Top 10 Most Photographed Places in the Peak District

Jenny Hardcastle
Jul 2
2 min read

Whether you're an experienced photographer or just love a great backdrop for your next post, these ten Peak District locations offer the best views, compositions, and atmosphere — all year round.

🪨 1. Stanage Edge

The ultimate Peak District shot.This iconic gritstone ridge near Hathersage is a favourite for golden hour photography. Expect dramatic cliffs, big skies, and sweeping views over the Hope Valley.

📷 Best time to shoot: Sunrise or sunset

Sunset view from Stanage Edge] — Image credit: peakdistrictwalks.net

morning at Winnats Pass near Castleton — Image Credit: Richard Lizzimore

🌀 2. Winnats Pass

A moody limestone gorge carved into the landscape.The winding road slicing through steep green cliffs makes this a favourite drone spot — and even more atmospheric in fog or golden light.

📷 Best time to shoot: Dawn with mist or dusk for shadows

🌊 3. Ladybower Reservoir

Glass-like reflections and curving roads.Framed by forested hills and famous plugholes, this peaceful spot is ideal for tranquil water shots and dramatic clouds mirrored on the surface.

📷 Best time to shoot: Calm mornings or stormy skies

image credit: windows10spotlight.com/images/28750

🪜 4. Dovedale & the Stepping Stones

A Peak District classic.The River Dove winds between limestone cliffs and is famously crossed by ancient stepping stones — a magnet for photographers.

📷 Best time to shoot: Mid-morning for soft river light

chattsworth house in autumn time — Image Credit: Chatsworth House

🏰 5. Chatsworth House

Grandeur at every angle.Set against a scenic valley backdrop, this stately home is surrounded by manicured gardens, sculptures, and reflecting pools — a dream for architectural and lifestyle photography.

📷 Best time to shoot: Spring or autumn for colour contrast

🌄 6. Mam Tor

Panoramic drama and misty mornings.Known as the "Shivering Mountain", Mam Tor offers some of the most spectacular ridge-line sunrise shots in the Peak District.

📷 Best time to shoot: Early morning with a valley inversion

Morning sunrise at Mam Tor trig point — Image Credit: peakdistrictwalks.net

Sunrise over The Roaches ridge near Leek — Image credit: peakdistrictwalks.net

🪨 7. The Roaches

Craggy outcrops with cinematic light.This rugged ridge offers expansive views and unique rock formations. It’s particularly captivating when bathed in the soft light of sunrise.

📷 Best time to shoot: Early morning golden hour

🌉 8. Bakewell Bridge

Storybook charm in every season.The medieval stone bridge is the perfect subject in summer light or with autumn leaves cascading into the River Wye.

📷 Best time to shoot: Autumn or snowy winter mornings

view of Bakewell’s medieval stone bridge] — Image Credit: Caravantimes.co.uk

Peveril Castle above Castleton village — Image credit: englishheritage.org

🏘️ 9. Castleton & Peveril Castle

Ancient ruins and village charm. Castleton is surrounded by high ridges and overlooked by the 11th-century Peveril Castle ruins — a perfect mix of natural and manmade beauty.

📷 Best time to shoot: Golden hour from the hills

🪨 10. Black Rocks, Cromford

Rocky drama and sweeping views.Perched above the Derwent Valley, Black Rocks offers thrilling compositions of cliff edges and distant valleys — especially at twilight.

📷 Best time to shoot: Sunset or moody overcast skies