BANK TOP COTTAGE

Millers Dale

Peak District National Park

Millers Dale is a small tranquil village, surrounded by tree-clad hills, in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. Sit and picnic by the River Wye in Cheedale, explore the Monsal Trail, which meanders down the valley to Bakewell, or enjoy many other fabulous walks in the area.

Our local, ‘The Anglers Rest’, just down the hill, has a good selection of beers and wines and serves excellent food. Nearby is a small church with services on alternate Sundays.

There are no shops in Millers Dale but Tideswell, two miles away, provides a good range of shops, restaurants, pubs and churches. Other shops can be found in Buxton (6 miles) or Bakewell (7 miles).

This beautiful section of Derbyshire has few rivals.  The course of the River Wye  running through Millers Dale is exceptionally beautiful.  This is a fine section for the angler, famous for trout and grayling.  Upstream the Wye passes Haddon to Bakewell, then to Ashford and Monsal Dale

Miller's Dale was once an important railway junction, where passengers for Buxton joined or left the trains between London and Manchester on the old Midland Railway. The Monsal Trail now follows the path of the former Midland Railway  since its closure in 1964 and Miller's Dale's now provides a home for many wild flowers, birds and butterflies.

Downstream lies Litton Mill, a small hamlet grouped around a former cotton mill on the River Wye. The mill was built in the late 18th century and burned down in 1897 but was then rebuilt. In its early years the mill was known locally and nationally for its harsh treatment of its apprentices, many of whom were orphans both local and from as far away as London.

There are two Nature Reserves near Miller's Dale.  Priestcliffe Lees and Station Quarry belongs to Derbyshire Naturalists' Trust, while Monk's Dale (an often dry tributary valley of the Wye) is a National Nature Reserve. Both are rich in classic limestone flora and fauna of the area. Whilst here make the most of your walking with a Map and Compass Navigation Course.

     Cowslip, Purple Orchid & Greater Stitchwort

River Wye, Millers Dale

Monsal Trail, Millers Dale

Millers Dale Station

Water Wheel at Millers Dale

Cressbrook Dale:  A short walk from Tideswell Village through Tansley Dale will bring you into Cressbrook Dale, a National Nature Reserve.

Cressbrook Dale

 Peter's Stone

A prominent feature in Cressbrook Dale is Peter's Stone, which was formed millions of years ago from a landslip.

Well dressing is one of Derbyshire's best known, most popular and colourful customs. Well dressing dates back hundreds of years, and though there have been religious associations, the true origins remain unknown.

Throughout the summer months Well Dressing is celebrated in more than sixty towns and villages in Derbyshire.

Each village taking part in the custom has its own jealously guarded version.  Designs are worked out months beforehand are not revealed until the last possible moment.

Today’s wells are decorated with flower petals, berries, moss, cones and seeds, which are pressed into clay held in a wooden framework. It is a difficult task combining hard work and artistic dexterity. The clay is cleansed of all impurities, and the frames are then soaked to prevent the clay from drying out

CHATSWORTH HOUSE: (9 miles)

The beautiful home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, their house, gardens (Capability Brown), fabulous adventure playground and farmyard are open to the public and should not be missed.  Special events during the year include the International Horse Fair in May, the Angling Fair (May), open air classical concerts with fireworks, the Country Fair (September) and is is well worth visiting to see the Christmas Decorations.

                         The Maze                                  Children’s Adventure Playground               Chatsworth Gardens

Hardwick Hall

Light and airy because of its many windows, Hardwick Hall was built by Bess of Hardwick in the 16th century. Bess had risen to become Elizabethan England's second most powerful woman through a succession of mostly happy marriages.

Hardwick Hall has been a dower house of the Devonshire family until recently and has escaped architectural change, though the National Trust has cleaned up the stonework, and its gleaming towers now look as new as the day they were built.

HADDON HALL:

One of the finest Medieval and Tudor Houses in England, Haddon Hall is situated in delightful countryside near Bakewell and is home to the Dukes of Rutland.

Bolsover Castle:

Bolsover Castle (English Heritage) was originally built by the Peverel family in the 12th century but after years of neglect was purchased by Sir George Talbot in 1553. Talbot, later becoming the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury is noted for his marriage to 'Bess of Hardwick', probably the most astute business woman of the 16th century, who owned the vast Chatsworth estates.  It is very well presented and makes an wonderfully interesting visit. 

CRICH TRAMWAY MUSEUM

The National Tramway Museum offers a fun day out for all ages - the finest Transport museum of its type, with over 70 vintage steam, electric and horse-drawn trams from all over the world to ride upon. There are also numerous indoor attractions.

HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM

Offers fun and excitement for all the family with a variety of shows and attractions.

LADYBOWER & DERWENT DAMS:

The dams are associated with the 'Dambuster' squadron of the RAF, for they used the Derwent to practice for their famous raid on the Ruhr dams. Since then this event has been regularly commemorated in the Derwent valley with fly-pasts of old bombers and aerial displays. A beautiful place to walk or cycle (A Cycle Hire Centre at Fairholmes, caters for the area around Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs.

NEARBY TOWNS & VILLAGES:

BAKEWELL  (8 miles)  It is home of the famous Bakewell Puddings, there is a farmers market every Monday and beautiful riverside walks.

BUXTON (10 miles) Visit Victorian Buxton and see the Bath House, Opera House, Pavilion Gardens and Crescent.

Castleton:

Visit the Blue John Caverns in Castleton, take a boat ride in Speedwell Cavern, see the stalactite and stalagmite formations at Treak Cliff and see the Blue John Cavern

Blue John and Ashford Black Marble

EYAM (5 miles)  The famous 'plague village' which went into voluntary quarantine when the plague was imported from London in 1665.  Visit the village, museum, Eyam Hall and craft centre.

SOME OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA INCLUDE:

THE CHESTNUT CENTRE

The otter, owl and wildlife centre promoting a wider understanding of the natural environment and flora and fauna.  A very enjoyable day out.

AMERICAN ADVENTURE

Offers fun and excitement for all the family with a variety of shows and attractions.

ALTON TOWERS

Spend a thrilling day at Alton Towers, one of Britain's premier theme parks (about an hour's drive away).

 GULLIVER'S KINGDOM

Ideal for families and children aged 2 to 13.  A theme park / playground for younger children in Matlock Bath, with plenty of rides to keep you occupied for the whole day - great value