Award Winning Self Catering Holidays In the Derbyshire Peak District
Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
If you are planning a picnic in the Peak District, there are so many stunning spots to enjoy a sandwich with a view - you'll be spoilt for choice! That’s why we thought we’d give you a little help and use our local knowledge to share the best picnic spots in the Peak District.
Spending time outdoors has been proven to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The serene environment of the perfect picnic spot, combined with the calming sounds of nature, can provide a much-needed break from the pressures of daily life.
There's nothing better than packing up a picnic, setting off on an adventure and discovering the best picnic spot.
When you’re staying at Hoe Grange, the best place for a picnic is our farm fields!
Picnics offer a delightful blend of relaxation, enjoyment, and connection with nature, making them a perfect activity for all ages.
No need to get in the car, just pop on your walking boots and head up to the rocky outcrops and enjoy the panoramic view. We may be biased, but Hoe Grange is one of the best picnic spots in the Peak District! The children will love scrambling over the boulders and playing 'I’m the King of the castle!'. It's also an ideal setting for a romantic picnic just for two as you watch the sun setting over the hill.
Minninglow is a Neolithic burial ground just a short walk along the High Peak Trail from Hoe Grange. This impressive site features a series of ancient burial mounds and chambered tombs, dating back to the Neolithic period. Perched on a hilltop, Minninglow offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it not only a significant archaeological site, but also a picturesque picnic spot. The sense of history and mystery surrounding Minninglow adds a unique dimension to your Peak District explorations.
Top tip - spread out your picnic blanket, lie down and look up through the trees at the sky above. A great place for star gazing as there is minimal light pollution.
Pack up picnic in your rucksack, hire one of our electric bikes and whizz over to Carsington Water. The scenic circular route round the reservoir is a delight and there are many picnic benches where you can stop off and admire the view. It Is also a nature reserve, so watch out for the rare birds along the waters edge.
Top tip – only 4 miles from Hoe Grange, Carsington Water is a great family day out. Children will love the fabulous play area at the visitor centre and the family friendly activities during the holidays. Don’t forget to walk along to the bird hide!
The Nine Ladies Circle on Stanton Moor is a prehistoric stone circle dating back to the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago. Comprising nine upright stones arranged in a tight circle, this ancient monument is steeped in folklore.
According to local legend, the stones represent nine women who were turned to stone as punishment for dancing on the Sabbath. Nearby, there is a larger outlier stone known as the "King Stone," said to be the petrified remains of the fiddler who played for them.
The moorland, with its heather, bracken, and scattered birch trees, provides a peaceful backdrop for the stone circle and a tranquil setting for a quiet picnic. The surrounding area is perfect for leisurely walks, offering panoramic views and a sense of solitude.
The Nine Ladies Circle is accessible by a well signposted short walk from the village of Stanton-in-Peak. There are several car parks nearby, and the walk to the circle is relatively easy, suitable for families and casual hikers.
Top tip - stunning in August and September when the heather is in full bloom, but avoid the summer solstice as it is a very popular place!
For a picturesque picnic spot that feels like a step back in time, head to Dovedale. This limestone valley, carved by the River Dove, is renowned for its stepping stones and lush, green surroundings. Find a quiet nook along the riverbank to enjoy your picnic, and be sure to explore the nearby caves and rock formations.
Dovedale's enchanting scenery is ideal for a leisurely day out. Make sure you keep an eye out for the many fossils along the way.
Top tip - this iconic beauty spot gets very busy on bank holidays and weekends, so go midweek to avoid the crowds.
One of the prettiest dales in the Peak District, Lathkill Dale is a hidden gem that offers a serene and picturesque setting for a picnic. This tranquil valley, with its clear waters and abundant wildlife, is perfect for those who seek a peaceful retreat. Explore the limestone cliffs and caves, and find a quiet spot by the river to enjoy your meal.
The Dale's lush meadows and serene atmosphere make it an idyllic picnic destination. You’ll find plenty of parking in the delightful village of Monyash within an easy walking distance to Lathkill Dale nature reserve.
Top tip - take your binoculars to watch the many beautiful birds that call this special valley home.
