Derbyshire is renowned for being a hugely diverse county, with rural and urban life nestled within the breathtaking Derbyshire countryside.

The city of Derby was awarded city status by Her Majesty the Queen in 1977 but despite being one of England's youngest cities has a full diary of events throughout the year.

Heading out of the city, nestled amongst unspoilt countryside, there are many towns and villages to discover, each with its own unique history. One of particular interest is Buxton, which boasts the highest market place in the country.

Derbyshire is home to the first national park in Britain; The Peak District National Park, which lies at the southern end of the Pennines, between Sheffield and Manchester. Its boundaries spread into several other neighbouring counties and covers over 500 square miles of which three quarters lie within Derbyshire itself.

The Peak District offers the visitor varying kinds of countryside to explore -

• dales and valleys
• rock faces and caves
• rolling hills and meadows
• rivers and streams

There are few places in Great Britain that can compare with the Peak District National Park. There are over 50 species of plants per square metre thriving in the Derbyshire Dales. The vast woodlands create a wonderful landscape, with clusters of native oak readily scattered creating a beautiful canopy for the habitats beneath. The area is rich in birds, amphibians, insects and other animals; in fact, the Peak District is one of the most important places in Europe for many species of birds.

The area is facing many increasing pressures from agriculture, where food production is taking precedence over conservation. There are many organisations, like the Peak District National Park Authority, who are working continually to maintain and enhance the area's natural beauty.

The Derbyshire countryside offers the ideal environment for many outdoor activities. with an abundance of facilities for both the young and the old alike.

There are many places to visit, from renowned stately homes such as Chatsworth House, to family fun days out. Whatever your age or your interest there's always something exciting to see, come rain or shine.

Derbyshire offers over 1100 individual accommodation providers , from farmhouse weekend breaks or a stay in a pine log cabin. We hope that you find the ideal place to stay whether it be for business or for pleasure.

Derbyshire also offers it's visitors a wide and varied selection of places to eat, from specialist 5-star restaurants to quaint and charming tea rooms. Whatever you fancy Derbyshire has it all.

To help you plan your visit to Derbyshire we suggest www.visitderbyshire.co.uk.

Enjoy your visit.