Youlgrave is situated in the Peak Park - an area of great scenic beauty and the first of England's National Parks.

Derbyshire Towns and Villages

Three and a half miles north of Youlgrave is the pleasant market town of Bakewell. It's famous weekly market takes place each Monday with household goods and gifts to be found within the town centre alongside the important livestock market in the modern new agricultural centre. A Farmers Market, featuring wonderful local produce, is held in the Agrcultural Centre on the last Saturday of each month and is well worth a visit. There is a wide range of shops to be found in Bakewell from food, including local specialities such as the Bakewell Pudding and Hartington cheese, to gifts, clothes and and all kinds of household goods.

Just one and a half miles by road, or a pleasant stroll away down Lathkill Dale you will find Over Haddon. Lunch or other refreshments can be taken at the Lathkill Hotel or one of a number of cafes.

Castleton is another popular and picturesque village which is famous for its limestone caverns. The Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff and Speedwell Cavern can be visited all year round. Full details and opening hours can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office in Bakewell.

Historic Attractions & Traditions

The ancient art of Well Dressing, unique to the Derbyshire area, thrives in Youlgrave and surrounding villages. Each year, during June, five wells are dressed in Youlgrave with intricate and detailed pictures created from flowers, berries, leaves and other natural materials. The origins of well dressing may date back as far as Celtic times and are generally believed to have stemmed from a desire to give thanks for the blessed gift of water. Villages all over Derbyshire uphold the tradition and well dressing events take place from May to September. Phone the Tourist Information Centre on 01246 345777 for more information.

Derbyshire abounds with interesting attractions. Haddon Hall is a beautiful Tudor house situated between Youlgrave and Bakewell. The magnificent Chatsworth House and estate, with its famous gardens and art collection is just 15 minutes drive away. The fascinating village of Eyam with its Plague Museum and Eyam Hall and Craft Centre is another great day out.

A little further afield Hardwick Hall, Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood, Calke Abbey and Kedleston Hall near Derby are all well woth seeing.

For more information about these attractions and the many other places to visit in Derbyshire and surrounding areas visit the Tourist Information Offices in Bakewell or Matlock.

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

The Peak District is a very popular area for walking at all levels, from the gentle hills and farmland of the Dales around Youlgrave to the dramatic gritstone edges at Froggatt and Calver and the challenging High Peak terrain of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow in North Derbyshire. Three long distance footpaths pass through Youlgrave: the Alternative Pennine Way; the Limestone Way; and the White Peak Way.

Both walkers and cyclists will enjoy the Tissington Trail that runs between Ashbourne and Buxton along the route of a former train line. Bicycles can be hired at Parsley Hay (on the Tissington Trail) or at Bakewell.