a height of 942ft.
After a short hike to the summit, you are rewarded with some awesome views of the surrounding area – and there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic on the way.
Mam Tor
Mam Tor (which means ‘Mother Hill’) is located near the village of Castleton in the High Peak region of Derbyshire. At almost 1700 feet it can seem intimidating to climb, but the route is actually quite easy, with a well-paved path from the National Trust car park at Mam Nick.
Follow The Great Ridge of Mam Tor along to Lose Hill above the villages of Castleton and Hope, where you can admire some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Peak District.
Best Views In The Peak District By Car
Now, if you can drive around the Peak District, here are some of the best scenic views reachable by car.
Curbar Gap
This gritstone escarpment looks right across the Derwent valley to the Chatsworth Estate, where you can easily make out the manicured trees planted by Capability Brown in the mid-eighteenth century, contrasted against the wild and natural surroundings.
There are lots of places to park and take photos on the way up, plus a paying car park at the top.
Monsal Head
With beautiful views of the Monsal Dale and the picturesque Headstone Viaduct, this is one of the most famous Peak District viewpoints.
The rolling green hills surrounding it and the arches of the viaduct make this an excellent spot for photos and the car park is immediately adjacent to the viewpoint itself.
Scenic Drives In The Peak District
While you’re road-tripping in the Peak District, make sure to use the following scenic roads.
Snake Pass
This winding road crosses the Pennines and is not just scenic, but thrilling too! It has lots of tight bends and steep hills, affording you breathtaking views of the region.
Take care in the winter months, though, as the parts that are thrilling in summer become treacherous when the weather turns bad.
Cat ‘n’ Fiddle
This road is named after the popular biker’s pub that sits on its route and provides some simply glorious views!
Rising from the rivers below, it is twisty and fun to drive, starting in Buxton and crossing the flat moorland of Goyt’s Moss.
Winnats Pass
Surrounded by towering mountains and verdant flora, this scenic drive gives you among the best views in the Peak District. It is located in a valley, with the area a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
This is because of the abundance of fossils there, formed from the sea creatures who filled the waters once covering the area.
The Reservoirs
The road to the left of the Ladybower Reservoir takes you to the River Derwent. Follow the road along and you’ll be rewarded by an incredible view of the Derwent Dam, as you continue along to the Howden Reservoir and its historical dam, completed in 1912.
Best Peak District Villages
Finally, here are some of the cutest villages to explore in the Peak District. If you’re planning on staying in the area for a while, make sure to pick a cottage with a hot tub to have the best experience during your holiday.
Edale
This village might be tiny, but it is very popular, bustling with hikers preparing for the walk up Kinder Scout then along the popular Pennine Way. It has its own train station, along with charming stone houses, a 16th-century pub, and lots of cafes.
It also boasts the Moorland Visitor Centre where you can learn about moorland research and admire the environmentally-friendly building itself, with its turf roof and energy-saving ground-source heat pump.
Ashford-In-The-Water
Resembling something from a postcard, this picturesque village is made up of pretty houses, historic inns, and an attractive 13th-century church.
But its most popular attraction is its beautiful Sheepwash Bridge, its name a reminder of its history as the spot where sheep were washed and dipped before shearing.
Eyam
This historic village has something of a gruesome past and is famous for quarantining itself to stop the spread of the bubonic plague in 1665.
Its reputation as the ‘plague village’ now brings in lots of visitors and its 1671 manor house is now a museum where you can learn more about the villagers’ heroic past. It also has plenty of lovely cottages, village inns, and cafes.
Tissington
Ancient lime trees line the entrance to this beautiful village, located on the southern side of the Peak District. A delightful mixture of limestone cottages and manicured gardens, Tissington is overlooked by a beautiful church with a Norman tower, and has its own duck pond.
The chief attraction is the Jacobean Tissington Hall, along with the start of the Tissington Trail for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.
Castleton
Located at the base of the High Peak region’s valleys, hills, and dales, Castleton is almost always bustling with hikers and cyclists, keen to explore their surroundings.
But there are lots to do in the village itself, offering everything from unique jewelry shops to many inns and cafes. Be sure to visit the ruined Peveril Castle and take a tour of the caverns in town.
Tideswell
This is the only village in the Peak District to be fully enclosed by picturesque limestone mountains. Its most popular attraction is The Cathedral of the Peak – a 14th-century church that also doubles up as a museum, displaying wood carvings, brasses, and monuments.
If you visit in the summer then you may be lucky enough to attend one of the village’s annual events, including its Food Festival or Well Dressings and Wakes Week.
Final Thoughts On The Peak District Views
With over a third of its area protected for nature conversation and 10,000 years of cultural history, the Peak District is a fascinating place to visit, offering diverse landscapes that can be enjoyed all year round.
Whether you are planning to drive through the region or are looking for the best villages to visit during your stay, I hope that you have found this guide helpful and enjoy discovering the beauty of this national park for yourself.
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