Derbyshire

Dales, peaks, moors, caves and stately homes. Derbyshire is home to Britain’s first national park – The Peak District. To the north is Dark Peak – heatherclad moorland. To the south is White Peak – gently rolling hills.

Edale is the scenic start of the 250-mile Pennine Way, which takes in Kinder Scout – the highest point in the park. The stunning, natural beauty of Dovedale is a foil to nearby Cromford, where the Industrial Revolution met the countryside.

To the Derbyshire spa town of Buxton and its opera house, known as ‘the theatre in the hills’. Then on to Arbor Low – or ‘Stonehenge of the north’ – with its ancient stone circle.

Set in a disused quarry, Crich Tramway Village is a recreated period village bringing trams from around the world back to life.

For many, Derbyshire is synonymous with Chatsworth House – one of Britain’s best-loved stately homes. This Baroque gem and its fabulous gardens are overlooked by the amazing Cascade. Hardwick Hall is one of the most splendid houses in England, vying with Haddon Hall and Renishaw Hall.

Derbyshire is just as spectacular below ground. Visit Blue John Cavern or take a boat trip through Speedwell Cavern. Then, if you have a head for heights, take a cable car trip to the Heights of Abraham, above Matlock, with its pleasure park, caves and nature trails.

And don’t forget your Bakewell Pudding…Derbyshire’s baked dessert delight!