The Ultimate Peak District Picnic Guide
- Jen Bell I Editor I Good Life List Peak District
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
From beautiful picnic spots and local farm shops to picnic essentials worth packing, here's everything you need for the perfect Peak District picnic.
From rolling hills and peaceful rivers to dramatic edges, the Peak District really does have the best of everything. And if you ask us, there are few better ways to enjoy it all than by setting up a picnic and soaking up the beautiful views.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly afternoon beside a stream, a quiet riverside lunch, a dramatic viewpoint for sunset or somewhere that's just a little further off the beaten track, we've got you sorted.
So pack the car, fill the hamper with way too much cheese, don't forget the Bakewell tarts and, whatever you do, remember the picnic rug. Scroll on for some of our favourite picnic spots in the National Park along with how to pack the ultimate Peak District picnic.
The Best Picnic Spots In The Peak District
Longshaw Estate
Sitting on the eastern edge of the national park, Longshaw is home to sweeping moorland, ancient woodland, hidden ponds and plenty of grassy spaces where you can spread out a blanket without feeling like you're sitting on top of everyone else. Once you've finished eating, you're perfectly placed to wander through Padley Gorge, head towards Burbage Rocks or simply explore the many walking trails that criss-cross the estate.
Padley Gorge
There aren't many places where children can spend hours climbing over rocks, splashing through streams and building tiny dams while the adults actually get to relax for five minutes. Padley Gorge is one of those rare places that seems to delight absolutely everyone, whether you're six or sixty.
Ancient oak woodland provides plenty of shade during summer and there are countless little clearings where you can stop for lunch before following the river deeper into the gorge. It gets busy on sunny weekends, but for good reason - this is one of the Peak District's most magical places.
Curbar Gap
Some picnic spots are all about the food. Curbar Gap is all about the view. Looking across the Derwent Valley, even a simple sandwich tastes better, particularly if you've timed your visit for late afternoon as the sun begins to drop. Unlike some of the Peak District's best viewpoints, you don't need to tackle a long walk to enjoy it, making it a great option for anyone wanting maximum scenery with minimal effort. Bring an extra jumper though - it can feel surprisingly chilly, even in the middle of summer.
Millers Dale
Millers Dale feels blissfully peaceful even during the busiest weekends. The River Wye winds through the valley beneath towering limestone cliffs, while the traffic-free Monsal Trail makes it an easy choice for families, cyclists and anyone looking for a gentler walk. There are plenty of grassy riverside spots to enjoy lunch before strolling further along the trail towards Monsal Head or Cressbrook. Bring a book, take your time and don't rush back to the car.
Cressbrook Dale
If you're looking to escape the crowds, Cressbrook Dale (here on Google Maps) is well worth seeking out. Wildflowers fill the valley through spring and early summer, limestone cliffs rise dramatically on either side and it's often far quieter than many of the Peak District's better-known beauty spots. Pack a lighter picnic and combine it with a walk through neighbouring Monsal Dale or along the Monsal Trail.
Chrome Hill
Known as the Dragon's Back thanks to its distinctive ridge, Chrome Hill (find the OS map here) delivers some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in the White Peak. It's not somewhere you'd carry an enormous wicker hamper, but it's perfect for a backpack picnic with a view you'll remember long afterwards. The walk isn't especially long, making it ideal if you want to earn your lunch without committing to a full day's hike. Visit on a clear day and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
Fairholmes
It's hard to find better than Fairholmes (Upper Derwent) if you're after a full day outside. Surrounded by Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs, we recommend finding a parking spot then walking, cycling, paddling or just finding a quiet spot beside the water and watching the world go by. There's plenty of space to spread out, making it a favourite during the school holidays.
Tissington
Not every great picnic needs sweeping views or dramatic scenery. Sometimes all that's required is a chocolate box village, a shady spot beneath a tree and an afternoon with nowhere else to be. Tissington's immaculate village green, duck pond and limestone cottages make it one of our favourite places for a slower kind of picnic. Wander around the village afterwards, browse the independent shops and don't leave without stopping for an ice cream.
Build The Ultimate Peak District Picnic
In our opinion, puting the the picnic together is half the fun. Rather than throwing a supermarket meal deal into a cool bag, make a morning of it. Stop at a local bakery for fresh bread or pastries, pick up Derbyshire cheese, homemade sausage rolls and strawberries from a farm shop, then finish with a Bakewell tart for dessert. It turns lunch into part of the adventure and gives you a great excuse to discover somewhere new along the way.
There are a few things we never head out without either. Some might seem obvious, but after enough Peak District picnics we've learnt they're the difference between a lovely afternoon and wondering why you didn't just book a pub table.
A Waterproof Picnic Blanket
A proper picnic blanket with a waterproof backing is worth every penny. Peak District grass has an uncanny ability to look completely dry until the moment you sit down.
An Insulated Picnic Backpack
We adore a traditional wicker hamper but while they might look lovely, in reality they're far less appealing once you've carried them uphill. An insulated backpack keeps everything cool and leaves both hands free for gates, dogs and children.
A Good Flask
Whether it's coffee before a morning walk or tea while watching the sun go down, a decent flask comes with us on almost every trip.
Leakproof Food Containers
Nobody enjoys opening a picnic bag to discover a crushed sandwich or leaking pasta salad. Good containers are one of those purchases you'll use all summer.
Our pick: YASHE Food Storage Containers
A Wine Cooler Bag
If you're packing something sparkling for later...can also be used for water and other drinks you want to keep ice cold.
Our pick: MTS Wine Cooler Bag
A Portable Picnic Table
If you've ever balanced a plate on your knees while trying not to spill hummus onto the blanket, you'll understand why these have become so popular.
Our pick: VILLEY Portable Table
Where To Shop For The Perfect Picnic
One of the joys of picnicking in the Peak District is that you don't have to prepare everything yourself. Some of the region's best bakeries, farm shops and delis are worth visiting in their own right, and stocking up along the way makes the whole day feel that little bit more special.
If we were putting together our dream picnic, we'd start with warm sourdough or pastries from a local bakery, add Derbyshire cheese, ham, homemade pork pies, sausage rolls, fresh strawberries and local chutneys from a farm shop, then finish with a Bakewell tart because, well, you'd be disappointed if we didn't.
If you're looking for inspiration, don't miss our guide to the best farm shops in the Peak District.
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