11 Activities
A Road Trip From Manchester to Sheffield via the Wondrous Peak District National Park
Starts from
Manchester
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
11
Duration
10 hrs 5 min
Length
60 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Manchester
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hrs 5 min
Length
60 mi
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
Nick Harland
Travel Expert
- Sample two of the UK's biggest cities in one day.
- Visit the country house where Pride and Prejudice was filmed.
- Marvel at the UK's largest natural cave entrance.
- Explore a historic dam that played a part in WW2.
The Peak District is the oldest national park in the UK, and it divides two of its biggest cities: Manchester and Sheffield. That's great news for us road-trippers, because it means we can explore one of the most beautiful parts of the UK in no time at all. The Peak District is packed full of jaw-dropping natural scenery that has to be seen to be believed.
From Manchester city centre you can be in the Peak District in less than one hour. Take in historic country estates, amazing limestone caverns and sweeping reservoirs before hopping back out of the Peaks to Sheffield. Explore a little bit of the greenest city in Europe before making the short, picturesque drive back to Manchester along the famous Snake Pass.
From Manchester city centre you can be in the Peak District in less than one hour. Take in historic country estates, amazing limestone caverns and sweeping reservoirs before hopping back out of the Peaks to Sheffield. Explore a little bit of the greenest city in Europe before making the short, picturesque drive back to Manchester along the famous Snake Pass.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
The Peak District is the oldest national park in the UK, and it divides two of its biggest cities: Manchester and Sheffield. That's great news for us road-trippers, because it means we can explore one of the most beautiful parts of the UK in no time at all. The Peak District is packed full of jaw-dropping natural scenery that has to be seen to be believed.
From Manchester city centre you can be in the Peak District in less than one hour. Take in historic country estates, amazing limestone caverns and sweeping reservoirs before hopping back out of the Peaks to Sheffield. Explore a little bit of the greenest city in Europe before making the short, picturesque drive back to Manchester along the famous Snake Pass.
From Manchester city centre you can be in the Peak District in less than one hour. Take in historic country estates, amazing limestone caverns and sweeping reservoirs before hopping back out of the Peaks to Sheffield. Explore a little bit of the greenest city in Europe before making the short, picturesque drive back to Manchester along the famous Snake Pass.
Nick Harland
Travel Expert
- Sample two of the UK's biggest cities in one day.
- Visit the country house where Pride and Prejudice was filmed.
- Marvel at the UK's largest natural cave entrance.
- Explore a historic dam that played a part in WW2.
Day Itinerary
11 Activities
Day 1
58 mi2 mi
Historic Country Houses, Amazing Natural Caverns and Stunning Reservoirs
Get ready to explore historic country houses, imposing natural caverns and some of the country's most stunning reservoirs.
But first, time to eat!
But first, time to eat!
09:0030 min
Federal Cafe Bar
The Federal Café brings the best of Australian and New Zealand coffee culture to Manchester. They have a couple of spots in the city centre - there's one here in the Northern Quarter, and another one a short walk away in Deansgate. A perfect brunch spot before the road trip!
18.6 mi
1 hr
10:301 hr
National Trust – Lyme
It takes less than an hour to drive from the centre of Manchester to the Peak District National Park. Our first stop here is at the famous Lyme Park, which was used for the fictional estate of Pemberley in the 1995 TV remake of Pride and Prejudice. Follow in the footsteps of Mr Darcy and explore the six-century history of Lyme Park, which encompasses a mansion house, moorland and deer park.
15 mi
40 min
12:105 min
Car Park
It's time to explore the caves! Park your car and walk to the entrance of the caves.
0.2 mi
5 min
12:201 hr
Peak Cavern
As we get deeper into the Peak District we soon come across the quaint village of Castleton, which is famous for its lead mines and natural limestone caverns. The biggest and most imposing of those is Peak Cavern: known locally as the Devil's Arse!
The main entrance is the largest cave entrance in Britain. Once you're inside you'll get a chance to see the stunning rock formations and distant sounds of running water that define this spooky, magnificent and totally unique attraction.
There are tours of the cavern running hourly throughout the year. Check out the Peak Cavern website for the full opening times and admission prices.
The main entrance is the largest cave entrance in Britain. Once you're inside you'll get a chance to see the stunning rock formations and distant sounds of running water that define this spooky, magnificent and totally unique attraction.
There are tours of the cavern running hourly throughout the year. Check out the Peak Cavern website for the full opening times and admission prices.
2.3 mi
10 min
13:301 hr
The Cheshire Cheese Inn
Just a hop, skip and jump away from the cavern is The Cheshire Cheese Inn; a 15th-century tavern that's the oldest of its kind in the area. With a cosy, low-roofed interior and an outside space with sweeping views of the Peaks, you're onto a winner wherever you decide to sit.
8 mi
20 min
15:055 min
Car Park
From this car park, walk to the dam.
0.4 mi
10 min
15:2030 min
Derwent Dam
Derwent Dam is one of three reservoirs in the Derwent Valley, and probably the most stunning. With its emblematic towers and glorious viewpoint, it's little wonder why Derwent attracts thousands of visitors all year round.
It's particularly famous for being a practice spot for the so-called 'Dambusters' during World War 2. RAF fighter jets used Derwent Dam to practice bombing raids, owing to its similarities to German dams.
It's particularly famous for being a practice spot for the so-called 'Dambusters' during World War 2. RAF fighter jets used Derwent Dam to practice bombing raids, owing to its similarities to German dams.
14.5 mi
40 min
16:505 min
Car Park
This central car park is affordable and a convenient spot to park up and enjoy an early evening stroll around Sheffield.
0.2 mi
5 min
17:0030 min
Peace Gardens
The joy of the Peak District is that you have at least two major cities right on its doorstep. From Derwent Dam you can be in Sheffield city centre in just 40 minutes. The city is so close to the Peaks, in fact, that around one-third of it is located within the national park.
Now you can take some time to explore Sheffield's green city centre, full of Gothic-style architecture and public parks like the Peace Gardens, which lie right at the heart of the city.
Now you can take some time to explore Sheffield's green city centre, full of Gothic-style architecture and public parks like the Peace Gardens, which lie right at the heart of the city.
0.8 mi
15 min
17:4515 min
Victoria Quays
From the Peace Gardens it's a short walk through the city centre to the hidden gem that is Victoria Quays. An emerging riverside location, Victoria Quays has undergone a mini-renovation in recent years. It now houses some delightful bars and cafes next to the quaint river, as well as a monthly food and craft market. This is your chance to rest up before the short drive back to Manchester!
