Beeley A Hidden Gem In The Peak District
Sep 21st, 2008 by Peak District Tourist Guide
Beeley, a Peak District gem.
Beeley has an old world type of character, the type that makes you want to stand still and just soak up the atmosphere and spirit of the village, where you can almost image living here in a past life.
You’ll probably be very reluctant to share your find with anyone else just in case the village gets to popular and you can’t get accommodation here on your next visit (because you will come back to the Peak District at least once more in your lifetime).
The village has a colourful past and is mentioned in the Domes Book, but in more recent history 30 years ago it become infamous as the site of the Beeley Moors murders.
Don’t let tales of the past put you off this delightful location as you will surely missing a large slice of the taste of the Peak District.
Beeley is also overshadowed by its close proximity to what is known as the palace of the north, Chatsworth House, which is open to the public and is a place simply not to be missed.
You can explore the house or wonder at the sheer value and brilliance of the art collection here or alternatively you can stroll around the gardens and open park which are truly magnificent.
Back to Beeley though, don’t miss the Beeley Brook which passes over small waterfalls as it rolls downhill, making a pleasant bubbling as it passes through the village en route to the Derwent river. There are some historic homes along the Brook; Beeley Old Hall, Duke’s Barn and Norman House are all very old homes worth a visit by themselves.
The charm offered by the humbler houses of Beeley is of the kind that people love to photograph. This rural idyll offered by the charming sandstone houses and natural scenery is still available thanks to a bypass around Beeley being built rather than having the road pass through the village.
This has made the village less known and allowed it to retain much of its charm.
The bakery and café The Old Smithy has wonderful bread and cakes on offer, as well as many other pastries and refreshing tea from china cups. There is an outdoor seating area overlooking the Derwent valley, open in pleasant weather.
Visitors to the Peak District will find Beeley a place with much to offer them. It is a home base for exploring the region and worth a visit all by itself. From the ancient yew in the churchyard to the views offered of the hills overlooking Chatsworth House on the Beeley Walk, to the views of the Derwent River, Beeley has the market on charm cornered.
Beeley does offer some self catering holiday lodging for travellers looking to get a bit off of the beaten path and enjoy this Peak District gem.
