Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
Top 10 prettiest villages in the Derbyshire Peak District
May 29, 2024Archives
Order
Category
Prettiest Peak District villages
Looking for a charming countryside village to while away an afternoon in the Derbyshire Peak District? We’ve got you covered with our list of prettiest Peak District villages!
When you’re looking for picturesque places to visit in the Peak District, you might find lots of recommendations for places like Castleton, Hope and Tideswell. And while they’re all lovely places to visit, they’re also very popular and often crowded.
There are plenty of other hidden gems in Derbyshire and the Peak District, where you can discover a delightful mix of scenic walks, historical landmarks and local culture among rolling hills and dramatic landscapes.
Perfect for exploring as part of a peaceful getaway, here are our top 10 most picturesque villages in the Derbyshire Peak District:
-
Tissington: a charming estate village
Tissington is the epitome of English village charm. Approach through the grand gateway on the A515 and follow the avenue of lime trees down to the village, or cycle from Hoe Grange Holidays via the Tissington Ford.

At the heart of the village is the stately Jacobean Tissington Hall, surrounded by beautiful gardens and picturesque stone cottages. Watch the ducks settle on the pond, wander through the tranquil lanes and enjoy a slice of homemade cake at Herbert’s Tearooms for a true taste of Tissington hospitality. Get in some local retail therapy and pop into candle shop On a Wick & a Prayer or Tissington Nursery for some plants, explore your creative side with a workshop at Tissington Craft Corner, or head down the Tissington Trail for spectacular views across the local landscape.

Known for its well-dressing tradition, this idyllic village bursts into life every spring when its wells are decorated with intricate floral designs.
-
Hartington: a food lover’s paradise
Situated by the River Dove not far from the iconic valley of Dovedale, Hartington is undoubtedly one of the prettiest Peak District villages - a delightful spot with a rich history. Jump on the High Peak Trail with your bike from the top of Hoe Grange Holidays for a lovely 8-mile cycle over to the village.
Our favourite thing about Hartington (apart from the charming limestone buildings and idyllic village green!) is the picturesque old cheese shop in a quaint limestone building – stop in here for local delights like Peakland White or Dovedale Blue. There’s a farm shop just up the road too, if you fancy topping up your shop!

There are plenty of delicious options for a meal out if you want to extend your exploration – check out the Devonshire Arms, the Charles Cotton, or Beresford Tea Rooms.
If you’re interested in history, make sure you visit the 13th-century St Giles’ Church and wander up to Arbor Low, a Neolithic stone circle just outside the village with gorgeous views over the surrounding area, named by English Heritage as the most important prehistoric site in the East Midlands.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
-
Brassington: our favourite pub walk
Just over the hill from Hoe Grange, Brassington is full of winding lanes and ancient stone cottages, and has two excellent pubs. Stroll over the hill with the dog in about 40 minutes, or hop on your horse and ride over to the village for a more adventurous pub day out!
The Old Gate Inn has a longstanding reputation as one of the best traditional village pubs in Derbyshire, with the awards to prove it. Step into the bar with low wooden beams and a hearty and welcoming range and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped back in time. The pub has modernised though, with excellent real ales and a good selection of wines and spirits. It’s recently been taken over by new management, and we can confirm that the food is still some of the best we’ve ever tasted!

You can also check out The Miner’s Arms, a lovely village pub celebrating the area’s heritage as a lead mining community, or join in the many community events like Wakes Week.
-
Winster: a haven hidden in the hills
Hidden in the hills of the White Peak, Winster is a charming village with a rich history and well-preserved buildings. It’s a 5-mile walk through the hamlet of Aldwark and across rolling green fields from Hoe Grange, and there’s plenty to explore when you arrive.
Wander through the maze of narrow lanes, pop into the community-owned village shop for local produce from independent suppliers, and discover the National Trust’s Market House, the first property acquired in the Peak District.
There are lots of community events, from annual well dressings, to a carnival, to open gardens – so it’s well worth looking at the calendar to see if you can experience some local traditions too.
If it’s a weekend in June, July or August, stop off on the way back for a quick drink and some street food at Aldwark Brewery.

-
Hathersage: the outdoor hub of the Peak District
A little further afield, Hathersage is the perfect hub to start a day of adventures in the Dark Peak. Popular with walkers and climbers alike, nearby Stanage Edge is a spectacular ridge with breathtaking views across the valleys. See if you can find the famous spot where a windswept Keira Knightley stood on a rocky outcrop in the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice!

