by Anna Hann
posted on 30 April 2025
Taking a Peak District road trip is one of the best ways to explore the variety and history that defines this treasured corner of England.
Established in 1951, the Peak District National Park is Britain’s first national park, covering 555 square miles of rolling hills, limestone gorges, stately homes, and historic buildings. So whether you’re chasing beautiful views, seeking out famous period drama filming locations, or craving fresh air and a decent cup of tea, the Peak District National Park offers a scenic drive between some gorgeous locations along some of England’s best roads.
The Peak District is a region of contrasts, divided into two landscapes. You’ve got the White Peak in the south Peak District, characterised by limestone dales, rolling pasturelands, and the River Wye, and the Dark Peak in the north, with rugged gritstone edges, windswept moorlands, and elevated ridges.
The White Peak, shaped by a prehistoric tropical sea, is home to some of the most beautiful villages and towns in the Peak District, such as Bakewell and Ashford-in-the-Water. Keep an eye out for fossilised sea creatures embedded in the local limestone, a fun fact for anyone interested in geology or ancient history.
The best Peak District road trip
This circular road trip takes you from Bakewell through the Peak District on an 80-mile adventure, although you could choose just a section or two to explore.
Start: Bakewell
Begin your Peak District road trip in Bakewell, the largest town in the national park. It’s chockfull of charm, cobbled streets, independent shops, and many tea rooms. There’s no better place to ease into the journey. Grab a coffee, pick up some picnic supplies, and definitely don’t miss trying the famous Bakewell Tart before you hit the road.
Bakewell to Chatsworth House
Distance: 5 miles
Driving time: 15 mins
From Bakewell, head to Chatsworth House, one of the best-known stately homes in the country and a real darling of the Peak Distric rolling hills alongside the River Derwent, Chatsworth House is grand estate where you can walk through the opulent interiors, admire sculptures, or stretch your legs in the expansive parkland.
Chatsworth has also appeared in numerous period dramas, adding a touch of modern-day fame to its already impressive story, including the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, standing in for Mr Darcy’s magnificent Pemberley estate.
Chatsworth House to Monsal Head
Distance: 8 miles
Driving time: 20 mins
Backtrack through Bakewell, then head northwest to Monsal Head, one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Peak District. The views over the winding River Wye, the limestone valley below, and the striking Midland Railway line viaduct are beautiful.
The Monsal Trail, which follows the old Midland railway line, is perfect for a short walk or cycle, with tunnels, bridges, and plenty of exceptional views. The Monsal Trail covers around eight miles, so you could dedicate some time to explore its entire length, or just tackle a section of the route.
Monsal Head to Castleton via Cressbrook Dale and Winnats Pass
Distance: 14 miles
Driving time: 35 mins
Continue your route through the White Peak village of Litton before driving through the lush, steep-sided Cressbrook Dale. This limestone dale is peaceful, green, and a great detour off the busier roads in the Peak.
From there, make your way to Winnats Pass, a highlight of any Peak District road trip. With its towering limestone pinnacles and sharp bends, Winnats Pass is one of the best driving routes in the Peak District National Park. Once covered by a tropical sea, the area is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest with intriguing rock formations. As you crest the pass, panoramic views over the Hope Valley open up.
Explore Castleton and Mam Tor
Distance: 1 mile
Driving time: 5 mins
The next stop on your Peak District road trip is Castleton in the Hope Valley, a pretty village lined with independent shops, stone cottages, and cosy cafés. Nearby Mam Tor, known as the Shivering Mountain, is a great place for a short hike. Park at Mam Nick car park and take a three-mile circular walk with lovely views over Edale and the Hope Valley. If time allows, head to Hob’s House Cave, steeped in legends of a mischievous being who could cure whooping cough.
Castleton to Ladybower Reservoir, via Edale
Distance: 9 miles
Driving time: 25 mins
Leave Castleton on the Edale Road. It’s a longer but more scenic route to the Upper Derwent Valley. Set your sat nav to Ladybower Reservoir, an iconic Y-shaped body of water surrounded by woodlands, hills, and scenic walking trails. It’s famous for its role in World War II RAF training with bouncing bombs for the Dambusters mission.
This peaceful area is perfect for walking or cycling, and several car parks make it easy to stop and explore. The surrounding landscape is especially striking in the winter months, but lovely on a sunny day, too.
Ladybower Reservoir to Snake Pass and the High Moorlands
Distance: 8 miles
Driving time: 20 mins
Now for one of the most exciting sections of the trip: Snake Pass. This winding road climbs high into the Dark Peak moorlands, reaching over 1,600 feet above sea level. Known for blind summits and hairpin bends, it’s one of the best roads in the UK for sheer driving pleasure. On a clear day, the panoramic views across the heather-topped hills are sensational.
Though the Snake Inn itself is now closed, the location is still a great place to stop and take in the wild scenery across the Peak District.
Snake Pass to Hathersage via Bamford
Distance: 12 miles
Driving time: 25 mins
From the Peak District’s moorlands, follow the scenic route down to Bamford, then continue south to the literary village of Hathersage. You’ll find Little John’s grave in the churchyard (one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men), and see locations that inspired Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. You also get walking access to Stanage Edge from Hathersage, a gritstone ridge offering breathtaking views across the national park. This area is a favourite for walkers, climbers, and anyone who wants to stretch their legs with a big sky above them.
