9 Things to Do For Free on Holiday in The Peak District in 2023

Our fabulous Peak District holiday expert, Wendy Boast, offers these suggestions on things to do in the Peak District that will keep your purse in your bag and your wallet firmly in your pocket. Pack your walking boots - as you’ll be racking up the miles here on holiday in the Peak District - although there are cycling options, too.

We have added holiday cottages that we feel would be suitable places to stay. Click on the cottage name to view its listing on My Favourite Holiday Cottages.

Over to you, Wendy...

Whether you are visiting with family or friends or coming for some peace and quiet, the stunning countryside of the Peak District National Park offers access for free in many beautiful rural settings.

A few of our favourite places to walk with family or friends in particular are:

1. Walk or Ride The Marvellous Monsal Trail

Around 8 miles of traffic-free walking (or cycling) on a former Midland Railway line with some heritage trails and information.

Not to mention the six tunnels, which are, at points, dark (although lit) and well worth walking through at least a couple of them.

There’s also the Monsal Viaduct, which offers stunning views, the lime kilns, and the old Miller’s Dale station.

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2. Leg it Around Ladybower

Ladybower Reservoir is a naturally stunning area in the Upper Derwent Valley and is surrounded by lovely countryside.

A walk along Ladybower’s shores is perfect for family and dog walking as it is primarily flat with some wooded areas.

It’s about an hour’s walk each way to the dam, and with low water levels in high summer, you can see areas of the old flooded village.

Where to Stay: Birch Cottage, Sleeps 8

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3. Do Dovedale

Dovedale is a renowned beauty spot in the Peak District. When the weather is good, it is perfect for picnics. It is also a lovely leisurely walk for a large group of friends.

The two to three-mile stretch of the River Dove from Milldale (parking, toilets, a café and always plenty of hungry ducks for feeding here) has limestone gorges, caves, wooden bridges and the famous stepping stones across the Dove to explore along the way.

Where to Stay: Valley View, Sleeps 15

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4. Clamber Kinder

And for those who are more energetic (and not recommended for young children), why not climb Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District?

On clear days, you can see Snowdonia.

Start in Edale and allow at least five hours.

Where to Stay: Hazelhead House. Sleeps 12

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5. Go Gardening in Buxton

A lovely spa town undergoing a revival with the restoration of the Grade I listed Crescent and Spa. It’s well worth peeking at the work in hand.

There are also 23 acres of gardens in the Grade II listed Pavilion Gardens, all accessible for free. And if that’s not enough, why not sample the famous Buxton mineral water for free at St Anne’s well near the Crescent?

Take some supplies home – bring some empty bottles.

Where to Stay: Red Hurst at Farditch Farm. Sleeps 6

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6. Feed The Birds in Bakewell (for less than tuppence a bag)

Bakewell can be touristy, but one of the great pleasures here is to feed the 100s (or so it seems) of ducks and geese that float around on the river in the town centre by the bridges (bring plenty of stale bread).

Wandering the narrow streets and taking in the touristy and quirky shops can be a pleasurable distraction. For families, the Bakewell recreation ground is about 12 acres popular for walking, cycling and flying kites. There’s a children’s play area here, two croquet lawns, and free wet play for kids from 1 April to 1 September.

Where to Stay: River Cottage, Sleeps 4

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7. Capture A Castle (on film) in Castleton

Castleton is a lovely village in the middle of the Peak District National Park. It is known as the ‘Gem of the Peaks’ with attractions including the ruins of Peveril Castle (not free entry), St Edmunds Church, and beautiful scenery wherever you look around you.

Castleton is surrounded on three sides by steep hills, with the most imposing section being Mam Tor, a famous spot in the Peak District. There are plenty of shops to fill in the time too, and the visitor centre is worth visiting.

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8. Get Wet (on the Water)

Carsington Water is a great spot to watch the water sports taking place on the reservoir. For younger families, there is a play area and visitor centre. Picnic tables are also available, so bring lunch with you.

If you have bikes, there’s a family-friendly three-mile trail or the eight-mile trail that will take you around the whole reservoir.

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9. Peak Pedal Power

There’s plenty of traffic-free cycling in the Peak District. Along with the Monsal Trail and Carsington Water, which are already mentioned, there are excellent cycle routes on the Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail cycle routes.

All for free, of course!