Wetton & Thor’s Cave: A Staffordshire Peak District Gem
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 on twisty lanes, a cosy country pub, an ancient church, and the most magnificent views.
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 Staffordshire village.
The Village
The remains of Anglo-Saxon settlements have been found in the area immediately around Wetton, although the earliest recorded reference to a village here is from the 12th Century.
St Margaret’s church is the most obvious landmark in the village of Wetton. It originally dates from the 14th Century, although much of it was rebuilt in the 19th Century. It is notable for its belfry having an external staircase.
Also well worth a visit is the Royal Oak pub, a cosy inn with a roaring fire in the colder months. It serves traditional ales and home-cooked food, and is also famous for its annual toe wrestling championships, a local tradition which has been going strong for over 40 years.
Thor’s Cave
Just outside the village is the magnificent Thor’s Cave, a natural cavern set in a steep limestone crag, with its huge arched entrance easily visible (and quite accessible) from the footpath below. Evidence has been found in Thor’s Cave of human occupation of the cave during the Stone Age, with use well into the Iron Age and Roman period. Past excavations have found stone tools, pottery, amber beads and bronze items, as well as the burial sites of at least seven people.
Thor’s Cave is popular with visitors and the views out into the valley are fabulous, but great care should be taken in exploring – there are very steep, unguarded drops from the entrances, and the surfaces can be slippery.
Long Low
Those interested in ancient history should also visit Long Low, situated a mile south east of Wetton. A Neolithic burial site, it consists of two large round cairns linked together, a structure that is the only one of its kind in England. Excavations in the 19th Century revealed a limestone burial chamber with a paved floor within, as well as the bones of at least thirteen people and a number of arrowheads.
Manifold Way
The area around Wetton is hugely impressive in its natural beauty and it is rightly popular with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. The beautiful Manifold Way, an 8 mile long walking and cycling path through spectacular countryside, runs close to the village. It follows the course of the River Manifold, from Hulme End in the north to Waterhouses in the south.
Wetton Mill, a few miles outside the village on the Manifold Way, is also well worth visiting. Disused since 1857 and now owned by the National Trust, the mill was once a water mill for grinding corn. The area now has a popular tea room and a lovely riverside location, perfect a starting or ending point for walks.
Related Walk: Wetton Mill via Thor’s Cave and Beeston Tor
For a beautiful walk around this area, try our lovely circular route from Wetton Mill via Thor’s Cave and Beeston Tor (5 miles).
Walk Details: Wetton Mill via Thor’s Cave and Beeston Tor
This circular walk is simply stunning, offering some of the very best views of the Staffordshire Peak District countryside. Starting at the lovely Wetton Mill, it follows the course of the Manifold Way past spectacular limestone cliffs, through shady woodland and alongside the River Manifold, before heading quite gently uphill to some of the most fantastic and far-reaching views in the area. It emerges in the pretty village of Wetton at roughly the halfway point, where there are public toilets and a dog-friendly pub that serves good food and real ales. From Wetton the route follows field tracks down into the hidden Manifold Valley, a peaceful haven for wildlife, before returning to the start point.
Walk Information
- Distance: 5 miles
- Terrain: Not particularly challenging, although there are uneven stretches on some of the field paths
- Stiles: Both stiles and squeeze stiles, which may prove difficult for large or less agile dogs
- Start/End Point: Wetton Mill (public toilets and café available)
- Family Friendly: Children of all ages can play in a shallow stream there too, and explore prehistoric cave systems
- Time: Allow 4-5 hours to complete this walk at a moderate pace, allowing for rest stops to take in the views
Where to Stay in Wetton
Wetton offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From the cosy Royal Oak pub to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- The Royal Oak – cosy 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 Wetton Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the Manifold Valley. Autumn brings stunning colours to the limestone dales.
- Getting There: Wetton is accessible by car via minor roads from the A515, located between Buxton and Ashbourne.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village and at Wetton Mill. These can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Don’t Miss: Thor’s Cave, the Royal Oak pub (especially for toe wrestling!), and the beautiful Manifold Way.
- Safety Note: Take great care when exploring Thor’s Cave – there are steep, unguarded drops from the entrances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wetton and Thor’s Cave
Is Wetton worth visiting?
Absolutely! Wetton is a beautiful village in the Manifold Valley, offering stunning scenery, a fascinating cave system, a cosy pub, and excellent walking opportunities.
What is Wetton famous for?
Wetton is famous for its proximity to Thor’s Cave, the Royal Oak pub’s annual toe wrestling championships, and its location on the Manifold Way.
What is Thor’s Cave?
Thor’s Cave is a magnificent natural cavern set in a steep limestone crag, with evidence of human occupation dating back to the Stone Age.
Is Thor’s Cave safe to explore?
Great care should be taken when exploring Thor’s Cave – there are very steep, unguarded drops from the entrances, and the surfaces can be slippery.
What is the Manifold Way?
The Manifold Way is an 8 mile long walking and cycling path that follows the course of the River Manifold from Hulme End to Waterhouses.
What is Wetton Mill?
Wetton Mill is a former water mill, disused since 1857 and now owned by the National Trust. It has a popular tea room and is a lovely starting point for walks.
What is the Royal Oak pub famous for?
The Royal Oak is famous for its annual toe wrestling championships, a local tradition which has been going strong for over 40 years.
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.
🥾 Explore Near Wetton and Thor’s Cave
Discover walks, attractions, pubs, and more within the local area
- Ashbourne Information Point 6.9 miles
- The Manifold Way 1 miles
- Wetton Mill via the Manifold Way (5 miles) 1 miles
- Dales of the River Dove (8 miles) 2.8 miles
- Hartington Dales Walk (5.4 miles) 3.3 miles
- The Manifold Inn 2.5 miles
- The Jervis Arms 3.7 miles
- Wildhive, Callow Hall 6.4 miles
- Manifold Station Cycle Hire & Cafe 3.6 miles
- Hall Farm Holiday Cottages, Wetton 0.3 miles
- Dovedale Cottages 1.4 miles
- Lower Damgate Farm 1.7 miles
- Beechenhill Farm 2.1 miles
- Peak Wildlife Park 4.2 miles
Alton Towers7.7 miles awayView Guide →- Haddon Hall 10.4 miles
- Peak Rail 10.9 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
