A Peak District Camper Van Adventure

Mam Tor Near Castleton in the High Peak of Derbyshire

Here at Davanco Leisure we consider ourselves very lucky. We've got a vast and beautiful expanse of Outstanding Natural Beauty just on our doorstep. And we've had many a Peak District campervan adventure ourselves in this diverse and magnificent UK National Park.

Hire one of our campervans and experience this wild and wonderful region for yourselves.  Below are some itinerary ideas for your very own Peak District campervan adventure.

From the Dark Peak in the north with heather-clad landscapes, peat-covered moorlands and black granite hills. To the White Peak in the south with lush limestone valleys, panoramic plateaus, and pretty market towns, there's so much to see and do.

A Peak District campervan itinerary

Collect your campervan and head into the South Peaks

Pick up your luxury campervan from us one minute and you'll be heading into the Peak District to a world of beautiful contrasting natural beauty the next. Drive up hilly climbs, along scenic winding roads, past iconic mill towns, through picture book villages.

Peak District Heritage Centre

Stop off at Cromford Mill, once the home of the world's first water-powered cotton spinning mill.

Take time to wander around Wirksworth, a quirky market town with a Heritage Centre that tells the story of the Peak District in spellbinding detail. Visit in May, and you may well catch the annual Dressing the Wells festival that gives thanks for the gift of water.

Gateway to the Peaks

Picturesque Ashbourne is the 'gateway to Dovedale'. From here, head your campervan through some of the most spectacular limestone gorge scenery in the Peak District. And see towering cliffs, wooded ravines and imposing rock pillars. Ilam Rock is one of the most spectacular.

Tear yourself away from the comfort of your campervan, and trek along one of the many glorious walking trails, Tissington and The Monsal Trail to name two.

And take time to drive along the A515 high-road between Ashbourne and Buxton. You'll feel like it's just you, your campervan, and lots of contented sheep grazing on vast expanses of lush green farmlands.

A campervan base at Castleton on the edge of the High Peak

Castleton is nestled within Mam Tor in the Hope Valley of the Peak District. It's locally known as the 'Shivering Mountain'.

Climb the steep steps up to the atmospheric Norman ruins of Peveril Castle. Or explore an underground world of caves and caverns at Treak Cliff Tavern. And hunt for semi-precious stone Blue John that's unique to the Peaks.

Visit Eyam, the famous Plague Village. And Edale, a tiny village that's at the start/end of the UK's first and most famous long-distance walking trail, The Pennine Way.

Heading out to the High Peak

Winnats Pass, Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak District

Head your campervan out on to one of the most photographed roads in the UK, the Winnats Pass. A narrow hilly climb that winds through a steep gorge to the hamlet of Sparrowpit and on to Chapel-en-le-Frith, known as the capital of the Peak District.

This limestone gorge was once, hundreds of millions of year ago, completely submerged under water.

And, if you're really feeling brave, take the Snake Pass route to the top of the Peaks at Glossop. Enjoy a thrilling campervan drive around tight bends, up steep hills, past breathtaking panoramas of the High Peaks. Stop for lunch at the Snake Pass Inn and warm up by the roaring log burner.

And...while you're in the Peak District

Our itinerary has only just brushed the surface of this expansive National Park. There's so much more to see and do.

If it's magnificent views and spectacular landscapes that you love, check out the Mam Tor, Surprise View, and Curb Gap View.


There are some great local camping sites in the Peak District that are happy to accept campervans. Do check with us first, we've got first-hand knowledge. And check out the Cool Camping guide too.

The Peak District is bursting with its own unique history and heritage and there are many visitor attractions, landmarks, and places to visit that will have you enthralled. These include Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, the Heights of Abraham, Poole's Cavern, and Buxton Pavilion Gardens.

Not to mention delicious local tastes such as the famous Bakewell Pudding, Harrington Blue Cheese, and Melandra Loaf.

Book now for a Peak District campervan adventure

We hope we've given you a flavour of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that's on our doorstep. If you haven't hired a campervan before, then the Peak District is perfect for starters.

Whether you hire one of our campervans for a weekend, a short-break, or a week or two, we'll guarantee that the Peak District will have you coming back for many more adventures.

Sarah Gibbs November 2018