The White Peak
The White Peak is the gentler side of the Peak District, known for its rolling limestone hills, dry stone walls, picturesque villages and peaceful countryside. Home to popular places including Bakewell, Ashford-in-the-Water, Youlgreave, Monyash and Great Longstone, this beautiful part of the National Park combines traditional village life with excellent amenities, scenic walks and a relaxed way of living.
Whether you're planning a move or simply exploring the area, the White Peak offers some of the most attractive places to live and visit in the Peak District.
Life Among the Limestone Villages
Whilst the White Peak is renowned for its rolling limestone countryside, life here is about far more than beautiful scenery. The villages each have their own unique character, offering a wonderful blend of traditional homes, welcoming communities and an enviable quality of life that continues to attract people from across the country.
From the bustling market town of Bakewell to the riverside beauty of Ashford-in-the-Water, and the timeless villages of Great Longstone, Youlgreave and Monyash, the White Peak combines history, countryside and everyday village life in equal measure. Independent shops, traditional pubs, scenic walks and a strong sense of community all contribute to making this one of the most desirable parts of the Peak District to call home.
Whether you're looking for a character cottage, a family home or simply a village that offers the perfect balance between countryside living and modern convenience, the White Peak provides an exceptional lifestyle in one of Britain's most beautiful landscapes.
Explore the Villages of the White Peak
One of the White Peak's greatest attractions is its collection of beautiful limestone villages, each with its own unique character, history and sense of community. From bustling market towns to peaceful rural villages, every destination offers something different whilst sharing the timeless beauty of the White Peak landscape. Explore the featured villages below to discover which one feels most like home.
Bakewell
About Bakewell
Bakewell is the heart of the Peak District National Park and one of Derbyshire's most desirable places to live. Combining the charm of a traditional market town with excellent everyday amenities, it offers a unique lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, retirees and anyone looking to enjoy the very best of the Peak District. Its historic stone buildings, riverside setting and welcoming atmosphere create a town that is both vibrant and full of character.
Situated on the banks of the River Wye, Bakewell provides an excellent range of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and local businesses, alongside highly regarded schools and essential services. Despite being the largest town in the National Park, it has retained its friendly community feel and continues to host its famous weekly market, attracting visitors and residents throughout the year. Scenic walks, cycling routes and beautiful countryside begin just a few minutes from the town centre.
One of Bakewell's greatest strengths is its balance between convenience and countryside. Residents enjoy all the benefits of a thriving market town whilst being surrounded by some of the Peak District's most spectacular landscapes. Whether exploring the riverside, visiting nearby villages or enjoying the many local events, there is always something to experience.For those considering a move to the Peak District, Bakewell offers an exceptional combination of location, lifestyle and community. From charming period cottages to spacious family homes, the town caters for a wide variety of buyers, making it one of the most sought-after places to live anywhere within the National Park.
Ashford-in-the-Water
About Ashford-in-the-Water
Ashford-in-the-Water is widely regarded as one of the Peak District's most picturesque villages, offering a unique combination of history, natural beauty and village charm. Set on the banks of the River Wye, the village is famous for its medieval Sheepwash Bridge, attractive limestone cottages and peaceful surroundings.
Despite its popularity with visitors, Ashford has retained a genuine sense of community, making it an exceptional place to live as well as explore.Located just a short distance from Bakewell, Ashford-in-the-Water enjoys the perfect balance between rural tranquillity and everyday convenience. Residents benefit from easy access to independent shops, cafés, schools and local services whilst being surrounded by beautiful countryside and some of the Peak District's finest walking and cycling routes.
The village itself offers a relaxed pace of life where the changing seasons bring colour and character to its riverside setting.One of Ashford's greatest attractions is its timeless appearance. Historic stone buildings, mature trees and beautifully maintained green spaces create an environment that feels both welcoming and unspoilt. Whether you're enjoying a walk beside the River Wye, exploring the surrounding countryside or simply appreciating the peaceful atmosphere, it's easy to understand why so many people choose to make Ashford-in-the-Water their home.For those considering a move to the Peak District, Ashford-in-the-Water offers an outstanding combination of location, lifestyle and community. Its character, beauty and proximity to Bakewell make it one of the White Peak's most desirable and sought-after villages.