If you're after a blend of history and natural beauty, Monsal Head is the place to go. Monsal Head overlooks the impressive steep sided Monsal Dale with wooded slopes and rocky outcrops which is overarched by the historic railway viaduct. No wonder it's one of the most photographed places in the Peak District! Enjoy a relaxing picnic while marvelling at the engineering of the viaduct and the serene river below.
Park at Monsal Head car park, admire the view before dropping down to the viaduct via the footpath signposted to Ashford before discovering the weir. The flat grassy banks of the river provide the perfect picnic spot.
Top tip - It's a great spot to watch the sunset, casting golden hues over the landscape.
One of the most mystical and magical places in the Peak District, Padley Gorge has ancient woodland with moss-covered tree roots and a dramatic waterfall cascading over giant stones.
The babbling brooks are perfect for little paddlers and the fairytale gorge is home to many species of scientific interest, including rare birds and hairy ants. There are heaps of clearings and flat shaded areas, making Padley a popular picnic spot, perfect on a hot summer’s day. Spread out your picnic rug under a tree and you’ll be set up for the day.
You can park at Grindleford and walk up Upper Padley or park at Longshaw Estate and take the flatter, easier trail past the pond and down to Padley Gorge.
Top tip - great fun for families but crowded on sunny summer days, so go later in the afternoon. Also stunning in the autumn as the leaves are turning to gold.
Often described as the jewel in the Peak District’s crown, Chatsworth is a fabulous place for a picnic – unlike most historic houses there are no 'keep off the grass signs’ here! You can even picnic on the lawns in the house gardens and dip your toes in the cooling water of the iconic cascade.
Top tip -head down to the river and sit on the other side of the bank, where it’s a little quieter, and enjoy the stunning view of Chatsworth House.
Stanage Edge is a must-visit for breathtaking vistas. This dramatic gritstone escarpment stretches for miles, offering stunning views of the surrounding moorlands and valleys. Pack your picnic and hike to the top for an unforgettable lunch with a view.
Top tip - Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the most serene experience, allowing you to soak in the beauty of this iconic landscape.
Who can forget this rugged gritstone edge which became the iconic spot where Elizabeth Bennet (played by Keira Knightley) daydreamed of dashing Mr Darcy (played by Matthew Macfadyen) in the 2005 blockbuster film Pride and Prejudice?
Curbar Edge offers panoramic views without the crowds. This lesser-known spot provides a perfect perch to overlook the Derwent Valley. The relatively easy walk to the top rewards you with expansive vistas and a sense of peace that is hard to find in more popular locations.
Top tip - another fantastic place for birdwatching, so pack your binoculars along with your picnic basket.
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, venture to Three Shires Head. This unique location marks the meeting point of three counties, Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire. The area features beautiful waterfalls and a charming packhorse bridge, creating a magical setting for a secluded picnic. The hike to get there is part of the experience, offering a sense of discovery and tranquillity.
Top tip - hiking boots required but it's worth the walk
For a picnic with a historical twist, head to Solomon's Temple near Buxton. This hilltop folly provides panoramic views over the town and the surrounding countryside. Once at the top of the hill , spread out your picnic blanket and take in the sweeping vistas. It's a wonderful spot for both relaxation and exploration.
Top tip - the walk to the temple is gentle, making it accessible for families.
Step back in time, and wander down to Lumsdale Falls to discover it’s industrial past. The valley is a tranquil place now, with moss-covered ruins. A far cry from the noisy industrial 17th-century mill buildings which were powered by the nearby rivers! You can watch as water from the Bentley Brook, which once powered the mills, cascades over the stone to a stream below.
Top tip - excellent for a sunny day as the woodland provides lots of shade.
Picnics offer a brilliant blend of outdoor adventure, quality time and relaxation! We're all about making the most of our gorgeous local area here at Hoe Grange Holidays and hope this list helps you pick the perfect picnic spot for your next outdoor feast.
Our comfortable log cabins and gorgeous glamping pods provide a perfect base for your adventures, offering a cosy retreat after a day of discovery.
Book your stay with us and use our local knowledge to experience the rich history and natural beauty that the Peak District has to offer.
- Felicity
We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more
Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more
We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more
