England's First National Park Is A Beloved Countryside Known For Windswept Trails And Unrivaled Beauty

While a trip to London will no doubt be filled with excitement, venturing beyond the bounds of England's bustling capital is certainly worth the extra effort. Stretching out across the rest of the country are scenic wilderness landscapes and rural towns just waiting to be explored. Particularly spectacular is the Peak District National Park, a vast oasis of sleepy villages tucked amid sloping valleys and dramatic limestone ridges. What's more, some of the greatest writers of English literature have been inspired by this breathtaking scenery, from William Wordsworth to the Brontë sisters.

Though the larger villages of the Peak District are fairly well-connected by England's rail and bus system, one of the best ways to experience this immense park is by renting a car to drive around, hike the countryside paths, and stop for lunch or an overnight stay at a nearby village. In fact, tourists have been wandering around the weathered landscape as far back as the 1600s, centuries before the area was designated as a national park. Only in 1951 did the Peak District officially become England's first ever national park, which now straddles five different counties across a footprint of 555 square miles.

Drawing in more than 13 million visitors each year to walk the windswept trails through steep valleys and poke around the delightful villages, the Peak District is no doubt one of England's most cherished places. From the winding lanes of rural hamlets like Edale and Ashford-in-the-Water, to the stunning architecture of Haddon Hall, the Peak District has no shortage of beauty and adventure. For those relying on public transport, take the train from London up to Peak District gateways like Derby and Matlock, where buses can drop passengers off at the smaller villages.

Crisscrossing the Peak District are an array of countryside trails of unrivaled beauty. An iconic route is the Mam Tor Circular, a moderate loop that brings trekkers to the top of "Mother Hill" for panoramic views across the Peak District's sweeping valleys. Stone paths weave through the rolling terrain, and upon reaching Mam Tor's peak, successful summiters can snap triumphant photos of the trig point with the stunning landscape unfolding in the background. Hikers can then veer onto the Great Ridge Walk, another footpath that follows the spine of the mountaintops between Mam Tor and Lose Hill. A short drive from the Mam Tor trailhead is Padley Gorge, a mystical woodland where visitors can chase waterfalls, picnic, and paddle.

For a vigorous and more challenging full-day trek, try the Dovedale Circular, which is almost "like a hike in the [Shire]," according to a review on AllTrails. The meandering track takes visitors for a scenic jaunt along the edge of the River Dove, with steep slopes rising dramatically on either side, before continuing up into the heavily wooded hillsides dotted with ancient, rugged caves and rock formations.

Another popular route is the Stanage Edge Walk, which winds its way up to a dramatically steep cliffside formed of gritstone crags. Making an appearance in the 2005 "Pride and Prejudice" film, the flat rocks of Stanage Edge offer a natural viewing platform for hikers to stand and gaze out across the surrounding moors amid the vigorous breezes. With so many hilltop pathways along exposed ridges and towering summits, Peak District's hikes can be windy, so make sure to dress accordingly. Generally, the summer months are the best time to visit England for optimal weather, particularly for spending time in the outdoors.

Aside from countryside walks, this area is dotted with cultural landmarks and historic villages. Also featuring in "Pride and Prejudice" is Chatsworth, "one of the finest country houses in the Peak District," according to HistoryHit. With magnificent Baroque architecture set among wooded parkland overlooking the River Derwent, artifacts dating back 4,000 years, and a lush 105-acre garden, Chatsworth almost guarantees a mesmerizing visit. "It's home to so many significant pieces of art and sculpture that it rivals the London museums and galleries," a previous visitor posted to Tripadvisor, while another review claimed that it "felt like stepping into a film scene."

A short drive from Chatsworth is Bakewell, a charming town with shops and tasty restaurants that was described as "the image of traditional English country life" by Express. Pose for photos in front of the honey-colored buildings and take a stroll along the River Wye where a five-arched bridge originating in the medieval era creates a postcard-worthy backdrop. Then, stop for a sweet treat at The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. History buffs can also take a tour of the Bakewell Old House Museum, a stone cottage once belonging to a tax collector in the Tudor period.

Another classic Peak District village is Castleton, which is tucked snugly between the hills not far from Mam Tor. Narrow lanes are flanked by rustic pubs and quaint tearooms where visitors can stop for refreshments after wandering around. Meanwhile, looming atop a nearby hill is Peveril Castle, a crumbling Norman-era fortress that gives tourists an excellent vantage point over the undulating valley below. If you're seeking more national park adventures, head up to the Lake District, where you can explore Lake Windermere, the largest in England and a beauty to visit.