Litton: A Charming White Peak Village in the Heart of Derbyshire
Litton has long been overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Tideswell, and was not classed as a village in its own right until the late 18th Century. Despite that, it is an utterly charming White Peak village, small but perfectly formed.
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
It comprises a cluster of pretty stone cottages around a village green, complete with its own set of ancient stocks. There is a cosy pub that serves great food, and a shop that was saved from closure by the villagers, who now run it as a co-operative venture based in the village’s old smithy.
The Countryside Around Litton
The countryside around Litton is outstanding. The village is situated in the heart of the White Peak, where gently undulating green fields are criss-crossed with old dry stone walls.
Just outside Litton lies the National Nature Reserve of Cressbrook Dale, a magnificent limestone chasm renowned for its flora and fauna. The name Cressbrook comes from the watercress once grown in the stream that runs through the valley. The countryside around this area was the inspiration for the naturalist David Bellamy, who reportedly stayed in a nearby youth hostel in his younger days and loved the landscape of the White Peak.
A prominent feature of Cressbrook Dale is Peter’s Stone, a huge limestone rock at the northern end of the dale. It is also known as Gibbet Rock, so called because it was the site of public executions until as recently as 1815.
The Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail also runs close to Litton. This 8.5 mile trail using a former railway line is hugely popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, wheelchair users and horse riders, and passes through some of the Peak District’s most beautiful limestone dales.
The Red Lion Pub
Make sure you pop into the Red Lion pub in Litton for some refreshments after your exploring. It has been a pub since 1787, when it was converted from three miners’ cottages. It still has many original features and a lovely, cosy atmosphere, welcoming four-legged friends as well as their owners.
Where to Stay in Litton
Litton offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From the historic Red Lion to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- The Red Lion – historic pub with rooms
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Litton Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the White Peak countryside. The limestone dales are particularly beautiful in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
- Getting There: Litton is accessible by car via the B6049, located between Tideswell and Buxton.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including near the village green.
- Don’t Miss: The ancient stocks on the village green, Cressbrook Dale Nature Reserve, and the Red Lion pub.
- Explore: The Monsal Trail offers 8.5 miles of traffic-free walking and cycling through beautiful limestone dales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Litton
Is Litton worth visiting?
Absolutely! Litton is a charming White Peak village with a lovely village green, ancient stocks, a cosy pub, and outstanding countryside on its doorstep.
What is Litton famous for?
Litton is famous for its pretty village green with ancient stocks, its community-run shop in the old smithy, the Red Lion pub, and its proximity to Cressbrook Dale and the Monsal Trail.
What is Cressbrook Dale?
Cressbrook Dale is a National Nature Reserve and magnificent limestone chasm just outside Litton, renowned for its flora and fauna. The name comes from the watercress once grown in the stream that runs through the valley.
What is Peter’s Stone?
Peter’s Stone is a huge limestone rock at the northern end of Cressbrook Dale, also known as Gibbet Rock because it was the site of public executions until 1815.
How long is the Monsal Trail?
The Monsal Trail is 8.5 miles long, using a former railway line. It is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, wheelchair users and horse riders.
How old is the Red Lion pub in Litton?
The Red Lion has been a pub since 1787, when it was converted from three miners’ cottages. It still has many original features.
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
- Castleton Visitor Centre 4.9 miles
🥾 Nearby Walks
🍺 Local Pubs
- The Merchant’s Yard 0.8 miles
- Anglers Rest 1.7 miles
- The Bull’s Head in Foolow 2 miles
☕ Cafes & Tearooms
- The Yondermann Cafe 1.1 miles
- Village Green Cafe, Eyam 3.6 miles
- Hassop Station Café & Monsal Trail Cycle Hire 4.4 miles
🏨 Places to Stay
- The Merchant’s Yard 0.8 miles
- Angel’s Cottage 0.9 miles
- Merman Farm 1 miles
- White House Farm Campsite 1.2 miles
🏛️ Attractions
- Eyam Brewery – Craft Beer Inspired by the Peak District 0.8 miles
- Peveril Castle 4.7 miles
- Peak Cavern 4.8 miles
- Speedwell Cavern 4.9 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
