The Peak District village that’s ‘overlooked’ by Chatsworth visitors
With the amount of villages in the Peak District[1] a number are bound to be driven through on the way to the big draws of the national park. The Monsal Trail, Chatsworth House and Mam Tor are all fantastic days out, arguably being some of the most popular spots in the Peaks – but there are a number of other great days out with aren’t often promoted as much.
The village of Baslow has everything you need for a fantastic day trip in the Peak District[2]. Thousands drive through it every day whether on their way to Chesterfield or to Chatsworth, without giving the village a chance.
Boasting a population of just above 1,100 people, Baslow is a picturesque village with lots of local amenities to enjoy. This makes it a great stop on a walk, or a good place to make base for a day in the Peaks.
One walker, Jenny Bradbury, 46, had travelled from Matlock to Baslow when Derbyshire Live visited the village and described why she loves coming to Baslow. She said: “You know what it is, although there is lots to see and do it doesn’t feel that busy, sometimes I think it [Baslow] gets overlooked by tourists for places like Chatsworth you know[3].”
Sat beneath the gritstone edge of the same name, the attractive village lies on the banks of the River Derwent and is home to a whole host of hotels, pubs, cafes and restaurants. With a pretty village green, Goose Green, at its heart, everything in Baslow is within walking distance.
For ice cream and sweets, look no further than Sweet Gene’s located near the village’s pay-and-display car park. Offering everything from sherbert lemons to strawberry bonbons, the shop has a very old-school sweet shop feel to it, just take care not to spook the resident ducks that may waddle near the entrance to the shop.
The village also boasts a fine dining experience at Fischer’s at Baslow Hall. It’s a fine Edwardian manor house with a classic country house feel that offers a mix of classic and more original modern dishes and has even been recognised in the Michelin Guide.
Sweet Gene’s sweet shop in Baslow (Image: Derby Telegraph)
A number of pubs line the streets of Baslow such as the Devonshire Arms and the Wheatshead. The latter offers a large beer garden that has been split into two sections, with a dining area for those wanting to satisfy their hunger, while the other area has been set aside for children to play and for families to relax.
There are also some quality local businesses in the village. From genuine Italian cuisine at Il Lupo to the Cafe on the Green, both are great options for any visitors.
Its conveniently-located campsite is also popular with visitors keen to explore further afield. Baslow is an excellent base for walking, being located near some of the best walking spots in the Peak District, including its famous gritstone edges, such as Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt – all boasting breathtaking views across surrounding hills, valleys and moorland.
There is a sizable car park near the village green that is pay-and-display, with a handful of restaurants in the village having small car parks for customers.
Baslow is about an hour’s drive from Derby, via either the A38 or the A6. It is around 30 minutes from Chesterfield, with several bus links from the town into Baslow.
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References
- ^ villages in the Peak District (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ village of Baslow has everything you need for a fantastic day trip in the Peak District (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ gets overlooked by tourists for places like Chatsworth you know (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Get a free National Trust pass worth £50 for your family day out this summer (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Love the Peak District as much as we do? Sign up for our (data.reachplc.com)