Best Villages in the Peak District You Need to Visit

The Peak District is one of the most stunning parts of the UK, with rolling hills, green dales and dramatic moors. It is renowned for its incredible hikes, but there is so much more to this part of the country than the great outdoors. It is also home to some adorable towns and villages. Cosy little bolt holes, which are perfect for wandering around, grabbing a coffee and whiling away the day. Think stone buildings, market towns and cosy pubs with roaring fires. These are the best villages in the Peak District that you need to visit. Split into areas to help you plan your trip.

Northern Peak District Villages

All of these villages are located in the northern part of the Peak District, the so-called ‘Dark Peak’. This area is the higher and wilder part of the area, and has some of the best villages in the Peak District.

Castleton – Best Villages in the Peak District

Castleton village is one of the best villages in the Peak District, and with so much to do there, you could spend an entire day in this gorgeous little part of the National Park. It is a small stone village, which is nestled surrounded by hills on three sides. The village is full of charming stone houses, cafes and pubs, and even has a little stream running through the middle. Quintessentially Peak District, and absolutely beautiful.

From here, you can hike up to Mam Tor, take a boat tour into Blue John’s cave, where the stone has been mined for generations, or visit the ruins of Peveril Castle. It is also the starting point to drive through the famous Winnats Pass, a must-do in the Peak District.

Find out the best things to see in Castleton:
12 Things to do in Castleton, Peak District: How to Spend A Wonderful Day

Hathersage – Best Villages in the Peak District

One of the larger villages in the Peak District, Hathersage has plenty of cafés, pubs and small shops, making it an ideal place for a wander and to grab coffee or lunch. From the centre, several well-known walking routes are easily accessible, including paths leading towards Stanage Edge and the surrounding moorland. If you are after a shorter walk, then try the walk through the Fairy Woods. You reach it by walking through a doorway seemingly placed there in the middle of nowhere!

Hathersage is also known for its open-air swimming pool, which is heated and open year-round, and for its links to Charlotte Brontë; it is said that the nearby North Lees Hall was the inspiration for Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre. Also keep an eye out for Little John’s (of Robin Hood fame) grave, who is reportedly buried in the churchyard of Saint Michael’s in Hathersage.

Grindleford – Best Villages in the Peak District

A pretty village in the Peak District, which can be found alongside the banks of the River Derwent. Grindleford is overlooked by the wild moorland of Eyam Moor and the impressive Froggatt Edge to the east, making it a very stunning location. It is home to two pubs, both of which have lovely views over the valley. Don’t miss a visit to the Grindleford shop and cafe in St Helen’s Church, as well as a little further out, Padley Chapel. A Grade I listed building managed by English Heritage, the chapel is all that remains of Padley Hall, a large 16th-century manor house. Ruins of parts of the hall can still be seen within the chapel grounds.

Central Peak District Villages

These villages are located in the central part of the Peak District, largely within the White Peak area. This part of the National Park is characterised by limestone landscapes, river valleys and rolling countryside. It is home to some of the most picturesque and historic villages in the Peak District.

Eyam – Best Villages in the Peak District

Eyam is often referred to as the ‘Plague Village’ due to its role during the bubonic plague of 1665–1666, which is believed to have arrived in a shipment of cloth from London. To prevent the disease from spreading to nearby communities, the village voluntarily quarantined itself, resulting in the deaths of around 260 residents. Food was left at boundary stones and wells around the village, including the well where supplies were exchanged using coins left in vinegar to disinfect them. As you walk through Eyam today, plaques on several houses mark who lived there during the plague, and only one victim was buried in the churchyard.

You can learn more about this history at the Eyam Museum, located near the ruins of Bradshaw Hall. It is now a peaceful and quiet village, and well worth a wander!

Youlgreave – Best Villages in the Peak District

The beautiful village of Youlgreave stands on a limestone shelf above two dales and is one of the largest villages in the Peak District. There is a beautiful church, which dates back to 1130, and Thimble Hall, which is the world’s smallest detached house. It is also home to a variety of shops, cafes, three pubs and a youth hostel.

Tideswell

Another one of the larger villages in the Peak District, Tideswell, is best known for St John the Baptist Church. This church is often referred to as the ‘Cathedral of the Peak’. It was built in the 14th Century and while not actually a cathedral, it has been named due to its size. Inside, you can find some beautiful carvings, as well as a light and airy feel due to plenty of unstained glass windows.

Tideswell is also home to plenty of independent shops and traditional pubs. Make sure to walk past Markeygate House, which is known to be the oldest in the village, dating back to 1432. On the outskirts, you can also find Tideswell Dale, which is a beautiful nature reserve.

Milldale

Of the best villages in the Peak District, this is one of the smallest and is often referred to as a hamlet. But while small, it is definitely one of the prettiest and is packed full of charm. Found at the northern end of the Dovedale Valley in the White Peaks area. It contains around 12 stone houses, which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

There is a free car park in the village, but it is also only 1.5 hour walk from the Dovedale Stepping Stones, so a great addition to this walk. There is a tea room, which is only open in the summer months. And make sure to check out the cute stone bridge crossing the stream. Picture perfect!

Alstonefield

On the border between Derbyshire and Staffordshire is the pretty village of Alstonefield. This village is built upon an ancient Saxon site, and there are Saxon crosses that can be found in the church graveyard. Many historic buildings can still be seen in and around the village. From an ancient tithe barn and a 16th-century rectory to Stanshope Hall, dating from the early 17th century, and The Hermitage, a three-storey workhouse built in 1790.

There is a village green in the centre with stone cottages dotted around the edge. A beautiful middle for a peaceful and scenic village. While there used to be three pubs in this village, the George is the only remaining one. It can be found next to the green.

