What is the Peak District?
The Peak District is a national park in central and northern England, mostly in Derbyshire. Established in 1951, it was the UK's first national park and is known for moorland, limestone dales, caves and stately homes.
The park is divided into two main areas: the Dark Peak, with gritstone edges and heather moorland, and the White Peak, with limestone valleys, dry stone walls and villages.
Despite its name, the Peak District has few sharp peaks. The name may come from the Pecsaetan, an Anglo-Saxon tribe who lived there.
Things to see
Popular sites include Kinder Scout, the highest point; Mam Tor, known as the Shivering Mountain; and Dovedale, with its stepping stones across the River Dove.
Chatsworth House, one of England's grandest country houses, is in the park. Caves such as Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern can be explored in Castleton.
The Peak District is close to large cities such as Manchester and Sheffield, making it one of the most visited national parks in Britain. The Kinder Scout mass trespass of 1932 helped win the right to roam. Bakewell, known for its pudding, is a popular town.