Hartington: A Pretty Peak District Village on the Edge of Dovedale
The very pretty village of Hartington is situated towards the south of the Peak District National Park, at the edge of Dovedale, and is surrounded by the most stunning countryside. It has everything you could hope for from a Peak District village: houses of mellow stone on twisty lanes, great country pubs, a duck pond … even a famous cheese shop!
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.
A Village with History
Hartington has been recognised as an important village since the 13th Century, when it was granted a market charter and became a centre for rural trading for the surrounding villages. Although there is no longer a market held in the village, Hartington’s past high status is still evident from the graceful buildings clustered around its village square.
Hartington Today
Today the village is a wonderful place to while away a few hours, with a number of lovely gift shops to browse around, and no shortage of great places to eat and drink.
The famous Hartington cheese shop is well worth visiting. It was founded by the Duke of Devonshire from Chatsworth House in the 1870s, and produced a number of its own local cheeses unique to the area.
Although the original cheese creamery closed in 2009, there is still an associated shop on the site and it sells a fabulous array of artisan cheeses, as well as other local produce.
The beautiful church of St Giles is also worth exploring. It dates back to the 13th Century and, unusually for this area, it is built of local sandstone.
Around Hartington
The area around Hartington is a walker’s paradise. The village is located close to the Tissington Trail, a 13 mile long walking/cycling trail from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne that runs through the most spectacular White Peak countryside. Hartington is also within easy reach of the stunning Beresford Dale, Wolfscote Dale and Dovedale, all fabulous locations for walking.
Those with an interest in history should also visit Arbor Low, a magnificent Neolithic stone circle, which lies just outside the village.
Keen anglers who come to the area to fish along the River Dove will also be interested to follow in the footsteps of Charles Cotton, a local man, born at nearby Beresford Hall. Charles Cotton was responsible for introducing Izaak Walton to the Peak District, and the pair wrote the famous fisherman’s ‘bible’, The Compleat Angler, written in 1653. There is a pub named after Charles Cotton in the village square in Hartington.
Walking in Hartington
To explore this beautiful part of the Peak District for yourself, why not try out our Hartington Dales Walk (5.4 miles)? From Hartington village it takes you over fields and through beautiful woodland into Beresford Dale and onwards into Wolfscote Dale, where the path runs beside the crystal-clear River Dove that marks the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The route then returns through the steep-sided Biggin Dale and back into Hartington on quiet lanes with superb views.
Hartington Dales Walk
Where to Stay in Hartington
Hartington offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From traditional pubs with rooms to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- Traditional pubs with rooms in the village
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Hartington Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the dales. Autumn brings stunning colours to the surrounding countryside.
- Getting There: Hartington is accessible by car via the B5054, located between Buxton and Ashbourne.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including near the village square.
- Don’t Miss: The famous Hartington cheese shop, the beautiful St Giles Church, and the stunning dales of Beresford, Wolfscote and Dovedale.
- Explore: The Tissington Trail for walking and cycling, and the ancient stone circle at Arbor Low.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hartington
Is Hartington worth visiting?
Absolutely! Hartington is a beautiful village with charming stone houses, great pubs, a famous cheese shop, and stunning countryside on its doorstep.
What is Hartington famous for?
Hartington is famous for its cheese shop, founded by the Duke of Devonshire in the 1870s, its beautiful 13th Century church, and its location near the Tissington Trail and the stunning dales of the White Peak.
Is the cheese shop in Hartington still open?
Yes! Although the original cheese creamery closed in 2009, the associated shop on the site remains open and sells a fabulous array of artisan cheeses and local produce.
What is the Tissington Trail?
The Tissington Trail is a 13 mile long walking and cycling trail from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne, passing close to Hartington. It runs through spectacular White Peak countryside.
Who was Charles Cotton?
Charles Cotton was a local man, born at nearby Beresford Hall. He introduced Izaak Walton to the Peak District, and together they wrote The Compleat Angler in 1653. There is a pub named after him in Hartington’s village square.
What walks are near Hartington?
Popular walks include the Hartington Dales Walk (5.4 miles) through Beresford Dale, Wolfscote Dale and Biggin Dale, as well as walks in nearby Dovedale and along the Tissington Trail.
What is Arbor Low?
Arbor Low is a magnificent Neolithic stone circle located just outside Hartington. It is a fascinating historical site well worth visiting.
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 7.6 miles
🥾 Nearby Walks
- Hartington Dales Walk (5.4 miles) 0.1 miles
- The Manifold Way 3.4 miles
- Wetton Mill via the Manifold Way (5 miles) 3.4 miles
- Dales of the River Dove (8 miles) 3.8 miles
🍺 Local Pubs
- The Manifold Inn 1.5 miles
- The Royal Oak, Hurdlow 3.5 miles
- Farmyard Inn, Youlgrave 5.5 miles
☕ Cafes & Tearooms
- Manifold Station Cycle Hire & Cafe 6.9 miles
- The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop 7.5 miles
🏨 Places to Stay
- Ash Tree Cottage at Nettletor Farm 0.1 miles
- Hawthorne Cottage 0.1 miles
- Parson’s Barn 0.3 miles
- Scaldersitch Farm 1 miles
🏛️ Attractions
- Peak Wildlife Park 7.2 miles
- Haddon Hall 7.6 miles
- Peak Rail 8.6 miles
- Poole’s Cavern 8.9 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
