Hidden Gems
Escape the crowds and enjoy a day out with a difference.
From peaceful footpaths to traffic-free cycle trails, explore somewhere new and discover something different in the Peak District and Derbyshire away from the usual tourist trail.
With rolling dales, dramatic moorland, fabulous footpaths, charming towns and villages and acres of open space to enjoy, there’s more than enough of the Peak District and Derbyshire to go around. But delve a little deeper and you'll find so much more to discover...
Here’s our pick of the best hidden gems and unique places to explore in the Peak District and Derbyshire.
Featured Hidden Gems Businesses
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The Maynard Restaurant
The Maynard restaurant is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the Peak District.
Open today: 8:00am - 9:30pm
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Ashford Mill
Ashford Mill is an award winning watermill on the River Wye at Ashford in the Water. A Grade 2 listed 3 bedroomed historic conversion. incredibly…
Open today: 8:00am - 9:30pm
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The Bareca at Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels
The Bareca (Bar-restaurant-café) is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner to both residents and non-residents serving a Mediterranean style menu,…
Open today: 11:00am - 10:30pm
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Barrow Hill Roundhouse
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Churnet Valley Railway
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Atlow Mill
Atlow Mill - beautifully appointed holiday homes for groups of 8 - 10 people, tucked away in their own private valley surrounded by rolling hills, a…
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Arbor Low Stone Circle/Gib Hill Barrrow
The region's most important prehistoric site, sometimes referred to as the 'Stonehenge of the Peak District'. Arbor Low is a Neolithic henge…
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The Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery
The Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Nicholson Institute, a spectacular grade II* Listed building. Built in 1884 as a library, museum…
Hidden Gems Events
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Featured
Events
Buxton International Festival
Experience world class opera, music, books and jazz in the heart of the Peak District. Recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK's…
Events
Wright of Derby: From the Shadows at Derby Museum
Celebrate one of Britain’s best artists, Joseph Wright ‘of Derby’
Events
Specialist Plant Fair at Renishaw Hall
Join us for our very popular Annual Specialist Plant Fair in 2026
Hidden Gems Offers
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Special Offer
Father's Day Special - 2 for £30 Adult Admission…
Until 31st July 2026, get TWO museum admission tickets for £30 and enjoy a day out like no other!
Special Offer
Early Dining at The Pilsley Inn
Our Lunch and Early Dining offer means you can dine from our full main menu in The Pilsley Inn with 30% off food.
Special Offer
Bakewell Old House Museum -pay once and visit all…
Admission tickets valid for 1 year!-Immerse yourself in the stories of Bakewell and this part of the Peak District at our award-winning museum.
Special Offer
Late Availability 20% off Cottages at Chatsworth…
Take 20% off the full price of any of our Peak District cottages when booking a last-minute stay 4 weeks or less in advance.
Hidden Gems Trails
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Ambergate Betty Kenny Walk
A four mile circular walk from Ambergate Station through Shining Cliff Woods
Calke to Staunton Harold walking trail
Enjoy a leisurely walk from Calke Abbey to Staunton Harold, with views over the reservoir, arable fields and woodland.
The Phoenix Greenways
Whether you come for the day, a weekend or a longer stay, there is plenty for the family to do, visit and explore. A network of traffic free walking…
The White Peak Loop
An incredible circular route of just over 42 miles that runs through the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire & the Peak District.
Hidden Gems Itineraries
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Market Magic & Hidden Gems: 48 hours in Leek
This itinerary is based in the historic market town of Leek, famed for its Arts & Crafts architecture and traditional outdoor & indoor market, the…
Car-free guide: 48 hours in the Derwent Valley
Connecting charming towns and villages with an amazing industrial past, the Derwent Valley Line runs from Derby to Matlock.
Car-free guide: A train tour of the Goyt Valley
Just a short hop on the train from Manchester and Sheffield, this picturesque corner of the county is waiting to be discovered.
The Peak District's Hope Valley by Train
Take a scenic rail journey through Britain’s first National Park - filled with rugged landscapes, storybook villages and timeless trails along the…
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