Introduction
Welcome to the Peak District
Explore the awe-inspiring countryside of Britain's oldest national park.
With some of England's finest walking, climbing and caving terrain, the Peak District is a haven for those with a sense of adventure and a taste for the outdoors. The area is also the home of a number of beautiful towns and villages, with tourists flocking to the likes of Bakewell and Buxton throughout the year. Make the most of the epic scenery with a stay at one of a number of YHA hostels within the national park.
Map
YHA hostels in the Peak District
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
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Free parking on premises
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Meeting room(s)
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Licensed bar
YHA Edale Activity Centre
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Meeting room(s)
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Games
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Outdoor play area
YHA Eyam
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WiFi
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Meeting room(s)
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Free parking on premises
YHA Hartington Hall
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WiFi
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Free parking on premises
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Restaurant
YHA Hathersage
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WiFi
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Free parking on premises
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Restaurant
YHA Ilam Hall
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Cycle store
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Classroom(s)
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Contactless payments
YHA Ravenstor
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Free parking on premises
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WiFi
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Cycle store
YHA Youlgreave
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WiFi
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Café
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Restaurant
Exploring Castleton video
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Things to do in the Peak District
Five free things to do in the Peak District
Mam Tor
Also known as the Shivering Mountain, this hill near Castleton is a hearty challenge for walkers and has a wonderful view from the top - on a clear day you can see Manchester city centre, Stockport and Winter Hill.
Revolution House
Taking its name from the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Revolution House is a former tavern in Old Whittington where three noblemen conspired to overthrow King James II.
Well Dressings
Well Dressing is a custom strongly associated with the Peak District in which locals create beautiful designs out of flower petals embedded in wet clay, and visitors are welcome to get involved!
Mills of the Peak District
The region's mills are an important part of its industrial heritage, and places like Caudwell's Mill and Strutt's North Mill are now fascinating places to visit.
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
A great place to see a Victorian steam-driven workshop, complete with blacksmiths and engineers hard at work!
There's nowhere in the world quite like the Peak District
The Peak District has more to offer than just a fantastic getaway - its diverse mix of landscapes and extensive network of public footpaths make it a firm favourite amongst walkers and hikers. Historic houses such as Chatsworth and Haddon Hall and delicious Bakewell tarts flood the area.
Peak District National Park is a hot spot for various outdoor activities including climbing, bouldering and paragliding, along with many a perfect place for a picnic. Gritstone outcrops like Stanage Edge and The Roaches provide a challenge for even the most seasoned of rock climbers.
The many charming towns and villages of the Peak District are another good reason to visit, and spa towns like Buxton and Matlock Bath have been drawing tourists for centuries. Lovers of folk history will find plenty of interesting tales among the ancient settlements and medieval castles.
Things to do
Accessible social walk from YHA Ilam Hall
Wednesday 23rd September 2026 Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4km) or 2.5 miles (4km) Duration: 2 hours Led by: Sheffield Environmental Movement and Access the Dales Discovery and connection A short walk on...
Alton Towers
There's something for all thrill seekers and families at Alton Towers, with tons of terrific (and terrifying) rides and amazing live shows. Plus, there's CBeebies Land for the little ones, a water...
Arbor Low Stone Circle
Arbor Low Stone Circle is a Neolithic henge in the Peak District. It is one of the most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites in Derbyshire and consists of around 50 white limestone slabs...
Ashbourne
Ashbourne is a Georgian market town in Derbyshire. With over 200 listed buildings, cobbled streets, and a traditional market place, it’s the perfect place for just pottering around. The town is also...
Bakewell
Take a trip to Bakewell and discover this charming Derbyshire Dales town. You'll find great shopping, plenty of spaces to relax and the famous Bakewell Pudding confection.
Beresford Dale, Wolfscote Dale and Biggin Dale self-guided walking route
A classic walk with views across the White Peak and serene Beresford Dale on the way to the spectacular Wolfscote Dale. With steep valley sides, rocky outcrops, caves, a babbling river and assorted...
