Disclaimer– This is not a sponsored post.
I’ve had enough!!! I need to get away- We live approximately 12 minutes away from the city centre by tram. Our home is in an apartment block that can be frustrating due to noisy inconsiderate neighbours. So this was a much awaited road trip to escape the ‘city life’ and spend a day tucked far away between the tranquil valleys and pastures of Peak District.
What’s to like about Peak District?
You know you are almost there as you drive through a deep valley that is sure to take your breath away. Sadly i couldn’t get a picture but will do so on our next return.
For your eyes…
It is not just a picturesque place but has a little of this and that for everyone.
Depending on the time of year you decide to visit, you might either enjoy the scenery of valleys blanketed in snow. Or balconies, gardens and footpaths covered in flowers coming to full bloom from the gentle but warm spring sun.
The devil’s arse: is said to have “the largest cave entrance in the British Isles”, which housed road miners and lead makers. There is an entrance fee for individuals or as a family which includes a guided tour through the cave and it’s chambers. And you can also plan ahead for their yearly concerts done within, or take a boat-ride through the 200 year old lead mine. I am not good with closed spaces so i took a pass on this and only got as far as the entrance. But if you are braver then click here for more information.
Get moving: As you drive through you will most probably see a lot of visitors geared for hikes with others cycling through.
For your mouth…
It seemed to me like quite a few owners had turned what looked like homes into small and intimate restaurants. There are a few options depending on what you are in the mood for. The bull’s head is a family owned inn where you can enjoy everything from pasta, burgers to the traditional beer battered fish and chips.
We opted for the … which had these large pleather extra cushy chairs that i couldn’t stop being grateful for after what seemed like hours of walking. The service was quick and very friendly with the staff always offering to calm Jenny who was on a temper tantrum from fatigue and hunger. They had a children’s menu and for the adults offered breakfast, lunch and dinner menu’s, and of course dessert which we will get into in a minute.
Rice and beef stew Chips and tempura battered haddock served with guacamole and tartar sauce
Spoil yourself…
We walked by a store with a sign that promised blue john’s original ice cream. Intrigued we peaked in and soon after left with a cup of blue john bubblegum ice cream and a bar of salted caramel fudge. It was almost £2 each which wasn’t too steep a price. The first thing that hits you apart from the sweetness is just how much bubblegum flavour it had.
However, if you are the picky type or already have this one place that sell’s the best ice cream you ever had i’ll say: “pause on that and just enjoy the ‘something different’. That’s because the ice cream was nice but i wouldn’t say tops Gelateria del gallo ice cream which in my opinion served the best ice cream i ever had!!!
Assorted old school candy you might not easily find elsewhere ‘Open kitchen’ homemade desserts
It’s not all about tranquility; get excited splurging at the jewellery, confectionary and second hand stores. Head over to the bakery or what seemed like an open kitchen for some ‘homemade’ sweet treats. There are quite a few choices of fudge, chocolates and assorted curds made from clotted cream.
I bet if i was there i would also find ways to incorporate all that local produce into baked goods and more!!! Much as i’m into buying unique local items, i found quite a few to be on the higher side so i did not splurge as much as i wanted to.
Next time…
Would i go back to the Peak District? Definitely!!! But next time i would plan on what to do there- i mean either we are going for a hike or picnic or stay over one night. I’ve been told there are some markets close by however the last time the gps took us to the wrong location. Or perhaps they had closed down and just not updated their online info.
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