Baslow

Baslow is one of the poshest villages in the Peak District, Derbyshire. Treat yourself to a taste of award-winning pubs, cafes and restaurants. Plus, a stone throw away is the most popular attraction in the Peak Park. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting.

Things to do in Baslow

When it comes to things to do, Baslow has a little something for everyone. For walkers, it’s accompanied by a magnificent hilltop gritstone edge. For shoppers, there are home and art shops, and foodies have the highest concentration of quality food places in the region. There are even better attractions nearby that we’ll get to shortly.

Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge aerial view

Baslow Edge is a marvellous gritstone edge following on from Curbar Edge, with stunning hilltop views overlooking Baslow, Curbar, Calver and Froggatt. The southwest facing cliff face can treat you to sublime sunsets, which are easily accessible from Curbar Gap car park a few minutes away. Follow the river Derwent from Baslow to Curbar, head up the hill to Curbar Gap, walk across the top of Baslow Edge and straight on back down into the village. Alternatively, do a long walk stretching across Froggatt Edge to Baslow Edge. Or, if you fancy wild swimming head north from the edge to Little Barbrook reservoir.

The Old Ford & Bridge

Old Ford and bridge in Baslow

Baslow bridge is the oldest surviving bridge across River Derwent recorded back to 1603. There was a ford at this point and old stones are still visible underneath the water. There’s a watchman’s hut on the bridge where locals would keep an eye for unwanted persons travelling through Bubnell and Baslow. The best view is located at the side of St Anne’s churchyard lychgate. Go through a signed gate taking you to a quiet spot beside the river where you can relax on a bench.

Chatsworth Park

Entrance to Chatsworth Park in Baslow

Chatsworth House is a must-see stately home in the Peak District. Although it’s not in Baslow, the estate’s expansive 1000 acre parkland stretches into the village. There’s a sign to Chatsworth Park next to the pavilion field but this is a route via the caravan club and you can’t access Chatsworth by car. The best walking path is nearby on the main road towards The Cavendish Hotel, where you’ll find a public footpath going straight into the parklands.

St Anne's Church

St Anne's parish church, Baslow

St Anne’s Church in Baslow is a charming Grade 2 listed Church of England parish renowned for its 13th-century origins and striking medieval architecture . The building features a two-stage tower with a broach spire and two distinctive clock faces. Restored in the mid-19th century by Sir Joseph Paxton, it includes a Paxton-era chancel, gothic pews, encaustic tiling, and renowned stained glass windows from Hardman of Birmingham.

Baslow Woodland Park

Baslow woodland park and playground

Baslow Woodland Park is behind the sports field towards Chatsworth Park. Through the trees, there’s a playground for families who want to keep their kids entertained. The area is tucked away from the road and closed with plenty of fencing to be a safe place to roam freely.

Pubs in Baslow

The Prince of Wales

Prince of Wales pub in Baslow

The Prince of Wales is the go-to pub on the west side of Baslow near the church and shops. If you think it sounds expensive you’d be right, but it doesn’t disappoint and gets top marks for food and presentation quality. The open kitchen area is a nice touch but the modern interior doesn’t give pub vibes.

Devonshire Arms

The Devonshire Arms, Baslow

The Devonshire Arms in Baslow is a high-end pub restaurant that doubles up as a hotel. It’s a bit pricey and service can be slow at times but great for Sunday lunch and special occasions. There’s ample parking and a nice outside seating area tucked away from the road for summer drinks.

The Wheatsheaf

The Wheatsheaf hotel, Baslow

The Wheatsheaf is considered the ‘budget’ hotel in Baslow. The room rates are great value for money, making it the best pub with accommodation. Plus, the beer garden is unmatched and it has very traditional pub decor. Their signature burgers and fish/chips are nice but don’t expect low menu prices.

Robin Hood Inn

Robin Hood Inn is a bit of a trek being on the outskirts of the village but still remains busy, which is a testament to their food and service. The family-owned business is best for just that, families. In fact, children under 8 can eat for free. They’re also the most accommodating to walkers and dogs with locally-sourced ingredients.

Baslow cafes

Charlies

Charlie's cafe & restaurant outside

Charlies is your go-to cafe for a quality, hearty breakfast or lunch in Baslow. They also serve a few classic British dishes like beef wellington and battered cod for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. From sandwiches to pie and steak, expect to pay a premium, but you will get fresh ingredients cooked to a high standard with good service.

Cafe on the Green

Cafe on the green outside in Baslow

Cafe on the Green is a stunning building situated in one of the best spots near the hotels in Baslow. It’s also a short walk to Chatsworth Park. While it used to have some great cooked meals, their options have become somewhat limited to quick dishes like pasties, sausage rolls, tarts and hot drinks.

The Pavilion Cafe

Baslow pavilion and outdoor cafe

The Pavilion cafe is perfect for those who want to eat outside surrounded by the fresh smell of cut grass and nice greenery. An ideal summer spot to watch local sports teams play cricket (and more) but food selection is limited. It’s the most accessible option by car with a car park, which other cafes don’t have.

Baslow restaurants

Fischer's Baslow Hall

Fischer's Baslow Hall

Baslow Hall used to boast Michelin star status. While it doesn’t anymore, it still offers an exceptional fine dining experience across food and service. The food presentation alone is a work of art. Whether you want a 6 course meal or an array of sweet treats, this is a great place for special occasions.

