How to Spend 48 Hours in the Peak District
A weekend in the Peak District is the perfect opportunity to swap busy schedules for open countryside, scenic walks, good food and some much-needed time to relax. And while you could easily spend a week exploring, 48 hours gives you plenty of time to experience some of the area’s highlights.
Located near Leek on the edge of the Peak District, Three Horseshoes Country Inn makes an ideal base for a Peak District weekend. With The Roaches and Tittesworth Water close by, the historic market town of Leek within easy reach and the Mill Wheel Spa waiting when you return, you can fit plenty into a short break without spending your weekend travelling from place to place.
Here’s how we’d spend 48 hours in the Peak District.
Day One: Arrive and Settle Into the Staffordshire Countryside
Your Peak District short break doesn’t have to start with a packed itinerary. Once you’ve checked into Three Horseshoes, take some time to settle in and enjoy the countryside surroundings.
Depending on when you arrive, you could enjoy a drink in the Country Inn, explore the grounds or simply relax in your room before dinner.
For an extra-special weekend away, our hot tub rooms give you your own private outdoor hot tub, providing the perfect place to switch off after travelling and ease into a slower pace for the weekend.
Evening: Dinner at the Country Inn
Start your first evening with good food without having to venture far from your room.
Our Country Inn serves seasonal dishes in relaxed surroundings, making it easy to settle in for the evening after arriving. Enjoy dinner, order your favourite drink and make the most of having your restaurant, hotel and spa all in one place.
After dinner, retreat to your room for a comfortable night’s sleep, ready for a full day exploring the Peak District.
Day Two Morning: Walk The Roaches
After breakfast, it’s time to get outside.
The Roaches are one of the area’s most recognisable landscapes and are right on our doorstep, making them a natural starting point for your first full day.
The dramatic rocky ridge offers far-reaching views across Staffordshire and the surrounding Peak District landscape. There are routes for different abilities and plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery along the way.
It’s particularly impressive early in the day, when you can enjoy the fresh countryside air before heading on to your next stop.
Remember that conditions can change quickly in the Peak District, so suitable footwear and clothing are always worth bringing, even if the forecast looks promising.
Late Morning: Explore Tittesworth Water
After exploring The Roaches, head to nearby Tittesworth Water for a gentler change of pace.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the reservoir is a great place for a waterside walk and offers several routes depending on how much further you’d like to explore.
Combining The Roaches and Tittesworth Water gives you two very different sides of the local landscape in one morning, from rugged hills and rocky ridges to peaceful waterside scenery.
Afternoon: Discover Leek
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way into Leek, a historic Staffordshire market town just a short journey from Three Horseshoes.
Known for its independent shops, cafés, markets and antique shops, Leek is well worth setting aside a couple of hours to explore. Wander through the town centre, browse the shops and stop for a coffee before heading back into the countryside.
Market days are particularly good times to visit, with different markets taking place throughout the week and adding to the town’s traditional character.
Late Afternoon: Relax at Mill Wheel Spa
After a day of walking and exploring, it’s time to slow things down.
Head back to Three Horseshoes and spend the late afternoon at our Mill Wheel Spa, where you’ll find a collection of distinctive experiences designed to help you unwind.
Relax in the heated Outdoor Vitality Pool, experience the warmth of the Peak District Stonebath, step into the Farmers Sauna or cool down in the Cedar Plunge Pool. You can also add one of our spa treatments to your visit for an extra touch of relaxation.
It’s the perfect contrast to a busy morning exploring the Peak District and one of the benefits of choosing a spa hotel as the base for your weekend.
Evening: Dinner, Drinks and Time to Unwind
There’s no need to rush back out again after your spa experience.
Enjoy another relaxed evening at the Country Inn, with seasonal food and drinks, before heading back to your room.
During the warmer months, you can enjoy the outdoor areas and countryside views. In autumn and winter, the Country Inn is a cosy place to settle in after a day outside.
If you’ve booked one of our hot tub rooms, finish the evening with a soak in your private outdoor hot tub before bed.
Day Three Morning: One Last Peak District Adventure
After breakfast on your final morning, there’s still time to fit in one more experience before heading home.
If you’d like another walk, the wider Peak District offers plenty of options. Lud’s Church provides something a little different, with a deep moss-covered chasm hidden within woodland, while Three Shires Head combines historic packhorse bridges, streams and surrounding countryside.
Alternatively, take the morning slowly. Enjoy breakfast, revisit Leek or simply make the most of the countryside before checking out.
After all, a Peak District short break doesn’t have to mean filling every available minute.
Make Your Peak District Weekend Your Own
One of the best things about spending 48 hours in the Peak District is how easy it is to adapt your weekend to suit you.
For an active break, fill your days with walks around The Roaches, Tittesworth Water and the wider Peak District. For a slower getaway, spend more time at Mill Wheel Spa, explore Leek at your own pace and enjoy long meals back at the Country Inn.
Couples can turn the itinerary into a romantic weekend with a hot tub room and spa treatments, while families can combine the countryside with nearby attractions such as Peak Wildlife Park or Alton Towers.
Stay at Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
Positioned between the Staffordshire countryside and the Peak District, Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa near Leek puts walks, attractions and days out within easy reach, while also giving you a relaxing place to return to.
With comfortable hotel rooms, private hot tub rooms, the Mill Wheel Spa and seasonal dining all on-site, you can spend less of your 48 hours travelling and more of it enjoying your break.
Explore our rooms and spa breaks and start planning your next Peak District weekend.
FAQs About a Weekend in the Peak District
Is 48 hours enough for the Peak District?
Yes. While there’s far more to explore than you could fit into one weekend, 48 hours is enough time to combine several walks, local attractions, good food and some relaxation. Choosing accommodation close to the places you want to visit makes it easier to enjoy a shorter stay.
Where should I stay for a Peak District weekend?
Consider what you want to do during your visit rather than choosing accommodation based on location alone. Staying near Leek provides convenient access to The Roaches, Tittesworth Water and other parts of the Peak District while also putting shops, dining and attractions within easy reach.
What should I do on a Peak District short break?
Walking is one of the biggest attractions, but a Peak District short break can include much more. Explore market towns such as Leek, visit local attractions, enjoy countryside dining or combine your adventures with a relaxing spa experience.
What are some good walks near Leek?
The Roaches and Tittesworth Water are two popular options close to Leek. Lud’s Church and Three Shires Head are also worth considering if you have more time to explore the surrounding Peak District.
Can I combine a Peak District break with a spa stay?
Absolutely. Staying at Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa allows you to combine days exploring the countryside with time at Mill Wheel Spa, dining and an overnight stay, making it easy to balance adventure with relaxation.