Sue Field explores the best places for smallholder living…
Derbyshire is possibly one of the most beautiful counties in England. To the north of the county is the Peak District National Park, England’s first National Park created in 1951, and so beloved of walkers, but the county also has a number of green zones around urban areas aimed at protecting the landscape.
THINGS TO DO IN DERBYSHIRE
With the oldest national park in the country right on your doorstep, this county has so many attractions it is difficult to know where to start! If vigorous fell walking is not quite your thing, the towns of Buxton (famed for
its spa waters) and Bakewell will offer a very pleasant day out.
Not far away is the village of Eyam, known as the Plague Village, where it’s very forward thinking and enlightened vicar, William Mompresson, persuaded his parishioners to self isolate in 1665 to prevent the further spread of the Black Death following the outbreak in the village, caused, it is believed, by a delivery of cloth from London containing infected fleas. Of the 800 villagers, around 260 died that summer from the plague and a walk round Eyam tells the stories of those who succumbed. To this day there is an aura surrounding the village.
There are a number of stately homes in the county, the most famous of which must be Chatsworth House with its stunning facade and rooms. Home to the Devonshire family, its location and grounds are a delightful day out.
Nottingham is around 15 miles away with a good range of facilities. It is alleged to be the home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, as well as lace making, bicycles and tobacco industries.
FAMOUS DERBY MEN AND WOMEN
To name but a few, Tess Daly (Strictly Come Dancing), actors John Hurt, Robert Lindsay and Timothy Dalton (007 himself). William Roche, Coronation Street stalwart, and 80’s darts icon, John Lowe all hail from the county as does award winning author, Hilary Mantel, and the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Must be something in that Buxton water!
A fascinating county with so much to offer, Derbyshire can boast at having the first National Park in the country and also being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution with the building of the earliest known factory. Oh …. and holidays were invented here by Thomas Cook!
