Keen hikers can put Cave Dale on their bucket list. Enter Cave Dale by walking between two cottages in Bar Gate above the Market Place. Look out for a signpost which marks the beginning of the Limestone Way to Matlock and be rewarded with striking views as you traverse terrain across Derbyshire.placeholder image
Keen hikers can put Cave Dale on their bucket list. Enter Cave Dale by walking between two cottages in Bar Gate above the Market Place. Look out for a signpost which marks the beginning of the Limestone Way to Matlock and be rewarded with striking views as you traverse terrain across Derbyshire. | Wiktoria Wrzyszcz

20 magical hidden gems that prove Derbyshire and Peak District are the best places for a summer day out

Ria Ghei
By Ria Ghei

Senior Reporter

Published 22nd May 2025, 08:25 GMT

Discover the charm of Derbyshire and the Peak District with these 20 magical hidden gems perfect for a summer day out.

There’s something about glorious sunshine-filled days that has the magical ability to put smiles on faces, and buoyant springs in steps.

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Luckily for us, there are plenty of beautiful spaces in the great outdoors to enjoy some fabulous sunshine.

We’ve compiled a list of tip top places in Derbyshire and the wider region where you can catch some rays and enjoy spending time with the family.

Read more: The 25 best Derbyshire and Peak District walking routes that end at a pub - perfect for a sunny weekend

If you have any recommendations, we would also love to hear from you. You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]

Marvel at the grandeur of Bolsover Castle, take a leisurely stroll in the Fountain Garden, appreciate the artsy Venus statue, and little ones run wild in the play area.

17. Bolsover Castle

Marvel at the grandeur of Bolsover Castle, take a leisurely stroll in the Fountain Garden, appreciate the artsy Venus statue, and little ones run wild in the play area. Photo: Brian Eyre

Expect the stunning waterfall at Lumsdale Falls to take your breath away. Explore pretty ponds and don't forget to pack your camera as you capture stunning shot in this real hidden gem.

18. Lumsdale Falls Matlock

Expect the stunning waterfall at Lumsdale Falls to take your breath away. Explore pretty ponds and don't forget to pack your camera as you capture stunning shot in this real hidden gem. | Mike Lyne - geograph.org.uk/p/6444024

Prepare to be fascinated by Druid Rocks carved with intricate symbols including snakes and cups. Head to Rowter Rocks at Birchover for an unforgettable afternoon.

19. Druids Rocks Birchover

Prepare to be fascinated by Druid Rocks carved with intricate symbols including snakes and cups. Head to Rowter Rocks at Birchover for an unforgettable afternoon. Photo: Patrick Baldwin - geograph.org.uk/p/2818130

Thor’s Cave is a magnificent natural cavern which can be found in a steep limestone crag in the Peak District. It has a huge arched entrance that can easily be seen from the footpath on the scenic Manifold Way below.

20. Thor’s Cave

Thor’s Cave is a magnificent natural cavern which can be found in a steep limestone crag in the Peak District. It has a huge arched entrance that can easily be seen from the footpath on the scenic Manifold Way below. | Graham Hogg

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