A Day Out in Hathersage

A Day Out in Hathersage

The picturesque village of Hathersage is perfect for a day out from Wheeldon Trees. The village has stunning scenery, a charming village atmosphere and is around a 30-minute drive from Wheeldon.

If you are looking for a great location for lunch, there are plenty of places to choose from.

Hathersage is nestled in the heart of the Hope Valley. The village is surrounded by rolling hills, wooded valleys, and craggy gritstone crags. You can enjoy endless outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, climbing, swimming, and fishing.

Hathersage is also close to several popular attractions, such as Stanage Edge, Mam Tor, Chatsworth House, and the Peak District National Park Visitor Centre. You can also take a dip in the Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool, one of the few remaining lidos in England.

First, a bit of history

The village has a rich history, dating back to the Mesolithic period. Evidence of human occupation has been found in the area dating back to around 10,000 BC. The village was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and it has been growing and developing ever since.

Hathersage has played an important role in the history of the Peak District. The village was a major centre for the lead mining industry in the 17th and 18th centuries. Hathersage was also a popular destination for artists and writers in the 19th century, and it was once home to the poet Charlotte Brontë. 

Historical Hathersage landmarks

Hathersage Parish Church: The church dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most impressive churches in the Peak District. It is home to the tomb of Little John, Robin Hood’s legendary sidekick.

Eyre Hall: Eyre Hall is a 17th-century manor house that was once home to the Eyre family, one of the most powerful families in the Peak District. The house is now open to the public and offers guided tours.

Leadmill Bridge: Leadmill Bridge is a 16th-century bridge that spans the River Derwent. It is one of the oldest bridges in the Peak District and was once used to transport lead ore from the mines to the smelters.

Stanage Edge: Stanage Edge is a gritstone escarpment that overlooks Hathersage. It is a popular destination for climbers, hikers, and walkers.

Mam Tor: Mam Tor is a hill that is located just outside of Hathersage. It is known for its dramatic scenery and its geological significance.

Today, Hathersage is a thriving village with a population of around 3,000 people. The village is home to a variety of businesses, including shops, restaurants, and cafes. Hathersage is also a popular base for exploring the Peak District National Park.

Here are a few places to put on your radar from eateries to delis and outdoor lidos.

Riverside Kitchen

If you’ve read our recent blog, you’ll know we’re huge fans of the Riverside Kitchen. The Riverside Kitchen at David Mellor is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Lauren and Ralph. Lauren is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience working in some of the best restaurants in the Peak District. Ralph has a background in business management and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the restaurant.

Lauren and Ralph are passionate about food and service, and they are committed to providing their guests with a truly memorable dining experience. We can highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great food mixed with history as the restaurant is housed within the David Mellor Museum and shop.

The George at Hathersage

At The George, they are passionate about food and drink. They use the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create honest, authentic pub classics with a modern twist. Their menu caters to everyone, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including wood-fired pizzas on sourdough bases, unique and diverse burgers, and à la carte options.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a delicious lunch, a decadent afternoon tea, or a satisfying evening meal, the George has something to tantalise your taste buds. And of course, no visit to The George would be complete without trying one of their legendary Sunday roasts!

Coleman’s Deli

Coleman’s Deli is a small, family-owned café in the heart of Hathersage. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists, thanks to its delicious food, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere.

The deli offers a wide range of food options, including sandwiches, salads, hot dishes, and cakes. All of the food is made fresh to order using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

The sandwiches and salads are particularly popular and come in a variety of flavours to suit all tastes. The hot dishes include items such as quiche, soup, and lasagne. The cakes are all homemade and are always fresh and delicious.

In addition to the food, Coleman’s Deli also offers a wide range of drinks, including coffee, tea, and soft drinks. There is also a selection of local beers and wines available.

Hathersage Swimming Pool

Hathersage Swimming Pool is a 30-metre open-air pool managed by Hathersage Parish Council. It is one of a dwindling number of such pools in the UK and offers the unique opportunity to swim in the open air amidst the glorious Peak District scenery.

The pool water is heated throughout the summer and winter seasons, so you can enjoy swimming all year round. There are a variety of sessions and fundraising events throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for more information.

The pool maintains its original 1930s charm but with modern changing facilities, fully accessible toilets, heated showers, and a disabled hoist (available upon request). There is also an adjoining café and lawned seating areas with stunning views of Stanage Edge, Hathersage Church, and the surrounding hills.

The heated season runs from March to September, but you can still enjoy unheated water swimming every Saturday through October and November.

If you’re visiting Wheeldon Trees Cottages at New Year’s, you can even bring in 2024 with a cold jump into the pool.

Alpkit

Finally, if you’re visiting Hathersage and love the outdoors, you’re probably going to want to nip into Alpkit.

Alpkit is a British outdoor gear company that was founded in 2004 by Nick Smith, Jim Vickers, Col Needham, and Kenny Smith. The company was born out of a passion for the outdoors and a desire to create high-quality, affordable gear for outdoor enthusiasts.

Alpkit started out as a small online retailer, but it quickly grew in popularity thanks to its commitment to innovation and customer service. The company was one of the first in the UK to offer direct-to-consumer sales, which allowed it to pass on savings to its customers.

Alpkit has also been a pioneer in the development of new outdoor gear technologies. The company has introduced a number of innovative products, such as its lightweight and packable down jackets, its breathable waterproof jackets, and its durable hiking boots.

Alongside the great outdoor kit, you can also grab a coffee and even take part in their weekly yoga classes.

Book your Wheeldon Trees Cottage

Wheeldon Trees is one of the Peak District’s leading cottage retreats.

There’s no better time to visit than the run-up to Christmas. Haddon Hall and Chatsworth are just short car journeys away.

Our Peak District cottages are close to a variety of activities. Things to do include hiking, biking, fishing, and visiting historic landmarks. In addition, we’re perfectly placed for wandering around charming English villages and taking in cafe society if you’re looking for a more grown-up break.

We have 10 stunning cottages set in 12 acres of Peak District National Park. Alongside luxury cottages, our rural retreat offers free EV charging and an honesty shop packed to the brim with goodies. In addition, we have a fantastic games room where you can play pool, air hockey or ping pong. We have two new electric bikes for you to borrow to explore the local area. What’s more, we have recently added two new hybrid bikes.

In 2023 five of our cottages were rated 5-Star Gold by VisitEngland. Firstly, the Farmhouse retained its 5-Star Gold rating from 2020. And now Priestley Cottage, Ollerenshaw Cottage, Nadin Cottage and Mycock Cottage join it with top marks. The remaining five cottages – Sheldon, Walker’s Rest, Critchlow, Elliott and Lomas were all rated 4-Star Gold. In addition, TripAdvisor recently named Wheeldon Trees in the top 10% of places to stay in the world. Thanks to our visitors’ amazing reviews, we were delighted to be awarded the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023. To complete the hat trick, we were also the runner-up in best self-catering accommodation at this year’s Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

You can view our availability and pick your perfect cottage by following this link – view our availability.