Located in the heart of England, the Peak District is a National Park that contains some of the most stunning landscapes, picturesque towns, and beautiful hills in the country.
It’s for this reason that the Peak District is one of the best destinations in the UK for couples looking for a romantic getaway together.
From exploring the scenic hills to visiting the historic towns and landmarks nestled within the peaks, these are some of the best things to do in the Peak District for couples.
1. Explore the gardens of Chatsworth House
One of the most impressive places to visit within the Peak District is Chatsworth House, a beautiful Grade 1 listed property dating back to the 17th century.
While exploring the house itself is a lot of fun, with 25 rooms containing art and exhibitions covering thousands of years of history, the 105-acre garden is particularly beautiful and one of the most romantic locations in the Peak District.
There are plenty of different sections within the garden to discover, including an amazing Rock Garden, maze, and kitchen garden.
The standout landmark to see in the garden is the Cascade, a water feature that makes a great backdrop for a romantic picnic, as well as being one of the most Instragrammable spots in the Peak District.
2. Cross the stepping stones at Dovedale
For an amazingly picturesque spot in the Peak District, make sure not to miss out on visiting Dovedale in the south of the National Park.
The River Dove winds its way through this beautiful ravine, and walking all the way to the tiny hamlet of Milldale is a great hike to do, especially on a sunny day.
But it’s the stepping stones that are the most famous feature of Dovedale and are a lot of fun to cross. Sit on one of the grassy slopes nearby for one of the most beautiful and romantic picnic spots in the Peak District.
3. Take a scenic hike
Being a National Park, the Peak District contains incredible landscapes that are the perfect settings for hikes with stunning views.
From beautiful valleys and up impressive hills and peaks, there are many brilliant routes to follow depending on how intensive you want.
We recommend heading into the Dark Peak in the north of the National Park, such as around Edale, where you’ll find the higher and wilder landscapes.
One of the best things to do in the Peak District for couples is to plan out a walk so you can enjoy a scenic picnic with a view of the rolling hills before you.
4. Cycle along the Tissington Trail
One particularly great route through the Peak District is the Tissington Trail, which follows the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway.
Not only is this 13-mile trail an amazing option for hikers, but the car-free route is also perfect for cyclists to explore this part of the National Park.
You don’t even need your own bike – you can hire one in Ashbourne at the southern end of the trail then cycle north following the route into the Peak District.
If you follow the Tissington Trail, make sure to stop by the Tissington itself, which is one of the most picturesque villages in the National Park.
5. Get a tasty treat from Bakewell
One place that should be at the top of your list to visit is Bakewell, a market town on the River Wye with lovely streets that wander around as part of a romantic stroll.
Bakewell is especially famous for one thing – Bakewell tarts. You’ll find lots of shops in the town sell it, including the aptly-named Original Bakewell Pudding Shop.
Did you know?
The Bakewell tart dates back to the 19th century and is thought to have first been baked as a mistake, after the cook tried to create a jam tart. However, the outcome was a success and the recipe is well loved to this day.
The town is also a good stop off point as part of a bigger day out in the Peak District, being closer to two popular tourist attractions in the area – Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall.
6. Relax at a spa in Buxton
Buxton is a spa town on the edge of the Peak District, with a geothermal spring having been used since Roman times (the only other Roman bath town in Britain being Bath, which is also one of the funnest things to do in Somerset for couples).
With the waters in Buxton having been enjoyed for hundreds of years, you can still pay a visit and unwind in one of the spas in the town.
For example, one of the best things to do in the Peak District for couples is spending some time in a spa such as Devonshire Spa, which is located within the grand 18th-century Devonshire Dome.
7. Take a plunge and go wild swimming
If you’re up for a fun activity in the wild and don’t mind straying away from the beaten track, why not look out for a spot to go wild swimming.
On the River Dane, Three Shires Head is one of the most popular spots for wild swimming. A series of pools and waterfalls make it a perfect location for a dip.
Other things to do near the Peak District for couples
Head to the Emma Bridgewater Factory
A short distance to the southwest of the Peak District, on the edge of Stoke-on-Trent, you can find the Emma Bridgewater Pottery Factory.
Not only does the factory house a shop with plenty of pottery with designs from the famous British designer, it’s also a great place to stop off for afternoon tea.
You can book an afternoon experience day, a factory tour, or, if you’re after a fun and artsy thing to do as a couple, you can even paint some pottery in their decorating studio.
Go to Crich Tramway Village
One of the most unique things to do near the Peak District is visiting Crich Tramway Village, home of the National Tramway Museum.
Here, you can ride on a vintage tram down their period street. They also have a pub and tearooms, so it’s a great day out for couples!
Things to do in the Peak District for couples FAQs
Which is the prettiest part of the Peak District?
Dovedale is one of the prettiest parts of the Peak District. Most well known for its iconic stepping stones, there are few places in the UK as beautiful as this picturesque valley. It’s the perfect place to take a picnic or enjoy a walk along the river.
Where are the best views in the Peak District?
The Peak District is renowned for its breathtaking views, and there are numerous locations where you can enjoy stunning vistas from high up its many peaks. Here are some of the best viewpoints in the Peak District:
- Stanage Edge: Located in the Dark Peak area, Stanage Edge offers spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding moorland. It’s a popular spot for hikers, climbers, and photographers, providing expansive views across the Peak District National Park.
- Mam Tor: Known as the “Shivering Mountain,” Mam Tor offers stunning views of the Hope Valley and the surrounding hills.
- Monsal Head: Situated in the White Peak area, Monsal Head provides one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Peak District down over the Headstone Viaduct.
- Curbar Edge: Above the village of Curbar, Curbar Edge offers dramatic views of the rugged gritstone cliffs and the expansive Derbyshire countryside.
What are the prettiest towns and villages in the Peak District?
The Peak District contains many charming and picturesque towns and villages, each with its own distinct character and beauty:
- Bakewell: Bakewell is a delightful market town known for its beautiful stone buildings, historic architecture, and scenic location on the banks of the River Wye.
- Tissington: This has the appearance of a quintessential English village, complete with centuries-old cottages, village green, and a duck pond.
- Castleton: Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Castleton is another postcard-perfect village surrounded by stunning limestone hills and dramatic landscapes.
- Buxton: Buxton is a spa town and popular tourist destination in the Peak District. It boasts elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, including the stunning Buxton Opera House and the grand Crescent building. The town is also known for its thermal springs and beautiful parks.
