England’s most accessible outdoor destination, the Peak District is known and loved by millions for rich experiences offering relaxation, inspiration and adventure.
Discover and experience a place of contrasts and hidden gems, full of ancient customs, local food, rural traditions, festivals and events. An area of stunning natural beauty, with moors and dales, rivers and valleys, reservoirs, springs and caverns, with at its heart the Peak District National Park. Spanning four English counties in the heart of the country, the area is home to dozens of fascinating market towns & pretty villages, world famous attractions, heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes (see the Roaches below right).
The Sunday Times in September 2009 says “Staffordshire reveals its secrets slowly. It is an unsung county, particularly amongst the chattering classes, yet it contains some of the most dazzling landscapes in the British Isles – an English Switzerland. It is wild country: high limestone plateaus are crisscrossed with silvery stone walls and deeply incised with wooded valleys where waterfalls crash over boulders and alders hang on precipitous banks (see photo of Moothercap Moor below left).
The Staffordshire Moorlands encompass the southern portion of the Peak District National Park and then continue southwards to the edge of the Potteries at Stoke on Trent. For many years visitors have been delighted and surprised by the area. As long ago as the 17th century, a Dr Plot visited the area “My mind was heightened to see such vast rocks and such really stupendous prospects which I had never seen before”. More recently, John Higgins says “I often take walkers over The Roaches, and it matters not what time of year or which season: I never fail to be taken in by the scenery and totally immersed in the natural beauty. Views unfold that are unrivalled anywhere else in England….” Buy the “White Peak OS Map” to tempt yourself for what’s in store on your arrival.
The Peak District was the first of the UK National Parks, reflecting it’s beauty and importance. The Peak District has miles of fabulous upland moors and pretty valleys and is internationally important. More carbon is stored in UK peat than in the forests of Britain and France combined. It is home to much wildlife – some of it rare. Near Party Houses Peregrine Falcons have been nesting, curlews fill the skies in the summer and rare white winter hares can be seen.
All Party Houses are situated in the Peak District in the heart of England. The Peak District National Park is a very beautiful area and also has the bonus of being pretty much in the middle of England, and therefore convenient if guests are travelling from different parts of the UK. To quote from the Sunday Times of 27 April 2008 ” The Peak Distirct can be a revelation.. rugged without being daunting… cloud-scudding breezes accross vast, open skies and an impressive range of destinations and activites within easy reach”
Approximate distances are as follows:
The nearest airports are Manchester and East Midlands
Nearest train stations are Stoke on Trent (London Euston approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes) and Buxton.
Alton Towers is a renowned theme park and resort located in Staffordshire, England. It is one of the UK’s largest and most popular amusement parks, featuring a wide variety of attractions including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly activities. The park is divided into themed areas, such as the medieval-themed “Katanga Canyon” and the futuristic “X-Sector.”
A beautiful heritage railway in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, offering a 10.5-mile return steam train ride between Cheddleton and Froghall, featuring the splendour of Consall Forge and the Churnet Valley. Special events are held at Christmas and other times. Trains run every Saturday and Sunday from March to October, with additional steam trains on Wednesdays in June, July, August, and October, during half-term, and daily throughout August. Please phone to confirm before travelling.
Both indoors and outdoors at the zoological park of The Moorlands. Birds, mammals, reptiles, aquariums, children’s pets and farms. Talks, displays, picnicking, play areas, shop, and excellent disabled access. New – visit the Penguins!
Based at the end of the Manifold Track in the former ticket office of the Leek and Manifold Light Railway, the centre provides direct access to the Manifold Track. An information service with a wide range of books, leaflets, maps and souvenirs is available. Permanent exhibition on the Manifold Valley. Scale model of the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway celebrating it’s Centenary Year. Car park, picnic tables, cycle racks and fully accessible toilets. Open: Please telephone Leek Tourist Information Centre for opening times and more details: 01538 483741.
Stunning gardens recently restored by the National Trust. It is a series of world garden rooms. Fabulous fun to explore for keen gardeners and children alike! A mid 19th Century garden designed by James Bateman, featuring the Egyptian Court, Chinese Garden and Temple, Pinetum, Fernery, Rock Gardens and tree lined avenues.
Mow Cop, Nr Biddulph, Staffordshire
Stunning views of North Staffordshire and the Cheshire plains can be seen from the remains of the castle.
Cheddleton Flint Mill originates from the 18th century and uses two working watermills for grinding flint. South Mill was modified in the 19th century and now contains displays describing its relation to the pottery industry.
The Staffordshire Moorlands borders the Derbyshire Peak District to the north and The Potteries to the south. Both are also interesting places to visit and accessible within a very short drive.
Pottery painting is an incredibly relaxing and therapeutic activity that gives everyone an opportunity to express themselves creatively. The Emma Bridgewater Pottery Factory offers pottery painting sessions of one and a half hours, where you and your fellow guests get to paint the piece of your choice.
Visit the Royal Stafford Factory Shop and enjoy savings on a wide range of Tableware. In the Ceramic Cafe create your own colourful design on a selection of Tableware Giftware. The cafe is located at Wedgewood Place, Burslem, Stoke on Trent.
Church Street
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST4 1BX
Visit Spode for a truly unique experience. Decorate your own piece of pottery. Enjoy fully guided Factory tours, Museum, Blue Italian Restaurant and assorted factory and retail outlets.
Open: Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 4pm.
Home to the Buxton Festival and a variety of wonderful shops and, of course, the spa waters still flow freely (many people bring empty bottles to fill up!). Buxton is situated about 12 miles north of Leek, about 12 miles from Toft Hall and 8 miles from Roaches Hall.
Ashbourne or the “Gateway to Dovedale” is situated about 14 miles east of Leek and about 7 miles from Hamps Hall and Hamps Barn. The town has many interesting individual shops and plenty of tearooms, restaurants and pubs.
Other key places to visit in the Peak district include Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall as well as many dozens of pretty little Moorlands villages. In particular, try Hartington for its cheese, Waterfall for the Red Lion Inn, and Longnor for its craft gallery, tea shop and Upper Limits climbing centre (for all the family).
Grindon village (3 miles from Hamps hall and Hamps Barn)
For big city life Derby and Stoke on Trent are both relatively close. Derby is billed as Englands most central city, which measn that 6 million people can access the City in less than an hour. It is home to Donnington Grand Prix Circuit, Pride Park (Derby City’s home ground) and is one of only 5 cities in the UK with a UNESCO World Hertiage site in its city centre. Stoke is famous for its wonderful Potteries factory shops and factory tours.
