Our farm is situated on the Southside of the River Dove – easily accessed from the nearby market towns of Buxton, Bakewell, Ashbourne, Matlock and Leek. We are centrally placed within the beautiful Peak District national park allowing you to enjoy this unspoilt countryside from our door. Take a stroll into Hartington and admire the charming old limestone village, centred around a spacious square, with the much photographed duck pond as a focal point. There are some fine old buildings, including St. Giles Church, the Market Hall and Hartington Hall. The village has a good selection of gift shops, cafes and pubs.
There is plenty to do for all the family in the locality with days out at Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Bolsover Castle and Hardwick Hall all popular choices. Footpaths that run from our door and trails to cycle including the Tissington trail and Manifold valley. For the more adventurous there is Alton Towers, Gulliver’s Kingdom and the Crich Tram Museum to keep you occupied. Explore local beauty spots by foot and visit our many caves and caverns nearby. We can also arrange day licences for local fly fishing.
Some suggested places for you to go, see and do, this is an ever expanding list, with more ideas being added all the time.
Please check the venue’s websites for up date information regarding Covid-19
HISTORIC HOUSES
CYCLE TRAILS LOCAL ATTRACTIONSNEARBY TOWNS AND VILLAGES
HISTORIC HOUSES
CHATSWORTH HOUSE
Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, It offers something for everyone to enjoy, famous works of art, spectacular fountains in the garden and many miles of free walks. The house, garden, farmyard, gift shops and restaurant are open every day from end of March until the New Year. The 1000 acre park and the farmshop and its restaurant are open all year round.
HADDON HALL
Haddon is 900 years old and has been owned by one family for the duration of its existence. Described as “the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages”. The house, is open to visitors from April to October, with a number of special events being staged throughout the season. Haddon is a very romantic and atmospheric house and the rose garden is stunning in June and July.
TISSINGTON HALL
Built in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert to replace the moated fortification that guarded the Norman Church of St Mary’s in the centre of the village. With its rich history dating back to the eleventh century, Tissington can boast that fact that the descendants of the original builder still live there, 400 years later. The family welcome visitors from near and far every year.
HARDWICK HALL
Hardwick Hall is one of the most significant Elizabethan country houses in England. Built between 1590 and 1597 for the formidable Bess of Hardwick. Open every day, for countryside walks with picturesque views, woodland family play trails, locally sourced gifts in the shop and delicious seasonal menus in the restaurant. Ownership of the house was transferred to the National Trust in 1959.
BOLSOVER CASTLE
This hilltop castle was built as a fashionable retreat for 17th-Century courtiers to entertain influential guests. Enjoy the labyrinth of rooms, carved marble fireplaces, beautifully painted ceilings and richly coloured wall paintings. Walk the walls surrounding the fountain garden and admire the stunning views. The Riding school, where one-time owner William Cavendish trained his horses, is amongst the finest in the country. Cavalier horsemanship displays are held weekends, April to September.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bolsover-castle/
PEVERIL CASTLE
The imposing ruins of Peveril Castle stand high above the pretty village of Castleton. Mentioned in the Domesday survey, Peveril Castle is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. The keep was built by Henry II in 1176. Due to essential conservation work being carried out, the Keep at Peveril Castle is currently closed. Although the Visitor Centre and the walk up to the Keep will remain open as normal.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/peveril-castle/
HISTORIC HOUSESCYCLE TRAILS LOCAL ATTRACTIONSNEARBY TOWNS AND VILLAGES
CYCLE TRAILS
MONSAL TRAIL
The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. There are many entrance points to the Trail along the route and wheelchair and mobility scooter users can access the trail through accessible ramps at Bakewell Station, Hassop Station, Great Longstone Station and Millers Dale station.
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/monsaltrail
MANIFOLD TRACK
The Manifold Track follows the route of the disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway, through the Manifold and Hamps Valleys from Waterhouses to Hulme End. The track is surfaced and fairly level throughout its length, making it ideal for wheelchair users, those with buggies or prams and people with limited mobility. The rivers of the Manifold and Hamps disappear beneath the porous limestone and reappear in Ilam Country Park. Climb the steps to Thor’s Cave for magnificent views across the valley.
Car Parking areas are at both ends of the track and at intermediate locations. https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/things-to-do/manifold-track-p686581
TISSINGTON TRAIL
The Tissington Trail runs from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay. Through the picturesque village of Tissington and the beautiful countryside of the Derbyshire Dales. The trail also passes near to Dovedale, a dramatic limestone ravine with stunning scenery, famous for its much-loved stepping stones which cross the River Dove. Built as part of the London and North Western Railway, the Buxton to Ashbourne railway line opened in 1899 and closed in 1967. The traffic-free trail is ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and is mostly flat apart from a relatively steep incline at Mappleton.
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/tissington-trail
HIGH PEAK TRAIL
The High Peak Trail follows the line of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. The route takes in the stunning Derbyshire Dales countryside between Middleton Top and Parsley Hay. From Middleton Top, the trail climbs the short, sharp Hopton incline. It then follows a long, stone-built causeway into White Peak Country. The trail is rich in wildlife and there’s an abundance of wildflowers in spring and summer.
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/high-peak-trail
EXPLORER CYCLE ROUTES
Day or half day circular routes on quiet roads or trails. From the White Peak to the moorlands of the Dark Peak this is countryside to explore by bike. The area has good circular rides from places like Matlock and Buxton market towns, which are accessible by train too. Complete with Ordnance Survey maps and helpful advice, these carefully researched routes offer the very best of the Peak District on two wheels. https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/cycle-routes/explorerslider
HISTORIC HOUSESCYCLE TRAILS LOCAL ATTRACTIONSNEARBY TOWNS AND VILLAGES
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
ALTON TOWERS
Alton Towers is one of the country’s best known theme parks. A host of rides and attractions spread over 500 acres of countryside, it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family. It can get very busy, so turn up early to get the most out of your admission fee.
