Monday, 14 March 2011

Welcome to Peak District

One of the most gorgeous places in northern England is Peak District. It is a huge national park that is perhaps most well known for Lyme Hall which served as Mr. Darcy's house in Pride and Prejudice. Right in the middle of the park is Buxton, a cute little town with a shopping centre, museum and opera house. It's a spa town known for its mineral waters which run in St. Anne's Well, where people come to collect water.

The town is overflowing with cozy little B&B's that serve a full English breakfast which is absolutely delicious!
True to England's reputation, the pub food in Buxton is inexpensive but really good. I had a platter of chicken tikka masala at The King's Head, which was much better than what I had at an Indian restaurant in London. The pub is known for its Millionaire Ice Cream Sundae: heaps of chocolate, vanilla and caramel ice cream on top of a layer of shortbread, topped with toffee and chocolate syrup and whipped cream. The dessert comes to share but anyone with a sweet tooth could definitely eat it by herself.

 
Lyme Hall is located on a hill in the northern part of Peak District. Visitors are greeted with samples of wine and reminded to not take pictures inside the house. The dining table is laid out exactly as it was in the movie and the family room is just as grand. The gardens have beautiful flowers and even a lake surrounded by trees!
Outside of the hall is a path leading up a hill. Although the path looks tiring it is definitely worth walking to the top. The hill gives a gorgeous view of the green hills of Peak District, a sight that is absolutely break taking!


Peak District was a great break from the busy city and an absolutely gorgeous place to see in sunny northern England!