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?

If you’re looking for somewhere with historic charm, Cromford offers this in spades - with the northern stretch of Cromford Canal lying on the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

17. Cromford

If you’re looking for somewhere with historic charm, Cromford offers this in spades - with the northern stretch of Cromford Canal lying on the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Photo: jason chadwick

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Grindleford is perfect for anyone wanting to combine stunning scenery and fascinating history. Walkers can follow Padley Gorge up onto the moors, before taking in the scenery at Surprise View and looping back round to Grindleford Station - where a visit to the Grindleford Station Cafe is a must. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink, The Maynard should feature at the top of your list. The walk can also be combined with a visit to Padley Chapel, a Grade I listed building located at the site where the ‘Padley Martyrs’ - two Catholic priests who were executed for treason - were discovered in 1588.

18. Grindleford

Grindleford is perfect for anyone wanting to combine stunning scenery and fascinating history. Walkers can follow Padley Gorge up onto the moors, before taking in the scenery at Surprise View and looping back round to Grindleford Station - where a visit to the Grindleford Station Cafe is a must. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink, The Maynard should feature at the top of your list. The walk can also be combined with a visit to Padley Chapel, a Grade I listed building located at the site where the ‘Padley Martyrs’ - two Catholic priests who were executed for treason - were discovered in 1588. Photo: Photo © Andrew Tryon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

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Osmaston, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, is another of the county’s scenic villages - with this fairytale sawmill among the sights to take in.

19. Osmaston

Osmaston, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, is another of the county’s scenic villages - with this fairytale sawmill among the sights to take in. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6164714

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Lumsdale Falls can be found to the north-east of Matlock - and should be high on your list if you find yourself in the area.

20. Lumsdale Falls, Matlock

Lumsdale Falls can be found to the north-east of Matlock - and should be high on your list if you find yourself in the area. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Lyne - geograph.org.uk/p/6444024

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