Scattered across the Peak District are dozens of villages, each one offering something a bit different. The village of Baslow has its own hidden gem among the usual range of cosy cafes and country pubs - a Michelin-approved restaurant.
Lying on the banks of the River Derwent, Baslow is charming village with a mixture of old and new cottages. Around an hour and twenty minute drive from Greater Manchester, it's nestled beneath a gritstone edge sharing the same name and surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Dark Peak
At the heart of it is a beautiful village green, Goose Green, which is covered in a blanket of daffodils each spring. The village itself is divided into five ‘Ends’: Far, Nether, Bridge, West and Over Ends.
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Bridge End is where you’ll find the historic part of the village, with houses clustered around St Anne’s Church, with some parts of the building dating back to 1200. Beside the church is an ancient bridge which crosses the River Derwent.
Built in 1603, it’s the oldest bridge to cross the river which has never been destroyed by floods. There’s a small toll house at one end of the bridge which still stands today.
At the eastern end of the village is Nether End, which has several pubs, cafes and hotels. If you fancy something sweet head to Cafe on the Green for tea and cake, or if the sun’s out relax in the beer garden at The Wheatsheaf pub, which also has a great play area for kids. Meanwhile Italian restaurant Il Lupo has excellent reviews if you’re looking for an alternative to a country pub.
But Baslow has another culinary gem hidden among its winding roads. In Over End is the gorgeous Grade II-listed manor house Baslow Hall, a hotel which is home to a multi-award winning restaurant which has even received Michelin recognition.
Fischer’s at Baslow Hall received the Michelin Plate 2023 award and is mentioned in the 2023 Michelin Guide. Diners can tuck into exquisite dishes made with the finest ingredients, some of which are grown in the hotel’s own gardens.
The menu features dishes such as veal sweetbread served with curried parsnip and coriander; and Derbyshire venison with elderberry and celeriac. Foodies can even book a seat at the Kitchen Bench and watch the chefs in action in the kitchen - although this will set you back £145 per person.
One way to work up an appetite for Baslow’s culinary scene is by exploring the surrounding countryside. The village is overlooked by impressive gritstone edges- Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt - which all have spectacular views from the top.
Look out for the Eagle Stone on Baslow Edge, a quirky rock formation which, according to local custom, young men in the village had to climb to the top before they could get married. From Baslow you can easily visit the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth Park, which are free to access.
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