Things to do in the Peak District
Litton is an ideal centre for a holiday with a host of interesting places and activities right on our doorstep. The stately homes of Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall and Haddon Hall are just 20-30 minutes away by car.
You may also like to visit the famous caves at Castleton where ‘Blue John’ is mined – a semi precious stone which has been fashioned into ornaments and jewellery since Roman times.
Within a few miles are the towns of Bakewell – famous for its puddings – and Buxton, renowned for its Edwardian Opera House and mineral waters.
Also nearby to Litton is the 17th Century village of Eyam where you can discover the fascinating story of how it became known as the “Plague Village”. Any trip to the village would also not be complete without a humbling visit to its infamous Boundary Stone.
For the more actively inclined, there are an abundance of walks ranging from easy to rather strenuous. The famous Monsal Trail is accessible by a short car journey.
Click here to view the facilities local to Litton village, where Hall Farm House is based.
Walking in the Peak District
The Peak District is famed for the variety of walks available across its beautiful landscapes. The famous Monsal Trail is accessible by a short car journey from Hall Farm House, and a must for any railway or walking enthusiasts. It will take you through disused tunnels, as well as along a river which warrents spectacular views.
Walking from Castleton, you can walk past the caverns where beautiful Blue John stones are mined and up to Mam Tor — an idyllic spot with views over the Derwent Moors.
Driving to Hall Farm House you may have also passed the dam and reservoir where the famous village of Derwent now resides. There are lovely walks around the area, and occasionally when the water recedes you can spot the outlines or archaeology of the old village.
If you’re wishing to start your days activities heading out from Hall Farm house, there are walks from here headed through Tansleydale and through Cressbrook. Water-cum-jolly is a particularly pretty spot to pay a visit to, situated on the River Wye. There is also a fine and historic bar nearby — the Monsal Head — that has a paid car park and excellent views.
Litton is also overlooked by the infamous Peter’s Stone or Gibbet’s Rock, that can provide an unusual walk for dog walking or a breath of fresh air.
If you’d like to read more about some of the incredible walks available in the Peak District National Park, VisitPeakDistrict.com provides a local overview including estimated mileage and ideal spots for starting walks.
Shopping in the Peak District
We are situated near to some lovely towns and villages in the Peak District, that are ideal for visiting if you want to do a bit of shopping while on your holiday!
Bakewell is a must for one of their famous Bakewell puddings, best enjoyed fresh baked and warm out of the oven. But there’s not just good eating in Bakewell, there’s also jewellers, antique centres, a whisky shop and gallery in which to have a gander. Bakewell also has a Monday market with plenty of stalls selling local goods and produce.
For those of you with green fingers, you may enjoy a visit to the Abbey Brook Cactus Nursery. This specialist nursey houses thousands of specimens, with options to purchase from a wide range of succulents and cacti.
Let’s also not forget the beautiful locally mined stone, Blue John, that is found in shops all across the Peak District, especially small shops in Castleton.
Closer to Hall Farm House, Tideswell has its own bakery, grocers, and gift shop – as well as a secondhand book shop (variable opening hours) – that are worth a peruse.
Eating & Drinking in the Peak District
No trip to the Peak District would be complete without paying a visit to a few of its local pubs! Lots of these are maintained in historic buildings, complete with original features and set in surroundings of astounding natural beauty.
We’ve already mentioned the Stable Bar at the Monsal Head, but another pub that has exceptional views of the Peak District is the Barrel Inn at Bretton. Dating from 1597, this historic pub is situated 1300 feet above sea level!
Closer to home, the Red Lion in Litton village generally has a great selection of local ales and gastropub cuisine.
Another spot for sampling the local ales is the The Cheshire Cheese Inn, situated in Hope Valley. This cosy bolthole is placed very near to the ruins of Peveril Castle, a scheduled monument dating from the eleventh century.
There are also plenty of options for wining and dining, with towns such as Buxton and Bakewell providing lots of choices to cater to many culinary tastes. We always recommend checking opening hours and booking in advance where possible so as to avoid disappointment!
Historic Homes in the Peak District
Alongside its scenic landscapes, the Peak District is also famed for its beautiful stately homes, manor houses and castles – many that are available for a visit! Here are just a few that are accessed in under an hour by car from Hall Farm House.
Bolsover Castle, originally built in 1068, has plenty to see and do for the whole family — with fully restored and opulent rooms as well as walks around the ruins and castle walls.
Hardwick Hall, which is owned by the National Trust, has been defined as architecurally significant and displays some beautiful features of Elizabethan architecture. Inside, find many collections that show off the history of the house as well as paintings, architecture, and antiques.
Chatsworth House can’t fail to impress as you approach it alongside the River Derwent and through green, rolling fields. Alongside the well-restored interior, a 105-acre garden is filled with beautiful landscaping and even a maze! It also houses various artworks, including paintings by Lucian Freud and sculpture by Damien Hirst.
Famous as both a regular film location and site of historic interest, Haddon Hall is described as one of the most romantic houses in Britain. Tracing its origins to the 12th century, Haddon Hall plays host to many events and weddings as well as exquisite architecture.
Many of these houses close or partially close over the winter months, so be sure to check details before venturing out on a visit.
Hall Farm House has three comfy bed and breakfast rooms available, two of which have ensuite bathrooms. The third is a twin room. We are also happy to accommodate dogs if you wish to bring your four-legged friend to stay too!
Hall Farm House is a historic farm building with origins that can be traced back to the 1900s. Learn about the historic farm building where we base our bed & breakfast accommodation in the Peak District National Park
You can check availability and book a stay at Hall Farm House via the Peak District website using Guestlink. We are also happy to take bookings over the phone – just give us a call at your convenience on 01298 872172