Around and About…..

Set in the heart of the Peak District in the pretty village of Baslow, Thatch End Cottage is an ideal base for visitors to the area. Whether you want to relax, eat and drink with friends, walk with a group, tire the kids out in the country air or simply spend quality, romantic time, the cottage and the area has something for everyone.

Baslow Village

Baslow is located 7 miles from the market town of Chesterfield and 3 miles from Bakewell – the home of the Bakewell Pudding. The cottage is located on a  footpath that leads directly into Chatsworth Park, with the magnificent Chatsworth House being an easy one mile walk through the parkland.

Within the village there are various Eating and Drinking options, from good honest ‘pub grub’ right through to Michelin starred dining. There are also various take away options in nearby villages and towns.

The village has a well stocked Spar shop for all necessities. There are also various gift shops and local boutiques for country retail therapy. The nearby Chatsworth Farm Shop offers a great variety of fresh local produce for those who like to be self sufficient whilst on holiday.

On the doorstep…

Chatsworth

The Chatsworth Estate is home to the spectacular stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The house its self is open to the public as are the gardens (check for dates and times). Explore the parkland by walking up to the old Hunting Tower and the lakes above the house.

The house now has a cafe and restaurant along with gift shops for mementoes of your visit. There is also a comprehensive plan of events throughout the year such as the Country Show and Horse Trials. Check the Chatsworth website for further information. (www.chatsworth.org)

For those green fingered visitors there is a garden centre with tea room and of course -shopportunities! There is also a farmyard with great activities to keep the kids occupied.

The Chatsworth Farm Shop just on the edge of the estate sells local produce from Chatsworth its self and from local villages and suppliers.

Bakewell area

Bakewell is around 3 miles from Baslow and is accessible by car or public transport. It is a thriving market town and is of course home to the famous Bakewell Pudding. There are a wide variety of shops from supermarkets to gift shops and boutiques as well as many places for refreshment after a hard days sight seeing. A short way out of the town is Haddon Hall, a stunning Tudor building, home to the Manners family and also used as a location for many films such as Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. (www.haddonhall.co.uk)

Follow this road to Matlock Bath and enjoy the illuminated decorations (check local information) or take the little ones to Gullivers Kingdom to see the big mans adventures in Lilliput. (www.gulliversfun.co.uk/matlock-bath) For those who prefer heady heights try the cable cars at the Heights of Abraham. (www.heightsofabraham.com)

High Peak

The High Peak is a beautiful area offering stunning walking opportunities. Explore the ‘plague village’ of Eyam where it is said that when the Black Death came to the village, the inhabitants chose to isolate themselves to save others from infection. These days it is a picturesque village, great to potter around . Refresh with lunch at the Miners Arms (www.theminersarmseyam.co.uk) or a pot of tea at Eyam Hall.

If you are visiting in the summer, check out the local Well Dressings and carnivals in the villages. Well Dressing is a traditional method of decorating the wells using petals, plants, berries etc to give thanks for the water. Each village has its own week so see the local papers for more information. Take a look at www.tideswellwakes.info . Come and join the locals or simply spectate

The spa town of Buxton is worth a visit, to take the waters and to marvel at the stunning architecture of The Crescent. Alternatively visit in the evening and take in a show or performance at the Buxton Opera House ( www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk ) The 18th century stables build by the 5th Duke of Devonshire, otherwise known as The Dome have recently been converted into a Spa and salon with restaurant and cafe for those seeking relaxation (www.atthedome.co.uk ) whilst those who prefer more exertion may like to try treetop adventures at Go Ape www.goape.co.uk/days-out/buxton

Hope Valley

The Hope Valley is a stunning part of the world. Fabulous walks, especially for hill walkers with the likes of Cavedale, Winnats Pass, Kinder Scout and Win Hill surrounding the villages. Those who prefer to head down rather than up should take a look at the different caves and caverns in the area. (www.castleton.co.uk/caverns ) Castleton its self is a bustling village with great food, drink and gift shops as well as the historical Peveril Castle.( www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/peveril–castle ) The village of Hathersage , home of Robin Hood’s sidekick Little John has an open air swimming pool for those summer days (!) (www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk)

This is a small range of places to visit. Come and explore!

 

 

 

 

 

 

For adults…

The Dome Spa, Buxton