Blue John Cavern
The tour starts with a short flight of steps before visitors can appreciate the awe-inspiring majesty of the natural caverns. Then as you go deeper the history of Blue John, or bleu-jaune, meaning '...
Buxton
Made famous by its top-quality water, Buxton is a thermal spa town on the edge of the Peak District National Park. A trip here is like stepping back in time as you’ll find gorgeous ornamental gardens...
Chatsworth House
Less than an hour drive away from each of our hostels in the Peak District, Chatsworth House is a stately home which belongs to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and is open to the public to explore...
Chee Dale stepping stones self-guided walking route
A stunning route on the Monsal Trail to the popular Chee Dale Stepping Stones, then back alongside the River Wye
Cressbrook Dale, Litton and Tideswell self-guided walking route
A pleasant walk following the River Wye downstream, through Cressbrook Dale to Litton and Tideswell, returning with great views through open countryside and on the Limestone Way to Millers Dale
Derbyshire Flying Centre
Fly as free as a bird with paragliders and hang-gliders at Derbyshire Flying Centre in Tideswell. Visit the website
Dovedale Stepping Stones self-guided walking route
From the National Trust grounds of Ilam Park this walk passes through the village of Ilam, and the lovely countryside of the White Peak, to a stroll alongside the River Dove and the popular stepping...
Edale and Barber Booth self-guided walking route
An enjoyable low-level walk through the upper Edale Valley. Great views of the hills that surround the head of the valley including Kinder Scout, Lord’s Seat, Mam Tor, Hollins Cross and Lose Hill.
Family social walk from YHA Ravenstor
Sunday 20th September 2026 Distance: 3.5 miles (5.7km) Duration: 3 hours Led by: Little Puddle People Discovery and connection This walk is aimed at families with children age 6-10 years, it has...
Go Ape Buxton
Go Ape Buxton is built high in the hilltops of the UK’s oldest National Park, offers breathtaking views and big adventure. If it's adrenaline fuelled family fun you're after then look no further. YHA...
Haddon Hall
This remarkable medieval house is surrounded by Elizabethan gardens and set in the rolling countryside of the Peak District.
Hartington village
Hartington is a gorgeous village in the Peak District National Park. The village is full of beautiful stone cottages and is set in some of the most picturesque countryside in Derbyshire. Hartington is...
Hartington Village self-guided walking route
A short walk into and around pretty Hartington Village.
Hathersage Swimming Pool
Surprisingly, this large outdoor public swimming pool is located in the small Derbyshire village of Hathersage. The pool is open air with heated water, hot poolside showers, lawns and spectacular...
Hope and Castleton self-guided walking route
A lovely walk across the fields to Hope and back along the river to explore picturesque Castleton.
Kinder Scout Plateau self-guided walking route
A classic circumnavigation of this high Peak District plateau with great views throughout including Ladybower Reservoir, Snake Pass, Greater Manchester and sweeping views of the Peak District National...
Kinder southern edges self-guided walking route
A great walk along the southern edges of Kinder Scout with expansive views of the Peak District, returning to the hostel via Edale village. Look out for white mountain hares in the winter months and...
Level Centre Rowsley
The Level Centre is a contemporary arts and performance space located in the village of Rowsley, situated between the towns of Matlock and Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales. The centre supports artists...
Miller's Dale, Litton and Cressbrook self-guided walking route
A pleasant walk alongside the River Wye passing the old mill at Litton and beneath stunning limestone cliffs. The return via the Monsal Trail, on the old railway line, provides great valley views and...
Mountain biking in Eyam
Ideally located on the edge of the White Peak (limestone) and Dark Peak (grit-stone), there's lots of different mountain biking terrains to discover.
National Trust social walk from YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
Friday 18th September 2026 Distance: 5 miles (8km) Duration: 3 hours Led by: National Trust Discovery and connection We will walk through Castleton village and follow a field path to the site of the...
National Trust social walk from YHA Hathersage
Tuesday 29th September 2026 Distance: 5 - 6 miles (9 km) Duration: 3 hours Led by: National Trust Discovery and connection A gentle walk from YHA Hathersage along the Derwent Valley Way, into rough...
