Visit Peak District & Derbyshire partners with trentbarton to encourage car-free visits

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has announced a new Strategic Partnership with bus operator trentbarton as part of its ongoing mission to encourage visitors to explore the destination without a car.

The organisations will work together to highlight the benefits of travelling by bus and promote car-free visits to the area – offering visitors a practical way to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and help protect the area’s much-loved landscapes.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Strategic Partners form an influential network of key tourism-related businesses who share its core ambition to grow the value of the visitor economy while building a more sustainable future for local communities.

Through this new partnership, trentbarton is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the destination’s accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and helping to shape a greener, more connected tourism offer.

Trentbarton operates an extensive network of bus services across Derbyshire and the Peak District, including its well-known the sixes route, which provide easy, scenic access to some of the area’s most popular towns and villages. These include connections to places such as Wirksworth, Belper, Matlock Bath and Bakewell, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore the region without relying on a car.

The sixes network links key locations across the Derwent Valley and into the heart of the Peak District, providing access to walking routes, heritage sites and visitor attractions while supporting local businesses along the way.

The Strategic Partnership strengthens Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s long-term mission to promote sustainable travel. Together, the organisations will develop inspiring ‘car-free’ content and itineraries designed to encourage both visitors and residents to discover the area using public transport.

This collaboration aligns closely with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Sustainable Tourism Action Plan and Destination Management Plan, which set out a shared vision with local stakeholders to lead the way in green tourism, improve transport connectivity and support low-impact travel across the destination.

Tourism continues to play a vital role in the local economy, contributing £3.59bn in economic value to the Peak District and Derbyshire each year and supporting thousands of jobs. Encouraging more sustainable ways to travel is key to protecting the landscapes and communities that make the area so special.

Tom Morgan, Managing Director at trentbarton said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to champion more sustainable ways to explore this outstanding destination. Our the sixes route, along with our wider network, make it simple for people to visit some of the area’s most stunning towns, villages and countryside without relying on a car.
We’re excited about what we can achieve together, encouraging more people to travel by bus, easing congestion and helping to protect the environment while supporting local communities.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome trentbarton as a Strategic Partner. They share our commitment to making it easier for people to explore the Peak District and Derbyshire in a more sustainable way.

“Our Strategic Partners play a crucial role in helping us deliver our Destination Management Plan and Sustainable Tourism Action Plan. By working together, we can encourage more visitors to leave the car behind, reducing pressure on our busiest locations while enhancing the overall visitor experience.”

trentbarton joins an established network of Strategic Partners committed to supporting the long-term success of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s visitor economy.

Businesses interested in becoming a Strategic Partner of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire can contact Lisa Woolhouse via email at lisa.woolhouse@visitpeakdistrict.com for more information.

For more details about trentbarton, visit: www.trentbarton.co.uk