Days Out in the Peak District – Discover the Magic of Spring

‘When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere.’ John O’Donohue

Nowhere is this more true than in the glorious landscapes of the Peak District. As the days lengthen and the world unfurls from the long, dark days of winter, so the Peaks begin to come alive. With woodlands awash with the scent of bluebells, and the air filled with birdsong, there really is no better place for a spring getaway. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, historical sites, local delights or just a peaceful retreat, Baslow is the perfect base to explore spring in this gorgeous part of the world.

Here we take a look at a variety of different spring days out in the Peak District.

Castles, Caverns & Caves

The Peak District is home to a vast underground world, and spring is the perfect time to explore its spectacular caves and caverns. The show caverns in nearby Castleton are some of the most unique, with Blue John Cavern said to be the finest in Western Europe. It is also home to the one and only Blue John Stone – a semi-precious mineral which is still mined today. If you love a stalactite or stalagmite however, then Treak Cliff Cavern should be your destination of choice.

If you prefer to keep your feet above ground, then how about a visit to a regal castle or magnificent stately home? Bolsover Castle, just a 40 minute drive from Hall Cottage is described as a ‘fantasy hilltop pleasure palace of a horse-mad Cavalier playboy’! Filled with rare wall paintings, replica tapestries and beautiful carved fireplaces, it also boasts incredible views across the Derbyshire Countryside.

The must see Chatsworth House is within walking distance of Hall cottage and their gardens are carpeted with spring flowers at this time of year. You can even learn to willow weave a spring lamb!

Visiting in spring ensures that any days out in the Peak District will involve fewer crowds and more space to explore.

The magnificent Chatsworth House and gardens – why not walk there from Hall Cottage?

Canoe, Kayak, Sail or SUP!

For those looking for a little outdoor adventure, the Peak District offers plenty of stunning locations for canoeing, kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). We have lakes, canals, rivers and even reservoirs. During spring the waters are calm and there are far fewer craft to contend with than in the more hectic summer months so it is the ideal season for beginners to have a go. Sailing, fishing and windsurfing are all popular activities here too. You can even learn some new ones – SUP yoga anyone?!

Carsington Water is one of the largest reservoirs in the country and open all year round. It also offers training courses if you’re new to water sports. For something a little more leisurely though, how about a guided tandem kayak down the Cromford Canal? Peaceful and a haven for wildlife, keep an eye out for heron, little grebe, grass snakes and water voles along the route.

Full Steam Ahead

If you’d rather someone else put the effort in, whilst you sit back and watch the stunning spring landscape slide by, then how about hopping onboard a heritage train? The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway runs both steam and diesel hauled trains over 9 miles of beautiful Derbyshire countryside. The main station at Wirksworth hosts a small museum, gift shop and café. They even have a bar housed in a beautiful 1950s static railway carriage. They run a number of events onboard, including a theatrical Faulty Towers dining experience!

Unlike many other popular tourist destinations, the Peak District remains a peaceful retreat in spring. Even though it is easily accessible by train or car, and has so much to do and see, it still retains an air of tranquillity. Spring is a particularly relaxing time to visit because the crowds are still relatively low compared to the summer months. So, if you’re looking for days out in the Peak District then why not make Hall Cottage in Baslow your base for a super spring break?