GULLLIVER’S KINGDOM
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Gulliver’s Kingdom is a unique theme park experience, with spectacular views thanks to the impressive hillside setting. It’s especially suitable for younger guests and parking is completely free. Book your theme park tickets in advance to savings on tickets. https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/
CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE
Experience a day out in the laid back atmosphere of a bygone era. Be transported back in time on vintage trams, with unlimited tram journeys calling at various stops along the mile long track. Soak up the atmosphere in the period street with a visit to the shops and take refreshments in the tearooms and pub. Stroll on the woodland walk and sculpture trail.
HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM
Country park and famous show caverns set in 60 acres of woodland and reached by cable car over deep limestone gorge in the Peak District. A great family day out in Matlock Bath. The cable car ticket allows free access to all the attractions and exhibitions at the summit, including two famous caverns: The Great Masson Cavern and the Rutland Cavern & Nestus Mine. A wide selection of food and drink available in a choice of three exceptional spaces: the Vista Restaurant with its exquisite views, the Terrace Cafe or the Tavern on the lower slopes.
CARSINGTON WATER
Located between Wirksworth and Kniveton, Carsington Water takes water through the tunnels and aqueduct straight from the River Derwent. It offers a wide range of activities for the whole family, such as bird watching, canoeing, coarse fishing, game fishing, cycling, horse riding, sailing, walking and water skiing. On site shops sell a variety of food, gifts, souvenirs, books and clothing. The Gallery Cafe caters for quick snacks and the Main Sail Restaurant for meals.
https://www.stwater.co.uk/wonderful-on-tap/our-visitor-sites/come-visit-us/carsington-water/
CASTLETON CAVES
Explore the underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, rocks and fossils at the four show caves open to the public in and around Castleton. These are Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Mine. Treak Cliff and Blue John Cavern, are the only places to find Derbyshire’s semi-precious mineral, Blue John.
POOLES CAVERN
Poole’s Cavern is a ancient natural Limestone Cavern. Take a guided tour of the vast, beautifully illuminated rock sculpted galleries and marvel at the variety of crystal Stalactites and Stalagmites renowned as the finest underground scenery in the UK. The cavern and country park woodlands are found on the outskirts of the historic Spa town of Buxton.
PAVILION GARDENS
The Pavilion Gardens is a beautiful historic venue located in the centre of Buxton. Set within 23-acres of magnificent landscaped gardens the venue provides the perfect setting for fun and relaxing family days out, with festivals throughout the year. The gardens feature lakes, flower beds, shaded walks and a bandstand, with a host of summer performances, a children’s play-park, an outdoor gym, miniature railway and boating lake. The Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre is situated in the northwest corner. https://www.parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/the-pavilion-gardens
PEAK RAIL
Take a nostalgic journey back to a bygone age with the sights and sounds of a steam or diesel locomotive travelling through the delightful Derbyshire countryside. The line forms part of the old Midland Railway line between Manchester Central and London St Pancras which was closed in 1968, currently operating approximately 4 miles between Rowsley South Station and Matlock Platform 2. Luxury dining is available on the Palatine Restaurant Car which offers Sunday Lunches, Christmas Lunches, Afternoon or Cream Teas and operates on various days during the year.
HISTORIC HOUSESCYCLE TRAILS LOCAL ATTRACTIONSNEARBY TOWNS AND VILLAGES
NEARBY TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Known as the Gateway to Dovedale, Ashbourne is a market town in the Derbyshire Dales, the cobbled streets with Tudor and Georgian buildings, combine for the perfect day out.
It has lots of small family run businesses, a weekly open air market, a good selection of antique, designer fashion and local produce shops.
Ashbourne is famous for it’s ancient tradional of Shrovtide Football, played every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, beware, not for the faint hearted
!https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/ashbourne-p689841
Visitors have enjoyed the natural thermal springs in Buxton since Roman times. The town with its Georgian and Victorian architecture and famous crescent are linked with the 5th Duke of Devonshire’s ambitions to create a spa town to rival Bath back in the 18th century.
Buxton Festival and a host of other festivals, theatre, music and comedy shows take place at Buxton Opera House, an exquisite Edwardian building in the centre of the town. The jewel in the crown is beautifully-landscaped and restored Pavilion Gardens
,https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/buxton-p681351
Situated on the banks of the river Wye, Bakewell is the biggest town in the Peak District National Park. It’s medieval five-arched stone bridge, beautiful stone buildings and quaint courtyards are a delightful sight. An outdoor market is held every Monday and Bakewell has a plethora of specialist shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs and tea rooms and don’t forget to sample the world famous Bakewell Pudding!
Legend has it that the famous pudding was created by mistake by a local cook in the mid-19th century.
The Monsal Trail begins (or ends) at Bakewell for some traffic free cycling and walking.
https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/bakewell-p680091
Matlock’s central location and scenic surroundings make it a popular day out, the river Derwent and Crown Square lie at the heart of the town, and Hall Leys park with it’s boating lake, riverside walks, tennis courts and skateboard park is close by.
A short distance away is Matlock Bath, a popular tourist destination since the late 17th Century when the spa waters were discovered. It’s set in the beautiful gorge of the river Derwent, with attractive riverside gardens, wooded hillsides and rocky limestone crags, no wonder it was called “Little Switzerland” by the poet, Lord Byron! A popular feature from September to the end of October, is the Matlock Bath Illuminations, the riverside is decorated and the cliffs floodlit to create a magical scene of colour. with parades of decorated boats, entertainments at weekends.
https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/matlock-bath-p680391 https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/matlock-p680431