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A Quiet Village...

Chelmorton is situated right at the heart of the Peak District National Park and therefore offers the perfect base for exploring the area. It is an ancient Derbyshire village in the 'White Peak' and is renowned for the surrounding narrow strip fields bounded by limestone walls which trace the patterns of medieval farming methods. Today the fields enclose herds of nibbling sheep and grazing cows. Very little traffic goes up and down the road and you are just as likely to see sheep being herded up the street or a few hens wandering about. There are no shops in the village, however the Church Inn (which serves good food) is just two minutes walk from Swallow Barn.

Explore the Peak District...

The Peak District encompasses some of the most breathtaking scenery in England and draws walkers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. The picturesque dales of the rivers Wye, Lathkill, Dove and Derwent are all within easy reach of Swallow Barn, as are the heather moorland and gritstone outcrops of the 'Dark Peak'.

 

On Two Wheels...

There are several excellent cycle hire centres on traffic free former railway lines such as the Tissington Trail. The newly opened Monsal Trail along the line of the old Midland Railway crosses a spectacular viaduct and through tunnels to offer wonderful views of the River Wye and the surrounding countryside. For mountain bikers the choice of routes is endless - with rough moorland tracks, routes through woods and fields and a labyrinth of quiet lanes.

Around town...

Exploring the shops around the historic villages and towns of the Peak District is a real pleasure, with alleyways, courtyards and arcades where the accent is on individual shops. You'll find a wide selection of products, from crafts to couture to delis and outdoor clothing. Bakewell, Leek and Ashbourne all have a wealth of antique shops, ideal for browsing and perhaps the source of a reminder of your holiday!

The nearest town to Chelmorton is Buxton (6 miles), a former spa town which boasts a gem of an opera house, splendid Georgian architecture and lots of places to eat.

The attractive market town of Bakewell is just 8 miles, where you can stroll by the River Wye with its 17c arched bridge. Don't miss the weekly Monday market with over 40 regular stalls or the Farmers' Market on the last Saturday of the month.

Ashbourne (12 miles) is a lovely Georgian town, with a medieval market place and a lots of individual shops selling antiques, fashion and other goods. Wander down St John's Street past tiny almshouses and the 15c Grammar School to see splendid 15c tombs in St John's Church.

Step back in time...

A number of fascinating museums offer a glimpse back into the past, including the Old House Museum in Bakewell. Only 18m away is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Derwent Valley Mills - birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Take a ride on a vintage tram for one old penny at Crich Tramway Village or a ride in a horse drawn carriage at the Red House Stables.

Live like a Lord...

Derbyshire boasts a wealth of historic houses, castles and splendid gardens to discover. Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is the most well known stately home, but just over the hill from is another gem – medieval Haddon Hall. The National Trust has several grand properties within easy reach including Sudbury Hall, Kedleston Hall and Hardwick Hall. English Heritage too has sites to visit – including Peveril Castle dating from Norman times and magnificent Bolsover Castle.

Go underground...

The 'White Peak' limestone landscape and the legacy of a 17c lead mining industry have combined to create a number of caves and caverns to explore. Castleton village is the most popular place to 'go underground' – with several caves and caverns, including Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. At Buxton, Poole's Cavern has spectacular stalagmites and has won awards for its accessibility for all.

Feed the soul...

With an abundance of local farmers, bakers and speciality producers selling their superb range of foods, the Peak District is a real delight for food lovers. Meats, breads and biscuits, cheeses, ales, chocolates, ice cream and of course the world famous 'Bakewell Pudding' are available straight from the producer at a farmers market or local shop (such as the award winning Chatsworth Farm Shop). In Buxton and Bakewell there are most types of international cuisine including Thai, Italian, Indian and Chinese. For dining pubs with a good atmosphere, open fires and real local ales, we suggest:

• The Church Inn, Chelmorton (2 mins walk) www.thechurchinn.co.uk
• The Devonshire Arms, Beeley (20 mins) www.devonshirebeeley.co.uk
• Chequers Inn, Froggatt (20 mins) www.chequers-froggatt.com
• The Bull's Head, Foolow (15 mins) www.thebullatfoolow.co.uk
• The Stables at the Monsal Head Hotel (15 mins) www.monsalhead.com
• The Packhorse, Little Longstone (15 mins) www.packhorselongstone.co.uk
• The Royal Oak, Hurdlow (5 mins) www.peakpub.co.uk
• The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley www.devonshirepilsley.co.uk
• The Charles Cotton, Hartington (10 mins) www.charlescotton.co.uk

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO SWALLOW BARN