The Peak District

This year, England’s first National Park turns 70. The Peak District, which covers 555 square miles, crosses into five counties. The Dark Peak, an area of higher land in the north, is dominated by wild moorland, while the White Peak’s limestone plateau makes up the central and southern part.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

The Roaches, a rocky ridge above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir, is made up of two gritstone outcrops: Ramshaw Rocks – a jutting formation that resembles a winking man – and Hen Cloud. Climb the latter, and on a clear day you may be able to glimpse Winter Hill in Lancashire and even Snowdon on the horizon (visitpeakdistrict.com). The two-million-year-old Poole’s Cavern in Buxton is lined with stalactites and stalagmites, including the Mary Queen of Scots Pillar – the royal was one of the site’s first visitors. The hillsides are dotted with stately homes. Chatsworth House (above right) may already be on your list (chatsworth.org), but Hardwick Hall is just as opulent and often less busy (nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick).

WHERE TO EAT

Can you tell the difference between a Bakewell tart and a Bakewell pudding? Head to The Lavender Tea Rooms to sample both (thelavendertearooms.co.uk). If you’re looking for a decadent dinner, book a table at Fischer’s at Baslow Hall. This Michelin-starred restaurant in an Edwardian manor offers a seasonal tasting menu featuring ingredients such as Peak District mushrooms, venison and local Grumpy Farmer goat’s cheese (fischers-baslowhall.co.uk).