Il Lupo

Il lupo italian restaurant, Baslow

Il Lupo is a family-run Italian restaurant that was actually established by a native Italian who came to England. So, this is the real deal with a true Italian feel. Dinner full of flavour and done right. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta or meat dishes, you’ll appreciate the interior and service if nothing else.

The Gallery Restaurant

The Cavendish hotel, Baslow

The Gallery restaurant sits in the 4 star Cavendish Hotel on the doorstep of Chatsworth Estate. It has a similar traditional style that is detail-oriented. You can take a direct countryside walk between the stately home and restaurant in just 30 minutes, making it a top choice for Chatsworth House visitors.

Baslow Shops

Simply Pale

Simply Pale home decor shop

Simply Pale and The Chicken Shed are located next to each other and sell bespoke homeware. While Simply Pale sells a wider range of antiques, The Chicken Shed has a good eye for selecting handcrafted items from talented locals. Both offer a personal touch that gives meaning to the purchase.

Church Farm Art Gallery

Church Farm Art Gallery

Church Farm Art Gallery is a small shop that also offers picture framing. Pop in whether you just want to browse paintings or buy one for your home.

Izzi of Baslow

Izzi of Baslow women's clothing shop

Izzi of Baslow is an independent shop that specialises in women’s clothing. It offers a great selection of high end fashion for those who dress to impress. Whether casual jeans or a summer dress, Izzi’s ensure a classy fit.

Baslow Pottery

Ivy House studio and gallery

Baslow Pottery is a studio and gallery where you can discover art from local artists and craftsmen working on vases on-site. You can even view the workshop live in action, which makes a purchase more special. It’s located in Ivy house, which is one of the most picturesque properties in the area.

Sweet Genes

Sweet Genes sweet shop and cafe

Sweet Genes is a tiny sweet and ice-cream shop that has also expanded into lunch items such as coffee and sandwiches.  

Village Shop & Co-op

Baslow village shop and Post Office

Baslow is split into two ends and the closest option for walking, when staying at the main hotels, will be The Village Shop. This is also where most locals go as it’s in a residential area. The Co-op is bigger and more accessible for drivers and closer to other shops on the main A623 road.

Explore the village

Baslow is quite spread out. The main road going through it leads to a key junction/roundabout which divides the village into different ends. The west side of the junction is where you’ll find most of the shops for short stays but overnight visitors typically stay in hotels on the east side. These two ends are joined by the north side on School Lane and Eaton Hill where the majority of residents live. Houses in Baslow are expensive so there are some beautiful Peak District properties to admire walking around.

Top attractions near Baslow

Monsal Trail

Monsal dale and viaduct

Stop off at Monsal Head for an afternoon treat or drinks as part of the Monsal Trail. Touted as one of the most breathtaking views in the Peak District, overlooking monsal dale headstone viaduct. The linear trail ends/starts in Bakewell and often cycled (bike hire available on route)

Bakewell

What is the Peak District famous for

The Peak District’s only official town, Bakewell is brimming with visitors all-year round. Beyond the charm of its buildings, river, park and local shops, you may know it as home to the original bakewell tart. And yes, you can still try it FRESHLY BAKED.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth house

Chatsworth House is the top attraction in the Peak District. Centuries of elegance built into a cultural hub that is rich with history and intricate design around every corner. Book a guided tour or head to the gardens for the perfect afternoon stroll.

Ashford-in-the-water

Ashford in the water house and garden

Ashford is a natural fit for visitors of Baslow. The upmarket village near Bakewell offers a picturesque display of well kept houses, flowers and glimmering streams. Grab a bite to eat and drink at The Ashford Arms and wander around.

Eyam

Plague Cottage front garden

Eyam is famously known as plague village due to its unfortunate history bringing the deadly disease all the way from London and then trying to contain it from spreading to major surrounding areas like Sheffield. Visit Eyam Museum or the info centre to learn more.

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall long gallery

Haddon Hall is another stunning stately home near Bakewell. Belonging to the influential Manners family, it has been lived in by David Bowie and is open to the public to view tutor and Edwardian styles that once hosted kings.

Getting to Baslow

Baslow village hall and 218 Sheffield bus

Baslow is situated just northeast of Bakewell in the Peak District, which is in rural central England. It’s one of the closest villages from Sheffield (just 30-35 minutes).

Getting there by car: Use your GPS or Google Maps to find the village. Free parking spots are available along the main A623 road on the west side. Most of the hotels and  pubs have private parking for overnight visits.

Getting there by train and bus: There are bus stops throughout the village. The main bus stop is on the east side next to Baslow village hall where the 218 Sheffield bus often stops. There are no direct trains so you’ll need to take the Hope Valley line from Sheffield/Manchester Piccadilly and get off at Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford or Hope (in order of closest first) then get the bus.

Route How to get there (rough guidelines)
Manchester → Baslow Train to Bamford or Sheffield → bus 257 (from Bamford) or bus 218 (via Sheffield)
Sheffield → Baslow Direct TM Travel 218 from Sheffield Interchange (~34 min, every ~20–30 min)
Bakewell → Baslow TM Travel 218 from Bakewell Square (~19 min, £3–4, every 30 min)
Hope Valley → Baslow (e.g. Hope) Stagecoach Yorkshire bus from Post Office (~44 min, £3–5, hourly)

Join over 13 million visitors in the Peak District

Discover the best of the national park in our newsletter. No spam. Just beautiful places | Local tips | Hidden gem trails | Fun events & itineraries | Places to stay | Recommended gear

Read our privacy policy for more info.