5 ways to spend New Year in the Peak District

As the year draws to an end, there will be lots of things to look back on, things to celebrate, and things to look forward to. There will also be hope for fresh starts and new beginnings as this year leads into next, so here are some unusual ideas on how to spend New Year in the Peak District which will leave you with one to remember!

Blow away the past year at Alton Towers

Yes, a theme park! What better way to see in the new year than with the thrill of rollercoasters, death drops and the Teletubbies? You could choose to go on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day and celebrate in style with some thrill-seeking rides which are bound to re-energise and invigorate. Giggle your way round ‘The Smiler’ and take on the jaw-dropping ‘Nemesis’. Hold on to your hat during ‘Galactica’ and grit your teeth down the ‘Oblivion’ drop.

With a mixture of adult-only and family-friendly rides there is something for everyone, and CBeebies Land will keep the youngsters entertained for hours. The Dungeon takes you on a spooky ride through the area’s darkest history and, if you escape that, make sure you recover with a tasty meal in one of the many restaurants. This would be a brilliant way to say goodbye to another year, and an even better way to start one!

Location: Stoke on Trent, ST10 4DB

Opening hours: 10am – 6pm. Visit the Alton Towers website for all other information.

Party in a local Peak pub

Throughout the Peak District, there are hundreds of pubs that open their doors to locals and visitors from further afield to celebrate the coming of a new year. This is the perfect time of year to sample the true traditional English pub as more people spend time inside keeping warm or recuperating after days out exploring.

This is a popular part of the country for walking, fell running, fishing, caving and horse riding, so people of all interests get together, share in a drink, and create a merry atmosphere like none other. Many of the pubs host live music events, quizzes and parties which will see in the new year with a bang. Get to one early and tuck into some tasty grub followed by some locally brewed ales from Brampton Brewery, Peak Ales or Dancing Duck. Check out our guide on 8 of the best Peak District pubs to sample. 

Our favourites

• The Old Hall Inn, Whitehough, High Peak. SK23 6EJ
• Packhorse Inn, Mellor Road, High Peak. SK22 4QQ

Opening hours and closing times vary for each pub, call in advance to avoid disappointment.

Catch a winter sunset

Not everyone likes to go crazy around New Years, in fact, many like to escape the hustle and bustle and just do something quiet with their nearest and dearest. A special way to spend New Year’s Eve would be to walk to a remote location (not too far from the car) and watch the sun go down on the past year. If you were really keen, you could return at sunrise to welcome it to the new year.

Black Rocks is a popular walking and climbing area with beautiful circuit walks through adjoining woods and it offers a safe place to explore and adventure amongst nature and wildlife. You can spend hours here admiring views and discovering different trails. The view-point can be reached by a short but steep climb from the car park, but the vista makes it worth it and it would be the perfect end to the day. Just make sure you take your head torch for the way back down!

Location: Set off Derby Road, Derbyshire, DE4 4GT

Remember to take:

• Comfortable boots and warm clothing
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Head torch and first aid kit – you don’t want any accidents!
• Camera to catch the sunset

Walk up Mam Tor and into your future

Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’ is a 517-metre-high hill near Castleton in the High Peak area of Derbyshire and, being one of the most famous walks, it only makes sense to experience it during such a special time of year. It’s the main link between the eastern end of Rushup Edge and the western end of the Great Ridge, so it’s renowned for its beauty and on a clear day you can see as far as Manchester!

Whether you walk this on New Year’s Eve or January the 1st, it will fill you with life and spirit as you take in mesmerising views and breathe in the fresh, crisp air. Finish off your day with a warm home-cooked meal in a local pub, stay for a pint, or go back and warm the toes in your self-catering cottage. Just remember to stock up on the wine beforehand as you’ll want to celebrate your triumphant efforts!

Check out our guide on 10 fantastic Peak District walks for even more New Year walk ideas.

Location: Mam Tor, Derbyshire, S33 8WA

Remember to take:

• Comfortable boots and warm clothing
• Plenty of water and snacks
• First aid kit
• Camera/phone
• Map/GPS

Hide away in a hot tub

Whilst getting out and about to parties and gatherings or partaking in the active outdoors can be a lot of fun, there will be some of you who prefer staying in. After a busy or stressful year, the thought of partying can be too much. If that is the case, why not ‘stay in’ at one of our lovely cottages? And to spice it up a bit more – a cottage with a hot tub!

The luxury of a self-catering cottage or house is that you can pick your guestlist and spend your time exactly how you want, whether you are going with family, friends, or just the two of you. You could create the ultimate New Year’s feast by candle light or treat yourself to a take-away. Gather round with music and games afterwards, whilst you enjoy some wine and cheese perhaps. Once you're full and happy, why not hop into the hot tub to see in the bells? There surely isn’t a more relaxing way to head into the new year! There are plenty of ways to make a night in just as special as a night out and having a hot tub to bubble away in with a glass of Champagne is just the cherry on an already delicious cake.

Some of our best hot tub cottages

• Stowe Cottage, Middleton. Sleeps 2, 2 dogs welcome. 
• Roman Farm, Buxton. Sleeps 18, 2 dogs welcome. 
• Kingfisher At Manor View. Sleeps 2.

The Peak District is renowned for its grand houses and stately homes and hotels, many of which host themed parties and gala dinners, so these too are options for you to look into for ways to celebrate New Year whilst on holiday.

Discover our full range of cottages available for New Year in the Peak District and plan a trip to remember!