The Peak District is a beautiful part of the UK to explore. It’s a great place to visit in the winter, with fewer crowds and beautiful views in the winter sunlight. Here’s my perfect itinerary for 6 days in the Peak District, UK in the winter.
How to get to and around the Peak District, UK in the winter
To fully enjoy 6 days in the Peak District, UK in the winter I’d definitely recommend having your own car. Public transport in the Peak District is very limited, so you’ll be restricted as to how much you can do if you’re relying on public transport. You’ll also miss out on some of the best viewpoint walks in the Peak District, as many of these are only accessible by car. Having a car will give you the freedom to explore as much as you want without limitations.
Where to stay in the Peak District, UK in the winter
There are plenty of pretty villages and small towns in the Peak District, and many of these will make a great base for your 6 days in the Peak District in the winter. I’d recommend staying in, or at least, near to a village or town in the winter. That way, if the weather is bad, you won’t be isolated somewhere and can enjoy the shops and pubs nearby. Bakewell is a really pretty small town, and close to many of the top attractions in the Peak District. Castleton is one of the most popular villages and makes a great base as well.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, the town of Matlock is just outside the Peak District National Park so it’s a bit cheaper but still only a short distance from many of the top things to do. I stayed in Matlock, and found it was a great balance of a good price but also easy to get to everything we wanted.
What to take to the Peak District in the winter
The weather in the UK in the winter can be very changeable. If you’re lucky, you might get some beautiful sunny days. But clear, sunny days can often be cold. And in the winter, you definitely need to be prepared for some rainy days, and possibly some snow as well.
Make sure you take a warm, waterproof coat. Good walking boots are essential as well if you plan to do any walking in the Peak District in the winter. Layers of clothes are best to keep warm – that way, you can take layers off if you get too warm but you’ve still got the option to be warm. Remember you hat, scarf and gloves as well for the colder days. And of course, remember to take your camera and plenty of memory cards so you can take hundreds of photos of all the amazing scenery!
Keep reading for my day-by-day itinerary for 6 days in the Peak District, UK in the winter.
I have recently been to Bakewell and Monsal trail (on a not-so-pleasant, in fact very rainy, summer day) and can second that it is definitely doable if you are properly prepared. What I didn’t know however was that there was so much more to do nearby, so thank you so much for introducing me – I need to go back!
What a great itinerary! Some beautiful landscapes to see also!
I wouldn’t really think about visiting this area in the winter. Clearly, if you’re properly prepared, it is possible though!