Edensor is a custom-built village on the Chatsworth Estate, which was specially commissioned by the sixth Duke of Devonshire, and 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).placeholder image
Edensor is a custom-built village on the Chatsworth Estate, which was specially commissioned by the sixth Duke of Devonshire, and 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).

These quirky places across Derbyshire and the Peak District are the first places that you need to explore this autumn

By Tom Hardwick
Published 16th Oct 2026, 10:47 BST

These quirky places across Derbyshire and the Peak District are perfect to explore this summer – combining fascinating heritage and unique attractions.

Derbyshire and the Peak District are home to a number of unique places. Whether you’re looking for quirky artistic hubs, fascinating historical spots or extraordinary attractions, there is something to satisfy everyone across our county.

These are some of the best quirky spots to visit across Derbyshire and the Peak District – will you be making plans to explore any of them over the coming weeks?

The echoes of history can still be felt today across the village of Eyam - perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about the area’s heritage. It is known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century - and is ideal for anyone wanting to delve further into a fascinating note in Derbyshire’s history.

5. Eyam

The echoes of history can still be felt today across the village of Eyam - perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about the area’s heritage. It is known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century - and is ideal for anyone wanting to delve further into a fascinating note in Derbyshire’s history. Photo: Jason Chadwick

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The RAF's 617 Squadron, who carried out the famous ‘Dambusters Raid’ on the Ruhr Valley in 1943, trained for their mission in the skies over the Derwent Dam - making this a unique place to visit for any history buffs with an interest in the Second World War.

6. Visit the ‘Dambusters’ training site

The RAF's 617 Squadron, who carried out the famous ‘Dambusters Raid’ on the Ruhr Valley in 1943, trained for their mission in the skies over the Derwent Dam - making this a unique place to visit for any history buffs with an interest in the Second World War. Photo: Johnston Press

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Matlock Bath is one of the most scenic villages in Derbyshire, and is a popular destination for people visiting the county. The village became a hotspot for significant historical figures after warm springs were discovered in the late 1600s. Lord Byron visited and compared the area to alpine Switzerland, and the nickname of ‘little Switzerland’ was born. There are plenty of things to do in the area, with the cable cars at the Heights of Abraham a favourite among visitors.

7. Matlock Bath - Derbyshire’s ‘little Switzerland’

Matlock Bath is one of the most scenic villages in Derbyshire, and is a popular destination for people visiting the county. The village became a hotspot for significant historical figures after warm springs were discovered in the late 1600s. Lord Byron visited and compared the area to alpine Switzerland, and the nickname of ‘little Switzerland’ was born. There are plenty of things to do in the area, with the cable cars at the Heights of Abraham a favourite among visitors. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Castleton is home to a number of quirky attractions. Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern are the only places where the rare mineral Blue John can be found, while Speedwell Cavern offers unique boat tours. The Peak Cavern can be found deep in the gorge below Peveril Castle at Castleton - and is known colloquially as the Devil’s Arse.

8. Castleton

Castleton is home to a number of quirky attractions. Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern are the only places where the rare mineral Blue John can be found, while Speedwell Cavern offers unique boat tours. The Peak Cavern can be found deep in the gorge below Peveril Castle at Castleton - and is known colloquially as the Devil’s Arse. Photo: jason chadwick

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