Derbyshire – The Peak District

We have visited Derbyshire many times since having the caravan and always find something new to do – along with revisiting our favourite places. We tend to visit the area in October, when the trees are usually a riot of orange, yellow and red. The Indian Summer this year (2002) however, resulted in many trees still being green.

We have stayed on several caravan sites – including the Caravan Club Sites at Blackwall Plantation (01335 370903) and Chatsworth Park (01246 582226). Both are quiet, with plenty of hard standing – especially the site at Chatsworth Park. The Blackwall Plantation site is within walking/cycling distance of Carsington Reservoir. There is a circular walk/bike ride around the reservoir (about 7 miles, I think) and a visitor centre with shops, café and exhibition.

The site at Chatsworth Park is situated on the 1000 acre Chatsworth Estate and there is access from the site onto the main estate. In case you don’t have directions to the site - make sure you keep on the A619 road (Bakewell to Chesterfield) and don’t follow the brown signs to Chatsworth House!

There is a huge amount to see and do in this area and you will find some of our favourites below.

Although not in Derbyshire, I’m including Alton Towers as it’s very close to Derbyshire and we often visit it when in the area. If you have children, no holiday would be complete without a visit to this theme park – arguably the best in Britain.

A lovely town to wander around, with lots of outdoor clothing shops and the famous ‘Bakewell Pudding Shop’. There is a pretty riverside walk and a weekly market.

Bike Trails

Click on the above to be taken to a page dedicated to this pastime.

Chatsworth House 

Click on the above to be taken to a page dedicated to this place.

Chesterfield

One of the biggest towns in the area, Chesterfield offers shopping, a large open air market and of course the ‘twisted spire’.

There are two main attractions here – the riverside illuminations and the Heights of Abraham cable car. The latter offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area and takes you up to a country park where there are caverns to explore, an adventure play area, woodland trails, gift shops, café and restaurant.

There are also wonderful views across the Derbyshire Dales.

Peak District National Park

Click on the above to be taken to a page dedicated to this place.

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Visiting Derbyshire?  Why not find out what the weather is like there.

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