Towns of the Peak District

Alfreton
The small market town of Alfreton lies just 14 miles north north east of Derby. Local legend has it that the town was named after Alfred the Great, though their appears to be little in the way of fact to this legend.

Ashbourne
The pretty old town of Ashbourne is well known for its antiques and good shopping. The town is described as ‘The Gateway to Dovedale' though there is much more to Ashbourne than that.

Bakewell
The town of Bakewell is perhaps best know as the home of the Bakewell Tart, though in the town you will find the original Bakewell pudding upon which the modern day tart is based. Bakewell is the largest town within the National Park.

Belper
The historic town of Belper is situated within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Bolsover
The town of Bolsover used to be famous for the ‘Bolsover Buckle' but today its better known for it castle.

Buxton
The spa town of Buxton is well known across the world thanks to its natural spring waters. Apart from the famous waters the towns also boast fantastic architecture as well as being surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England.

Chapel-en-le-Firth
Chapel-en-le-Firth is proud to be known as "The Capital of the Peek". Its name, meaning Chapel in the Forest, referred to the Royal Hunting Forest which was once located here.

Chesterfield
The historic market town of Chesterfield is well known for the crooked spire on the church of Saint Mary and All Saints. A market takes place here every Monday, Friday and Saturday and a farmers market every 2nd Thursday of every month.

Glossop
Glossop is regarded as one of the major gateways to the Peak District. The town dates all the way back to the Roman times and became an important centre for the cotton industry in the Victorian era; today Glossop celebrates this with an annual Victorian Weekend.

Holmfirth
Holmfirth is well known to millions as the home of the world's longest running comedy ‘last of the Summer Wine'.

Leek
The market town of Leek is well known for its unusual shops, antiques, good food and award winning teashops.

Matlock
Matlock lies midway between Buxton and Derby and was once well known for its spa treatments. Today the town is the commercial centre of the Derbyshire Dales.

Wirksworth
This historic town is full of character with many narrow streets and alleyways just waiting to be explored.

This article was written on behalf of Derbyshire Country Cottages, providing Peak District Cottages . Derbyshire Country Cottages prides itself on its wide range of quality Holiday Cottages in the Peak District.