Road Trip Overview
Tour through the Peak District known for its breathtaking views, natural beauty, bustling market towns, historic houses and famous attractions. Whether you are seeking outdoor pursuits, cultural stops or family adventures, this tour can be personalised around you.
After hiring your motorhome or campervan make your way to your first stop at Poolsbrook Country Park. Once you arrive at your first destination, situated in the heart of a 165-acre park, you'll be surrounded by lakes and trails on your doorstep. The market town Chesterfield is nearby here. We recommend a visit to find out why the church's spire is twisted. There are also other historic houses in the local area.
The next part of your journey takes you to Chatsworth Park. The estate overlooks sheep-cropped rolling countryside and offers some lovely walks. There are many ways to explore this area, by cycling the discussed Monsal trail, up in the air by cable car, or by foot. Don’t miss the quintessential gardens, historic homes and short trip into Bakewell for the puddings on your adventures!
The final part of the journey takes you to the Queen of the Staffordshire Moorlands, Leek.
Total distance: 35 Miles
Total driving time: 1 Hour 11 Mins
Suggested length of road trip: 6 days
Explore the route map
Stop 1. Poolsbrook Country Park
Recommended site: Poolsbrook Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Open: All year
Address: Pavilion Drive, Staveley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S43 3WL
Total driving time: Starting point
Overview
You will be delighted by Poolsbrook Country Park Club Site. Situated at the heart of the 165 acre Poolsbrook Country Park, it was previously the location of an active colliery. The land has now been magnificently transformed into an extensive country park, including a children's adventure play area, visitor centre, cafe for refreshments and many well stocked lakes for fishing. There are also many trails to explore, be it by foot, cycle or with your dog. The site has the added benefit of adjoining the Trans-Pennine Trail.
Poolsbrook Country Park Club Site uses a number of sustainable resource and energy features, making it an appealing destination for the environmentally aware concerned with kindness to our planet. The entire area offers the opportunity to observe the interesting local wildlife - it is rich with a large variety of birds and animals.
Visitor view:
"A fantastic site with immaculate facilities. The adjacent country park will appeal to families with children and there are many walks nearby. The site is easy to access from the motorway and despite its proximity, road noise is not too intrusive. This was my second visit to this site and it certainly won’t be the last!"
Derana
Stop 1 Highlights
Wentworth Woodhouse, a Grade I listed country house considered to be the largest private residence in the UK
Bolsover Castle, with lavish rooms and impressive ruined terrace
See the twisted spire of Crooked Spire Church, built in the late 13th century
Poolsbrook Country Park
Things to do when you're here
Food & drink
Lombardi's
2 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7LL
www.lombardis-restaurant.co.uk
01246 208811
Culture
Wentworth Wood House
B6090, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ
www.wentworthwoodhouse.co.uk
01226 351161
Outdoor fun
Blue Mountain Activities
Various Peak District locations, S42 6UJ
www.bluemountainactivities.co.uk
01246 231767
For the family
Poolsbrook Country Park
Meadows Drive, Poolsbrook, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S43 3LH
www.visitchesterfield.info
01246 470579
Stop 2. Chatsworth Park
Recommended site: Chatsworth Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Open: All year
Address: Baslow, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PN
Total driving time: 41 Minutes
Overview
Set in the beautiful location of an old walled garden on the picturesque Chatsworth Estate, the Chatsworth Park Club Site in Bakewell offers nostalgic views of the sheep-cropped rolling countryside, with some lovely walks. The caravan park is a lovely holiday retreat for the family to escape the bustle of city living. Surrounded by lots of wildlife, it is fantastic for deer watching.
Visitor view:
"Superb location, surrounded by beautiful, accessible countryside. Site and facilities are immaculate. Staff were extremely helpful, friendly, informative and most welcoming. The key to the gate giving access directly into Chatsworth Park, was the value added! This was our first visit but safe to say we will be back. I would most certainly recommend a visit to this site. Many thanks to the staff for making our visit outstanding."
scarymary1955
Stop 2 Highlights
Cycle the flat 8.5 miles Monsal Trail, a disused railway line between Chee Dale and Bakewell.
Visit Chatsworth House, the historic home of home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire
Enjoy the stunning views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District by cable car
Explore 12 acres of quintessentially English Gardens surrounding Thornbridge Hall
Things to do when you're here
Food & drink
The Manners
Haddon Road, Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1EP
bakewell-bed-breakfast.co.uk
01629 812756
Culture
Chatsworth House
Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1PP
www.chatsworth.org
01246 565300
Outdoor fun
Monsal Trail
Hassop Station, Hassop Rd, Bakewell DE45 1NW
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
01629 816200
Stop 3. Leek
Recommended site: Blackshaw Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Open: All year
Address: Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8TW
Total driving time: 40 Mins
Overview
The last leg of our tour brings some incredible attractions with something for everyone to enjoy. The Roaches is a Peak District gem not to be missed, this rocky ridge offers panoramic views of the stunning countryside. Get up close and personal with exotic animals such as penguins, lemurs and meerkats with a visit to the Peak Wildlife Park. With play areas, regular animal keeper talks and opportunities to feed the animals it’s a fun-filled day for the family to enjoy.
If you’re looking for some adventure take a trip to Poole's Cavern and Country Park. Discover the limestone caverns, stroll through the woodland trails or for a real adrenaline rush experience one of Go Ape’s highest adventure courses in the treetops.
Visitor view:
"Found a gem! Our first visit to Blackshaw Moor and we are eager to return. We liked the layout, the pitches are excellent and level, the facilities are squeaky clean, and above all, the staff are as friendly and helpful as you could ever find, and the site is dog friendly. The site is well located, and if you are walkers you have a large range of options"
adelliott0705
Stop 3 Highlights
Spectacular views from The Roaches, Peak District
Get up close and personal with some exotic animals at Peak Wildlife Park
Enjoy a canopy walk at the RSPB Coombes Valley
Poole's Cavern & Country Park
Things to do when you're here
Food & drink
The Lazy Trout
Meerbrook, Leek, ST13 8SN
01538 300385
Culture
Poole's Cavern & Country Park
Green Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9DH
www.visitpeakdistrict.com
01298 26978