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 fascinating tale of Derbyshire’s flooded villages was something I knew very little about until moving here. When water levels at Ladybower Reservoir are low, walkers may be able to catch a glimpse of Derwent - a village that was flooded as part of the creation of the reservoir. Derwent and nearby Ashopton (pictured here) were small villages but had tight-knit communities - and Ashopton’s inn was a popular stop on the route between Sheffield and Glossop. In spite of fierce local opposition, each building in the two villages was bought compulsorily by the Derwent Valley Water Board. Residents of both villages were moved to Bamford and their homes demolished, before the area was flooded in 1945

13. Derbyshire’s flooded villages

The fascinating tale of Derbyshire’s flooded villages was something I knew very little about until moving here. When water levels at Ladybower Reservoir are low, walkers may be able to catch a glimpse of Derwent - a village that was flooded as part of the creation of the reservoir. Derwent and nearby Ashopton (pictured here) were small villages but had tight-knit communities - and Ashopton’s inn was a popular stop on the route between Sheffield and Glossop. In spite of fierce local opposition, each building in the two villages was bought compulsorily by the Derwent Valley Water Board. Residents of both villages were moved to Bamford and their homes demolished, before the area was flooded in 1945 Photo: DT

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Visitors to this quirky High Peak town can stroll along the Millennium Walkway, which stretches over the River Goyt and takes you to the Torrs Riverside Park. After taking in the scenery, there are plenty of great places to eat and drink across the town - including A Tavola, Pride of the Peaks and Torr Vale Tap.

14. New Mills

Visitors to this quirky High Peak town can stroll along the Millennium Walkway, which stretches over the River Goyt and takes you to the Torrs Riverside Park. After taking in the scenery, there are plenty of great places to eat and drink across the town - including A Tavola, Pride of the Peaks and Torr Vale Tap. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Ashford-in-the-Water is popular for its medieval bridge and Thornbridge Hall, the 12th century stately home that lies on the outskirts of the village. It is also home to a number of great places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat - including The Bulls Head and the Ashford Arms.

15. Ashford in the Water

Ashford-in-the-Water is popular for its medieval bridge and Thornbridge Hall, the 12th century stately home that lies on the outskirts of the village. It is also home to a number of great places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat - including The Bulls Head and the Ashford Arms. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Belper is perfect for anyone planning a day out in Derbyshire - with its award-winning high street offering plenty of places to eat, drink and shop.

16. Belper

Belper is perfect for anyone planning a day out in Derbyshire - with its award-winning high street offering plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. Photo: Brian Eyre

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