Hathersage to Curbar and Baslow Edges
Distance: 6 miles
Driving time: 15 mins
Drive south through the Burbage Valley to reach Curbar and Baslow. These gritstone escarpments, including Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge, are among the Peak District’s best-kept secrets. Pull into a layby, follow a walking trail, and enjoy the stunning views.
Padley Gorge and Surprise View are nearby and offer beautiful scenery with ancient woodland and peaceful streams, perfect for a shaded break or picnic.
Optional Detour: Haddon Hall
Distance: 10 miles
Driving time: 20 mins
Before returning to Bakewell, consider a stop at this beautifully preserved medieval manor house. With its beautiful gardens, original interiors, and hilltop views over the River Wye, it’s a dream for history lovers. It feels untouched by time and offers a quieter, more intimate experience than some larger attractions.
Return to Bakewell
Distance: 4 miles
Driving time: 10 mins
Complete your circular route with a gentle return to Bakewell. Reward yourself with another visit to the high street or a final pit stop in one of the many tea rooms. You’ve explored some of the best routes in the Peak District, experienced diverse landscapes, from limestone gorges to high moorlands, and uncovered a mix of natural and historical treasures that make this national park so special.
How many days do you need in the Peak District?
The number of days needed in the Peak District depends on your interests and the pace of your trip. For a road trip that covers the main highlights, three to four days is a reasonable amount of time. This allows you to explore the scenic drives, visit significant attractions like Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, and enjoy the walks and villages without feeling rushed. If you’re into hiking or biking or want to explore every corner, consider extending it to five days.
What is the famous road in the Peak District?
The most famous road in the Peak District is Snake Pass. Known for its winding, steep climbs, and scenic beauty (as well at being the highest point in the Peak Distict), this road offers a thrilling drive through the rugged landscape of the Dark Peak. It’s a must-do for anyone on a Peak District road trip and is especially popular for its striking views and the challenge it offers drivers.
Where is the prettiest place in the Peak District?
There are several contenders, but Monsal Head stands out. With its panoramic views over the winding River Wye and the surrounding limestone valley, it is one of the most photographed spots in the Peak District.
Bakewell, with its charming streets and the famous Bakewell Pudding, also offers a picturesque village setting. Castleton, with its stone cottages, the Shivering Mountain (Mam Tor), and historic sites like Hob’s House Cave, is another contender for the title of prettiest place.
Where’s the best place to stay in the Peak District?
If you’re planning a road trip through the Peak District, start your adventure with a memorable stay in one of the region’s standout accommodations. For a blend of history and luxury, the Ensana Buxton Crescent is a perfect choice. Modelled on the famous Royal Crescent in Bath, this elegant spa hotel offers beautifully restored Georgian architecture, a relaxing wellness centre, and a prime location in the historic spa town of Buxton.
For a more countryside experience, the Cavendish Hotel on the Chatsworth Estate is another excellent option. With sweeping views, stylish rooms, and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, it offers classic country house charm with top-tier service. Both options place you right on the doorstep of Peak District scenery, making them perfect bases to relax, recharge, and start (or finish) your journey.
Starting a Peak District road trip from Manchester or Birmingham
Getting to Bakewell from either Manchester or Birmingham is simple, scenic, and a great way to ease into your Peak District road trip. From Manchester, it’s around 40 miles and takes just over an hour by car, heading southeast via the A6 through Stockport and Chapel-en-le-Frith. This route introduces you early to the winding roads of the Peak District with beautiful views over the dales as you approach Bakewell.
From Birmingham, the drive is a little longer, about 70 miles and 1 hour 45 minutes, heading north via the M1 and A38 before picking up the A6 through Matlock. Whichever direction you’re coming from, the journey becomes more scenic with every mile, and Bakewell makes an ideal starting point with that all-important first taste of the famous Bakewell Tart.
What’s the best car for a Peak District road trip?
The best car to drive around the Peak District depends on the kind of roads you decide to take and your preferences for comfort and handling.
Hatchbacks and compacts
Many of the driving routes in the Peak District are narrow, winding, and sometimes quite steep, making a compact car a good option. A smaller car is easier to manoeuvre around tight bends and through narrow villages, particularly when parking can sometimes be a challenge. Muhammad’s Mini Cooper would be ideal for these winding routes, offering excellent handling and a compact size.
Crossovers and SUVs
You might appreciate a car with higher ground clearance if you want to tackle more rugged or less maintained roads leading to areas of stunning scenery like Ladybower Reservoir or Snake Pass. A small crossover or SUV, like Josh’s Ford Explorer, would be a solid choice for these conditions. It still offers a relatively compact size but have the added benefit of handling uneven surfaces without compromising comfort.
All-wheel drives
An all-wheel-drive vehicle could be a good option for those looking for extra confidence while driving, especially in wetter conditions or in the winter months in the Peak District. Ishfan’s Audi Q7 offers a balance of performance and comfort, with the ability to tackle rougher roads and inclement weather conditions while still being versatile and comfortable for longer scenic drives.
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