Alport is a small village that traces its roots back to Saxon origins. The river Lathkill flows through the village and there is an old corn mill by the side of one of the many weirs. This makes a good starting point for the five mile walk through Lathkill Dale to the village of Monyash, one of the most beautiful walks in the region.
Clients staying in Rock Cottage will enjoy complimentary entrance to Haddon Hall and Gardens (Apr-Oct). Haddon Hall, the family home of the Manners Family for over 800 years, is a unique example of building styles from the 12th to the 17th Centuries. The main Banqueting Hall, complete with minstrels gallery, is one of the finest examples of a medieval hall in England . The oldest part of Haddon Hall is the 13th Century chapel with its unique wall paintings from the period.
The Great Chamber with its 17th Century plasterwork and panelling displays a number of fine tapestries. Leading from this room to the spectacular Long Room are a flight of solid oak steps, said to be hewn from the roots of a single oak tree. Outside, the terraced Rose Gardens created by the 9th Duchess of Rutland are a sight to behold, the epitome of an English country garden. Haddon Hall and its setting have been very popular with period film-makers – most famously being the location for Franco Zefferelli's 'Jane Eyre'.
Nearby Bakewell, home of the famous Bakewell pudding, is a highly picturesque market town dating back to Saxon times. There are many places of interest to visit including The Rutland Arms Hotel, mentioned in Jane Austen's novel 'Pride & Prejudice'.
Caudwell's Mill in Rowsley is a unique Grade II listed Roller Flour Mill. Powered by water from the River Wye, a mill has stood on the site for over 400 years. The current building was re-built in 1874 and is a working example which can be seen in daily operation. A nature trail leads from the mill, along the banks of the Wye to the nearby village of Rowsley.
The attractive village of Youlgreave has a fine example of an unusual late 18th Century stone-built water storage tank. Each June, the village celebrates with a traditional 'well-dressing' ceremony.
The Nine Ladies on nearby Stanton Moor is a Bronze Age stone circle which has been a sacred site used for religious ceremonies.
Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is a short drive away. Known as one of the 'treasure houses of England ' it houses some of the finest privately owned arts and craftsmanship from over five centuries of collecting by the Cavendish family. There is a lovely 105 acre garden to explore with world famous waterworks and a working farmyard with plenty to see and do for younger visitors.
The Spa town of Buxton, less than 15 miles away, famously known as the ' Bath of the North', was made popular in Elizabethan times when it became fashionable for Royal Courtiers to make the journey to Buxton to bathe and 'take the waters'. It has remained a popular resort ever since, with much evidence of fine architecture throughout the centuries. Buxton hosts many events throughout the year, the most spectacular of which is the internationally renowned music festival spanning more than two weeks each July.
Take a taste of the Peak District - holiday accommodation plus attractions, outdoors activities, places, pubs, restaurants and other information for tourists or locals.