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
Featured
Business
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 - 11:00pm
Featured
Business
Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels at Bike & Boot
A new Leisure Hotel brand for the 21st century - welcoming walkers, dog owners, cyclists and adventurers to the Peak District
Open today: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Featured
Business
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: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Highlighted
Business
Churnet Valley Railway
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Business
The Ashford Arms Restaurant
A lovingly restored historic 17th-century inn with bar, restaurant and rooms. Located in the picturesque village of Ashford in the Water
Business
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…
Business
Churnet Valley Railway
Climb onboard a stunning heritage carriage, based on traditional designs from the 1950s and 60s on the Churnet Valley Railway.
Hidden Gems Events
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Events
Rowsley Well Dressing
This ancient custom is all but unique to Derbyshire. It's the art of decorating wells and springs with pictures made using only natural materials
Events
Bamford Well Dressing
Well Dressing is the art of decorating springs or wells with pictures made of natural products.
Events
Great British Car Shows Presents - Drive It Day
Drive It Day, gettting those classics out and about for 2026
Hidden Gems Offers
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Special Offer
20% off Go Ape Treetop Challenge
Family Adventure Awaits – 20% Off! Take on Go Ape Treetop Challenge together. Valid for groups of 3–6. High-ropes fun, lower prices.
Special Offer
Discounted Pizza and drink offers - Takeaway or…
Enjoy authentic Neapolitan woodfired pizzas, matched to specially selected artisan beers, larges and ciders. Drinks are sourced from Peak Ales, a…
Special Offer
Fischer's Two Night Fine Dining Experience
Enjoy the ultimate two-night break at Fischer’s with our special dinner, bed, and breakfast package.
Special Offer
Two Can Dine for £25.00 at The Merchant’s Yard…
Treat yourself and a guest to any 2 dishes from our 'Classic Mains' or 'Pizza' menus for just £25.00!
Hidden Gems Trails
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Belper Heritage Walk
Learn more about this industrial community and how it has changed in the past 200 years.
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 White Peak Loop
An incredible circular route of just over 42 miles that runs through the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire & the Peak District.
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…
Hidden Gems Itineraries
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Discover Derbyshire's hidden food and garden gems
Explore the Peak District and Derbyshire’s hidden food and garden gems on this fabulous 3-day itinerary around Bakewell, Baslow and Pilsley.
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.
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