Top dog friendly days out and places to visit in the Peak District and Derbyshire

Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

There’s nothing better than uncovering new sights with your best friend, and at Treak Cliff Cavern your dog can accompany you on an underground journey to discover the unique home of Blue John stone. You and your pet can see the amazing purple mineral (found nowhere else on earth) up-close on a guided tour of the ancient cavern system, whilst admiring stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Afterwards, polish your own piece of Blue John Stone to take home.

Chatsworth, Bakewell

The magnificent stately home, known as 'the jewel in the Peak District’s crown’ is the perfect place for four-pawed adventures. Dogs on leads can explore over 100 acres of gardens and 1,000 acres of parkland by the River Derwent, with miles of trails, paths and woodland to explore.

Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

Catch a cable car across an incredible limestone gorge before alighting at the Heights of Abraham hilltop country park where, amongst 60 acres of hilltop woodland, you and your dog can sniff-out great walks with stunning views, before soaking up the scenery at the outdoor terraces in the café or Vista Restaurant whilst enjoying tasty home-cooked food. Humans can enjoy guided show cavern tours too.

Upper Derwent Valley Reservoirs

With its wooded valleys and dramatic moorland, the Upper Derwent area of the Peak District National Park is renowned for its wonderful walks. There are tracks and trails to suit all appetites, from scenic waterside strolls to exhilariting hikes on picturesque Derwent and Bamford Edges. Several circular trails start from Fairholmes visitor centre, while the Heatherdene car park is a good base for exploring the paths through the woodland and along the water's edge to the south of Ladybower Reservoir.

High Peak Trail

Stretching for 17.5 miles from High Peak Junction near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton, this traffic-free (and livestock-free) route along a former railway line provides relatively-flat, easy-level walking for all abilities. Sniff-out the many important railway buildings and features along the way; this was one of the world's first long-distance train routes! If your dog would like to explore the trail further, the High Peak Trail joins the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay. For 'paw-some' views from the iconic Headstone Viaduct at Monsal Dale, head to the Monsal Trail near Bakewell.

The Roaches, near Leek

This Peak District gem, located above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir, is a popular spot for climbers. But its dramatic landscape also provides ideal walking territory for dogs (on leads), with breathtaking views from gritstone outcrops. Its magnificent soaring rock faces and wild, heather-covered hillsides draw thousands of visitors, and your pooch will love exploring the unusual landscape and unique rock formations.

Poole's Cavern & Country Park, Buxton

Take your four-legged friend on an amazing journey beneath the earth and explore the vast limestone caverns to see how crystal stalactites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Poole's Cavern is a fully dog-friendly site, including the cafe, visitor centre, cavern, and woodlands and country park where you can enjoy panoramic Peak District views.