Things to do in Peak District
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Monsal Trail
On the northern edge of Bakewell, a former railway line has been converted to a walking and cycling track called the Monsal Trail. From Bakewell you can cycle about 3 miles north and 1 mile south on the old railway itself, and there are numerous other tracks and country lanes nearby. The nearest bike hire is near Buxton. Walkers on the Monsal Trail follow alternate sections of the old railway and pretty footpaths through fields and beside rivers.
From Bakewell, an excellent out-and-back walk (3 miles each way) goes to the dramatic viewpoint at Monsal Head, where a good pub, Stables Bar at the Monsal Head Hotel, provides welcome refreshment. Allow three hours for the round…
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Poole's Cavern
Poole's Cavern is a magnificent natural limestone cavern, about a mile from central Buxton. Guides take you deep underground to see an impressive formation of stalactites (the ones that hang down) - including one of England's longest - and distinctive 'poached egg' formation stalagmites.
From the cave car park, a 20-minute walk leads up through Grin Low Wood to Solomon's Temple, a small tower with fine views over the town and surrounding Peak District.
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Peveril Castle
Topping the ridge to the south of Castleton, this evocative castle has been so ravaged by the centuries that it almost looks like a crag itself. Constructed by William Peveril, son of William the Conqueror, the castle was used as a hunting lodge by Henry II, King John and Henry III, and the crumbling ruins offer swoon-inducing views over the Hope Valley.
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Bridges
A stroll from Rutland Sq down Bridge St brings you - not surprisingly - to the pretty medieval bridge over the River Wye, from where riverside walks lead in both directions. Go upstream through the water meadows, and then along Holme Lane to reach Holme Bridge, an ancient stone structure used by Peak District packhorses for centuries.
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Old Sun Inn
The pick of the town's watering holes, but which retains an Edwardian-era ambience. Low ceilings, antique light fittings, flagstone floors and a different crowd in every cranny of this warrenlike ale-house make it the place to head for a pint - not to mention the surprisingly sophisticated pub grub.
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Slopes
Opposite the Crescent, a small park called the Slopes rises steeply in a series of grassy terraces. From the top there are views over the centre and across to the grand old Palace Hotel and the former Devonshire Hospital, with its magnificent dome. It is now part of the University of Derby.
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Rambler Inn
Ales, B&B rooms (per person from £38) and a petting zoo for the kids.
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Three Roofs Cafe
Teashops abound in Castleton. Most convenient is the Three Roofs Cafe , where muddy boots are welcome. At busy times, this can be packed, so just meander the streets in search of a cream-tea joint with chairs – it's all part of the fun in Castleton.
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Pavilion Gardens
Next to the Opera House is the Pavilion, an impressive palace of glass and cast iron built in 1871, which overlooks the impeccably manicured Pavilion Gardens. Skirting the gardens, the grand, pedestrian Broad Walk promenade is the perfect place for a gentle evening stroll.
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Speedwell Cavern
Claustrophobics should steer clear of Speedwell Cavern , which includes a unique boat trip through a flooded mineshaft, where visitors glide in eerie silence (save for the garrulous guides) to reach a huge subterranean lake called the Bottomless Pit.
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Peak Cavern
The most convenient, Peak Cavern , is easily reached by a pretty streamside walk from the village centre. It has the largest natural cave entrance in England, known (not so prettily) as the Devil's Arse. Visits are by hourly guided tour only.
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Buxton Festival
This renowned festival takes place in July and is one of the largest of its kind in the country. As well as opera, literary notables such as Louis de Bernières hold sway. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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George
Flagstone floors, and the tankards dangling from the ceiling give this ageing local a measure of ‘olde worlde' charm. But it's very much on the beaten tourist track – and the food, though it comes in big portions, isn't up to much.
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Opera House
Buxton's gorgeously restored Opera House enjoys a full programme of drama, dance, concerts and comedy as well as staging some renowned festivals and events. Tours of the auditorium and backstage areas are available at 11:00 most Saturday mornings.
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St Ann's Well
Just outside the Pump Room is St Ann's Well, a fountain from which Buxton's famous thermal waters still flow - and where a regular procession of tourists queue to fill plastic bottles and slake their thirst with the liquid's 'curative' power.
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Cavendish Arcade
Just east of the Crescent is Cavendish Arcade, formerly a thermal bathhouse (you can still see the chair used for lowering the infirm into the restorative waters) with several craft and book shops, and a striking coloured-glass ceiling.
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Natural Mineral Baths
On the other side of the Crescent, the tourist office is in the old Natural Mineral Baths, where you can still see the source of the mineral water, now Buxton's most famous export. A small display tells the full story.
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All Saints Church
Up on the hill above Rutland Sq, All Saints Church has some ancient Norman features, and even older Saxon stonework remains, including a tall cross in the churchyard, which sadly has suffered at the hands of time.
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Four Four Time
An annual live-music festival staged in February each year, including a medley of jazz, blues, folk and world music acts. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Crescent
Another impressive Buxton construction, the graceful curved terrace of the Crescent - reminiscent of the Royal Crescent in Bath - is waiting its turn for regeneration. A luxury hotel complex is imminent.
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Blue John Cavern
Blue John Cavern is an impressive set of natural caverns, where the rich veins of the Blue John mineral are dazzling. You can get here on foot up the closed section of the Mam Tor road.
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Columbine Restaurant
On the lane leading down beside the Town Hall, this understated restaurant is the top choice among Buxtonites in the know. The chef conjures up imaginative dishes using mainly local produce and there's a sinful list of fattening puddings. Bookings recommended.
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Hargreaves Coffee Shop
Easily the pick of the bunch of the Spring Gardens cafés, on the 1st floor of a renovated Edwardian showroom. It has good cakes served in a room lined with historic china and porcelain.
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Prospect
The flavour of the local restaurant scene. It's a smart bistro, with slick presentation, from the dark varnished bar to the serving of specials like belly pork with local black pudding mash.
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