Once you’ve finished exploring the great outdoors, you can re-fuel at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the village – our favourite is the award-winning Coleman’s Deli, which has a lovely outdoor space overlooking the square.
The village is also home to a fabulous outdoor swimming pool (booking advised, especially in the summer months!), North Lees Hall (the inspiration for Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Bronte’s ‘Jane Eyre’), and the grave of Robin Hood’s closest companion, Little John.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
-
Edensor: a curious architectural delight
Edensor, pronounced "Enzer," is a picture-perfect village on the Chatsworth Estate, just a short drive from Hoe Grange Holidays.
Explore the streets and lanes and you’ll discover a real variety of architectural styles, from mock Tudor to Italian-style villas. The village was relocated out of sight of the expanded and improved Chatsworth House in the 19th century, and the architects peppered the new village with an example of almost every style possible!
Take a stroll around the beautifully manicured village green and visit St. Peter’s Church, where you can find the tombs of JFK’s sister, Kathleen Kennedy, and prolific gardener and architect, Sir Joseph Paxton.
Pop into Edensor Tea Cottage for afternoon tea, stroll over to Chatsworth House to explore the estate and gardens, or head to Chatsworth Farm Shop for more delicious local goodies.

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
-
Eyam: the “Plague Village”
Continue past Chatsworth and you’ll come to signs for Eyam, a pretty village with a fascinating past.
Known as the “Plague Village”, Eyam has a poignant history – the story of a local community coming together in the face of a terrifying pandemic.
Today, a family-friendly museum celebrates the story of the villagers who selflessly quarantined themselves in 1665 to prevent the spread of the Black Death. Many of the historic spots you’ll learn about at the museum are still there today, so spend your afternoon wandering around Mompesson’s Well, the Boundary Stone, and past the old plague cottages where the outbreak first began.

The Jacobean manor Eyam Hall is also open to visitors on selected days of the year, and there are several tea rooms and cafes serving excellent sandwiches and cakes.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
-
Longnor: old world filming location
Just past Hartington (and technically over the border into Staffordshire), the picturesque historic market village of Longnor sits atop the hills.
It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Peak District. The historic market square, cobbled streets, and charming buildings give it an old-world feel – one of the many reasons this pretty village has featured in quite a few TV series over the years. See if you recognise any of the locations from the TV version of Pride & Prejudice or the long-running veterinary drama Peak Practice!
Don’t miss a visit to Longnor Craft Centre, located in the old market hall, where you can browse a range of locally made crafts and enjoy a cup of tea in the café.
Finish off your day with a drink and some food at the lovely (and dog-friendly!) Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, recently refurbished.
-
Osmaston: perfect for leisurely strolls
A short drive from Hoe Grange Holidays, just past Ashbourne, Osmaston is a quintessentially English village – and a walker’s paradise.
Explore quiet lanes of pretty thatched cottages in this model village built to serve the now demolished Osmaston Manor. Wander past the duck pond and into the welcoming pub, The Shoulder of Mutton.
The village is surrounded by scenic woodlands and rolling fields, perfect for leisurely walks. Osmaston Park, a private estate, occasionally opens its grounds for public events and weddings, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of historic countryside estates. If you bring your horse on holiday, there’s a lovely bridlepath through the park!
-
Alstonefield: layers of history
Alstonefield is a tranquil village located at the edge of the White Peak area – about 7 miles by bike from Hoe Grange Holidays.
Its lovely village green, bordered by stone cottages, and the ancient St. Peter’s Church create a serene atmosphere. Fragments of Saxon crosses in the churchyard show just how far back this village’s history stretches. You can see the layers of time in the buildings as you wander around the village – including an ancient tithe barn, a 16th-century rectory, and the workhouse built in 1790.
Alstonefield is a great starting point for discovering the valleys of the River Dove and the River Manifold. After a day of exploring, relax at The George, a recently reopened traditional inn offering excellent food and a warm welcome.

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
A perfect getaway: picturesque Peak District villages
Each of these villages offers a unique slice of Derbyshire charm. Whether you're seeking peaceful walks, good food, or historical drama, pretty Peak District's villages provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable escape.
At Hoe Grange Holidays, we're proud to be part of this beautiful area and invite you to explore these enchanting villages during your stay with us.
Book your stay now and experience the magic of the Peak District for yourself!
- Caroline







