VILLAGES TO GET LOST IN.
Whilst many people travel to the Peak District National Park to enjoy the scenery and to be outdoors, there are a whole load of picturesque and charming villages – packed full of cafes, restaurants & independent retailers. So if you have had enough of walking, and want to experience something a little different during your holiday, we encourage you to head into these lovely rural villages and “spend locally” whilst on holiday.
TIDESWELL -10miles
The large ancient village of Tideswell makes for a lovely place to stop, relax and enjoy village life at one of the traditional village pubs or cafes. The village is best known for its 14th century parish church, the Church of St John the Baptist, also known as the “Cathedral of the Peak”.
Things to do in Tideswell
A visit to the Cathedral of the Peak is a must. It is home to some notable monuments, brasses and wood carvings. Tideswell Dale, at the southern end of the village is a limestone valley, home to a nature reserve featuring a lovely sculpture trail and farmland. You can find out more about Tidewell’s trails here.
The village has a number of cafés, pubs and a restaurant, with food to suit everyone. Plan your visit around Tideswell’s calendar of events, with the Tideswell Food Festival being held each year in May, and Well Dressings and Wakes Week in June and July. There are also plenty of concerts and musical events held at the church throughout the yea
BAKEWELL - 10miles
Situated on the banks of the river Wye, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park, Bakewell is scattered with stone buildings, a stunning medieval five-arched stone bridge and quaint courtyards. It is truly picturesque.
Things to do in Bakewell
Bakewell has a range of shops and specialist markets to visit, with their outdoor market every Monday and you can shop for local produce at one of Britain’s best Farmers’ Markets, on the last Saturday of every month. Plus there’s specialist shops selling rare whiskies, handmade chocolate, clothing and much more. Grab a bite to eat at a café, restaurant, pub or tea room. You can also take a tour and sample amazing craft beers at Thornbridge Brewery.
Chatsworth House is an absolute must-see. A family home passed down through 16 generations, it is also a working farm with 1822 acres of surrounding landscape. You could easily spend a full day at Chatsworth, with the opportunity to explore the House, Garden and Farmyard, and there’s also a children’s playground. Inside the house, you can discover the history of Chatsworth and view some stunning exhibitions of art. Be sure to check out what’s on during your stay, as Chatsworth provides a packed programme of events including concerts, seasonal walks and dining experiences. Don’t forget to visit the gift shops and Estate farm shop for some souvenirs and unique gift ideas.
It wouldn’t be a visit to Bakewell without a taste of the famed Bakewell Pudding! Although you won’t struggle to pick one up wherever you are in the town, for a truly authentic experience, pay a visit to the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, the birthplace of the sweet treat. The restaurant upstairs is an ideal spot for afternoon tea, a hearty meal or even just a quick coffee before setting off to explore again.
For a taste of the great outdoors, the Monsal Trail offers breathtaking scenery.
ASHBOURNE - 16 Miles
The market town of Ashbourne offers delightful winding cobbled streets, with Tudor and Georgian features everywhere you look. In fact, there’s more than 200 listed buildings in Ashbourne, from historic town houses and coaching inns, there’s a lot to take in.
Ashbourne is also famous for its ancient tradition of Royal Shrovetide Football which dates back to around the 1600s and is a truly unique take on football, with many comparisons to rugby! It’s played each Shrovetide Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, with the game being played through the streets of the town centre.
Things to do in Ashbourne
The beautiful St Oswald’s Parish Church is well worth a visit, with its 212 feet high spire. Built in the shape of a cross with a set of 8 bells that are rung from the floor of the crossing, it is one of the grandest churches in Derbyshire.
Additionally, The Old Manor, a 17th century mansion which was once home to the ‘King of Ashbourne’, Dr. John Taylor, is now a National Trust property. The only surviving part of the original early medieval hall has a rare king post, Tudor door and 17th century Flemish glass. There is also a beautifully maintained small garden space with a knot garden, as well as a short walk into the woodland, and path which leads down to the river.
