The Peak District may also be ideal for holidays, as well as top class walking breaks.

Walking in the Peak District has long been one of many British ramblers’ favourite activities as the area offers some of the country’s best and most breathtaking natural scenery.

Situated in the centre of England, the Peak District was, according to its official tourism website, the first region in the UK to be granted National Park status. And it is clear when you visit the area that this award was not given out lightly, as its dramatic moorland and picturesque, rolling hills are enough to impress anybody.

However, despite its well-earned reputation as one of the leading destinations for ramblers of all ages and abilities across the country due to its wide range of different paths and trails of all difficulties, the Peak District could also be an ideal place to visit for a family holiday at any time of year.

“With a fascinating historical and cultural heritage, this unique and diverse region is home to some of the country’s finest stately homes [and] enchanting market towns,” the web page continued, meaning that the region may have something to keep everyone content and amused during a holiday there.

Any taste, budget and interest is catered for in this tourist hub at the heart of the country, which means that it could be ideal for breaks ranging from romantic getaways to fun family holidays.

For example, people who are interested in the history of the region might like to visit Derby’s Silk Mill, which is the city’s museum of industry and history and is renowned as the origin of the country’s Industrial Revolution, which changed the face of manufacturing and business across the globe in the 19^th century.

The Heage Windmill could also be another unmissable attraction as the sight of it is like taking a trip down memory lane due to its status as the country’s only remaining stone towered windmill.

Castles are a prevalent attraction in the Peak District, with Bolsover Castle – which is owned by the English Heritage organisation – providing re-enactments of battles and jousts between knights for the entertainment of visitors.

For those tourists who prefer more contemporary activities, nearby urban areas and conurbations such as Derby, Buxton, Matlock Bath and Ashbourne could be perfect alternatives while the history buffs among the party soak up sights such as the Bolsover Castle.

Meanwhile, any children – or adults who are simply young at heart – seeking an adrenaline rush and a fun day out might appreciate a trip to the country’s largest theme park, Alton Towers, which is also near to the Peak District.

And walkers who might want to diversify somewhat from a normal walk around the green open spaces of one of Britain’s most renowned rambling destinations may be interested to note that there are a number of official trails that take in some of the region’s towns.

These paths offer something a bit different to just walking in the countryside and trails through locations such as Derby, Swadlincote, Bakewell and Castleton give visitors the chance to see the Peak District from a different angle.

With its vast expanses of green fields, majestic mountains and delightful quaint villages, the Peak District has always been a favourite of walking fans and hill climbers.

The Peak District National Park, established in 1951, was Britain’s first national park, giving it an extra special place in the nation’s heart.

Luscious landscapes

Nestled on the border between the northern highlands of Britain and the southern lowland counties, the Peak District boasts some of the most luscious green landscapes to be found anywhere in the country.

With these huge green spaces as far as the eye can see, walking in the Peak District is a particularly popular pastime for many people young and old.

The beauty of the Peak District is that it has walking routes to cater to everybody’s tastes and abilities.

A favourite Peak District walk is through Deepdale.

One of the treasures of the Peak District, it takes visitors through some wonderful limestone dales and provides a real escape from the outside world.

Another must see are the monuments of Baslow Edge and Gardoms Edge, which offer some of the most stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a great sight for walkers, photographers and artists alike.

Natural wonders

Along with walking boots and other gear, visitors must bring a camera with them to capture images of the jaw-dropping scenery they will encounter.

The Dark Peak is a barren and rugged landscape where the appearance changes dramatically with the weather and light conditions and offers powerful beauty.

Within the national park walkers will find The Roaches, the v-shaped gritstone protrusions which jut out of the landscape and add to the area’s dramatic splendour.

The hills and dales are only two of the attractions of the Peak District.

What it has over many other popular walking destinations is the stunning examples of natural beauty which lie underground.

A network of caves and caverns run below its luscious green expanses, with Speedwell Cavern offering a truly amazing experience.

Visitors travel on a boat through the various tunnels of this former lead mine where they will find some stunning sights.

Another feather in the Peak District’s cap is Blue John Cavern.

Blue John Stone is only found amongst the rocks of Treak Cliff Hill in Castleton.

This highly-prized stone is simply wonderful to behold, making this a popular site with walking fans all year round.

Back at sea level, the Heights of Abraham are also a must see, offering wonderful views and great sites to enjoy a picnic.

Vibrant villages

Blue John Cavern is located in the village of Castleton and walking enthusiasts must take the opportunity to explore this beautiful corner of the Peak District.

On three sides this wonderful little village is surrounded by steep hills, with the Mam Tor the most famous of these.

While the natural splendour is a good enough reason to visit, there are various other attractions which people must see.

Ruins of an ancient hilltop fortress and the rebuilt castle originally erected by William Peverill are just two of the famous sites which should be included in any itinerary.

Nestled in a valley bordered by the River Derwent is the stone-built village of Cromford.

Steeped in industrial history, the village is most famous for its association with Sir Richard Arkwright, a leading entrepreneur of the Industrial Revolution.

Particular sites of interest include the canal system, the Cromford and High Peak Railway and Derwent Valley Heritage Trail.

The picturesque market town of Ashbourne is also worth seeing, with lovely cottages, historic buildings and wonderful surrounding countryside making it a pleasant place to spend some time.

Food and drink

While exploring the villages and walking routes in the Peak District, visitors will more than likely build up an appetite, but luckily, the Peak District is rich in the number of pubs and restaurants offering the finest quality food.

The Ladybower Inn in Bamford is one of the most famous pubs.

With a menu boasting warm crab, scallion and goats cheese tart, fresh battered haddock and creamy wild mushroom and rabbit pies, this really is a popular haunt with Peak District walking enthusiasts.

Those enjoying a walk in Ashbourne should drop in to the Dog and Partridge.

Its comfortable surroundings are a great place to enjoy a Greek salad, a selection of Italian meats or a prawn and melon salad.

Walkers enjoying some time in Birch Vale on the High Peak can settle down in the ambient surroundings of the Sycamore Inn and sample delights such as wild mushroom risotto, belly pork and black pudding salad and venison sausages.

Rest and relaxation

With many hotels, guest houses and camp sites, there is no shortage of places to stay.

The best way to explore the terrain is on foot, so many visitors pitch up tents at the camp sites and spend the night with nature.

While this option may be the most exciting, visitors must ensure they have brought all the correct gear with them so they can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep before lacing up their walking boots and heading out into the wilderness once again.