ROCKERS COTTAGE

Tideswell

Peak District National Park

At the heart of the Peak National Park lies Tideswell village. As one of the most ancient settlements in the central Peak District, Tideswell was granted a market charter in 1251. It was the site of the 'Great Courts' of the Royal Forest of the Peak in the time of Edward I. Tideswell was formerly celebrated for its ebbing and flowing well, from which it probably derived its name; but the first recorded account is in the Domesday book. Under the name Tiddeswall, it is mentioned as a royal demesne, having a chapel, which in 1215 was given by King John to the canons of Lichfield.

Tideswell's main feature is the magnificent 14th-century church, known locally as 'The Cathedral of the Peak'. Amazingly, no major external alterations have been made since 1400 and it looks little different today as it did 600 years ago. The village is also noted for its annual well-dressing - an ancient custom of decorating the village wells with flower petals - which take place in July. Tideswell was also an important centre for lead mining from the 14th century until the 19th century, and you can still see former miner's cottages in the streets.

One of Derbyshire's prettiest villages, Tideswell is a convenient centre for walks in the beautiful valleys of Millers Dale, Tideswell Dale, Monks Dale and Chee Dale.

Within easy walking distance of Rockers Cottage are The Vanilla Kitchen Coffee Shop, Tindalls Bakery, Tideswell Dale Rock Shop (supplying fine mineral specimens to museums and private collectors for over 25 years, including Blue John and Ashford Black Marble),  the craft shop, local butcher, fruit and veg shop, Tideswell Stores, newsagents, bank and post office.  The George Hotel, an historic 18th Century Coaching Inn, is open all year round and offers home-cooked food and real ales.

  Tideswell 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.

Nearby Millers 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 railway was closed in 1964 and Miller's Dale's now provides a home for many wild flowers, birds and butterflies.

Monsal Trail, Millers Dale

 Early Purple Orchid, Cowslip & Greater  Stitchwort

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