Foolow is a picturesque village tucked away in the Hope Valley region of the Peak District, Derbyshire. It’s a lesser known place to visit, in part because it’s small in size and harder to reach without a car or long walk in. But that’s also part of the charm – a well preserved capsule in time as a local mining village in the 15th century with a touch of modern enhancement.
Main Road Memorial and Pond area
Things to do in Foolow
Foolow is a great stopping point for walkers and cyclists, mostly known for its quality pub and as a peaceful getaway. While there isn’t much to do in this small village, it is well situated to enjoy a haven of history, walks and food in the surrounding area.
Foolow pub
The Bulls Head is a fantastic Peak District pub. They serve a wide variety of creatively presented British dishes with a highly praised Sunday roast. Customer service is friendly and dogs are allowed. You can stay in a stylish room overnight and enjoy a 4 star experience. There’s plenty of outside seating to soak up the sun if you’re lucky enough to catch a warm spell.
Visit Eyam village
Eyam is a famous Peak district location known as ‘Plague Village’, honoured for the sacrifices residents made to save countless others from dying in the surrounding areas. Foolow to Eyam (or the other way around) is a pleasant walk as short as 2.4 miles. Go off-trail as the main road between doesn’t have a pavement and is not quite as exciting as the public footpaths brimming with nature.
Relax in Foolow holiday cottages
While Eyam is popular, staying there can be expensive. Foolow is a great alternative because it’s close by and often cheaper. Yet, the holiday cottages are no less beautiful. If you want a safe countryside getaway that is quiet and friendly this could be a great little spot.
Open countryside walks in every direction
Foolow is surrounded by long windy countryside roads and farm fields stretching far into the horizon. Compared to many other areas in the Peak District it’s a relatively flat landscape, turning most walking routes into a leisurely stroll. The roads don’t have footpaths but tend not to be busy so stay near the edge and you won’t disrupt the occasional flow of cars driving past. Make your way to Eyam via Sir William Hill and Eyam Moor for the best walk. Alternatively, take a short walk to Waterfall Swallet, journey through Cressbrook Dale or head to Tideswell or Great Hucklow villages.
St Hughs Church
Originally a smithy, St Hugh’s Mission Church was purchased and altered for less than £150. The first service took place in December 1888 and the building is now supported by the ‘Friends of St Hugh’s’ charity. Visit Foolow church to learn about the history and significance of St Hugh.
Best places to eat
The Bulls Head
The obvious choice in Foolow is The Bull’s Head. It’s one of the best places for pub grub in the Peak District. High quality food, drinks and service for a much needed sunday roast and traditional English dishes. But more importantly, it’s the only food place in the village.
Stella's Kitchen
Spice your life up with a mix of Caribbean and African dishes. Stella’s kitchen offers a homely touch to serving food. The farmhouse cafe is actually part of a house and garden extension. The menu can change daily but you can’t go wrong with grilled chicken wings, jerk pork ribs and Caribbean ginger cake.
Cupola
Cupola is a beautifully decorated cafe in Stoney Middleton with an open kitchen. Shortlisted for the ‘Best New Tourism Business of the Year 2025’, it triples up as a lunch cafe, bar and grill for an all-day food bonanza. Good for wood fired pizzas, english breakfasts and wine.
Toll Bar Fish & Chips
Toll Bar fish and chips in Stoney middleton could be crowded the best chippy in the Peak District, and maybe even beyond. While chips can only taste so good, they manage to get the right amount of firmness and flavour to ensure great quality. A reliable choice that’s quick and easy throughout the day.
Curry cottage
Curry Cottage at lover’s leap is your go-to for an Indian restaurant and takeaway. Great food and service with substantial portion sizes. The atmosphere is unique with part of the rock face going through the village embedded into the wall. When you’re there, read about the tragic story behind why the spot is called Lover’s Leap.
Eyam Tea Rooms
Eyam Tea Rooms preserves the charm of the area with traditional decor and platters of lovely cakes, sandwiches, specialty coffee, scones and more. Established in 1912, the long-standing cafe is the ideal stop for a light lunch to enjoy homemade and locally sourced food in the afternoon.
Getting to Foolow
By car (recommended): Use Google maps or any GPS system to The Bulls Head, Foolow in the Peak District, which is on the main road. Parking is free throughout the village and you can usually find a spot without trouble on the pavement roadside or by the memorial in the main road square. Avoid parking on both sides of the main road as it’s too windy and narrow. Also, parking on the road facing the pub tends to be a busier route for passing cars and used by residents. Too many parked vehicles restrict the flow of traffic, making it very difficult for cars passing each other from opposite ways.
By Bus and Train: Take the Manchester Piccadilly/Sheffield Northern train to Hope station in 50 mins and 25 mins respectively, walk down to Station Road End and take the Hulleys of Baslow 257 bus from the bus stop on your right through Bradwell to The Bulls Head in Foolow. Or, Grindleford station is closer from Sheffield side so you can get off and head to Mount Pleasant bus stop in the village and take the Stagecoach 65 bus every few hours.