We'll be driving from York to the Cotswolds in mid-June and I'm researching pleasant off-the-beaten-path meanders along the way. The Peak District NP looks like the sort of thing my wife and I would enjoy, but it's a bit of a detour from the most direct routing to get to our final destination. Then again, we'll have all day to do this so my question is whether it's worth the diversion.
If so, can anyone chime in regarding favored stops and suggested routing thru the area? TIA
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
The Peak is stunning , I visited on my last trip to the UK several years ago . It was on my itinerary for a week in 2020 , but the trip was aborted , for obvious reasons . Among the places to visit are Chatsworth House , home of the Dukes of Devonshire . A grand English pile with magnificent gardens , and the small village of Castleton . Much more , of course , hopefully we will return next year ( 2023 ) .This one hour video about Chatsworth is well worth your time , and will certainly whet your interest . https://youtu.be/Vqax6R_pm_4
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Also , here is a short video of Castleton - https://youtu.be/o_iWtKN043o
Posted by
Yorkshire
1231 posts
This is also mostly Castleton ,with Mam Tor ,Edale and Burbage Brook featured
The route up from Ashbourne is worth seeking out,the Royal Oak at Hurdlow should be sought out for food it's excellent.
Arbor Low is on that route ,it near enough.
There's a series if concerts in the Devil's Arse at Castleton
Blue John is easily the best show cave to do
The Barrel at Bretton , Derbyshires highest pub is great for food we go often.
If you have time choose the minor roads past Strines to cut through to the M1 via the A628.
The pub at Earl or King Sterndale has a interesting sign board..
Haddon Hall is open less often than the impossibly grand Chatsworth.
My little sis got married at Chatsworth.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1231 posts
The National Mining Mus at Wakefield is Very worth considering .
Been a couple of times
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Give me the Peak District over the Cotswolds any day.
From York, drive down the M1 and exit at junction 36 onto the A61/A616. Have coffee or lunch in Edale. See the Blue John Mine or have a stroll.
Head to Buxton, a very pleasant spa town with a well known Opera House. Lunch here. Alternatively, you could head to Bakewell, home to the Bakewell tart (or pudding to give it the correct name) and Chatsworth, although with all the driving, you aren’t going to have enough time to do Chatsworth justice.
The Cotswolds covers a large area and depending on where you are staying may determine your route through the Peak District.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1231 posts
Eyam ,the plague village, is a pleasant little place too and sits just below Bretton.
Two of my friends run both the cafes in Edale.
Small world.
If you do head to Edale do Castleton first then climb Winnats Pass then pick up the very impressive MamNick road
There's a great panarama of the vale of Edale and decent parking roadside to take a photo or two
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
This is another particularly bucolic video of the Peak District, sure brings back memories -https://youtu.be/qHdeFkWlNkk
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs
2831 posts
Thanks for responding everyone, with special thanks to Steven and Richard for the videos.
I'm convinced - we'll plan to spend the day exploring the area on our way down to Alderton.