11 Picturesque Towns and Villages in the Peak District
Take a Road Trip Through the Peak District
The Peak District has absolutely no shortage of beautiful villages and small towns. Being a national park, further development is unlikely, so each community found here is like a preserved piece of nostalgia in the form of historical stone houses, churches, pubs and bridges.
Many of the most picturesque towns and villages in the Peak District make great hubs for further exploring this massive and beautiful part of England. They often have some charming accommodations options, as well as immediate access to both public transportation and hiking trails.
1. Ashford-in-the-Water
A charming stone bridge spans the River Wye
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Ashford-in-the-Water consists of a small selection of pretty houses and village inns around a 13th-century church by the River Wye. The lovely stone Sheepwash Bridge over the river is the star attraction of the village itself, with the name coming from the fact that it used to be where sheep were dipped and washed before being sheared.
Just outside of the village, the attractions include Thornbridge Hall, less than a mile (1.6 km) north of the river. Explore the unique and beautiful gardens at this beautiful Grade II-listed country house.
Ashford-in-the-Water
2. Castleton
A convenient hiking hub with a lot of history
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Castleton is a great hub for exploring the beautiful Hope Valley, with Mam Tor and Winnat’s Pass both accessible from here. The village itself is the picture-perfect rural community, its narrow streets lined with old stone houses and traditional pubs.
When visiting this Derbyshire village, be sure to head up to Peveril Castle. The ruins of the hilltop date back to 1176, but are in surprisingly good condition and offer a great view across Castleton. While you’re up on the hill, take a tour of Peak Cavern, too.
Castleton
3. Edale
The gateway to the Pennine Way
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Edale is the start point for a walk up Kinder Scout and then further north for a total of 268 miles (431 km) along the popular Pennine Way. That being the case, the tiny village is often bustling with visiting hikers, especially in the summer. Conveniently, it has a train station, so you don’t need to find somewhere to leave your car.
In the village itself, there are plenty of great cafés and a 16th-century pub among beautiful old stone houses. Enjoy a pint by the roaring fire in The Old Nags Head before you head out on your hike.
Edale
4. Edensor
The archetypal estate village
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Edensor was redeveloped into its current form for the workers at the Chatsworth estate 1839. As you might expect, the estate and the village take full advantage of the beautiful Derbyshire scenery, with the country house and its gardens being the star attractions.
The village of Edensor has undoubted charm, as well as a golf club and lovely central church. Other nearby villages, also developed to support the estate, are also worth exploring. For a good choice of pubs and shops, visit Baslow, the biggest nearby village.
Edensor
5. Eyam
A glimpse into 17th-century social distancing
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The historical village of Eyam has some rather unusual claims to fame, including acing social distancing back before it was trendy: in 1665, during the bubonic plague. Ironically, its reputation as “the plague village” has been attracting visitors for a long time since.
Fortunately, Eyam’s morbid past doesn’t stop it from being a beautiful and charming destination. Be sure to check out the museum and the manor house from 1671. Or, head toward the eastern end of the village for a drink at the cafés and pubs there.
Eyam
6. Hartington
The big cheese of Peak District’s picturesque villages
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Hartington is set right in the center of the Dove Valley, surrounded by great walking trails. Nearby natural attractions include the Neolithic henge monument of Arbor Low, Wolfscote Dale, and Parsley Hay, where the Tissington and High Peak Trails meet.
In the village itself, star attractions include a famous cheese shop, which sells an award-winning Stilton. Explore the cute little duck pond in the middle of the village, surrounded by picturesque stone houses and a somewhat confusing network of narrow streets.
Hartington
7. Hathersage
From train to trail in just a few steps
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One of Hathersage’s claims to fame is being the final resting place of Little John (from the story of Robin Hood). It also has some literary associations after having been visited and enjoyed by Charlotte Brontë.
If you like hiking, Hathersage is a great starting point. Located in the Hope Valley on the railroad line between Manchester and Sheffield, it’s easy to get to and there are some really striking sights to see within easy reach. Explore Carl Wark, Stanage Edge, or Higger Tor, all found to the east of the large village.
Hathersage
8. Tideswell
One of the largest villages in the Peaks
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Tideswell’s main attraction is its 14th-century church, known as The Cathedral of the Peak. It contains some fascinating monuments and wood carvings. Around the charming churchyard, you’ll find a great selection of shops, cafés, and pubs. If you visit around the summer solstice, you can enjoy a week-long local festival called the Wakes, which features a torchlight procession on “Big Saturday.”
Tideswell is surrounded by limestone mountains, giving it both a cozy, closed-in feel as well as offering escapes into the great outdoors. Explore the surrounding trails and scenic Peak District countryside.
Tideswell
9. Tissington
A walk among the well-dressed wells
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Tissington was originally built to support Tissington Hall, an unspoilt country estate. The Grade II-listed manor dates to the early 17th-century, although the estate’s history stretches back many centuries before that.
The highlight of the year in Tissington is Well Dressing Week. Far from a fashion event, this centuries-old tradition sees the village’s springs and wells adorned with intricate floral displays around Ascension Day. If you’re visiting at another time of year, make the most of the excellent walking and cycling opportunities along the scenic Tissington Trail.
Tissington
10. Alstonefield
A wealth of historical attractions in one small parish
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Alstonefield is a small but sweet village in the White Peak region of the Peak District. At its heart is The George, a charming central green overlooked by the pub that gives the tree-lined grassy area its name. The beautiful Grade I-listed parish church is just a short walk south from here, with Viator Bridge (Grade II-listed) a little further down the road. In fact, this one Staffordshire parish contains no fewer than 56 listed structures.
The rolling countryside surrounding Alstonefield makes it a delightful destination. Venture into the rocky outcrops of nearby Dovedale and Wolfscote Dale, or visit Thor’s Cave, which is clearly visible in the steep cliffs to the west.
Alstonefield
11. Buxton
A delightful town on the edge of a national park
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Buxton is a town in Derbyshire that’s famous for its thermal spas. It’s right on the edge of the Peak District National Park, with a relaxed rural vibe running through the town. Stroll around the town park with lakeside views, then head down the main street to enjoy the ornate Victorian architecture.
Plenty of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants can be found throughout Buxton. If you’re visiting on a market day, browse the town’s regular and specialist craft markets. Come evening, catch a live show at the renowned Buxton Opera House, which hosts musicals, comedy, dance, and theatrical performances throughout the year.
Buxton
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