Tissington: A Perfect Peak District Village
Tissington is about as perfect a Peak District village as can be imagined. The prettiest of stone cottages are clustered around a gracious stately home, Tissington Hall, in a village complete with a duck pond, six ancient wells, a beautiful church and a lovely tea 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.
Ancient History
There has been a settlement here since Saxon times, and the village’s recorded history begins in the 11th Century. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Tizinctun’.
Tissington Hall
At the heart of Tissington village stands the magnificent Tissington Hall, a Jacobean house dating from 1609. It has remained in the hands of the same family, the Fitzherberts, since it was first built and is still a family home today.
It is usually open to visitors on selected days between April and August, and group tours are also available by prior arrangement. For further information about visits, please check the Hall’s website or contact them directly.
St Mary’s Church
The church of St Mary, originally dating from the early 12th Century, stands proudly on a small hill opposite Tissington Hall. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Hall and Church stand on ground that once belonged to a much earlier Iron Age fortification.
The Church, with its huge square tower, is well worth exploring. Its ancient stone doorway bears grooves that were reputedly made by archers sharpening their arrows. It contains an impressive Norman font, as well as memorials to the Fitzherbert family.
The Village
The idyllic village itself is managed by the Tissington Hall estate, and it is a wonderful place to while away a few hours on a sunny day.
Most of the picturesque stone houses were built in the mid 19th Century, and include some beautiful examples of traditional local architecture.
Look out for the old school house, now a kindergarten, and the blacksmiths, now operating as a candle shop, as well as the ancient stone wells scattered throughout.
The village even boasts its own old sweet shop.
Very close to Tissington Hall is a lovely tea shop, Herbert’s, which is perfect for refreshments after a day out in the village.
The Tissington Trail
This is superb countryside for walkers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Tissington Trail, a 13 mile long trail using a disused railway line, runs right next to the village on its way from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne, and passes through the most magnificent White Peak landscapes.
For more of a challenge, the 46 mile long Limestone Way footpath also goes through Tissington. It runs from Rocester in Staffordshire to Castleton in the Hope Valley, and is a great hike for those wanting to explore some of the lesser known areas of the Peak District.
Where to Stay in Tissington
Tissington offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From charming guest houses to self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the village and surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Tissington Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the village and the Tissington Trail. Autumn brings stunning colours to the White Peak landscape.
- Getting There: Tissington is accessible by car via the A515, located between Buxton and Ashbourne.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including near the Tissington Trail.
- Don’t Miss: The ancient wells, the old sweet shop, and the beautiful stone cottages clustered around the village.
- Explore: The Tissington Trail offers 13 miles of traffic-free walking and cycling through magnificent White Peak landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tissington
Is Tissington worth visiting?
Absolutely! Tissington is one of the most perfect villages in the Peak District, with beautiful stone cottages, a magnificent hall, a duck pond, ancient wells, and stunning countryside.
What is Tissington famous for?
Tissington is famous for its picturesque setting, Tissington Hall, its six ancient wells, the Tissington Trail, and its beautifully preserved stone cottages.
How old is Tissington Hall?
Tissington Hall is a Jacobean house dating from 1609. It has remained in the hands of the Fitzherbert family since it was first built.
Is Tissington Hall open to the public?
Tissington Hall is usually open to visitors on selected days between April and August. Group tours are also available by prior arrangement.
What is the Tissington Trail?
The Tissington Trail is a 13 mile long trail using a disused railway line, running from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne. It passes right next to Tissington village.
What is the Limestone Way?
The Limestone Way is a 46 mile long footpath running from Rocester in Staffordshire to Castleton in the Hope Valley, passing through Tissington.
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 Tissington
Discover walks, attractions, pubs, and more within the local area
- Ashbourne Information Point 3.4 miles
- Wildhive, Callow Hall 3.2 miles
- The Manifold Inn 6.1 miles
- Farmyard Inn, Youlgrave 7.6 miles
- Manifold Station Cycle Hire & Cafe 5.7 miles
- Dovedale Manor, Tissington 0.5 miles
- Ashbourne Heights Holiday Park 0.9 miles
- Izaak Walton Hotel 2.2 miles
- Ladycroft Barn 2.2 miles
- Peak Wildlife Park 7.6 miles
- Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock Bath 8 miles
- Peak District Lead Mining Museum 8.2 miles
Alton Towers8.3 miles awayView Guide →
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
