Jemima Kirkwood
17 April 2020
Tissington is known to be one of the prettiest villages in the Peak District, and this village is well deserved of this compliment with its historic stone buildings, 200-year-old lime trees and its large lodge gates that welcome you in.
Once having pottered up the lime tree avenue, you are greeted by the idyllic village of Tissington and its calming atmosphere, only enhanced by the peaceful lanes lined with picturesque limestone cottages set back on wide grass verges, bordered with well-kept flower beds and backed by mature trees – it’s postcard perfect!
The village has been the home of the FitzHerbert family for over 400 years and it is their splendid Jacobean residence that forms the centrepiece of the beautiful place - Tissington Hall. They managed the village through this time with much of the village being rebuilt between 1830 and 1860 in traditional local style. The hall is now occupied by Sir Richard FitzHerbert, the 9th Baronet, and Lady Caroline FitzHerbert and their children. With a more modern outlook on life, they made use of buildings and spaces and in 1997, Sir Richard converted the old coach house into a most attractive and popular tearoom which is still a popular place for locals and visitors to rest their legs and enjoy a bite to eat!
Also in the heart of the village, close by the green, is the pond where the ducks still swim serenely. This is nice place to take the kids for a picnic or to feed the ducks on a sunny day. Tucked in the corner by the pond are the Old Kitchen Gardens where shrubs and other perennial garden plants are grown.
A visit to Tissington will take you back in time but also let you enjoy the modern workings of a traditional village. Set off the A515 between Ashbourne and Buxton in the Peak District National Park, it is easy to get to and within easy reach of other small villages which are all waiting to be explored too.
Here are some of the things to enjoy on your visit here.
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What to see and do in Tissington
Although a small village, there is lots that you will want to see when visiting here. It would be a shame to leave such an interesting place half explored, so here are our tips on what to put on your Tissington checklist…
Tissington Hall
It’s time to explore a historic house…
This is a fine Jacobean Manor House in the heart of the village which you can go and admire, take a tour around and walk in its grounds. You will find it in the heart of the village with its low and long structure standing proudly amongst woodland and beautifully kept gardens. Throughout the season, it is open to the public for guided tours and there are tearooms, gift shops and craft shops to enjoy too. It makes for a lovely morning out.
St Mary’s Church
Visit a 12th-century church and step back in time…
St Mary’s Church rises steeply above the main road through the village with a sparkling stream flowing close to the entrance to the churchyard. Built early in the 12th century, but heavily restored 700 years later, it has a massive Norman tower with 4-foot-thick walls and a well-preserved Norman doorway. The pillars of the doorway are worth closer inspection, the grooves having been worn by archers sharpening their arrows in readiness for archery practice. This skill was much encouraged after the Black Death, which had left the country short of experienced bowmen!
Historic wells
The features the village are most famous for…
There are six wells within Tissington which are all worth a visit. You can find them in various locations throughout the village.
- Hands Well can be found at the north end of the village, near the Post Office
- Children’s Well resides on Rakes Lane
- Hall Well sits opposite Tissington Wall
- Yew Tree Well is at the south end of the village, near the avenue leading to Tissington Gates
- Town Well at the eastern end of the village green, near the duck pond
- Coffin Well can be found in the garden of a house on Chapel Lane
These wells are famed in the area, so much so that there is an annual well dressing festival where people come for miles to admire the six wells which get decorated using clay, petals and coffee beans. It is believed this tradition began when locals reasoned they escaped the Black Death due to the water supply’s purity. These wells never dried up in times of plague, so are now seen as a sacred blessing on the village.
Take some time to locate the wells and admire them for yourself.
Some smaller findings…
Old School House – Built in the 19th century, this was once a school where the kids of the olden days came to learn. However, this is no longer a school now but a kindergarten which educates the very young. It was founded by Lady FitzHerbert herself.
Yew Tree Cottage - candle workshop - Further along the road, a surprise awaits at Yew Tree Cottage where part of the building has been turned into a small candle workshop. Formerly a Blacksmith’s house, it is decorated with motifs of the trade - the Wright family were blacksmiths in the village for 90 years. In front of the cottage is Yew Tree Well.
Village pond – Close by to the Old School House there is a lovely pond which is home to a friendly flock of ducks. Being set in the heart of the village, the pond is loved by locals and visitors alike and is a nice spot for a picnic.
