Where to Holiday in The Pennine Hills
The Pennines are a ruggedly beautiful mountain range sometimes referred to as the backbone of England. The range of hills runs northwards from Staffordshire through Derbyshire, West and North Yorkshire into Northumberland, ending just over the Scottish border. There are distinct areas within The Pennines, including four National Parks and some of the UK's best-known distance walks. All are popular holiday destinations with a healthy choice of holiday cottages.
This section of The Pennines lies between The Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. It’s a land of river valleys and mill towns from the Industrial Revolution. Bohemian Hebdon Bridge is a vibrant market town in the Calder Valley worth exploring for its variety of independent shops and art galleries. Other culturally important locations include Haworth, home of the Bronte Sisters and best reached by the Keighley and Worth Valley heritage steam railway, perhaps best known as the location for the filming of The Railway Children. Holmfirth is another typical Yorkshire Pennine town that will be familiar to many as the location for the long-running TV series, ‘Last of the Summer Wine’.
This is another popular location for walking holidays with a network of walking and cycling trails and the southern section of The Pennine Way. Little towns like Bakewell, Castleton, Eyam and Ashbourne offer traditional market squares and historic buildings. Victorian Buxton is the cultural centre of the Moor, with a popular Opera House and an International Arts Festival. On a local level, visit local villages during ‘Well-Dressing’ time when the preserved old village wells are beautifully decorated.
Here are just a few highlights and activities to consider for a holiday in the Peak District:
Walking and Hiking: The Peak District is a haven for walkers and hikers, with a vast network of trails catering to all ability levels. Explore the famous Pennine Way, Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, and the Tissington and Monsal Trails. Enjoy panoramic views, peaceful countryside, and the chance to discover hidden gems along the way.
Chatsworth House: Visit Chatsworth House, one of the UK’s most magnificent stately homes. Explore the grand halls, beautiful gardens, and art collections. Enjoy the estate’s walking trails, farmyard, and adventure playground, making it a great family-friendly destination.
Bakewell: Discover the picturesque town of Bakewell, famous for its Bakewell Pudding. Stroll along the charming streets, visit the historic Bakewell Church, and explore the local shops and cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the famous Bakewell Pudding, a sweet treat made with almond filling.
Castleton: Explore the scenic village of Castleton, known for its stunning caves and dramatic landscapes. Visit Peveril Castle, tour the Blue John Cavern, and enjoy the breathtaking views from Mam Tor. Castleton is also an excellent base for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Matlock Bath: Visit the delightful Victorian resort town of Matlock Bath, nestled in a steep-sided gorge of the River Derwent. Enjoy the beautiful riverside promenade, ride the cable car to the Heights of Abraham for spectacular views, and explore the quirky shops and attractions along the main street.
Stanage Edge: Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Stanage Edge, a dramatic gritstone escarpment popular with climbers and walkers. Take a hike along the ridge, appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and witness the rock climbers in action.
Hathersage: Explore the charming village of Hathersage, known for its connections to Charlotte Bronte’s novel, “Jane Eyre.” Visit St. Michael’s Church, which is said to have inspired the setting for the grave of Eyre’s fictional parents. Enjoy the picturesque countryside and nearby attractions like Stanage Edge and the outdoor swimming pool at Hathersage.
Tissington Village: Experience the quintessential English village charm of Tissington. Take a leisurely stroll through the picture-perfect village, admire the well-preserved cottages and gardens, and explore the Tissington Trail, a scenic walking and cycling route.
The Peak District offers a wide range of activities and attractions, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful countryside retreat.
The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful and scenic part of The Pennines in North Yorkshire, known for its rolling hills, picturesque glacial valleys, charming little villages, and limestone landscapes. If you are a fan of the TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, then you will be familiar with its charming landscapes. Enjoy walks across wild moorland or riverside walks from village to cosy along the valley floorsThe Dales combine natural beauty, outdoor adventure, charming villages, and a sense of tranquillity, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the countryside.
