The Peak District national park marked its 63rd anniversary today with a Google Doodle. The colourful design features the sun rising behind one of the park's iconic gritstone tors, the Salt Cellar at Derwent Edge.

The Peak District was Britain's first national park, created in 1951 following a campaign to increase open access to and to protect Britain's countryside that included the famous mass trespass to the Peak District's highest point, Kinder Scout, in April 1932. There are now 15 national parks in the UK, with the latest, South Downs national park, being created in April 2011.

The Peak District park covers an area of 555 square miles, across six counties – mainly in Derbyshire, but also Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire. While there are no particularly high peaks in the Peak District, the natural beauty of landscapes such as the wild gritstone Dark Peak or the gentle limestone White Peak, heather-clad moorlands and picturesque villages draw millions of visitors each year. As well as walking and rambling, it's a world famous destination for rock climbers and with 65 car-free miles of trails is also great for cycling, with its first cycling festival starting last year.

Its many rivers, such as the Wye, Derwent and Dove are more quietly heralded by anglers, who as well their catch of rainbow or brown trout, may also spot otters, kingfishers and water voles along the banks.

Rare animals found within the park include mountain hares, Eurasian golden plover and red grouse as well as plants such as common cottongrass and mountain strawberry.

Where to stay: Cool holiday cottages in the Peaks and Derbyshire

Video: Learning to rock climb in the Peak District

Surprises on the edge of the Peak District