Birchover 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
Birchover 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 historic villages across Derbyshire and the Peak District are perfect to explore this autumn – with each having been mentioned in the Domesday Book

By Tom Hardwick
Published 19th Oct 2026, 10:56 BST

These historic villages are perfect to visit if you’re looking for charming places to explore across Derbyshire and the Peak District this autumn.

If you’re searching for places to visit across Derbyshire and the Peak District, look no further than the historic villages listed here.

The historic spots were all recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 – and they are perfect to explore over the coming weeks.

This historic Derbyshire village is another that was recorded in the Domesday Book.

9. Winster

This historic Derbyshire village is another that was recorded in the Domesday Book. Photo: Brian Eyre

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A village near this location was also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Edensor incorporates a variety of stunning traditional house designs – including mock Tudor properties and Swiss-style cottages. In the 19th century, the sixth Duke of Devonshire ordered that the old estate village be demolished and rebuilt out of sight, as it spoiled his view of the estate from Chatsworth House - with Edensor being reconstructed entirely at the new site. Edensor also has a connection to former US President John F Kennedy, who made the pilgrimage to Edensor in July 1963 to visit the grave of his sister Kathleen Kennedy (who had married into the Devonshire family).

10. Edensor

A village near this location was also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Edensor incorporates a variety of stunning traditional house designs – including mock Tudor properties and Swiss-style cottages. In the 19th century, the sixth Duke of Devonshire ordered that the old estate village be demolished and rebuilt out of sight, as it spoiled his view of the estate from Chatsworth House - with Edensor being reconstructed entirely at the new site. Edensor also has a connection to former US President John F Kennedy, who made the pilgrimage to Edensor in July 1963 to visit the grave of his sister Kathleen Kennedy (who had married into the Devonshire family). Photo: Brian Eyre

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