Some of the main attractions that draw visitors to holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales are:
Stunning Landscapes: The Yorkshire Dales National Park offers breathtaking scenery, iconic green hills and fells, dry stone walls, and meandering rivers. Visitors can explore the expansive countryside, enjoy panoramic views from the many walking trails, and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature.
Three Peaks: The Yorkshire Dales is home to the famous Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. These peaks are popular challenges for hikers and provide spectacular views from their summits. Many visitors aim to complete the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing all three peaks within 12 hours.
Waterfalls: The Yorkshire Dales feature several beautiful waterfalls that are worth visiting. Aysgarth Falls, Hardraw Force, and Ingleton Falls are among the notable cascades in the area. These waterfalls offer opportunities for scenic walks, photography, and a chance to experience the power and beauty of nature.
Charming Villages: The Yorkshire Dales is dotted with picturesque villages that retain their traditional character. Villages like Grassington, Hawes, Kettlewell, and Malham offer a glimpse into rural life with stone-built houses, village greens, local pubs, and shops selling local produce and crafts. These villages are perfect for leisurely strolls and exploring the local culture.
Caves and Limestone Features: The Yorkshire Dales is known for its limestone landscape, which has resulted in the formation of fascinating caves and geological features. Visitors can explore cave systems like Ingleborough Cave and White Scar Cave and marvel at unique formations like Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.
Outdoor Activities: The Yorkshire Dales offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Walking, hiking, and cycling are popular pursuits, with numerous trails and paths catering to different skill levels. The region also offers rock climbing, caving, fishing, and wildlife-watching opportunities.
Cultural Heritage: The Yorkshire Dales has a rich cultural heritage. The area is home to historic sites, including medieval castles, abbeys, and traditional farmhouses. The Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes provides insight into the region’s history, farming traditions, and local life.
The Lake District National Park is located on the western side of the Pennines and is known the world over for its stunning natural beauty and as a centre for outdoor activities. It's a great place for hiking, boating, and cycling, with several charming towns and villages to explore.
Here are some of the main attractions that draw people to the Lake District:
Stunning Lakes and Mountains: The Lake District is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including its famous lakes and mountains. The region is home to 16 major lakes, such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater, which offer scenic beauty, opportunities for boating, and picturesque walks along their shores. The mountains, including Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, provide fantastic hiking and climbing experiences.
Outdoor Activities: The Lake District is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, and rock climbing. The area's extensive network of trails and paths cater to all ability levels, making it accessible for casual walkers and experienced adventurers.
Picturesque Villages and Towns: The Lake District is dotted with charming villages and towns that exude character and offer a glimpse into rural life. Places like Ambleside, Keswick, Ulverston, Grasmere, and Bowness-on-Windermere are popular destinations with quaint streets, traditional cottages, local shops, and cosy pubs.
Literary Connections: The Lake District is closely associated with renowned poets and writers, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Beatrix Potter. Visitors can explore the houses and locations that inspired their works, such as Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and Coleridge's Greta Hall. The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead showcases the author's illustrations and life.
Historic Sites: The Lake District is home to several historic sites and attractions. Muncaster Castle, Dalemain Mansion, and Levens Hall are notable examples, offering beautiful architecture, gardens, and a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The Lake District is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional natural beauty. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including red deer, red squirrels, and a variety of bird species. The area offers ample wildlife watching, nature walks, and photography opportunities.
Arts and Culture: The Lake District has a thriving arts and cultural scene. It hosts numerous festivals, including the Keswick Mountain Festival, Kendal Mountain Festival, and the Lake District Summer Music Festival, which showcase music, film, literature, and outdoor pursuits.
The combination of stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, cultural heritage, and the chance to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting makes the Lake District a highly sought-after destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a scenic and inspiring getaway.
