Christmas in Buxton & the Peak District

Crossing the Peak District National Park, we head first to Eyam, known as the ‘Plague Village’ due to the events of 1665-66 when the plague was brought from London to this tiny community. The village has craft workshops, a gift shop and tea rooms to enjoy before we continue on to the beautiful market town of Bakewell, set on the banks of the River Wye. Best known for its Bakewell Pudding, the town boasts an ancient five-arched bridge, riverside walks, independent shops and cafés – it makes for a lovely Christmas Eve spot. On our return to Buxton, we have free time to explore the town at leisure or do some last-minute Christmas shopping. Later on, there is the option to attend Midnight Mass for those who wish to join, with mulled wine and mince pies on our return.

We take another scenic drive through the Peak District National Park on our way to the picturesque spa town of Matlock Bath, set in the beautiful gorge of the River Derwent with wooded hillsides and rocky limestone crags. The riverside promenade offers a lovely space for some fresh air, while the Temple Mine and the Peak District Mining Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich heritage, or the historic building once used to house Victorian thermal baths now boasts a range of unique exhibitions, from one of Europe's largest public displays of holograms to the gemstone and fossil collection plus the natural wonder of the petrifying well. The town is also renowned for its abundance of fish and chip shops – so go on and treat yourself! Our next stop is the market town of Ashbourne, known as the gateway to Dovedale, with its historic architecture (think old coaching inns, Elizabethan buildings, Georgian facades, elegant townhouses and quirky statues) along with independent shops, cobbled marketplace and hidden alleys. Our next stop is the market town of Ashbourne with its historic buildings, independent shops, cobbled marketplace and hidden alleys. A Boxing Day well spent!