.png)
STAY AT THE MERCHANT'S YARD
The Merchant’s Yard offers a warm welcome to visitors from near and far. Relax and discover the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, the first ever National Park, a tranquil retreat away from it all, yet readily accessible.
Situated on the Limestone Way and therefore ideal for ramblers, hikers and all those looking for a walking holiday, we are also on the Pennine Bridleway and the National Trail is ideal for horse riding, trekking, mountain-biking, cycling and walking. Within a 15-minute drive are some of the UK’s best sites for gliding, hang-gliding, paragliding, rock-climbing, caving and pot holing.
A stay at The Merchant’s Yard is not just for outdoor pursuit and activity holidays. Attractions close by include Chatsworth House, Buxton Opera House, the National Trust Estates at Longshaw, Eyam Hall, Dove Dale and the High Peak, the English Heritage properties such as the Stone Circle at Arbor Low, Haddon Hall and the many village well dressing festivals which are a feature of the Peak District in the summer. Alton Towers and Gulliver’s Kingdom are popular attractions for our younger guests on family holidays and there are a number of wildlife centres and sanctuaries just a short distance away.
The secluded surroundings of the village of Tideswell are a delight for those with an interest in photography, painting and bird-watching. A short stroll will take you to one of three National Nature Reserves at Monk’s Dale, Hay Dale and Cressbrook Dale. Each separate limestone valley displays some of the best examples of wildlife habitat and geology in the White Peak.
To find out more on things to do and what's on click here.
Walking Routes
Whether you are a hectic hiker, an intrepid trekker, a regular rambler, a pub walker, a family stroller or even a toddler, a stay at The Merchant’s Yard will not disappoint.
The Limestone Way, the longest signed footpath within the Peak District, is easily accessible from here, as is the Pennine Bridleway and the National Trail, the longest bridleway in the Peak District which links Derbyshire and the South Pennines. If you wish, when you arrive you can forget your car keys and enjoy, from your doorstep, the best of limestone walking, whether over peaks or through dales. There are circular routes for all ages and abilities. An extensive array of guide books are available for loan and if you have a specific idea in mind of the sort of route you’re after please speak to our team.
Find out more here.
Cycling
The Limestone Way, the longest signed footpath within the Peak District, is easily accessible from here, as is the Pennine Bridleway and the National Trail, the longest bridleway in the Peak District, which links Derbyshire and the South Pennines. Staying here at The Merchant’s Yard you can enjoy, from your doorstep, the best of limestone mountain biking, whether over peaks or through dales.
If you wish to hire bikes while you are here, please speak to us and we can point you in the right direction. You may prefer to hire bikes for a few hours to explore the trails along former railway lines where the gradients are gentler and the surface comparatively even. (www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle)
To find out more click here.
Family Attractions
Family attractions within a 10-mile radius include the underground show caverns of Castleton and the Freshfields Donkey Sanctuary. Have an evening out at Buxton's renowned Victorian Opera House, especially during Buxton Festival in summer – whatever you are there to see, the auditorium is the real star!
Find out more here.
Village Life
If it's pretty villages you're after, they're all around. Go east to Eyam, where in 1667 the residents stayed home to die of the plague rather than spread it around the country. Visit Eyam Hall (National Trust) and the children’s playground beside the free car park by the museum. Drive north to pretty Edale the village at the foot of the Pennine Way. Go south to Great and Little Longstone and Ashford in the Water, where you'll find Ibbotsons - the Biggest Little Shop in the Peaks.
Well dressings are held throughout the summer in the Peak District. Please contact us for dates to see if your break can benefit from seeing this local custom, which is often accompanied by a small travelling fair or festival of flowers in the local church.
To find out more click here.
Outdoor Pursuits
For those seeking an adrenalin rush through an active getaway, The Merchant’s Yard offers an unrivalled location. Situated just off the Limestone Way and Pennine Bridleway, there are many circular routes to be taken from your doorstep through breathtaking limestone scenery, whether on foot, horse or bike. If your feet get tired, why not stretch both your mind and your body by trying your hand at gliding. The cliff top airfield of the Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club is only 3 miles away and even the timid can try their hand at flying with a fully trained glider pilot on a trial flight (www.members.gliding.co.uk/club/derby-lancs-g-c/).
Find out more here.
(Painters, Photographers and Bird Watchers)
Artists
The surrounding area offers a backcloth for artists and photographers alike, and is a delight for those with an interest in photography, painting and bird watching, or for those who simply wish to take in the view.
A short stroll will take you to one of three National Nature Reserves at Monk’s Dale, Hay Dale and Cressbrook Dale. Each separate limestone valley displays some of the best examples of wildlife habitat and geology in the White Peak.
Local artists who immortalise the landscape and views include Martin Decent, whereas local resident Karen Frenkle has achieved national acclaim with her early morning views of the Peak District through the seasons.
Local Culture & History
For culture, you may get to see the best of festival life at the Buxton Opera House, whether the Fringe for comedy, the alternative live music or the main auditorium which offers international fayre in intimate surroundings.
Find out more here.
Film & TV
Are you a fan of costume drama, be it courtesy of the BBC or Hollywood? If so, why not use your stay to visit locations which you will recognise from recent productions such as Keira Knightley’s The Duchess and Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice.
Find out more here.
Tideswell Village
Cash Machine:
The nearest cash machine is in the centre of Tideswell and both Buxton and Bakewell have branches of most High Street banks.
Shopping:
Tideswell has a variety of shops, including a Co-Op, butcher, greengrocer, dairy, deli and bakery, as well as a chemist and a specialist bookstore.
Churches:
Tideswell has churches of three denominations: Church of England (‘Cathedral of the Peak’), Roman Catholic and Methodist/United Reformed Church in Fountain Square.