Trains to the Peak District

How to get to the Peak District by train

The Peak District covers a huge area of the UK countryside, and as such there are many ways you can access it by train. If you're travelling with CrossCountry, you can travel directly to Manchester, Sheffield, and Derby and find onward local rail services to Hope Valley Line and Derwent Valley Line stations from there.

You can also travel directly to Chesterfield for onward connecting bus services.

CrossCountry is supporting an extended Route 170 regular bus service, which directly links Chesterfield rail station with Peak District National Park tourism destinations such as Chatsworth House and scenic Bakewell all year round and runs seven days per week. We have teamed up with Derbyshire County Council and the bus operator, Hulleys of Baslow, to offer better integration between buses and trains at Chesterfield Rail Station.

The improved Route 170 also offers the opportunity to connect at Bakewell for regular Trans Peak bus services on to the historic market towns of Buxton and Matlock. This gives the option of a circular day out, returning by the scenic Derwent Valley Line from Matlock to Derby with the East Midlands Railway.

The full timetables for the Route 170 bus link from Chesterfield Rail Station can be downloaded below.

About the Peak District

One of the UK’s most-visited national parks, the Peak District offers around 555 square miles of unspoiled natural beauty. Spread across four counties – Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire – the Peak District offers a diverse range of activities, walks, and stunning scenery which makes it the perfect place for a staycation.

Many visit the Peak District for the jaw-dropping sights, which can all be viewed along its hundreds of walks and hikes. One of the most popular routes is Castleton to Mam Tor, recognised as one of the best ridge walks in the country. Soak up the sights of Edale, Hope Valley and Kinder Scout as you move from the quaint village of Castleton across the 500m tall ‘mother hill’.

For a look into some of the area’s most-visited villages, take the Bakewell to Edensor to Chatsworth walking route. Bakewell is a delightfully British village where you’ll be forced to try one of the local cakes, while Chatsworth House is a gem of the Derbyshire countryside.

If you’re travelling with the family you’ll find an abundance of activities for everyone to partake in. There’s caving and climbing for those of you who are brave enough, or fishing if you’re looking for a more relaxing stay. Adrenaline junkies will be happy with the sheer number of water and air sports dotted around the area, from kayaking to hang gliding.

Soak up majestic architecture and fascinating history at homes such as Haddon Hall and Lyme Park House and Garden – many of which have been used as film and TV locations. Find beauty below in the subterranean Poole’s Cavern and Standedge Tunnel. There’s so much culture to experience and secrets to be found in the Peak District.

It’s easy to experience the best of the British countryside by rail, so book your train to the Peak District now.