Derbyshire Dales

Local authority district in Derbyshire, England

Coordinates:	53.11, -1.69
OS grid ref:	SK 20 57

The Derbyshire Dales is a local authority district in central Derbyshire, in the East Midlands of England. It takes in much of the southern and central Peak District - the White Peak - with classic limestone dales, river gorges and rounded hills. Principal towns include Matlock (where the council is based), the historic market town of Bakewell, Ashbourne and Wirksworth, and notable landscapes such as Dovedale and the River Derwent, with popular routes like the Monsal Trail.

Economically the district mixes agriculture (sheep and dairy), limestone quarrying and a significant tourism industry driven by walking, caving and heritage. Attractions range from show caves such as Poole's Cavern in Matlock Bath to the early industrial sites at Cromford and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The area’s identity is shaped by small market communities, local festivals and food traditions like the Bakewell pudding, while contemporary challenges include seasonal work, pressure from holiday homes and sustaining rural services for an ageing population.

Derbyshire Dales postcode districts

Most populated places in Derbyshire Dales

Places in Derbyshire Dales

Abney and Abney Grange Parish
Aldwark Parish
Alkmonton Parish
Ashbourne Built-up area
Ashbourne North Ward
Ashbourne South Ward
Ashford in the Water Parish
Atlow Parish
Bakewell Built-up area
Ballidon Parish
Baslow Built-up area
Baslow and Bubnell Parish
Bonsall Built-up area
Brailsford Built-up area
Brassington Built-up area
Cromford Built-up area
Doveridge Built-up area
Eyam Built-up area
Froggatt Built-up area
Great Longstone Built-up area
Hathersage Built-up area
Kirk Ireton Built-up area
Kniveton Built-up area
Matlock Built-up area
Parwich Built-up area
Shirley Parish
Taddington Built-up area
Tansley Built-up area
Tideswell Built-up area
Winster Built-up area
Wirksworth Built-up area
Youlgreave Built-up area