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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Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel
A stay at the Buxton Crescent is the perfect opportunity to sleep in a magnificent heritage building, with all the service and amenities of a 5-star…
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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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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
Open today: 8:00am - 11:00pm
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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…
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Carpenter’s Cottage
Carpenter’s Cottage is located in the Derbyshire Dales within a sensitively converted 18th century flour mill complex. A stone, semi-detached cottage…
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Creswell Crags
Woolly mammoths roamed the lands around Creswell Crags, and nomadic Neanderthal man sought shelter in Creswell Crags’ caves whilst they were…
Business
Blue John Cavern
The World Famous Blue John Cavern is the largest of 2 caverns in the world which home Blue John Stone.
Hidden Gems Events
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Featured
Events
Mercatum Christmas Artisan Markets at Haddon Hall
This winter, Haddon Hall will host its renowned Mercatum Christmas Markets over four weekends.
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
Makers Market - Mother's Day Weekend 2026
Join us at Thornbridge Estate as we celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of our local and independent makers and creators!
Hidden Gems Offers
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Special Offer
Free return admission for 12 months on full…
Take a tram ride through time at Crich Tramway Village, home of The National Tramway Museum - an ideal destination for all ages.
Special Offer
15% Treetop Challenge Family Discount at Go Ape…
15% off Treetop Challenge at Go Ape Buxton
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
The Cupola 'Lords Lunch' £25
An indulgent lunch, comprising of 'The Cupola Club' flame griddled chicken breast, dry cured bacon, melted mature cheddar and mozzarella cheese &…
Hidden Gems Trails
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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.
Belper Heritage Walk
Learn more about this industrial community and how it has changed in the past 200 years.
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.
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.
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