The Church of St Michael is a Grade II listed building, and was constructed in 1828 on the site of an ancient chapel. After being hit by a German bomb in 1941, the church was partially destroyed - before being restored in 1952. The event was recorded by a local humorist, Tom Wise in a poem called ‘The Sterndale Blitz’: They bombed our church them Germans did In nineteen forty one And left it there without a lid Exposed to wind and sun And when at last the war was o’er And Hitler was the loser We knelt, praying as of yore Thanked God they missed the boozer.placeholder image
The Church of St Michael is a Grade II listed building, and was constructed in 1828 on the site of an ancient chapel. After being hit by a German bomb in 1941, the church was partially destroyed - before being restored in 1952. The event was recorded by a local humorist, Tom Wise in a poem called ‘The Sterndale Blitz’: They bombed our church them Germans did In nineteen forty one And left it there without a lid Exposed to wind and sun And when at last the war was o’er And Hitler was the loser We knelt, praying as of yore Thanked God they missed the boozer.

This hidden gem village in the Peak District is one of the first places you need to visit over the autumn months

By Tom Hardwick
Published 23rd Oct 2026, 10:38 BST

This Peak District village is perfect to visit if you’re searching for hidden gems to explore this autumn.

Earl Sterndale is one of the best hidden gems across the Peak District – making it perfect for anyone organising a Derbyshire day trip.

These photos show why you should explore the village this autumn – will you be making plans to visit over the coming weeks?

Historically, the area surrounding the village was mostly made up of farmland owned by Basingwerk Abbey in Wales. Today, farming still makes up for much of the village’s economy, as well as the nearby Dowlow Works quarry.

5. Heritage and industry

Historically, the area surrounding the village was mostly made up of farmland owned by Basingwerk Abbey in Wales. Today, farming still makes up for much of the village’s economy, as well as the nearby Dowlow Works quarry. Photo: jason chadwick

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The Quiet Woman was the only pub in Earl Sterndale. It never reopened following the sad death of the previous long-term landlord - and the building has since been converted into holiday rentals.

6. The Quiet Woman

The Quiet Woman was the only pub in Earl Sterndale. It never reopened following the sad death of the previous long-term landlord - and the building has since been converted into holiday rentals. Photo: jason chadwick

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Earl Sterndale's telephone box is found across the road from the Quiet Woman pub - a rare sight in most towns and cities today.

7. Old-school telephone box

Earl Sterndale's telephone box is found across the road from the Quiet Woman pub - a rare sight in most towns and cities today. Photo: jason chadwick

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