11 breathtakingly beautiful lesser-known Peak District villages – perfect hidden gems to visit over Christmas and winter
Tom Hardwick
·3-min read
These are some of the best hidden gems across the Peaks. (Photo: Brian Eyre/Jason Chadwick)
The likes of Bakewell, Castleton and Hathersage will be at the top of most people’s lists when they visit the Peak District – but there are many more wonderful spots waiting off the beaten track.
Why not head out to one of these lovely destinations for a winter hike, to shop for Christmas presents at their independent stores, or to spend some time at their lovely country pubs?
Tideswell is one of the Peak District's bigger villages. It is home to the church of St John the Baptist, known as the 'Cathedral of the Peak.’ (Photo: jason chadwick)
Boasting lovely limestone cottages, this village in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales is said to have origins dating back to Medieval times. The 18th century saw a period of relative prosperity for Great Longstone due to its lead mining and shoe-making industries.Today, the signs of Great Longstone’s history can be seen all around the village. (Photo: Jason Chadwick)
For those interested in history, Eyam is a perfect place to visit. It is known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century. (Photo: Jason Chadwick)
Edensor is another of the charming villages dotted across the Chatsworth Estate. It has been named as Derbyshire’s poshest village and one of most desirable places to live in the UK. (Photo: jason chadwick)
Baslow is only a two mile walk from Chatsworth House, and this picturesque village is the perfect place to stop if you want a drink and a bite to eat after visiting the famous estate. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
Popular with Walkers, Earl Sterndale is surrounded by a number of distincitive natural landmarks, including the Peaks of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill and is within walking distance of Dovedale. Historically, the area surrounding the village was mostly made up of farmland owned by Basingwerk Abbey in Wales. Today, farming still makes up for much of the village’s economy, as well as the nearby quarries at Sterndale Moore. (Photo: Jason Chadwick)
Beeley has been part of the Chatsworth Estate since the 17th century, and the village is home to the popular Devonshire Arms - a four star country inn. (Photo: jason chadwick)
Edale is an ideal base for hiking trips. The village is located at one end of the Pennine Way and near to Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District. It is easily reached by train, with services on the Hope Valley line between Sheffield and Manchester stopping at Edale. (Photo: jason chadwick)
Pilsley is located on the Chatsworth Estate, and is home to the popular Chatsworth Farm Shop. Estate workers live here in cottages and the village green normally hosts an annual fete. (Photo: jason chadwick)
Ashford-in-the-Water is popular for its medieval bridge and Thornbridge Hall, the 12th century stately home that lies on the outskirts of the village. (Photo: Brian Eyre)
Hartington is a picturesque village in the south of the Peak District National Park. It is popular with walkers, providing access to the scenic walking routes across the Dove Valley. (Photo: jason chadwick)
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