A little piece of the Peak District – gifts to tempt and inspire this year

Always a warm welcome

From humble beginnings in the local pub, to bustling centres that now welcome hundreds of thousands of people each year, our visitor centres have long been the first port of call for intrepid Peak District explorers. Liam Benson discovers what makes them special.

From far-and-wide or just down the road, the Peak District has been a destination of choice for over a hundred years. Since the early 1950s, our National Park visitor centres have been adapting to increasing numbers of visitors and their desire to learn more about this inspiring place; secured for the nation by those who had the early vision of what a national park could be.

Whether you know our centres well, or have yet to step inside for a friendly welcome, they have undergone great change to ensure the very best visitor experience for everyone.

Bakewell

The former Old Market Hall and 17th century Grade II listed building is at the heart of this bustling and picturesque town on the banks of the River Wye. Formerly a market hall, courtroom, butchers, library and even a chip shop, it is easy to see how the open space and expansive arches reveal clues to its varied and remarkable past.

Celebrating its own 50th anniversary as a visitor centre, it remains a hub of information on the doorstep of the local community.

Timeline of our visitor centres over the years...

1954

Edale visitor centre starts life as a volunteer-ran service in the Old Nag’s Head Inn in the village.

1950s

Castleton

1966

Fieldhead visitor centre in Edale officially opens.

1960s

1967

Original premises are acquired for Castleton visitor centre on Castle Street with temporary display – max capacity just 6-8 people!

1969

Castleton visitor centre is refreshed and modernised and officially opens to the public.

1971

Bakewell visitor centre opens in the Old Market Hall in the town.

1970s

1980

Fieldhead visitor centre houses the ranger briefing centre and often helps with Mountain Rescue call outs. Interpretation is installed to reflect the role the centre plays in mountain safety.

Fieldhead

1980s

1982

Derwent visitor centre opened as part of recognised development work to conserve the character of the area and improve the facilities for visitors.

1986

Ranger briefing centre is introduced at Derwent visitor centre.

Castleton

The springboard for adventures in the Hope Valley and the National Park’s flagship centre. A warm welcome is guaranteed as you step inside this contemporary centre which boasts interactive displays and video walls, a museum as curated by the Castleton Historical Society, great shopping – and a fabulous café using local produce and food suppliers. The village’s Christmas lights ‘switch-on’ is a seasonal must for those ready to wrap-up and brave the winter weather!

Derwent

Run in partnership with Severn Trent Water, situated at Fairholmes (in the Upper Derwent Valley), and central to the Howden, Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs complex, this site is a haven for ramblers, wildlife lovers and cyclists alike. With a refreshment kiosk and a bike hire facility, the location has a distinct close-to nature feel, and is just minutes from the imposing and iconic Derwent Dam. A completely refurbished centre will be welcoming visitors from early summer 2021.

Edale visitor centre.

Edale

Nestled at the foot of the Pennine Way, with close links to neighbouring Sheffield and Manchester by rail, Edale is now the home to the national centre for moorland research. It’s hard to believe the forerunner of this centre began its life in the local pub.

The village is enclosed by the Kinder Scout plateau rising to a height of 2,008ft (636 metres) to the north and Mam Tor ridge to the south.

Did you know Fieldhead campsite is next door to the visitor centre? It’s an ideal base to start exploring the Hope Valley – why not leave the car at home and hop on the train?

Be sure on your next visit to come say hello and be inspired by this wonderful part of the world. For more information, visit

peakdistrict.gov.uk/visitorcentres

Walks Around Guides

Compiled with local ranger knowledge, they are the perfect starting point to your explorations. £2.80, 8 guides available.

Stanage Sunrays T-shirt

Sales of T-shirts benefit global conservation projects; 50 trees have been planted so far. £20.

Peak District rCup

Help support a #PlasticFreePeakDistrict with these reusable cups made from recycled materials. £12, various colours.

All available in our visitor centres or at

shop.peakdistrict.gov.uk

2004

New and bigger centre at Castleton opens incorporating Castleton Historical Society’s artefacts to showcase the village’s rich history, launched by Brian Blessed.

2006

Completed development of a new state of the art centre at Edale visitor centre, designed to reflect upland setting as well as the home to Moors for the Future research.

2000s

Castleton Castleton

2011

Installation of a new staircase at Bakewell visitor centre improves access to the mezzanine floor and better showcases local arts and crafts.

2010s

2014

Tour de France Grand Depart trophy awarded to the hosting location of the opening stage of tour is proudly placed on display at Bakewell visitor centre.

2017

Castleton visitor centre is refurbished to increase accessibility to the retail and museum area and a café serving local produce is also introduced. Launched by Countryfile’s John Craven.

2020

Brand new retail displays at Bakewell visitor centre help to maximise space and show off the remarkable architecture.

2020

New and improved online shop launched to help you make the most of your visit.

2020s

2021

Derwent visitor centre welcomes a brand new look (summer 2021).