Local Attractions !
Whatever the season the Peak District and Derbyshire is packed with things to see and places to visit, the countryside is picturesque and inviting, why not explore some of the region's rich heritage?
There are a number of stunning stately homes such as Chatsworth, perhaps the greatest house of the region set in a large park and Hardwick Hall a magnificent Elizabethan mansion built by Bess of Hardwick renowned for its tapestries. Aternatively visit the medieval Haddon Hall or Tissington Hall, all surrounded by enchanting gardens. Click on the picture for links to the websites.
The region has a rich industrial heritage and this can be seen at the Peak District Mining Museum or at Chesterfield's own museum.
Arkwrights Cromford Mill, the first successful water powered cotton spinning mill, part of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site is a really interesting place to visit and is accessible by car from Nesfield cottage.
Take a trip down memory lane at Crich Tramway Village or visit Heage Windmill, the only working stone towered multi sailed windmill in the country.
As well as the choice of outdoor pursuits available in th e area we are lucky to be near to some great cities as well. Sheffield with its galleries, shops, theatres and restaurants and Meadowhall shopping mall are approximately 30mins drive away and Chesterfield is close by. There is a big open air market there on Mondays, Fridays and Satudays with a flea market every Thursday. Farmers Markets are held once a month.
Bakewell is a lovely place to visit with its pudding shops and beautiful riverside promenade. (Don’t forget to take some bread to feed the ducks!) There are many fascinating walks from there either along the river or up on the hills. You could combine a trip to Bakewell with a visit to Chatsworth’s farm shops and delicatessen for some delicious souvenirs! Nottingham is only a half hour's drive away and would make a good day's excursion, Peak Village Rowsley is a pleasant day out and the designer outlet McArthur Glen is a short trip away and has some great bargains! There really is something for everyone.
Just up the road from Nesfield Cottage, Barlow Village is placed right on the edge of the Peak District in North East Derbyshire and is famous for its Well Dressings, (which are done using whole flower heads) and Carnival Parade. This is one of the highlights of the year along with the village panto in February and the Barlow Prom in June. It is a quiet country village with plenty of good local pubs serving meals, a cafe and gift shop and the well known Barlow Trout fisheries nearby. In Saxon days the village was called Barleie and receives mention in the Doomsday Book. In addition to the original name of Barleie there are two further references to the village as Barlee in 1203 and Barleia in 1207. The name changed from Barley to Barlow in the 17th century when documents have either one or the other spelling.
Visit the Barlow website for more information
Did you know the Peak National Park is commonly known as the Derbyshire Peak District?