Discover the Peak District

And a first-time visitor to the area will soon be able to comprehend why this stunning area was granted that distinction. The hills and dales and the valleys and rivers are a stunning and unspoiled location surrounded by some of the country's largest cities.The area contains some beautifully preserved historic towns and villages including Buxton with its beautiful Victorian architecture. Matlock stands below and all inspiring Cliff beautifully contrasting with the quaint village below. Most visitors to the area head for Bakewell to wander its beautifully preserved streets and lanes.Many visitors can enjoy a trip through the undulating caverns of the mines that produce the precious mineral John Blue. Castleton Caverns is made up of four caverns that are open to the public the most famous being the Blue John Cavern.The rolling hills and valleys offer numerous outdoor pursuits including walking and hiking offer the more adventurous hill climbing and mountaineering.The rivers provide picturesque fishing opportunities as well as boating and canoeing. Horse riding and mountain biking are particular favourites in the area, as are bicycle road races and motorcycle club gatherings.The area has several major attractions, not least of all the historic and stunning Chatsworth House arguably the most popular country estate in Britain. With its world famous works of art and incredible array of fountains and rain and without enjoyable walks through its massive grounds.The reservoirs found at the Derwent Valley are considered to be certainly one of the most beautiful areas of the National Park made up of three conjoined reservoirs Howden, Upper Derwent and Ladybower.Perhaps the most historic and certainly the most beautiful village in the Peak District is Cromford which has been designated as a World Heritage Site, so that it can be preserved for future generations to enjoy its stunning scenery that stretches across the Derbyshire Dales.The very impressive Mam Tor, to the west of Castleton which is the highest point in the Peak District and reveals a geological structure of exposed shale, here you will find a Bronze Age fort.The Peak District is incredibly accessible from the surrounding areas, the city of Sheffield lies partly within the borders of the parks 550 square miles. Across the hills to the west lies Manchester to the North West are the industrial cities of Yorkshire and to the south and the towns of Staffordshire.This makes the Peak District one of the most popular areas in the country for day trips and weekends away. Its rugged beauty has enthralled millions of people over generations, and it is certainly a piece of British countryside that is extremely well preserved, reflecting the way we used to live.