Great Longstone
About Great Longstone
Great Longstone is one of the White Peak's most welcoming villages, combining traditional Derbyshire character with a thriving community and an enviable countryside setting. Surrounded by rolling limestone hills and open farmland, the village is known for its attractive stone cottages, excellent local amenities and easy access to some of the Peak District's most beautiful walking routes. It offers a peaceful way of life whilst remaining well connected to nearby Bakewell and the surrounding villages.
The village enjoys a strong sense of community, supported by independent businesses, welcoming pubs and local events throughout the year. Great Longstone is also perfectly positioned for exploring the Monsal Trail, Longstone Edge and many of the White Peak's best-loved beauty spots. Families, professionals and retirees are all drawn to the village because of its friendly atmosphere, excellent location and high quality of life.One of Great Longstone's greatest strengths is the balance it offers between village living and modern convenience. Residents can enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside without feeling isolated, thanks to excellent road links and nearby services.
The village has retained its historic charm whilst continuing to evolve as a desirable place to live within the National Park.For those considering a move to the Peak District, Great Longstone offers an outstanding combination of community, convenience and countryside. Its beautiful setting, traditional character and excellent location make it one of the White Peak's most desirable villages and a place many people are proud to call home.
Youlgreave
About Youlgreave
Youlgreave is one of the White Peak's largest and most characterful villages, offering a wonderful combination of history, community and beautiful countryside. Built from traditional limestone, the village is home to attractive cottages, historic buildings, independent businesses and welcoming pubs, all set amongst the rolling hills of the Peak District. Its friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit have made Youlgreave one of the area's most desirable villages for those seeking an authentic Derbyshire lifestyle.
Situated between the River Bradford and the spectacular Lathkill Dale, Youlgreave enjoys an enviable location surrounded by some of the finest walking and cycling routes in the National Park. Residents benefit from excellent local amenities whilst remaining within easy reach of Bakewell and neighbouring White Peak villages. The combination of village life and outstanding natural beauty makes Youlgreave a popular choice for families, professionals and retirees alike.One of Youlgreave's greatest strengths is its ability to balance traditional village character with modern everyday living. Historic streets, welcoming community events and a relaxed pace of life create an environment where people quickly feel at home.
Whether exploring the surrounding dales, enjoying the local cafés and pubs or simply appreciating the village's unique charm, there is always something to discover.For those considering a move to the Peak District, Youlgreave offers an exceptional combination of location, lifestyle and community. Its rich history, beautiful setting and excellent amenities make it one of the White Peak's most attractive and sought-after villages.
Monyash
About Monyash
Monyash is one of the White Peak's most charming villages, surrounded by rolling limestone countryside, dry stone walls and some of the finest walking routes in the Peak District. With its attractive stone cottages, historic market cross and peaceful atmosphere, the village perfectly captures the timeless character of rural Derbyshire.
It is a place where traditional village life continues to thrive, offering a welcoming community and an enviable quality of life.Despite its peaceful setting, Monyash is ideally located for exploring the wider White Peak, with Bakewell, Youlgreave and many of the area's best-loved beauty spots all within easy reach. The village is popular with walkers, cyclists and nature lovers, whilst residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life surrounded by beautiful countryside. Traditional pubs, quiet lanes and open views in every direction make Monyash an attractive destination throughout the year.One of Monyash's greatest strengths is its authenticity. The village has retained its historic character whilst remaining a vibrant place to live, where community events and local traditions continue to play an important role.
Whether you're setting off on a countryside walk, enjoying a meal in the village pub or simply appreciating the peaceful surroundings, Monyash offers everything many people imagine when they think of life in the Peak District. For those considering a move to the Peak District, Monyash provides an outstanding combination of character, tranquillity and location. Its beautiful setting, friendly community and traditional village atmosphere make it one of the White Peak's most desirable places to call home.
Discover the White Peak for Yourself
The White Peak is home to some of the Peak District's most beautiful villages, where rolling limestone countryside, historic market towns and welcoming communities come together to create an exceptional place to live. From Bakewell and Ashford-in-the-Water to Great Longstone, Youlgreave and Monyash, each village has its own unique character while sharing the timeless beauty that makes this part of the National Park so special.
Whether you're planning a move, researching different villages or simply looking for inspiration, taking the time to explore the White Peak is well worthwhile. As more village guides are added to this website, you'll discover in-depth information on local property, schools, amenities, walks and the lifestyle each community has to offer, helping you find the village that feels like home.