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?

Wirksworth is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, making it an ideal base from which to enjoy some of Derbyshire’s most scenic countryside - and the town itself has plenty on offer to keep visitors entertained. This pretty market town offers great pubs, independent shops and a thriving arts community - making it perfect to explore over the coming weeks.

9. Wirksworth

Wirksworth is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, making it an ideal base from which to enjoy some of Derbyshire’s most scenic countryside - and the town itself has plenty on offer to keep visitors entertained. This pretty market town offers great pubs, independent shops and a thriving arts community - making it perfect to explore over the coming weeks. Photo: Brian Eyre

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The Romans were the first to discover the springs around Buxton, and they called the town ‘Aquae Arnemetiae' - ‘The Spa-Town of the Sacred Groves’. Buxton has been famous for its healing waters for centuries, and it can be sampled straight from the spring at St Ann's Well in the town centre.

10. Buxton

The Romans were the first to discover the springs around Buxton, and they called the town ‘Aquae Arnemetiae' - ‘The Spa-Town of the Sacred Groves’. Buxton has been famous for its healing waters for centuries, and it can be sampled straight from the spring at St Ann's Well in the town centre. Photo: jason chadwick

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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.

11. Birchover

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. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Hathersage has strong literary connections - having inspired Charlotte Brontë while she was writing Jane Eyre. The nearby North Lees Hall (pictured here) also became the main inspiration for Thornfield Hall. The Grave of Little John, Robin Hood’s second-in-command, can be found at St. Michael’s Church in the heart of Hathersage. While there is little evidence proving he is buried here, ballads suggest that he originated from Hathersage and settled there again later in his life.

12. Hathersage

Hathersage has strong literary connections - having inspired Charlotte Brontë while she was writing Jane Eyre. The nearby North Lees Hall (pictured here) also became the main inspiration for Thornfield Hall. The Grave of Little John, Robin Hood’s second-in-command, can be found at St. Michael’s Church in the heart of Hathersage. While there is little evidence proving he is buried here, ballads suggest that he originated from Hathersage and settled there again later in his life. Photo: Phil Sproson Photography - Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

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