Poole's Cavern and Buxton Country Park
One of the best show caves around, don't miss this spectacular cavern. Take a journey below ground and discover vast limestone caverns with crystal stalactites and stalagmites. There are lit-up caves...
Rutland Water Nature Reserves
One of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, home to a successful Osprey project and two visitor centres.
Peak District FAQ's
Which YHA is best in the Peak District?
We’re often asked this question but the truth is that all the YHA hostels in the Peak District are well worth a visit!
And that might take you some time as there are 8 wonderful properties to choose from in this National Park in central England, at the southern end of the Pennines.
It’s home to impressive limestone valleys such as Dovedale, with its famous stepping stones, in the park’s southern area, also known as White Peak. Whilst in the North, the Dark Peak area features dramatic gritstone ridges and stark moorland plateaus such as Kinder Scout, the park’s highest point.
So where you stay depends on what you fancy doing whilst you’re there. Choose from:
Which YHA is closest to the best walks in the Peak District?
All the YHA hostels in the Peak District feature walks straight from their front door. Just ask the hostel staff and they’ll glad you give you a self guided map to help you on your way.
Of course, the best walks is a matter of opinion but in our opinion, the best ones are:
| Location | Best for | Description | Nearest YHA hostel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mam Tor and the Great Ridge | Panoramic Views | A 4.5-mile circular route with some of the best 360-degree views in the UK, sweeping over Hope Valley and passing through the village of Castleton. | YHA Castleton Losehill |
| The Roaches and Lud's Church | Drama and Scrambling | A 7.8-mile hike featuring a dramatic gritstone ridge which plunges into a deep mystical chasm known as Lud's Church. | YHA Hartington Hall |
| Padley Gorge | Woodland & Stepping Stones | A family-friendly 3.5-mile trail winding through ancient silver birch trees alongside singing streams and waterfalls. | YHA Eyam or YHA Hathersage |
| Dovedale Stepping Stones | Limestone Valleys | A classic 3.3-mile route crossing the famous River Dove stepping stones beneath the towering limestone peak of Thorpe Cloud. | YHA Ilam Hall |
| Stanage Edge | City Escapes | A dramatic, elevated gritstone edge offering stunning views of the surrounding moors and valleys, popular with both hikers and rock climbers. | YHA Hathersage |
Which YHA is best for visiting Mam Tor?
Mam Tor and the Great Ridge are a must do on the Peak District tick list. Check out the broken road whilst you’re there as well as Blue John and Speedwell Caverns. YHA Castleton Losehill, set in 27 acres of parkland, is the closest place to stay. Choose from a dorm room, private room or one of two glamping options (a premium bell tent or a Landpod). You can even bring your own tent.
Are YHA hostels in the Peak District family friendly?
Our Peak District hostels warmly welcome children and families, with many locations offering a family room as well as family-friendly facilities.
Can I stay in a cabin, pod, or camping barn in the Peak District?
There are several glamping alternatives to staying in a room at a YHA hostel in the Peak District:
| Hostel | Glamping option |
|---|---|
| YHA Castleton Losehill |
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| YHA Hartington Hall |
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| YHA Ravenstor |
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Are dogs allowed at Peak District YHA hostels?
Pets are not permitted in rooms at YHA Peak District hostels, with the exception of highly trained assistance dogs, which are welcome at any YHA site free of charge. Just let us know if you plan to bring an assistance dog during the booking process.
Dogs are welcome to stay at many of our Camping & Cabins sites. There is a charge of £10 per dog per night in our Camping & Cabins accommodation. It is free to bring your dog if you are sleeping in your own tent. Up to two dogs are permitted per booking.
Do Peak District YHAs have parking?
YHA hostels in the Peak District which offer off street parking (some of which may be charged for) include:
Which YHA is best for cyclists in the Peak District?
Hostels which offer a secure cycle store in the Peak District include:
Which hostel is best for visiting…
| Attraction | YHA hostel |
|---|---|
| Chatsworth House |
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| Kinder Scout |
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| Dovedale |
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| Monsal Trail |
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| Ladybower Reservoir |
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View some of our popular Peak District blogs
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