The pretty villages and market towns of the Peak District and Derbyshire have a unique character and atmosphere of their own and you'll find traditional organic butchers, bakers and ironmongers nestled between contemporary craft studios, charming antique shops and independent book stores.
Markets are at the core of Peak District & Derbyshire life and there's a great choice of goods and produce available throughout the region. If you're in Derby, head for the permanent market stalls in Derby's Eagle Centre or those in the imposing Guildhall Market.
Regular weekly markets and farmers' markets are also held throughout the Peak District in larger market towns such as Buxton, Leek and Bakewell, which is also home to many quaint shops including The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop.
The David Mellor Country Shop is the perfect place to choose your special presents. It stocks the full range of David Mellor cutlery as well as a collection of the finest British crafts: handmade pottery, woodware, glass, English baskets, horn and marble, jams and honeys. They sell a professional range of kitchen equipment and superb David Mellor kitchen knives and the staff provide expert advice. Directly opposite the Round Building cutlery factory, the shop at Hathersage gives visitors the opportunity to buy their cutlery from the place the designs were originally conceived.
Exploring the shops around the historic villages and towns of the Peak District is always a real pleasure, with alleyways, courtyards, arcades and streets revealing new delights around every corner. Here the accent is more on individual shops and you'll find an intriguing selection of products, from crafts to couture and outdoor clothing! If you love browsing round antique shops don't miss Leek and Ashbourne, but if handmade chocolates are your weakness then Bakewell is the place!
Call in at the East Midlands Designer Outlet, just one junction down the M1 from Chesterfield, which has more than 70 stores selling big name brands at bargain prices. Lea Bridge near Cromford is home to the John Smedley Mill Shop, while the David Nieper outlet has designer collections of fine quality nightwear and lingerie. The De Bradelei Mill Shop in Belper, Masson Mills in Matlock Bath and Peak Village at Rowsley, near Bakewell, are all great places to snap up designer clothing and sportswear at bargain basement prices.
