Cottages in Derbyshire

Considered one of the UK's most popular walking destinations, the Peak District and Derbyshire offers everything from gentle strolls to strenuous hikes across the moors. You'll find many groups guiding you through the landscape such as Peak Walking adventures who offer walking tours of Kinder Scout, Dark Peak, Bleaklow Millstone Edges, and Castleton and Great Ridge (One of the most popular hikes, approximately 14 km). Besides, Beyond the Edge, one of the most experienced providers of mountain activities in the UK, also offers mountain walks or treks that will allow you to see some of the best views of the Peak District landscape.

With 430 km of traffic-free trails, cycling in Derbyshire is one of the best ways to explore the local countryside at a faster pace. You can enjoy both family-friendly routes and rugged mountain biking trails that will challenge your skills. Some of the most fantastic traffic-free cycling for all ages and abilities includes the High Peak Trail and Manifold Track, the Tissington Trail, the Monsal Trail and the Longdendale Trail and the Five Pits Trail. However, if you prefer mountain biking, there are tough routes like The South Peak Loop, a long-distance route that covers 70 miles (112.65 km) of all types of trails including some challenging hills and stretches of high moorland.

Heights of Abraham boasts views over the town of Matlock, which can be seen from the top. Take the famous cable car up to the top, soar over the Derwent Valley and start your visit at the top of Masson Hill. Discover the 350 million-year-old caverns on a guided tour and enjoy the views above the clouds from three different venues: the Terrace Café, the Tavern, or the Vista Restaurant. The summit also has seven viewing platforms with 360 degree views of the surrounding Derbyshire Dales.

Poole's Cavern is one of England's finest caves and boasts unique crystal formations, including the longest stalactite formation in the region. Enter this spectacular underground world and take a journey through the chambers that were once used as a shelter by prehistoric people. Carved out of limestone by a river, the main chamber will amaze you with its enormous size and beautifully illuminated passages with an LED lighting system that will allow you to see the crystal formations much better.

Situated in north Derbyshire, Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been voted the UK's favourite country house several times. During your visit to the majestic stately home, explore the more than 30 rooms and view one of Europe's most important art collections, the Devonshire Collections. You'll see stunning objects from Ancient Egypt, contemporary ceramics and modern sculptures. The estate also boasts 105 acres of extravagant gardens with miles of pathways and rose gardens. Its grounds have also been used in several film scenes.

Crich Tramway Village is a family attraction that will make you feel like you are in a bygone era. Board a vintage tram and step back in time on the recreated vintage street. The street's buildings have been salvaged from towns and cities across the UK to give it an old-fashioned feel. Crich Tramway Village also houses pubs, tearooms, a sweet shop and a museum with exhibitions where you can see 'The Century of Trams', an exhibition through 100 years of tram development.

Peak Wildlife Park offers you a unique experience surrounded by animals. Come face to face with exotic animals, meet pygmy goats and gangs of meerkats in the African Village and take a walk with lemurs, penguins, red squirrels and wallabies. You'll see penguins in the underwater viewing area and other habitats that are home to zebras, cuddly otters, deer, and the giant continental rabbit. The park is also home to a café that offers an ideal stop for baked pizza and cold drinks.

Standing out against the scenery of the Scarsdale Valley, Bolsover Castle is one of Derbyshire's most popular attractions. The imposing castle was once a place of entertainment for royalty and will give you plenty to see. Admire the beautifully painted ceilings, marvel at the spectacular views over Derbyshire, wander through the maze of sumptuous rooms and tour the ruined terraces. This fortification was created to admire and will make you feel like a courtier as you discover each of its extravagant areas.

With exquisite Italian design, Renishaw Hall and Gardens is a romantic place to visit. Stroll through the formal gardens filled with clipped hedges, classical sculptures and ornamental ponds and discover the magnificent collection of flowers in the spring. Renishaw Hall is also open on Fridays and weekends in August, so you can see the Sitwell family's collection of art and furniture. The café also offers home-made cakes and award-winning wine made from grapes grown on site.