This historic Derbyshire village is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 - where it was recorded as belonging to Henry de Ferrers and being worth eight shillings. The Rowtor Rocks lie just outside the village of Birchover, where caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair have been carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were led to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago.placeholder image
This historic Derbyshire village is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 - where it was recorded as belonging to Henry de Ferrers and being worth eight shillings. The Rowtor Rocks lie just outside the village of Birchover, where caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair have been carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were led to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago.

These beautiful places are among the first places you need to explore as autumn gets closer across Derbyshire and the Peak District – including Bakewell, Castleton, Hathersage, Buxton and Matlock

By Tom Hardwick
Published 15th Sep 2026, 11:59 GMT

If you’re planning a day trip as autumn approaches, these spots across Derbyshire and the Peak District are among some of the best places to visit.

Derbyshire and the Peak District are home to a number of beautiful towns and villages – with plenty of great destinations to be found wherever you are across the county.

Some of the area’s most picturesque destinations, all of which are perfect to explore over the coming weeks, are listed below – will you be visiting any of these places?

Boasting lovely limestone cottages, this village in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales is said to have origins dating back to Medieval times. The 18th century saw a period of relative prosperity for Great Longstone due to its lead mining and shoe-making industries.Today, the signs of Great Longstone’s history can be seen all around the village.

9. Great Longstone

Boasting lovely limestone cottages, this village in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales is said to have origins dating back to Medieval times. The 18th century saw a period of relative prosperity for Great Longstone due to its lead mining and shoe-making industries.Today, the signs of Great Longstone’s history can be seen all around the village. Photo: Jason Chadwick

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Castleton is a great base for tourists looking to take in some of the Peak District’s most popular attractions - including the likes of Winnats Pass, Cave Dale, Mam Tor, Blue John Cavern and Peveril Castle.

10. Castleton

Castleton is a great base for tourists looking to take in some of the Peak District’s most popular attractions - including the likes of Winnats Pass, Cave Dale, Mam Tor, Blue John Cavern and Peveril Castle. Photo: jason chadwick

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Pilsley is located on the Chatsworth Estate, and is home to the popular Chatsworth Farm Shop.

11. Pilsley

Pilsley is located on the Chatsworth Estate, and is home to the popular Chatsworth Farm Shop. Photo: jason chadwick

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For those interested in history, Eyam is a perfect place to visit. It is known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century.

12. Eyam

For those interested in history, Eyam is a perfect place to visit. It is known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century. Photo: Jason Chadwick

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