ACTIVITIES
The Peak District could otherwise be known as nature's playground. If you can't find anything to do in this beautful area then you won't find it anywhere. Whether you want an action packed, adventure holiday or a gentle walk, taking in the sights, or enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the many picturesque villages surrounding Bushey Heath Farm, this is the place that has it all.
ROCK CLIMBING
CYCLING
The Peak District has some of the most challenging and popular rock climbing routes in Europe including the internationally important Stanage Edge, near Sheffield and the Roaches in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Many world-class climbers live in and around the area, sharpening their skills on its challenging cliffs, edges and boulders. Regardless of whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or world-class athlete, there are plenty of crags for you to discover in the Peak District. Bushey Heath Farm is ideally situated for access to these local sites. Places to consider are:
Stanage Edge, near Hathersage
Frogatt & Curbar Edge
Horseshoe Quarry, near Stoney Middleton
​
CHATSWORTH HOUSE
A jewel in the crown of stately homes, Chatsworth House, renowned for the quality of its art, landscape and hospitality, and it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations.
​
Today, Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4,000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash.
​
Not only is there the house to explore, but the famous gardens, designed by Capability Brown, the delightful children's adventure playground and farmyard, the garden centre and acres of countryside to enjoy.
​
Please visit:
​
WELL DRESSING
If you're lucky enough to be visiting Bushey Heath during the summer months, be sure to go to one of the many well dressing events taking place at local villages.
Each village takes it turn, usually from May to September, in decorating the local well or water source with a picture or scene made only out of natural materials, namely flower petals, embedded into clay. The "puddling" of the clay and "petalling" which takes place the week before the well dressing ceremony can normally be observed, from a distance, if you visit the village and make enquiries.
The well dressing ceremony is normally accompanied by other events taking place either over a weekend or in larger villages, all week.
​
Please visit for more information:
​
http://www.welldressing.com/calendar.php
​
SWIMMING
There are plenty of places to swim around Bushey Heath Farm. Wild swimming can be done, provided you are a competent swimmer, in the River Derwent at Chatsworth and also Slippery Stones in Upper Derwent to name but a few places.
​
If you prefer a more conventional kind of swim, Hathersage open air swimming pool is a draw for people in the summer - please see http://www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk/ and also Bakewell indoor pool at https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/bakewell-swimming-pool-and-gym/, open all year round.
CAVING
The caves in the Peak District are just as impressive as the rocks above, with places such as Castleton being home to the highest cave in the country, Titan Cave, as well as some fantastic show caverns.
​
Poole's Cavern in Buxton is also well worth a visit. Please visit: https://poolescavern.co.uk/
​
If you do fancy delving a little deeper and exploring one of the Peak District caves, there are a number of certified caving instructors that can help you to go caving safely- please see below for a list of these outdoor experts:
Lost Earth Adeventure, Parsons Lane, Hope - 01904 500094
https://www.lostearthadventures.co.uk/
Pure Outdoor, Hope Valley Garden Centre, Bamford - 01433 695544, https://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/
Whether you are a keen mountain biker or prefer a more leisurely meander through the stunning coutryside, Bushey Heath Farm is very well situated to appeal to everyone. With various tracks leading from the farm, you can make your way to local villages or just to the middle of nowhere to take in the breathtaking views. We are also closely situated to the Monsal Trail (a disused railway track from Blackwell Mill near Buxton to Bakewell), where you can hire a bike at either Hassop or Blackwell Mill. Rest assured, we offer bike storage, which is easily accessible on site.
If you don't have your own bike or are unsure as to where to go True North Adventures will take the strain, offering - guided Ebike routes (providing bikes & helmets) throughout the Peak district.
​
Visit:
https://www.truenorthadventures.co.uk
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/monsaltrail
https://www.peakblackwellcyclehire.com/ or
https://www.hassopstation.co.uk/
​
WALKING/HIKING
​
​
​
Whether it's a gentle stroll along a river bank or hiking up one of our many peaks, Bushey Heath Farm is well situated to satisfy everyone's needs.
​
We are close to Mam Tor, Castleton's famous shivering mountain (shivering because it is gradually moving), Stanage Edge, leading on to Carl's Walk and also the Monsal Trail, which can take you either to Bakewell or Buxton, or if you're feeling fit - both!
​
For free downloads of walks in our area please click this link -www.walkinginengland.co.uk/derbyshire
​
TOWNS & VILLAGES
Buxton, home of Buxton Water, is a thermal spa town nestled in the centre of the beautiful Peak District. Please visit:
- https://www.visitbuxton.co.uk/things-to-do/
​
With its stunning ornamental gardens and world-famous Georgian and Victorian architecture, which provide an impressive backdrop to a rich and vibrant range of music, theatre and festivals, it is not surprising the town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. You will also find a wealth of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, natural wonders such as Poole’s Cavern, Buxton Opera House, Go Ape, Buxton Raceway and two golf courses. The newly renovated Crescent Spa Hotel opens its doors following an extensive £50 million refurbishment. Once again, the Georgian building’s elegant architectural heritage is restored to its former glory. The Romans named Buxton spa ‘Aquae Arnemetiae’, or Goddess of the Grove, when they discovered the town’s natural thermal springs.
Please visit: https://www.ensanahotels.com/buxton/en/health-spa
Bakewell, perhaps best known for its unique and delicious Pudding, Bakewell has many more tempting treats to offer - ranging from shopping and specialist markets to relaxing strolls and special events.
​
Idyllically situated on the banks of the river Wye, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park's mellow stone buildings, medieval five-arched stone bridge and quaint courtyards are a magnet for painters, photographers and sightseers alike.
​
Legend has it that the town's famous Pudding was created by mistake by a local cook in the mid-19th century. Today her delectable 'jam tart that went wrong' can be sampled at various bakeries and cafés and posted virtually anywhere in the world!
​
Bargains galore are on offer every Monday at the bustling outdoor market, and for an extra buzz, head for the livestock market to experience the action in the theatre-like auction ring.
Cherry pick choice local produce at one of Britain's best Farmers' Markets or browse in specialist shops selling everything from high fashion and outdoor clothing to handmade chocolates and rare whiskies. Savour a light snack, lunch or dinner at a host of cafés, restaurants, pubs and tea rooms and take a brewery tour and sample world-beating craft beers at Thornbridge Brewery. Please visit:- https://thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/.
Catch the colour of Bakewell Carnival Week and Well Dressing in July or Bakewell Show - one of the oldest agricultural events in the country - in August.
​
Thinly disguised as 'Lambton' in Jane Austen's literary classic Pride and Prejudice, Bakewell is the ideal place for an interesting town walk. Visit The Old House Museum - one of the oldest buildings in Bakewell - for a fascinating insight into the town's past, or feed the ducks during a riverside stroll.