A Long Weekend In The Peak District (An Insider’s Guide)
- Jen Bell I Editor I Good Life List Peak District
- Apr 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 29
If we had a long weekend in the Peak District, we wouldn’t stay in the obvious places.
Bakewell and Baslow are lovely, but they can get busy. Instead, we’d base ourselves in one of the smaller villages - still close to everything, but less hectic, easier, and far more relaxing.
We love Great Longstone. It sits just off the main road, so it never really feels like a thoroughfare, and despite how pretty it is, it doesn’t get clogged up with parked cars in the same way other villages do.
If it’s just the two of you, Applehoe Cottage is a lovely option - a cosy, thoughtfully designed cottage in the heart of the village, perfect for a slower weekend. It sleeps up to four, is dog-friendly, and you can walk straight out to the Monsal Trail or down to the local pubs without needing the car.
For something bigger, Thornbridge Lodge is a real treat. It sleeps up to 10 and is ideal for families or groups, with plenty of space to spread out and a large kitchen and living area for evenings together. It’s also right on the Monsal Trail, so you can step straight out for a walk or cycle, and still be within easy reach of Bakewell and Chatsworth.
There are plenty of options in the area though, so it’s worth having a look around - there’s honestly something for every size and budget.
Great Longstone itself has everything you need: two great pubs (The White Lion and The Crispin), a large playing field and playground, a small but brilliant village shop (a bit of a tardis, with everything from local meat and cheese to fresh bread and cakes), and even a dairy with an honesty system where you can pick up eggs and milk.
Day 1 - Ease in
We’d arrive early and take it slow.
If we had time, we’d stop at Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop on the way. It’s about ten minutes away and very easy to lose time in - proper butchery, fresh fish, excellent baked goods, seasonal produce, and a really good selection of wines, beers and local treats. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few things for later.
Once we’re settled in, we’d have a wander around Great Longstone and, if the weather’s good, head out onto the Monsal Trail - either on foot or by bike. It’s easy, scenic, and a lovely way to start the weekend.
For lunch, we’d head to The Crispin. It’s a proper traditional pub - open fire, jugs hanging from the ceiling, and a warm, easy atmosphere. The food is generous and reliably good, exactly what you want after a bit of fresh air.
After that, we’d check in, unpack, and sort out something delicious to eat. Dinner can be as simple as something we’ve picked up from the farm shop, a glass of something chilled (non negotiable), and an early night.
Day 2 - A Proper Peak District Day
This is the day for a bigger walk.
One of our favourites is from Baslow Edge down towards Chatsworth House. It’s one of those walks that really shows off the variety of the Peak District - starting high up on the gritstone edges with wide, dramatic views, then gradually dropping down via some pretty country lanes through Baslow village and into the softer, greener landscape of the Chatsworth Estate. It takes roughly four hours if you walk there and back so make sure you pack plenty of water and sunscreen (especially if it is sunny, windy or both!)
How we’d do it (without overcomplicating it):
Start by parking at Curbar Gap (go early, it fills up quickly, especially at weekends). From there, follow the obvious footpath up onto Baslow Edge (you basically turn one way for Curbar Edge and the other for Baslow, depending on which direction you have arrived from. The signage makes it all very clear so don't worry about getting lost).
At the top, go through the gate and walk along the edge. This is the best part - wide views, dramatic rock formations, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. Look closely and you'll be able to spot Chatsworth with the River Derwent winding through its grounds, and the spectacular 19th century Emperor Fountain if it's on.
When you’re ready, follow the paths down towards Baslow village. There are a few routes, but they all naturally lead you downhill - just keep heading straight towards the village, no turning off, and you won’t go far wrong.
Once in Baslow, walk through the village, cross the main road carefully, and follow signs for Chatsworth. You’ll pass along a quiet lane, over a small bridge, and onto a footpath that leads directly into the estate, through the historic revolving kissing gate.
From here, it's like being in a different world - open parkland, sheep, deer, the River Derwent, and views back towards the house. Cross the main bridge and take your time exploring.
We’d either bring a picnic and find a spot by the river, or stop at one of the cafés, depending on the day. It’s easily a full day if you don’t rush it as you can pay to enter both the house and the gardens, which are extensive (if you pay for house entry it includes the gardens as well).
Before heading back, it’s worth popping into one of the gift shops - they always have something slightly different. If the sun is out, we usually can't resist an ice-cream to fuel our walk back as well. It's all locally sourced and they often have a seasonal special. Last time we visited, they had a limited edition Bakewell Tart flavour and it was divine!
Dinner - The Packhorse Inn
That evening, we’re spoiled for choice, but The Packhorse Inn in nearby Little Longstone is hard to beat.
If we feel like a short walk, there’s an easy loop from Great Longstone:
Head through the small gate on Station Road just past The Morris’s Farm
Walk across the field, passing through a few wooden gates
Continue until you reach a gentle grassy hill leading down
At the bottom, go over the stone stile and cross the road, turn left
The Packhorse is just there on the right
It takes about 20 minutes, and the return walk through the older part of the village is especially pretty.
The pub itself is small, cosy, and very popular (definitely book ahead). The food is excellent - seasonal, comforting, and a step above your average pub - you won't want to leave.
(If we’re feeling less energetic after your long walk to Chatsworth, it’s also only about five minutes in the car.)
Day 3 - Slow Morning & A Final Wander
We’d keep the final morning simple.
Head into Bakewell early, before it properly gets going. It’s one of the busiest spots in the Peaks, but if you catch it at the right time, it still feels calm and worth exploring.
Take a slow wander through the town and dip in and out of a few places as you go. The Old House Museum is well worth a look and very easy to miss - a small, slightly hidden spot that gives a real sense of what life here used to look like.
For coffee, we’d stop at Lambton Larder for a pastry and a really good flat white. If the weather’s kind, we’d take it down to the river and find a spot to sit for a while - watching the ducks, swans, and the occasional flash of trout in the water.
If You’ve Got Time - Castleton
If you want to add something a bit different before heading home, it’s worth making a short detour to Castleton.
It’s about half an hour away, but feels completely different - more dramatic, slightly wilder, and a nice contrast to the rest of the weekend.
A visit to Blue John Cavern is well worth it. The caverns are seriously impressive - a series of underground chambers carved through limestone, with striking formations and the famous Blue John stone. Self-guided tours take around 50 minutes and are easy to follow, but still feel like a bit of an adventure.
Afterwards, we’d stop for lunch - Castleton Coffee Co., Peveril Tearooms or Three Roofs Café are all good options - then head home.
Final thought
The best weekends in the Peak District aren’t about trying to see everything.
They’re about finding a good base, getting out into the landscape, and knowing where to pause - for a view, a walk, or something to eat.
Do that, and the rest tends to fall into place.
