Alstonefield
Jan 18th, 2009 by Peak District Tourist Guide
Bordering the Peak District National Park, you will find a small village with the name Alstonefield. This beautiful and closely knit village is located on a plateau made of limestone that is about 900 feet above sea level.
Alstonefield is a very proud and well cared for village, a consequence of which is it proud to have been voted as one of the best kept villages in the Peak District. An accolade not given away lightly.
If you choose to stay in one of the holiday cottages make sure you have a good stroll around the village to capture its charm.
Alstonefield is a delightfully beautiful village located around 900 feet above sea level on one of the Peak Districts limestone plateau.
The village is remarkably well cared for by the community and they are justifiably proud of to be acknowledged as one of the best kept villages in the Peaks.
If you are staying at one of the Peak District cottages in the villages or even merely passing through make sure you take a have a wander around and take the time to soak of the essence of this excellent village.
Your eyes will be captured by all of the beautifully made stone buildings that have stood for centuries. Some of these were built in the 18th century and some even earlier than this.
During the Middle Ages, Alstonefield was a market centre and was given a market charter in 1308 and up until the beginning of the 20th century, the annual cattle sale in Alstonefield still took place
Unfortunately historically, towns around Alstonefield built up at a much faster pace so although the village retained its rustic charm, it did however lose much of its status in the region.
While in Alstonefield, you should take a walk along the many lanes and footpaths. Some of these are centuries old. At the southern part of the village, you should be able to see St. Peter’s Church.
This church dates back to the Norman times and although throughout the years, it has been altered. The church, if you look close enough, still offers some of the finest woodwork you will ever see.
Inside of the church, you will see 17th century pews that still have the original brass work on them. You will also see a double Decker pulpit as well as a Beresford pew that is painted.
Whilst more of a tourist village these days, long ago there was also a button factory in Alstonefield that specialised in making buttons covered in silk were made, probably for a flourishing silk industry and gentry in nearby town Macclesfield.
Though a little of the main beaten routes, Alstonefield is located in a beautiful part of the Peak District and tourists and ramblers that visit the village often fall in love with it.
Alstonefield holds its own little piece of history that everyone should experience so if you are sting in one of the cottages in Alstonefield, make sure you get out and explore the local area.
