Wormhill: A Pretty Village with a Grisly Wolf-Hunting History
The pretty village of Wormhill lies in Derbyshire, surrounded by the most stunning Peak District countryside.
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 and Wolf Hunting
Wormhill is an ancient settlement, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, at which time it reportedly contained 20 acres of meadow. The name is originally thought to have derived from Wolfhill, and the village has a rather grisly history of wolf hunting dating back to the 14th Century, when this part of the Peak District was within the Royal Forest of the Peak. The last wolf in England was reputedly killed at Wormhill Hall in the 15th Century. An annual display of wolf heads was made in the village.
The Village Today
The village today is a peaceful, pleasant place with a large village green and a set of ancient stocks. To the side of the green is an impressive memorial to James Brindley, the renowned civil engineer and canal builder, who was born in 1716 in Tunstead, just outside the village. The village well is also dedicated to James Brindley.
St Margaret’s Church
The village church of St Margaret’s is a picturesque building, set in peaceful woodland. It has a medieval tower dating from 1273, although this has been altered and extended over the centuries. The unusual helmet steeple was added to the tower when it was raised, and is one of only two in England in this style. The churchyard contains the base of an ancient village cross, a listed monument, now with a sundial mounted on top. It also contains an unusual pyramid-shaped tomb.
Hargate Hall
Just outside the village of Wormhill is the beautiful Hargate Hall, a grand Victorian residence set in extensive parkland, now used for holiday accommodation, weddings and private functions.
Where to Stay in Wormhill
Wormhill offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From the beautiful Hargate Hall to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- Hargate Hall – grand Victorian residence with holiday accommodation
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Wormhill Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the countryside. Autumn brings stunning colours to the surrounding woodland.
- Getting There: Wormhill is accessible by car via the B6049, located between Buxton and Bakewell.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including near the village green.
- Don’t Miss: The ancient stocks on the village green, the memorial to James Brindley, and the unusual helmet steeple of St Margaret’s Church.
- Explore: The beautiful Hargate Hall and the surrounding Peak District countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wormhill
Is Wormhill worth visiting?
Absolutely! Wormhill is a pretty village with a fascinating history, ancient stocks, a beautiful church with a rare helmet steeple, and stunning countryside.
What is Wormhill famous for?
Wormhill is famous for its wolf-hunting history, its ancient stocks, its memorial to James Brindley, and St Margaret’s Church with its unusual helmet steeple.
How old is Wormhill?
Wormhill is an ancient settlement mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
What is the history of wolf hunting in Wormhill?
The village has a history of wolf hunting dating back to the 14th Century. The last wolf in England was reputedly killed at Wormhill Hall in the 15th Century.
What is unusual about St Margaret’s Church?
St Margaret’s Church has an unusual helmet steeple, which was added when the tower was raised. It is one of only two in England in this style.
Who was James Brindley?
James Brindley was a renowned civil engineer and canal builder, born in 1716 in Tunstead, just outside Wormhill. There is a memorial to him on the village green.
What is Hargate Hall?
Hargate Hall is a grand Victorian residence set in extensive parkland, just outside Wormhill. It is now used for holiday accommodation, weddings and private functions.
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 Wormhill
Discover walks, attractions, pubs, and more within the local area
- Buxton Visitor Centre 4 miles
- Tideswell Walk via Miller's Dale (6 miles) 2.1 miles
- Buxton Circular to Errwood Reservoir (9 miles) ✨ NEW 4.8 miles
- Monyash and Lathkill Dale Walk (4 miles) 5.1 miles
- Ashford-in-the-Water via Monsal Dale (6 miles) 5.3 miles
- Anglers Rest 1.3 miles
- The Merchant’s Yard 2.1 miles
- The Bull’s Head in Foolow 4.5 miles
- The Yondermann Cafe 3.7 miles
- Noonology 4.1 miles
- Poole’s Cavern 4.6 miles
- Beech Croft Farm Caravan Park and Campsite 1.4 miles
- Angel’s Cottage 2 miles
- Merman Farm 2.1 miles
- The Merchant’s Yard 2.1 miles
- Eyam Brewery – Craft Beer Inspired by the Peak District 2.1 miles
- The Buxton Crescent Experience 4 miles
- Buxton Opera House & The Pavilion Arts Centre 4.1 miles
- Poole’s Cavern 4.6 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
