Stately Homes & Castles

If the call of the wild isn't strong enough to tempt you into your walking boots (or the Peak rain is too hard), there are plenty of historic buildings to visit. Here are just a few...

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth is one of Britain’s best loved historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from famous works of art and the spectacular fountains in the garden to the finest shopping, food and drink and many miles of free walks. The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is set in the magnificent landscape of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park, to be seen in the new film ‘Pride and Prejudice’ from 16th September.

Eyam Hall

A delightful, small, 17th century manor house in the centre of the famous Plague Village of Eyam.

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is a fortified medieval manor house dating from the 12 th Century, and is the home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners whose family have owned it since 1567.

Hardwick Hall

One of Britain's greatest and most complete Elizabethan houses, built for 'Bess of Hardwick', Elizabethan England's second most powerful and wealthy woman. Hardwick Hall displays many outstanding 16th and 17th-century tapestries and embroideries, with fine historic parklands, orchard and a herb garden to explore.

Hathersage Castle

Hathersage Castle (Camp Green) is a badly damaged earthwork motte and bailey. There are fine views of the motte (which has been cut through) and the bailey, which retains part of its rampart.

Ilam Hall and Ilam

Ilam Park, at the southern end of the Manifold valley, consists of Ilam Hall and remnants of it's gardens, ancient semi-natural woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and open parkland with well preserved 'ridge and furrow' from medieval agriculture. Ilam Hall was built between 1821 and 1827. Sold in the 1930s for demolition, three quarters of the Hall had been demolished before Sir Robert McDougal bought the Hall for the National Trust, on the understanding that it be used as an International Youth Hostel.

Peveril Castle

The tower of this Norman stronghold still stands to its original height This castle, perched high above the pretty village of Castleton, offers breathtaking views of the Peak District. Founded soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066 by one of King William's most trusted knights, William Peveril, the castle played an important role in guarding the Peak Forest area.

Pilsbury Castle

Pilsbury Castle is an interesting Norman earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded to defended the ancient river crossing. The large low motte encased by a ditch, stands against the steep banks of the River Dove, with the inner bailey still retaining its rubble-built rampart and an unusual rocky outcrop.

Shugborough Hall

Experience the beautiful sights, evocative sounds, real smells and true taste of The Complete Working Historic Estate. Set on the banks of the beautiful River Sow, and on the northern wooded fringes of Cannock Chase, Shugborough boasts 900 acres of historic parkland, working Georgian buildings and sublime gardens for you to explore.

Tissington Hall

Built by Francis FitzHerbert in 1609 it has been the FitzHerbert's family home for the best part of 400 years.

Wingfield Manor

A huge, ruined country mansion, Wingfield Manor was built in 1440 by Ralph, Lord Cromwell, Treasurer of England. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here in 1569, 1584 and 1585. Unoccupied since the 1770s, the manor's late-Gothic Great Hall and the 'High Tower' are testaments to its heyday.