The Peak District is a great place to visit at Christmas. There are Christmassy events happening all around the region, and also some beautiful views and scenery to enjoy. Here are my 22 top things to do in the Peak District, UK at Christmas.
1. Admire the views from Stanage Edge
One of my top things to do in the Peak District, UK at Christmas is to climb up to Stanage Edge to admire the view. It’s one of my favourite viewpoints in the Peak District. Stanage Edge has also been used as a filming location, most famously in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film. It’s here that there’s the iconic scene of Elizabeth Bennett (Kiera Knightley) stood on the edge, looking out over the view. For any fans of the film, or just fans of beautiful viewpoints, this is a must-visit spot.
2. See Chatsworth House decorated for Christmas
Chatsworth is one of the most famous stately homes in the UK. It’s beautiful all year round, but it really comes to life at Christmas. The inside of the house is decorated with huge Christmas trees and Christmas decorations. It’s the perfect place to visit to really get in the festive mood.
3. Explore Pooles Cavern caves
The Peak District has lots of caves to explore. One of my favourite caves is Pooles Cavern, just outside the town of Buxton. It has really impressive stalagmites and stalactites. And there’s a small river that runs through the cave as well.
4. See Haddon Hall decorated for Christmas
Haddon Hall is another of the top things to do in the Peak District, UK at Christmas. The inside of the hall is decorated for Christmas, with some really impressive Christmas trees and other decorations. Haddon Hall is also a popular filming location, so you might recognise some of it from films. It’s been used in film adaptations of Jane Eyre, as Mr Rochester’s home Thornfield Hall.
5. Watch a Christmas show at Buxton Opera House
Buxton Opera House has some great shows on all throughout the year. Check out what’s on here to plan to see a show when you visit. I was there at New Year, and saw the New Year’s Eve Gala Concert which was really enjoyable. It’s a beautiful venue as well.
6. See the famous Chatsworth House reflection
For the best view of Chatsworth House, head into the grounds to the end of the rectangular lake. From here, you’ll be able to see the famous Chatsworth House reflection in the water. You’ll need to crouch down right at the end of the lake to get the best photos, but it’s worth it for the great view.
7. Admire Christmas trees in Buxton
Buxton is one of the bigger towns near the Peak District National Park. It’s beautifully decorated for Christmas, with large Christmas trees outside and Christmas lights in the town centre. It’s a great place to visit at Christmas to see some Christmas lights.
8. Step back in time in the grounds of Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall is definitely one of my top things to do in the Peak District, UK at Christmas. It might look familiar to anyone who has seen films like Jane Eyre, as it was used as the set for Mr Rochester’s Thornfield Hall. The grounds of Haddon Hall are recognisable from some of the famous scenes in Jane Eyre. Even on a rainy day in December, the grounds are still interesting to explore and give great views back to the historic building.
9. Feed the farm animals at Chatsworth farmyard
Chatsworth Farmyard is definitely worth visiting on your trip to Chatsworth in the Peak District. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the main house and gardens. You can see sheep, goats, donkeys and other farm animals. There’s an opportunity to feed some of them as well, which is great for the children.
10. Warm up with some Bakewell Pudding in Bakewell
The small town of Bakewell in the Peak District is famous for Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tarts. There are several places in the town where you can buy some, including a small shop and cafe that sells original Bakewell Pudding. It’s the perfect food to eat with hot custard, to warm up after a day out exploring the sights of the Peak District.