For something more active…
The Tissington Trail - This rural trail runs along a 13-mile route from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay which enjoys a countryside, traffic-free, route which is perfect for horse riders, cyclists, naturalists and walkers. The trail originated from the railway line that was added in 1900 but it closed in 1963, so the trail is now enjoyed by those who like the slower form of transport.
Read all about the Peak District in our ultimate guide to the Peak District to find out about all the activities you can do in the area.
Where to eat in Tissington
Quite often our holiday can be enhanced by the tastes and smells we enjoy when eating out at new places. Food can become a mundane and boring duty in our everyday lives, but to be able to eat out at different places when on our break adds an extra level of relaxation to a trip – no one needs to think about the food, other than eating it!
Here are a few places to try that are within easy reach of Tissington.
- The Coach and Horses – this is a charming 16th-century pub, with a beamed ceiling, stone flagged floors and a coal fire in winter. Delicious home-cooked meals are served at lunchtimes and in the evenings during the week, and all day at the weekend. Location: DE6 1LB
- Bassett Wood Farm - situated in a lovely countryside setting, morning coffee and afternoon teas are served daily in the summer. Expect delicious cream teas with warm freshly baked scones, clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam, sandwiches, homemade cakes as well as hot and cold drinks. The Pets Paddock is an added bonus. Location: DE6 1LE
- The Old Dog – Located nearby in Thorpe, this is a trendy establishment serving burgers, light snacks and sundaes. The homely pub setting is welcomed after a morning out exploring on foot and the outdoor seating is perfect for those sunnier days. Location: DE6 2AT
Shopping in Tissington
Tissington is all about quality not quantity when it comes to its eclectic range of shops. Take some time to pop in and out of them, picking up souvenirs and treats along the way. If you have grandchildren, children of your own or nieces and nephews, then a trip to a certain sweetie shop mustn’t go unmissed!
Edward and Vintage sweets
Set in a little cottage at the northern edge of the village lives this ‘Olde Worlde’ sweet shop which stocks an impressive range of 1940s sweets for those who favour the sweeter things in life. From colourful boiled sweets in all flavours to delicious handmade fudge, this little shop will make you smile from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. Location: DE6 1RA
On a Wick Candle Shop
For the last 10 years, Annie Maulding and her team have been making and selling candles from the building that was once the old blacksmith's forge near the entrance to the village. Everything sold here is made by hand which makes these candles a really special souvenir or gift. Expect to find all sorts of candles, from big to small, and be prepared to be won over by all of the beautiful scents. Location: DE6 1RA
Tissington Nursery
This is a small family-run plant nursery located in the heart of Tissington and is housed in the Estate's walled Old Kitchen Gardens. You can go and visit the nursery and admire all of the plants that grow in the stock beds, glasshouses and garden. With the focus on environmental awareness, all of their plants are grown in peat-free compost and they reduce waste where they can too. Pop in and visit and take away some plants for your own garden too. Location: DE6 1RA
AJ Holmes of Tissington
With the growth of supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the UK, it can be considered a necessity to head to those for your weekly essentials and food shop. However, when you come across a smaller establishment selling local produce, it’s nice to shop from those and support local business. AJ Holmes is a quality butcher offering a full range of meats which can provide the staple ingredients for your holiday meals. Treat yourself to a steak, or stock up on sausages for your summer BBQ – pick something up when visiting Tissington! Location: DE6 1RA
Come and stay in a Peak District cottage near Tissington
We have many cottages around Tissington which are wonderful bases for holidays in the Peak District. The towns and villages of Ashbourne, Hartington and Warslow are all close by and all provide a network of new places for you to explore. With a variety of family-friendly holiday cottages, larger homes for group gatherings and small hideaways for couples, we have a wonderful variety to pick from.
Here are some of our highlights…
Parwich | sleeps 2 | from £357 per week
An 1850s cottage filled with character and charm in a village that has been voted one of the best places to live in Britain. This is an excellent base for exploring the Peak District National Park and walkers will relish the countryside walks which are right on the doorstep.
Ashbourne | sleeps 6 | from £504 per week
Ashbourne - with its Georgian terraces, 13th-century church, colourful market square, heritage trail, country stores and antique shops - provides lots to see and explore. Relax in this wonderful family home which has been beautifully decorated providing a serene holiday escape for you and your loved ones.
For more cottages in the area of Tissington and the Peak District National Park, explore our range today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.