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The Capital of the Peak is a market town with a history stretching back almost 800 years. It has a fascinating “Old Town” at its heart and offers visitors lots of things to see and do both within the town and in the stunning surrounding countryside.

THE CHESTNUT CENTRE

A very popular conservation park, which features owls, endangered species and Europe’s largest collection of multi-species otters. The centre, which hosts many seasonal events, contains nature trails, a café and a gift shop. www.otterandowls.co.uk

OLD TOWN TRAIL

A walking trail around Chapel-en-le-Frith’s historic “Old Town” features: the Church of St Thomas Becket, which stands over 700 ft above sea-level on the site of the original chapel-in-the-forest; steep, cobbled Church Brow, one of the most picturesque streets in the Peak District; the ancient Market Place, which includes Stocks that date from the Cromwellian era, an old Market Cross, the War Memorial and a Victorian Horse Trough. Trails are available from the Visitor Centre, the Parish Office and from local shops.

HEARSE HOUSE VISITOR CENTRE

(Tel: 078073 99857). Erected in 1818, the Hearse House accommodated the parish hearse, which was available for hire for funerals – the hirer supplied his own horse! The grade II listed building now houses an information centre and interesting displays of historical artefacts. A touchscreen panel provides 24-hour tourist information.

WALKING IN THE HIGH PEAK

Chapel-en-le-Frith is located in a valley at the heart of some of the finest upland scenery in England. The high gritstone hills that surround the town are criss-crossed by walking routes, which pass many historical sites and provide spectacular views. Illustrated walking leaflets can be obtained, individually or in packs, from the Visitor Centre or from local shops.

ECCLES PIKE

The conical peak of Eccles Pike, a 1.5-mile walk from the town centre, provides a 360-degree view from its summit of all the major peaks and ridges of the High Peak. A unique sculptured topograph, which is set into the distinctive pink stone on the summit, names all the landmarks visible in the spectacular panorama.

COMBS LAKE

Constructed in 1794, to service the Peak Forest Canal, Combs Reservoir is a favourite local beauty spot. A sailing club has operated on the lake since 1950. (www.combssailingclub.com). Coarse fishing is also available.

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH GOLF CLUB

Voted by Today’s Golf as one of the top-ten scenic golf courses in the country, Chapel Golf Club has 18-holes, a superb clubhouse and spectacular views of the surrounding hills and ridges. (01298 814990, www.chapelgolf.co.uk).

CHAPEL LEISURE CENTRE

Situated at the foot of the high ridge of Combs Moss, Chapel Leisure Centre has a state-of-the-art fitness studio, sauna and steam rooms, a dance studio, a multi-use sports hall, several astro-turf floodlit pitches, tennis courts and a café bar. (Tel: 01298 811733, www.leisure-centre.com)

TRAMWAY TRAIL

The Tramway Trail follows the route of the eighteenth-century horse-drawn tramway that linked Chapel-en-le-Frith to Bugsworth Basin, an eighteenth-century inland port which has now been restored. Interpretation panels along the way tell the story of the historic route.

MEMORIAL PARK

The extensive and picturesque grounds of the Memorial Park include football pitches, kick-about areas, a children’s playground, skateboard/BMX ramps, basketball hoops, a bowling green and quiet areas for relaxation.

OTHER RECREATION/SPORTS AREAS

The Needham Recreation Ground on Ashbourne Lane has a children’s play area and a football pitch. There is a play area and sports field at Dove Holes. Further children’s play areas are located at Sparrowpit and Combs. Local football and cricket teams have pitches in idyllic locations in Chapel-en-le-Frith and Dove Holes.

PLAYHOUSE

Chapel Players is a very active amateur theatre group with a long tradition. The Players put on a programme of drama, comedy and musicals throughout the year at Chapel Playhouse. An annual pantomime is staged during January.