Hadrian's Wall
This ancient Roman wall stretches 73 miles across northern England through Northumberland and Cumbria and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Exploring Hadrian's Wall is a fascinating holiday option for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Here are some key highlights and activities to consider for self-catering holidays exploring Hadrian's Wall:
Hadrian's Wall Path: The Hadrian's Wall Path is a long-distance trail that stretches approximately 84 miles (135 kilometres) from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Walking the path allows you to experience the wall and surrounding landscapes up close. Depending on your preferences and available time, you can walk the entire path or explore specific sections.
Roman Forts and Museums: Along Hadrian's Wall's route, there are an abundance of well-preserved Roman forts and museums that provide insights into the wall's history and significance. Some notable sites include Housesteads Roman Fort, Vindolanda, Chesters Roman Fort, and the Roman Army Museum. These sites offer archaeological remains, interactive displays, and exhibitions that showcase Roman life and military history.
Birdoswald Roman Fort: Birdoswald Roman Fort is one of the best-preserved forts along Hadrian's Wall. It offers scenic views of the wall and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the fort's remains, walk along the wall, and learn about the fort's history through informative displays.
Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum: Located at the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall in Wallsend, Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the wall's construction, Roman engineering, and life in Roman Britain. The museum features interactive exhibits and a reconstructed section of the wall.
Archaeological Excavations: Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to witness ongoing archaeological excavations along Hadrian's Wall. These excavations provide a unique insight into the ongoing research and discoveries on the wall and its history.
Outdoor Activities: Besides exploring the historical sites, the surrounding landscapes of Hadrian's Wall offer opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, or horseback riding along the wall or venture into the nearby Northumberland National Park to experience its scenic beauty, wildlife, and trails.
A holiday exploring Hadrian's Wall in any season combines history, archaeology, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, providing visitors with a unique and enriching experience.
The North Pennines
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Northern Pennines span Cumbria and Northumberland and are known for their rugged landscapes, including moorland, hills, and valleys. The area embraces the picturesque Tees Valley, Eden Valley and Durham Dales. It's another great place for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, with several nature reserves and birdwatching sites. Here are some highlights and activities to consider for a holiday in the Northern Pennines:
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): The Northern Pennines is designated as an AONB due to its exceptional natural beauty. Explore the expansive moorlands, rolling hills, and dramatic landscapes. The area is known for its wide-open spaces, remote valleys, and untouched wilderness.
Walking and Hiking: The Northern Pennines offers an extensive network of walking and hiking trails, catering to all levels of ability. Popular routes include the Pennine Way, which runs through the area, as well as the Teesdale Way and Weardale Way. These trails allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, discover hidden valleys, and enjoy panoramic views.
High Force Waterfall: Visit High Force, one of England's most spectacular waterfalls. Located in the heart of the Northern Pennines, it plunges 70 feet (21 meters) into a deep plunge pool, creating a mesmerizing sight. Take a walk along the River Tees to witness the power and beauty of this natural wonder.
Historic Lead Mining Sites: The Northern Pennines has a rich mining heritage, particularly in lead mining. Explore the historic lead mining sites such as Killhope Lead Mining Museum and Nenthead Mines, where you can learn about the region's mining history and explore underground mine workings.
Stargazing: The Northern Pennines is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent destination for stargazing. Experience the beauty of the night sky, observe constellations, and marvel at the Milky Way. The area has several designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, offering optimal conditions for stargazing.
Cycling and Mountain Biking: Bring your bikes on holiday. The Northern Pennines is a paradise for cyclists and mountain bikers. Explore scenic country lanes, challenging off-road trails, and designated cycling routes. The area offers a variety of terrains, from quiet country roads to rugged moorland tracks, providing options for all cycling abilities.
Wildlife Watching: The Northern Pennines is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Spot rare birds, including black grouse and red kites, along with other wildlife such as otters, roe deer, and brown hares. The area is a haven for birdwatching, with several nature reserves and bird hides to explore.
