Camping in the Peak District

Offering spectacular landscapes, the Peak District in Derbyshire is one of the UK's most charming counties, and it has something for everyone. From its hidden valleys of space, solitude and tranquillity, rounded hills, bracing moorland and long-distance trails, to bustling market towns with thriving local stores and delightful teashops, camping in the Peaks offers a unique and varied holiday experience.

Exploring the outdoors

Whether rain or shine, staying on a campsite in or near the Peak District gives you access to some of the best walking routes in the UK. Walking enthusiasts flock to the Peak District annually to take on some of the many paths and trails within varying landscapes. Bakewell, Hayfield and Castleton are popular walking bases with campsites readily available.

For those who love cycling, there are plenty of tracks to get you started. Carsington Water, the High Peak Trail and the Monsal Trail are all great options, but you’ll find hundreds of routes near your campsite too — ask one of our friendly team members, and they’ll be more than happy to help you find the best path.

If you love adventure, caving and climbing are really popular in the Peak District. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are over 10,000 climbs of varying difficulties. If you’re new to climbing, there are indoor climbing instructors to get you started and outdoor activity centres to show you the basics. Here are some of our favourite mountains worth climbing and the best bouldering locations in the Peak District as well as the UK.

Sailing, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing are also popular on the Peak District reservoirs. An excellent location for a taster session is Carsington Water. Here you can participate in water sports, birdwatching, cycling or fishing.

Top Peak District attractions

Spend a day or two exploring the local area, head for the vibrant market towns and picturesque villages for time to potter and browse, perhaps stopping off in a teashop to sample the local confection and watch the world go by. With quirky independent shops, indoor and outdoor markets, fairs and local events, there has never been a more perfect opportunity to go camping in the Peak District.

All campsites in the Peak District offer plenty of activities and major attractions within easy reach. You’ll definitely find something for everyone; here are a few of our favourites.

Creswell Crags Museum

The Creswell Crags Museum uncovers the secrets of our Ice Age ancestors. There are nine caves to visit throughout the tour, and all nod to their prehistoric past. You’ll also see the largest collection of Witches’ Marks in Britain. It’s definitely a great location to visit whilst camping in the Peak District.

Nine Ladies Stone Circle

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a Bronze Age collection of stones located near our Bakewell Club Site.

It’s believed that the stones depict nine ladies turned to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday. The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is one of the most famous stone circles of the four that can be found on Stanton Moor.

Heights of Abraham

Board a cable car to the Heights of Abraham to enjoy an aerial view of Derwent Valley as you make your way to the summit. When you reach the top, you can join a guided tour down to the Great Masson Cavern, browse the shops or enjoy one of the many picnic spots. The Vista Bar and Restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink whilst enjoying the views.

Peak Wildlife Park

The Peak Wildlife Park has large walkways, allowing you to come face-to-face with exotic and endangered animals. Penguins, lemurs, wallaby’s, meerkats and many more species call the park home. The park has excellent facilities, and the café caters for all dietary needs. Best of all, the Peak Wildlife Park is only a seven-minute drive from our Alton The Start Club Site, making it super easy to reach.

Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall is one of the finest Elizabethan buildings in the country. Its family play trails, picture-perfect views, restaurants and gift shops make the hall a great day out. You can explore the elaborately designed rooms of the house, view the fine tapestry hanging in every room and learn more about the hall's history. Hardwick Hall is open daily and has regular events listed on its website.

Gulliver’s Kingdom

Whilst camping in the Peak District, you can enjoy thrilling rides and phenomenal attractions at Gulliver’s Kingdom. The theme park is located at the edge of Peak Districts National Park, and it’s full of adrenaline-fueled adventures great for the whole family.

Bolsover Castle

Walking through the rooms of Bolsover Castle never fails to impress visitors. You’ll be able to marvel at the rare wall paintings, stunning carved fireplaces and replica tapestries. You can also experience spectacular countryside views whilst on the Wall Walk.

Chatsworth House

Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Chatsworth House is one of England’s most recognisable landmarks. Since the 1550s, the house has been home to the Cavendish family and is famous for its diverse art and breathtaking landscapes.

Peak Cavern

Deep in the gorge is Peak Cavern's imposing entrance chamber. It’s the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles. When visiting, you can book a guided tour where you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the cavern. You can also check out the brilliant events held at Peak Cavern, such as its Christmas Carol concerts, pop-up cinema and the Bon Jovi Experience concert.

Arkwright’s Mill at Cromford

A great location to visit for any history buff is the Arkwright Mill at Cromford. This was built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright, and it’s the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill which was a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution.

Whilst visiting this heritage site, you’ll experience a spectacular historical moment as you explore the mill yard and adjacent worker's village. You can explore more of the best UNESCO world heritage sites here.

With so many activities available and fabulous attractions to visit, camping in the Peak District is the perfect holiday choice.