These are some of the most fascinating historical sites to visit across Derbyshire and the Peak District that you may never have heard of – including Robin Hood’s hiding place.
Chesterfield, Derbyshire and the Peak District are home to a number of renowned historical locations – but there are plenty of lesser-known heritage sites to explore as well.
We have compiled a list of 18 historical sites that you might know nothing about – will you be making plans to visit any of them over the coming weeks and months?
5. Historic village on the Chatsworth Estate
This custom-built village on the Chatsworth Estate was specially commissioned by the sixth Duke of Devonshire, and incorporates a variety of stunning traditional house designs – including mock Tudor properties and Swiss-style cottages. Edensor also has a connection to former US President John F Kennedy, who made the pilgrimage to Edensor in July 1963 to visit the grave of his sister Kathleen Kennedy (who had married into the Devonshire family). Photo: jason chadwick
6. Try to spot the remains of Derbyshire’s flooded villages
When water levels at Ladybower Reservoir are low, walkers may be able to catch a glimpse of Derwent - a village that was flooded as part of the creation of the reservoir. Derwent and nearby Ashopton (pictured here) were small villages but had tight-knit communities - and Ashopton’s inn was a popular stop on the route between Sheffield and Glossop. In spite of fierce local opposition, each building in the two villages was bought compulsorily by the Derwent Valley Water Board. Residents of both villages were moved to Bamford and their homes demolished, before the area was flooded in 1945. Photo: DT
7. A unique piece of Georgian history
The ruins of this Grade I listed Georgian stately home in Sutton Scarsdale may not be as well-renowned as the likes of Chatsworth House - but they are certainly among Derbyshire’s most breathtaking places to visit. The existing structure was built back in the 1700s and was home to the Arkwright family for many years - before eventually falling into neglect and being stripped of its assets by a group of businessmen who bought the property in 1919. Photo: Brian Eyre
8. Explore a fairytale village at Osmaston
Osmaston is a fairytale village near Ashbourne, complete with thatched cottages and stunning woodland. Visitors should head to Osmaston Park for a glimpse of the picturesque old sawmill - which was built back in the 1850s. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714