Foolow: A Delightful White Peak Village with Picture-Perfect Charm
Foolow is a small but delightful village in the White Peak area of the Peak District. It offers quiet, country lanes, pretty limestone cottages, a village green with a medieval cross … even a picture-perfect duck pond, complete with white Aylesbury ducks.
Planning a visit? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from top attractions and walking routes to practical tips for making the most of your trip to this beautiful Derbyshire village.
The Village
The sweet little church of St Hugh is well worth a visit. It was once a smithy, but was consecrated as a church in the late 19th Century. Foolow also has an architecturally interesting Wesleyan chapel dating from 1836.
The Bull’s Head pub is situated in the centre of the village and serves honest, locally-sourced food and real ales. It was one of five pubs in the village in its mining heyday but is now the last survivor. The Barrel Inn in the nearby village of Bretton is also within easy walking distance, however, and is reputedly the highest pub in Derbyshire, as evidenced by the spectacular views from its front lawns.
The Countryside
Foolow is surrounded by the most glorious Peak District countryside of gently rolling hills, ancient dry-stone walls and tumbledown barns. This is a haven for walkers, with a great many easy routes to follow on mostly level, well-made trails, all offering beautiful views.
Mining Heritage
It is perhaps hard to believe from the idyllic setting now, but Foolow was once a thriving centre for lead mining. Rich veins of lead were discovered along the edges to the north of the village and led to the opening of a number of mines in the early 18th Century, which in turn brought miners and their families into the area. The Watergrove Mine, located to the south of the village, was in use until 1853.
Where to Stay in Foolow
Foolow offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From the historic Bull’s Head to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- The Bull’s Head – historic pub in the village centre
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Foolow Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the countryside. The duck pond is particularly charming in the warmer months.
- Getting There: Foolow is accessible by car via the B6465, located between Bakewell and Tideswell.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including near the village green.
- Don’t Miss: The medieval cross on the village green, the picture-perfect duck pond, and the Bull’s Head pub.
- Explore: The surrounding White Peak countryside offers easy walking routes with beautiful views.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foolow
Is Foolow worth visiting?
Absolutely! Foolow is a delightful village with a medieval cross, picture-perfect duck pond, pretty limestone cottages, and beautiful countryside on its doorstep.
What is Foolow famous for?
Foolow is famous for its village green with a medieval cross, its duck pond with white Aylesbury ducks, the Bull’s Head pub, and its history as a lead mining centre.
What is the history of St Hugh’s Church?
St Hugh’s Church was once a smithy before being consecrated as a church in the late 19th Century.
How many pubs does Foolow have?
Foolow once had five pubs in its mining heyday, but today only the Bull’s Head remains. The Barrel Inn at Bretton is within easy walking distance.
What is the highest pub in Derbyshire?
The Barrel Inn in Bretton, near Foolow, is reputedly the highest pub in Derbyshire, with spectacular views from its front lawns.
What was the Watergrove Mine?
The Watergrove Mine was a lead mine located to the south of Foolow, which was in use until 1853.
For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide and plan your adventure in this remarkable part of Derbyshire.
🥾 Explore Near Foolow
Discover walks, attractions, pubs, and more within the local area
- Castleton Visitor Centre 4.6 miles
- The Bull’s Head in Foolow 0 miles
- The Miners Arms 1.9 miles
- The Merchant’s Yard 2.4 miles
- The Yondermann Cafe 0.9 miles
- Village Green Cafe, Eyam 1.8 miles
- Colemans Deli 3.9 miles
- The Bull’s Head in Foolow 0 miles
- Villager Jim’s Cottage 0.2 miles
- White House Farm Campsite 1.2 miles
- Mill Cottage 1.8 miles
- Eyam Brewery – Craft Beer Inspired by the Peak District 2.5 miles
- Peveril Castle 4.4 miles
- Peak Cavern 4.5 miles
- Speedwell Cavern 4.9 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
