At almost 555 M2 the Peak District countryside runs across the borders of 4 counties: Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire. Located at the heart of England the Peak District was the first area to be classed as a National Park back in 1951, closely followed by the Lake District, Snowdonia, and Dartmoor.
Covered in incredible moorlands, endless trails and footpaths as well as rolling countryside ‘Visit Peak District’ ensures the safety of the Peak District through a ‘Respect, Protect, Enjoy’ visitor charter. To maintain this incredible countryside and protect those living in the Peak District there are a few things that the ‘Visit Peak District’ organisation asks of those visiting the area.
To RESPECT the local wildlife, the local communities, local business owners, any guidelines, and the local landscapes.
To PROTECT yourself and others, the landscape, local areas, and the local towns and villages.
To ENJOY exploring off the beaten track, supporting local businesses, visiting market towns, and taking photos of the Peak District surroundings.
Pictured: Winnats Pass & Thor's Cave
Offering more than just attractions the Peak District is home to some well-known towns and villages such as Buxton, not only a thermal spa town, but England's highest market town too.
Hosting different markets throughout the week as a true Market Town would, but also offering a variety of other worthwhile tourist draws; Buxton Opera House, Pavilion Gardens, Go Ape Treetop Challenge, Buxton Raceway, Spas, Racecourses, Buxton Brewery and Buxton Museum & Art Gallery.
When following the Peak District Circular Route to visit Poole’s Cavern and Harpur Hill Quarry, Buxton is a great place to addition to extend your tour and add an extra day to explore this Market Town.
Pictured: Chatsworth House & Haddon Hall.
With so much to explore along your Peak District route, you’ll need some comfortable campsites to stop with your van. Below are some perfectly placed campsites to stop along the way as you explore ‘The Peak District Circular Route’;
Located on a working farm with views of Bamford Edge, Winhill and Shatton Edge Heatherhill Farm Campsite has access to a variety of local attractions and is within great access to Ladybower Reservoir. Should you wish to explore on foot the Thornhill Trail starts directly from the camp and leads you to Ladybower itself.
Offering Electric Hook up, Mains Water, Washing Up Area, Chemical Waste Point and other facilities Heatherhill Farm Campsite has everything you need for a restful stop. Full facilities list can be found here.
A haven for hikers, straight from the campsite you can set off on a gentle stroll along footpaths or take a longer walking route out on a stretch of the long-distance Pennine Way.
Set next to Torside Reservoir this site is close to both Standedge Tunnel and the B29 Overexposed Crash Site; offering a perfect location to stop in between this next part of your route.
On offer is an onsite Shop, Drying Room, Washing Machines, Dedicated Accessible Facilities and so much more. Click here to see additional facilities.
Hayfield’s campsite is beautifully peaceful, set in a secluded location but still a stones throw to local attractions. Nearby amenities include a local pub within a mile as well as an onsite shop.
This site is set-up for both Motorhomes and Camping and offers an abundance of facilities from a Parent and Baby Room to Dishwashing Facilities and a Children’s Play Area. To read more about the sites facilities click here.
The stop to make in between Poole’s Cavern and Thor’s Cave, this Leek Campsite is located in the Staffordshire Moorlands the site is surrounded by trees and offers plenty of walks, hikes or small strolls straight from your pitch.
The site offers an abundance of facilities including Showers, Motorhome Service Point, Children’s Play Area, and that’s only naming a few. A full list of amenities can be found here.
A Campsite with an onsite Inn offering “good beer, good food and a warm welcome”; surrounded by trees and fields this campsite is set just behind the Inn.
Offering Electric Hook-ups, Water, Showers and Toilets as well as a Wash Off Area for your pots & pans this site is a perfect location to stop in between your visit to Arbor Low Stone Circle and the Heights of Abraham or in between the Heights of Abraham and Bakewell. Full amenities and other information can be found here.
You can also find more information about the sights in our Explorer Map.