The Staffordshire Peak District
The south-western reaches of the Peak District National Park are made up of parts of the spectacular county of Staffordshire. From gently rolling hills to the rocky outcrops of gritstone known as The Roaches, the landscape of Staffordshire is as varied as it is beautiful.
The Staffordshire Peak District is also home to plenty of peaceful, idyllic villages, as well as the historic market town of Leek, full of independent shops to browse around and great places to eat and drink.
Use the links below to discover more about each location, and explore the tags to find more villages with similar characteristics.
Alstonefield
Alstonefield is a pretty village on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire, between the valleys of the River Dove and the River Manifold. It has a fascinating history and the oldest legible gravestone in England.
Butterton
Butterton is a peaceful, picturesque village in the Staffordshire Peak District, overlooking the beautiful Manifold Valley. The lanes are lined with pretty sandstone cottages, and a substantial ford runs through the centre along a cobbled street.
Crowdecote
Crowdecote is a picturesque hamlet on the River Dove, which divides the Derbyshire Peak District from the Staffordshire Peak District. It is a small place, but very pretty – and situated in the most stunning scenery.
Flash & Quarnford
Quarnford is a small village and rural parish on the western edge of the Peak District. The parish includes the village of Flash, which has the accolade of being the highest village in England at 1,518 feet above sea level.
Grindon
Grindon is a very pretty village on the southern edges of the National Park, at one end of the Manifold Valley. Surrounded by stunning White Peak countryside, it offers easy access to Thor’s Cave.
Hollinsclough
Hollinsclough is a small but very pretty village between the River Dove and the River Manifold. It lies close to the magnificent limestone summits of Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill, known locally as the ‘Dragon’s Back’.
Hulme End
Hulme End is a small but pretty village on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border beside the River Manifold. It is the northern terminus of the Manifold Way and home to the Manifold Valley Visitor Centre.
Ilam
Ilam is just about as perfect a Staffordshire Peak District village as you could hope to get. With a collection of pretty cottages set in the most idyllic location, it’s a wonderful place to spend a day.
Leek
The bustling market town of Leek is situated on the south-western edge of the Peak District, and is known locally as The Queen of the Moorlands. It has plenty to offer the visitor, with fine Victorian architecture and independent shops.
Longnor
Longnor is a beautiful little village in the Staffordshire Peak District, situated on a high ridge between the Manifold Valley and Dovedale. It is a place full of history, with pretty stone houses lining narrow streets.
Wetton
Wetton is a beautiful village in the Staffordshire Peak District, set amidst the stunning scenery of the Manifold Valley. It has everything you could hope for from a White Peak village: pretty stone cottages, a cosy country pub, and magnificent views.
Allgreave
Allgreave is a small but pretty village set amid the most spectacular Peak District countryside on the border of Cheshire and Staffordshire. The village overlooks the beautiful Dane Valley.
Explore More
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 Staffordshire.