The Peak District

The Peak District is an English gem worth getting to know. Not to be confused with the more northern Lake District, this expansive national park is an area of outstanding beauty with breathtaking views, bustling market towns, quaint villages, historic houses, and hundreds of annual events.

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Peak District National Park

Lyme Park

Castleton

Mam Tor

Ashford-in-the-Water

Holy Trinity Church

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Living Like a Royal in the Peak District

The Peak District, England’s first officially designated national park, is a gem worth getting to know. Many travelers confuse the Peak District with the more northern Lake District. While both are in England, these great national parks represent very different terrains, culture, and history.

Officially designated a national park in 1952, this area of outstanding beauty boasts breath-taking views, bustling market towns, pretty villages, historic houses, and hundreds of annual events. I’ve been fortunate enough to explore this stretch of England on two separate trips. For this particular travel moment, I am going to focus on a single stately home.

One of England’s greatest draws for travelers is its abundance of magnificent stately homes.

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These grand homes and palaces are reminders of Great Britain’s once dominant place on the world stage. Aristocrats had sprawling estates boasting astonishing homes, world class gardens, and treasured artifacts from around the globe. Now, many of these once private homes are open to the public.

Lyme Park, located in the northern Peak District, is one such grand home that few U.S. travelers have seen. As a person that LOVES Britain and having been to nearly every corner of England, Scotland, and Wales, I would say this particular stately home is one of my favorites. Situated on a summit of rolling hills, Lyme Park exemplifies the glory and majesty of Royal England.

Originally a hunting lodge and later transformed into a comfortable family home, Lyme has undergone extensive alterations since the 1400s. Notable architects were employed to transform the house into the magnificent mansion we see today. Travelers can admire beautiful facade and interiors of the house as well as the extensive gardens and grounds.

Lyme is remarkable for having been owned by the same family, the Leghs, for just under 600 years. Like many great houses, Lyme was built and rebuilt, embellished and enlarged throughout its ownership by the Leghs, with each generation making its mark and creating the house we see today.

The grand estate has a large collection ranging from treasured tapestries, to being home to the finest clock collection in the National Trust, as well as housing one of the most important printed book in the Trust’s vast collection, The Lyme Sarum Missal. You may also explore Lyme’s glorious 1400 acre deer park. From guided walks to park runs, cycling, and even trying on authentic 19th century dress, there’s enough to keep you busy here all day if you chose.

I visited Lyme Park in the summer of 2019 and did as much as I could to soak in the beauty of the estate. I did the house tour, walked the maze of gardens, droned around the extensive gardens, and of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try on some authentic time period clothing!

Jack Baumann

Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!

Jack Baumann

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Explore Lyme Park National Trust

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Wander around Ashford in the Water

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Peak District From Above

Castleton

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Local Tips

Where to go for the best views

Hiking to the top of Mam Tor will give you the best views of the surrounding landscape of the Peak District.

On top of Peveril Castle in Castleton will also provide commanding views of the town and surrounding landscape.

How to save a ton of time

The Peak District is a vast area of middle/northern England and without proper time management you will waste a great deal of time. It's advised to chart out a course in clusters so you can focus on certain regions, which will allow you to see more and be more efficient with your time.

Where to watch the sunset

If you find yourself out driving around sunset pull over on an upper road with a wide landscape and you'll have a wonderful view. The problem is England is so often cloudy it's hard to get a clear sunset.

A favorite place to watch the sunset is in the town of Castleton. You can see the sun come down over the small town and ancient Norman castle standing guard over the area.

The best way to get around

By car. This is really the only the get around the area if you want to visit the small village and reach the more remote hiking trails. Driving in England is not difficult, after you get used to driving on the left side of the road. In the Peak District the traffic is light and the roads are well maintained. Simply take your time, don't rush, and you'll be fine.

Where To Stay

The Peak District is such a vast area there are many choices from tiny villages, local towns, or a charming B&B in the middle of the countryside.

If you’re looking for convenient and quaint you should consider Castleton. It’s a bit farther north, but it’s on a major thoroughfare through the park and the village itself is charming.

If you want something a little bigger, Bakewell is a good option. Bakewell is the biggest town in the Peak District with shops and local stores should you need supplies.