A Visit to Ilam
Ilam is just about as perfect a Peak District village as you could hope to find. Set in the Manifold Valley in Staffordshire, where the River Manifold meets the River Dove, this idyllic village features pretty cottages built in a distinctive Swiss chalet style, inspired by Jesse Watts-Russell who bought the estate in 1820 and felt the region reminded him of the Alps. The beautiful Ilam Hall dates back to the 16th century and was given to the National Trust in 1934, now operating as a youth hostel. With Dovedale just a short walk away, Ilam is a great base for exploring this stunning part of the Peak District, offering beautiful walks in and around the area. Whether you are visiting for the scenery, the history or simply a peaceful day out, Ilam is a Peak District gem not to be missed.
The Village of Ilam
Ilam is just about as perfect a Peak District village as you could hope to get! With a collection of pretty cottages set in the most idyllic location, and only a short walk from the popular beauty spot of Dovedale, it’s a great place to spend a day.
Ilam is situated in the Manifold Valley in Staffordshire, where the River Manifold meets the River Dove.
The majority of the buildings in the village date from the 19th Century and are built in a distinctive ‘Swiss chalet’ style. This is because in 1820 the estate was bought by a wealthy industrialist, Jesse Watts-Russell, who felt that the region reminded him of the Alps.
The exception is the beautiful Ilam Hall, in the heart of the village, which dates back to the 16th Century. It was given to the National Trust in 1934 for use as a youth hostel, and it is still run as such today.
Ilam is a great place to explore with many beautiful walks in and around the area. Combine your trip with a visit to Dovedale for a perfect day out in this stunning part of the Peak District!
How do I get to Ilam?
Ilam is located on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park in Staffordshire. It is well signposted from the A515 between Buxton and Ashbourne. The postcode of Ilam Hall in the centre of the village is DE6 2AZ.
Find out more
To find out more about this wonderful village, click here…
If the picture-perfect charm of Ilam and its proximity to Dovedale have delighted you, the Peak District has many more beautiful villages and dales to explore. Dovedale itself is just a short walk away with its iconic stepping stones and river views. Hartington is nearby famous for its cheese shop and village green, while Coombs Dale offers a quieter dale experience virtually unknown to visitors. The Tissington Trail is within easy reach, offering traffic-free walking and cycling. For more White Peak inspiration, visit our Dovedale & White Peak Villages Guide.
