Explore and Enjoy the Peak District

Whilst many visitors come to  enjoy the stunning scenery and to explore the countryside, there is plenty more to see and do in the Peak District.  Local OS maps, guides and tourist information leaflets giving directions and details of opening times  are all available in Jack's Cottage, the ideal base to explore the Peak District.

Stately Homes and Gardens

Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, and the National Trust properties Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall, Calke Abbey and Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood are all within easy reach of Jack's Cottage.  Together with the National Trust Parks and  Gardens at  Ilam, Biddulph Grange and Lyme Hall,  there are plenty of  splendid houses and  gardens to visit during your stay.  Overseas visitors may be interested in the  National Trust Touring Pass.

Theme Parks and Attractions

Visit Alton Towers for  thrilling roller coaster rides or take the Cable Car  to the Heights of Abraham at Matlock  and explore Poole's Cavern or  the Blue John Mines at Castleton for a spectacular day out.

Market Towns and Villages

The Market Towns of Buxton, Bakewell, Ashbourne and Leek with their many antique shops and tearooms are easily accessible by car or bus.  Many Peak District villages set amongst beautiful countryside are well worth visiting including Tissington, Hartington, Eyam and Tideswell.  From May to September many villages also celebrate the tradition of Well Dressing - a tradition unique to the Peak District and Derbyshire.  One of the most notable is nearby Tissington which is celebrated in May.

Walking and Cycling

Fabulous open scenery with well marked paths  as well as  easy to walk cycle tracks make the Peak District accessible to all standard of walkers.  Stunning views, picturesque villages and delightful pubs and tearooms will make your day  one to remember.  Bicycles (pedal and electric!) can also be hired locally at various points along the Tissington, High Peak and Manifold Trails.

Art and Pottery

Enjoy art courses from painting to printmaking, from pure drawing to sculpture at Bullclough School of Art located in the dramatic landscape of the Peak District and only a few miles from Jack's Cottage or try your hand at pottery at the World of Wedgewood or the Gladstone Pottery Museum at nearby Stoke-on-Trent.

All photographs © copyright John Curtis 2010, Stephen Dunn 2010 and Nobu Tanaka 2019 and cannot be reproduced without permission.