Shop at the Ashbourne outdoor market on Thursdays (from approximately 9am – 2pm) where you can find unique gifts, home furnishings, antiques, fashion, fresh foods and snacks.
Enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in a selection of cafés, inns and tea rooms.
Outdoor explorers can also enjoy the Tissington Trail, running for 13 miles from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay where it is then joined by High Peak Junction and the popular High Peak Trail.
HARTINGTON - 6MILES
Hartington is a beautiful limestone village, surrounded by stunning scenery. Previously well known for its cheese-making and limestone, ironstone and lead mining, it is now a popular destination with tourists and walkers.
Things to do in Hartington
While in Hartington you can visit St Giles Church, which dates back to about 1250 AD. Guided tours are available of this 13th century relic that is now part of “The White Peak” group of parishes. Contact the Churchwarden via phone or email to pre-book your tour.
Hartington also has a lovely duck pond, a quaint village pub, an award-winning cheese shop and charming tea rooms.
There are some great walking routes in Hartington, including this circular walking route from Hartington village to the archaeological site of Pilsbury castle.
BUXTON - 6miles
Buxton is a picturesque thermal spa town and the highest market town in England, at 1000 feet above sea level. It is renowned for its Georgian and Victorian architecture and offers an abundance of amazing gardens, independent shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Things to do in Buxton
There’s some impressive buildings in Buxton, from the architectural delights of the Grade I listed, The Crescent. This five-star hotel and spa acts as the centrepiece of the town. There’s also the stunning Devonshire Dome and the divine Edwardian Buxton Opera House where you can catch music, festivals, theatre and comedy shows throughout the year.
If it’s outdoor fun you’re after, the impeccably-landscaped Pavilion Gardens, with lawns, a boating lake, play areas, cafe and shop are a perfect way to spend a sunny day with a picnic. There are also attractions for the adventurous types, including Go Ape and Buxton Raceway.
History buffs may want to pay a visit to the Old Hall Hotel, where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive in the 16th century. Plus, if you wish to delve further back in time, prehistoric life from the Neolithic and early Bronze ages has been discovered at Poole’s Cavern.
Buxton also has plenty to offer in terms of retail therapy with The Springs Shopping Centre, Cavendish Arcade and The Old Court House, providing the best of independent and high street fashion names.
With a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars there’s something for everyone’s taste.
CASTLETON - 16Miles
Castleton is a picturesque village situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park. With a trip to Castleton you’ll be able to appreciate the jaw-dropping views owed to its location on the cusp of the district’s limestone and gritstone landscapes. The village is overlooked by Mam Tor (the shivering mountain) and the ancient Peveril Castle.
Castleton is popular for its show caves, Winnats Pass, Cave Dale and for its numerous footpaths.
Things to do in Castleton
If you’re up for the challenge you can climb the steps up to the atmospheric Norman ruins of Peveril Castle, completed in 1086 for William Peverel, a favoured knight of William the Conqueror.
Castleton’s show caves are a must see. At Speedwell Cavern you can take an underground boat ride to the ‘Bottomless Pit’, while Blue John Cavern, opposite Mam Tor, is the deepest of the caves and also contains examples of Blue John stone.
At Treak Cliff Cavern you can explore a fairytale underground world of stalactite and stalagmites, while Peak Cavern has the largest natural cave mouth in Europe. In fact it’s so large that cottages and even an inn were built inside there in the past! These days the space is used for special events including film screenings.
The Great Ridge walking route takes you through some of the most admired and awe-inspiring views of the Peak District and is known to be one of the best ridge walks in the country.
If you want to find out more about the history of the village, Castleton Visitor Centre is a treasure trove of information with its museum too.
You can also buy jewellery crafted from Blue John stone in the village, and enjoy some great food and drink in the various cafés, tea rooms and pubs in the village.