Edensor: Chatsworth’s Chocolate Box Village
Edensor (pronounced ‘Enzer’) is a small but pretty village situated within the grounds of the Chatsworth House estate in the Peak District National Park.
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 Relocation
The original village was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, at which time it was located along the River Derwent, where the buildings were visible from Chatsworth House. This view displeased the then Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, however, and between 1838 and 1842 the entire village was dismantled. Many of the residents were moved to the nearby Chatsworth villages of Beeley and Pilsley, and the planning and building of a new village, over the brow of a hill and out of sight of Chatsworth House, was managed by the famed architect Sir Joseph Paxton.
Only one of the houses, Park Cottage, was allowed to remain in its original position, reputedly because its elderly tenant at the time did not want to move and the Duke took pity on him.
The village is made up of a charming, slightly eccentric mixture of different house styles, from Tudor to Norman, with Swiss-style cottages and Italian-style villas. Rumour has it that the architect who worked with Paxton to produce the designs for the houses, John Robertson, presented the Duke with a selection of house styles to choose from at a time when he was particularly busy, and the Duke – rather distractedly – chose ‘one of each’.
St Peter’s Church
The original church of St Peter’s dated back to the 12th Century. However, in the mid-19th Century it was rebuilt and expanded for the 7th Duke of Devonshire, and its beautiful spire now dominates the skyline. The churchyard contains a number of graves of the Chatsworth’s Cavendish family, including a memorial to Kathleen Kennedy, sister of the former US president John F Kennedy, who was the wife of William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington. The churchyard also contains the grave of Sir Joseph Paxton, the famous architect of the Crystal Palace in London.
Exploring Edensor
The village and surrounding parkland are beautiful to explore, and the pretty Edensor Tea Cottage, located in the village’s former post office, is ideal for refreshments before or after.
Edensor Walk
Why not try out our lovely walk (3.8 miles) while you are in the area? The route follows beautiful country paths on the Chatsworth Estate, passing through the charming villages of Calton Lees as well as Edensor. It provides spectacular views of Chatsworth House and the River Derwent, and there is a very good chance of seeing both red deer and fallow deer en route.
Edensor and Calton Lees Walk
Where to Stay in Edensor
Edensor offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From charming guest houses to self-catering cottages within the Chatsworth Estate, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs in the village
- Self-catering cottages on the Chatsworth Estate
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Edensor Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the parkland. Autumn brings stunning colours to the Chatsworth Estate.
- Getting There: Edensor is accessible by car via the A619, located just a few miles from Bakewell.
- Parking: There is limited parking in the village. Visitors are advised to park at Chatsworth and walk to Edensor.
- Don’t Miss: The grave of Sir Joseph Paxton in St Peter’s churchyard, and the varied architectural styles of the village cottages.
- Explore Chatsworth: Edensor is located within the grounds of Chatsworth House, making it the perfect base for exploring the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edensor
Is Edensor worth visiting?
Absolutely! Edensor is a beautiful and unique village with a fascinating history, stunning architecture, and a picturesque setting within the Chatsworth Estate.
How do you pronounce Edensor?
Edensor is pronounced ‘Enzer’.
Why was Edensor moved?
The original village was located along the River Derwent and was visible from Chatsworth House. The Duke of Devonshire disliked this view and had the entire village dismantled and rebuilt out of sight between 1838 and 1842.
Who designed the new Edensor?
The new village was designed by the famed architect Sir Joseph Paxton, who also designed the Crystal Palace in London.
Why does Edensor have such varied architecture?
Legend has it that the architect John Robertson presented the Duke with a selection of house styles at a busy time, and the Duke distractedly chose ‘one of each’.
Who is buried in St Peter’s churchyard?
The churchyard contains graves of the Cavendish family, a memorial to Kathleen Kennedy (sister of JFK), and the grave of Sir Joseph Paxton.
Can you walk to Edensor from Chatsworth?
Yes! Edensor is located within the Chatsworth Estate and is easily accessible on foot from the house and gardens.
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.
ℹ️ Tourist Information
- Bakewell Visitor Centre 2.2 miles
🥾 Nearby Walks
🍺 Local Pubs
- The Pilsley Inn 1 miles
- The Prince of Wales in Baslow 1.4 miles
- The Cavendish Hotel 1.4 miles
☕ Cafes & Tearooms
- Hassop Station Café & Monsal Trail Cycle Hire 2.1 miles
- The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop 2.2 miles
- Peak Village 2.5 miles
🏨 Places to Stay
- Chatsworth Cottages 0.6 miles
- The Pilsley Inn 1 miles
- The Cavendish Hotel 1.4 miles
- Church Cottage 1.4 miles
🏛️ Attractions
- Chatsworth House 0.6 miles
- Haddon Hall 2.5 miles
- Peak Rail 3.7 miles
- Matlock Farm Park 5.1 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
