Peak District Scenic Drive
Campervan Hire or Motorhome Rentals Holiday in the Peak District
The Peak District is an upland area in the heart of the United Kingdom mainland. The Peak District scenic drive is characterised by undulating, rolling countryside and occasional hair-raising bends, climbs, and descents. The area is conveniently between Leeds, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, and Sheffield. We collected our RV rental, campervan hire or motorhome rentals at Leeds Airport, and headed for Holmfirth some 29 miles / 45 kilometres distant.
Three Days RV Cruising in the Peak District of the UK
The Peak District covers 555 square miles / 1,440 square kilometres of parts of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire. Our zigzag journey will cover a mere 75 miles / 120 kilometres excluding diversions, but we allow ample time for frequent stops and staying over as we revel in so much beauty.
Day One: The Roller Coaster from Holmfirth to Glossop
Holmfirth marks the northeast boundary of the Peak District. We follow the ‘roller coaster’ A6024 southwest, before turning west down the A526 on the Peak District scenic drive for Glossop on the western boundary. After summiting Holme Moss in our motorhome rental, we pass dramatic Torside Reservoir before arriving in the town. We pause here for the night to enjoy good pub food and reminisce over our first day.
Day 2: From Glossop Down to Baslow
On day two, and after a leisurely breakfast, we take the A57 and drive southeast over Snake Pass taking care to heed the cautionary signs. After pausing to enjoy views across Ladybower reservoir, we pass through Bamford, Heathersage and Baslow before taking a short detour to Chatsworth.
The stately home-cum-castle on Chatsworth Estate is as pretty as any we have seen. The extensive gardens feature fountains, waterfalls, lakes, and statues, while the lavish interior displays fine works of art, ancient and modern. We spot a table tennis table under the stairs in the Painted Hall. It comes as a surprise to realise that people live here, and come out to play when the visitors have gone.
Day 3: From Baslow to Buxton Where Our Journey Ends
After a pleasant evening spent in Baslow, we overnight in a caravan park where RV, motorhomes and campervans are welcome. We take the A5 to the east, but again detour, this time to the romantic ruins of Haddon Hall. We find it in remarkably good condition despite having stood empty for centuries. There is much to see and do there.
After a light lunch, we navigate our RV rental through limestone canyons; before arriving in Buxton just outside the Peak District border. It benefits from graceful buildings, including a Grade 1-listed crescent reminding us of Bath in Avon. Alas, our journey is over. We head for Manchester Airport 22 miles / 35 kilometres away, where we return our motorhome rental and catch our return flight home.