White Peak / Southern Villages

These villages are located in the White Peak, the southern part of the Peak District. This area is characterised by limestone landscapes, gentle valleys and rivers, and is home to some of the most picturesque villages in the National Park.

Bakewell – Best Villages in the Peak District

Best known for the famous Bakewell tart, Bakewell is technically a town, but it’s hard to leave it off any list of the best villages in the Peak District, particularly as it is the only town that sits wholly within the Peak District National Park. It’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon, with plenty of shops and cafés to visit. Make sure to visit All Saints’ Church, which dates back to the 12th century, and take a walk along the River Wye, where the riverside paths offer one of the prettiest walks in the town.

Ashford in the Water – Best Villages in the Peak District

Another absolutely beautiful village, and well worth being included in the best villages in the Peak District. Ashford In The Water is right on the edge of the River Wye, and the most idyllic place for a stroll along the river, and across the famous Sheepwash Bridge. You can also enjoy an afternoon tea at the Aisseford Tea Rooms, or take one of the many hikes in the surrounding area.

Villages Around Chatsworth & Derbyshire Dales

Chatsworth House is one of the most iconic and impressive stately homes in the UK. It is an absolute must-visit when in the Peak District. And when you do, make sure to visit these villages, which are nearby and indeed part of the Chatsworth Estate.

Pilsley

Home to the Chatsworth House Farm Shop, which is enough to warrant a visit to Pilsley. It might be expensive in there, but definitely a place to pick up a treat! The village itself is across the road from the farm shop. The village isn’t large, nor does it have many other amenities, but it is absolutely adorable. The grit stone houses are mainly home to those who work on the Chatsworth estate. There are very well maintained garden, a spacious green in the middle and lovely views over the Chatsworth parkland.

Don’t confuse Pilsley with Lower Pilsley, which is a former mining town further north in the Peak District.

Edensor

A charming mismatch of houses makes up the tiny village of Edensor (pronounced ‘Enzer’). Records of the original village are found in the Doomsday Book from 1086, but it was located on the banks of the River Derwent. This village was dismantled between 1838 and 1842 because it could be seen from Chatsworth House, and this displeased the then  Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish. Only one house was allowed to remain from this village.

The current village was then built out of sight of Chatsworth and is now a quirky mix of different house styles, with a very pretty church in the middle. The village isn’t large, but it’s well worth a walk there from Chatsworth, and there is a cute tea shop to grab a drink in.

Baslow

Located just on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, and a perfect place to park if you want to walk to the stately home – it is only about a 20-minute walk. The village of Baslow itself is home to beautiful houses, plenty of historic buildings, a maze of streets and even a small toll house on the bridge. Make sure to walk down the quiet lane off Goose Green to spot the pretty row of thatched houses. Baslow is a real gem and undoubtedly one of the best villages in the Peak District.

Itinerary to See the Best Villages in the Peak District in Two Days

This two-day itinerary splits the best villages in the Peak District into geographical areas. Allowing you to visit them all without going back on yourself. It works best by car and allows time for short walks, food stops, and some time in each for village wandering. If you have more time, split it into even more days and add in some hikes at some of these stunning stops.

Top Tip: Find the best hike in the Peak District for you by using this post, which splits them out into length and difficulty:
Best Walks in the Peak District, UK

Day One: White Peak & Dovedale Villages

Day one focuses on the White Peak and Dovedale area. Here, the villages are among limestone scenery and river valleys. Start in Ashford-in-the-Water and go for a short riverside walk. Then continue to Bakewell for coffee, shops and a walk along the River Wye. From here, Youlgreave is a good next stop. A lovely place for a quieter wander between the River Lathkill and the River Bradford. In the afternoon, head south to Milldale at the edge of Dovedale. Finish the day in Alstonefield, which sits above the valley.

Day Two: Chatsworth & Hope Valley Villages

Day two is more about the north. Heading through the Derbyshire Dales and into Hope Valley. Start near Chatsworth and stop in Pilsley and Edensor, which are both close to the estate and easy to explore on foot. Continue to Baslow on the edge of Chatsworth Park. In the afternoon, drive into Hope Valley and visit Grindleford, followed by Hathersage, which has more space to wander and several cafés. End the day in either Eyam, for a quieter and more historic stop, or Castleton, where the surrounding hills and castle ruins make a fitting final village.

Where to Stay in the Peak District

The best villages in the Peak District give you plenty of choices of where to stay. Here is a recommendation for each village, depending on your favourite:

Northern Peak District Villages
Castleton: The Castle – Quintessential village charm!
Hathersage: The George – A 500-year-old inn, with a fantastic location and contemporary decor.
Grindleford: The Maynard – A grand stone building with fabulous views over the Derwent Valley.

Central Peak District Villages
Eyam: Carr’s Cottage – A cute self-catering option, perfect for cosying up in front of the fire
Youlgreave: The Bull’s Head – Comfortable but simple accommodation.
Tideswell: The Merchant’s Yard – Stylish rooms near the village centre with a sun terrace, bar and outside seating.
Alstonefield: Riverside Cottage – A three-bed house that is pet-friendly, the perfect family base for exploring the Peak District.

White Peak / Southern Villages
Bakewell: The H Boutique: Incredibly stylish rooms right in the centre of the town, with lots of little touches.
Ashford in the Water: Rafters at Riverside Hotel: Stunning location right by the river for the 5* experience.

Villages Around Chatsworth & Derbyshire Dales
Baslow: Cavendish Hotel: Perfect for a real treat! Steeped in history with open fires, oak beams and antique furnishings.

Why Visit the Peak District?

One of the most stunning parts of the UK, there is something for everyone. The best villages in the Peak District aside, there is stunning landscapes with hikes and walks to suit every need. Cute boltholes to get lost in, and the perfect place to escape for both solo travellers and families.

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