Accessibility in The Peak District

Relax, explore and get your heart pumping in the Peak District, where there’s a good range of things to see and do for people with any accessibility needs. In this article we've compiled our favourite days out in the national park that are well suited to people with disabilities, from walking routes that everyone can enjoy to the best accessible Peak District attractions. 

Accessible Peak District walks

There are loads of great walks in the Peak District, and a good number of them can be enjoyed by people with all access needs. 

Monsal Trail 

Start: Hassop Station 

End: Chee Dale

Distance: 7 miles (11.5 km) each way

Running along the route of an old railway line, the gorgeous Monsal Trail in the southern Peak District is totally flat and very well paved, with no stiles or other obstacles to prevent you from getting out there and exploring what the area has to offer. Green valleys, a long tunnel that the kids will love and several pretty riverside sections make this walk a fantastic day out, whether you’re on foot, using a wheelchair or planning on cycling the route (various bike hire shops are available along the trail). 

Carsington Water

Start/end: Carsington Water Visitor Centre 

Distance: Various trails available

Located just to the south of the Peak District National Park's boundaries close to the pretty town of Ashbourne, Carsington Water is a large reservoir surrounded by the green scenery of the Derbyshire hills. The reservoir itself has a number of trails to explore, almost all of which are accessible to wheelchair users or those with other accessibility needs. There are also two nature observation hides and a visitor centre with restaurants and shops, all of which are fully accessible. Electric trampers are available to hire from the visitor centre, as are electric bikes, and there's plentiful accessible parking just outside the site's main entrance. 

Dove Stone Reservoir 

Start/end point: Dove Stone car park 

Distance: 1.8 miles (3 km)

With a totally accessible section as well as a slightly more varied section that’s still accessible to most, this pretty reservoir is in the northern part of the Peak District, within easy reach of Manchester and its suburbs. This part of the Chew Valley is full of interesting crags and rocky features, and there are several old quarries in the area that are visible along the trail. This nature reserve is also a good place to spot curlews, waterfowl and mountain hares, all of which thrive in this wild part of the national park. 

For more information about accessible walks in the Peak District, check out the national park’s website. There’s a total of 20 different routes to choose from, all of them with photos, maps and accessibility information.

Accessible Peak District attractions

From museums to country houses, the Peak District has lots of world-class visitor attractions. Find out which are best suited to people with disabilities below.

Chatsworth House 

With hundreds of acres of parkland, beautifully landscaped gardens and a stately home with one of the finest art and furniture collections in England, Chatsworth is one of the most popular attractions in the Peak District. With its sensory garden, ample dedicated parking and step-free access to shops and restaurants, the estate also ticks a lot of boxes in terms of accessibility. The house itself has a lift and wheelchair access to the entire public visitors’ route, so you won’t miss out on the great displays (although electric wheelchairs aren’t able to go inside). For more information about planning your day, check out Chatsworth's full accessibility statement.  

Crich Tramway Museum 

Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum, offers a unique experience. Ride vintage trams along a recreated cobbled street, explore nostalgic exhibits or grab a bite to eat at the on-site pub and tea rooms. All of the village's buildings are accessible thanks to lifts and ramps, and there's even an adapted tram which can cater to wheelchair users. If you need to borrow a wheelchair, rental is available; carers get free entry with paying disabled guests. 

Matlock Farm Park 

Animal lovers, this one's for you. Matlock Farm Park is a fun-filled day out for the whole family and home to everything from farmyard favourites like sheep and pigs to more exotic creatures like meerkats and wallabies. The park is fully wheelchair accessible, with level paths throughout, allowing you to get up close to all the furry (and feathery) friends you’re sure to meet. 

Regular activities include keeper talks, wallaby meets, and races for the resident ferrets and sheep. Kids can offload some energy in the indoor play area, and everyone can refuel at the Garden Room Café. Accessible toilets and parking are available too, making for a smooth experience from start to finish. 

For more Peak District attractions, you might also like to visit the Accessible Derbyshire website – this great resource has a wealth of information about local attractions and services as part of an effort to make sure that everyone feels welcome in the county.

Sports for people with disabilities

Don’t hold back from exploring the great range of accessible sports you can try out in the Peak District. 

• Fishing for people with disabilities can be arranged at Ladybower Reservoir, where the accessible boats and pontoon make it easy to get out to the water. One-to-one support is available for people with disabilities, and all the friendly instructors have received training to make sure that any additional needs you may have are met. 

• Sailing and other watersports are on offer at Carsington Water, where the local sailing club runs a Sailability scheme to help build up the confidence of locals and visitors who have disabilities and want to improve their skills on the water. 

• Cycling is another great way to explore the landscape of the Peak District. Wheelchair bikes and tricycles are available to hire at Parsley Hay bike centre, which has direct access to the car-free High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail.

Accessible places to stay

There are lots of places to stay in the Peak District that cater for people with disabilities. 

• Pitchup.com has a wide range of campsites and glampsites in and around the national park – a good number of them have disabled facilities. You’ll find everything from holiday parks to tiny glamping sites and everything in between, with a range of filters available to make sure you find a place that has everything you need for your holiday. 

• Various youth hostels in the Peak District like YHA Ilam Hall and YHA Edale Activity Centre have rooms and bathrooms that are accessible to wheelchair users, whether you want to rent a bunk for the night or a private room for a family break.

• Several hotels and B&Bs in the local area are well set up for guests with disabilities. Check out the Accessible Derbyshire website for more information, or check out Euan’s Guide to read real reviews from customers with disabilities, their families and friends.