Things to See and Do

Edale and the Surrounding Area

Play by rivers, leap across gullies, stride out over the hills, start the epic Pennine Way walk or simply relax in a local pub.

Also within easy reach is the spa town of Buxton, with it’s Opera House and Pavilion Gardens. If visiting stately homes interests you then Chatsworth House are a must, just over half an hour drive away. The house, landscaped gardens and farmyard are open to the public, and there is an adventure playground to amuse the children. Also in that direction is the market town of Bakewell, where you can savour a real Bakewell tart or pudding, or maybe visit Haddon Hall or Cauldwell’s Mill at Rowsley. For a real trip back in history a visit to Eyam, the Derbyshire plague village, is essential. Eyam Hall and craft centre are also worth a visit.

For days out there is the old castle and Blue John mines in the popular village of Castleton, also home to the child-centred rare breeds Animal Farm. The Chestnut Centre which has the only giant female otter in Britain as well as owls and other wildlife lies just 5 miles away. 5 miles in the other direction is Hope with a butcher, Spar, Post Office, delicatessen and pubs. In Hathersage there are outdoor shops, restaurants and the David Mellor country shop.

You can walk straight out of the house to explore the Edale valley and its surrounding hills. Climb up to Hollins Cross over which the villagers would carry coffins to Castleton before there was a cemetery in Edale. Enjoy a cup of tea in the kitchen afterwards and admire where you have walked from the big bay windows.

Edale is famous for being the start of the popular Pennine Way. Surrounded by Mam Tor with its Iron Age fort on one side and Kinder Scout on the other, the small village nestles in its own private valley, sheltered from our bustling world. Yet it is only 15 miles from the centre of Sheffield and 17 miles from Manchester, directly accessible to both by the train which runs through the village.

For a full day’s walk from the back door try the Edale Skyline classic circular walk of 23 miles (and 4000 feet of ascent). Children can enjoy rambling walks through fields or the views from Mam Tor. For the climbers among you the rare peat moor of Kinder is home to quiet and classic gritstone routes.