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There
are few places in England that have two Dukes living next to
each other. Yet just inside the Peak National Park, the Duke
of Devonshire and
the Duke
of Rutland have property
that shares the same border, the splendid stately homes of Chatsworth
and Haddon. To the east you will find the fine
buildings of Hardwick Hall
and Bolsover
Castle, and to the
west,Lyme
Park at Disley. |
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However,
the history of the Peak goes back to the Ice Age, when the shapes
of the Dark Peak and White Peak were formed, although the name "Peak" has
nothing to do with the shape of the hills, but comes from the
Celtic tribe the "Peac". Signs of the first Neolithic
settlers can be seen at the massive stone circles at Arbor Low and the Nine Ladies on Stanton Moor.
The Romans
came to the Peak District to exploit its mineral riches and lead has been mined by the locals for
centuries. In medieval times markets developed together with
fairs, and with the growth of agriculture, much of the wool -
based wealth was used to build superbly designed churches.
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Throughout
the centuries, travelling across the Peak has proved difficult
whether by packhorse, mailcoach or rail. Today it is still impossible
to cross the Peak by train, the disused lines, closed under the
Beeching Axe in the 1960's, are now well-used walking and cycling paths. |
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Many customs
& festivals are unique to the Peakland area, the most famous
being the Well Dressing,
celebrated from May through to September in villages across the
whole Peak District.Animal & wildlife enthusiasts can choose
from a number of attractions including Freshfields Donkey Sanctuary
at Peak Forest. Riber Castle Wildlife Park near Matlock &
the Chestnut Centre conservation park, an otter haven & wildlife
sanctuary at Chapel-en-le-Frith.More childrens' attractions can be found at Alton Towers, Abraham
Height and The American Adventure |
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Sporting
activities range from water -sports on Carsington Water & Rother Valley Country Park,
hang gliding at Wetton, pony trekking at Flash near Buxton, or
trout fishing at Ladybower Reservoir. |
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The Peak
District is a popular location with directors - from "Last
of the Summer Wine" filmed at Holmfirth, the village of
Crich, better known as Cardale in "Peak
Practice" whilst the many stately homes have been used as
backdrops for productions such as "Jane Eyre" &
"Pride and Prejudice". |
Places of Interest
For the Kids
Eat & Drink
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