Things to do at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

Mix of coloured leaves falling off trees and two people walk in front, one wearing a pink coat, the other a blue coat — Visitors walking in the parkland in November at Ilam Park, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

With its rolling hills, limestone cliffs and picturesque river views, Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak is a popular destination for walks, discovering nature, unearthing fossils and finding stunning views. Explore what you can do in the area.

Ilam Park

Escape the hustle and bustle when exploring Ilam Park and take in the far-reaching views towards Thorpe Cloud, discover paths through the woodlands and look out for wildlife by the River Manifold. There are plenty of spaces to play, sit or walk the dog. Whatever the season you can explore outdoors.

Dovedale

A favourite with families and walkers, you'll find the famous stepping stones in Dovedale, a National Nature Reserve, with stunning ravine woodlands, wildlife and views. Spot fossils in the limestone rock formations and look out for dippers and yellow wagtails bobbing along the River Dove.

If you love Dovedale then be sure to take all your litter home with you, always keep dogs on leads, do not bring barbecues, campfires or outdoor cooking equipment with you as these are not allowed. Please be aware that there is no phone signal in this area, so plan your day with this in mind.

You can walk across the fields between Ilam Park and Dovedale and enjoy both places in a day. There are sheep, lambs and cows in some of the fields. Please keep your dog on a short lead to help minimise disturbance to the farm animals. It is 1½ miles from Ilam Park to the stepping stones in Dovedale.

Please remember, this ravine woodland has many areas of loose rock and uneven ground. Please do not climb on loose rock and suitable footwear is advised for exploring this area.

Manifold Valley

Explore the Manifold Valley and its lush green grasslands, thick woodlands and limestone crags. Climb up high for far-reaching views or to discover Ecton Engine House on Ecton Hill. It was built in 1788 when large amounts of copper were mined here by the Duke of Devonshire.

The valley is a popular destination for cyclists and is ideal for families or those new to cycling. Along the way listen out for birds including buzzards soaring high above the limestone rock formations.

Tissington Spires in Dovedale, South Peak Estate, Derbyshire, in autumn | © National Trust Images/Robert Morris

Exploring the White Peak in Autumn

Autumn is a wonderful time to explore in the White Peak. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around Ilam Park, or a longer walk into the limestone hills at Dovedale National Nature Reserve, at this time of year the woodlands of the White Peak put on a spectacular show of colour. This makes a picturesque photo opportunity from within the woodlands or looking out over them from the hills of the White Peak. The display of berries on the rowans add to the festival of autumn colour

Spot dippers and herons on the River Dove and the wide variety of birds in the woodlands such as robins, chaffinches and wrens.

The woodlands and grasslands of the White Peak are a perfect place for spotting fascinating fungi.

The Manifold Tea-room at Ilam Park is the perfect spot to get a seasonal lunch or hot drink to warm up after spending time in the outdoors.

The Gardens at Ilam Park

In early autumn there is still an abundance of colour in the Italian Garden. The borders in the Italian Garden are managed for the benefit of wildlife, so seed heads are left on and the plants aren’t pruned to ground level as soon as they are finished. This means birds and insects can benefit from a longer season.

A visit to the Orchard at Ilam Park may well reward you with the last of the fruits hanging on the heritage apple and pear trees, and even autumn fruiting raspberries.

You can venture down the Zigzags, the oldest part of the gardens and our miniature pleasure grounds that links the Italian Gardens to the River Manifold and valley, and look out for clumps of Cyclamen hederfolium, the autumn flowering cyclamen, and the round, white flowers of Helleborus niger (Christmas rose) under the golden leaves of the huge beech trees.

The best woodlands in the White Peak

Tissington Spires in Dovedale

Half a mile north of Lover’s Leap on the main Dovedale path, Tissington Spires is a series of towering crags that are blanketed in woodland that somehow cling to the steep faces. It’s one of the best and most accessible examples of truly wild ravine woodland.

Woodlands of the Hamps Valley

Take a walk along the Manifold track through the Hamps valley and you’ll be surrounded by a history of working woods – woodsmen of the past coppiced hazel here to make baskets for transporting pots from the Potteries of the Midlands.

Walking

Whether it's a stroll by the River Manifold, a wander through ancient ravine woodlands or a hike over the hilltops, there are plenty of walks to be discovered when you explore the White Peak. If you don't have a map with you, there is a range of postcard-sized walk guides available when you arrive.

A popular activity for families visiting Ilam Park is playing Pooh sticks on the huge stone bridge on the River Manifold. There's plenty of space nearby to sit down with a picnic and spot birds on the river while you have your lunch.