A visit to the Peak District is guaranteed to be an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you choose to go for a hike through an otherworldly gorge or explore one of the national park’s caves, there’s something relaxing about immersing yourself in the countryside.
It’s not just the Peak District’s natural wonders which can soothe the soul - it’s also home to quiet, sleepy villages with charming buildings and a slower pace of life. One of these is Over Haddon, around a 90 minute drive from Manchester.
Perched on a ledge above Lathkill Dale, this small village is surrounded by the rolling hills of the White Peak with glorious views stretching on for miles. With a modest population of just 255 people and not a busy road in sight, Over Haddon has been named one of the most tranquil spots for a staycation in the UK.
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Research carried out by Wellbox found that the village ranked third - closely behind Dartmouth and Kingswear in Devon - out of 53 locations across the UK. The study looked at population, crime rates and the number of hiking, bird watching and fishing trails.
With quaint stone cottages clustered around winding roads it’s easy to see how Over Haddon scored so highly. You won’t find a high street with shops or lots of cafes here, but you'll certainly enjoy some peace and quiet as you walk around taking in the views.
The village does have a pub, The Lathkil Hotel, which serves up hearty food and also boasts four guest rooms, two of which look out over Lathkill Dale. Or book a cosy room at The Garden Bed and Breakfast.
A short walk down a steep path out of Over Haddon will take you down into Lathkill Dale, a stunning green valley. Through it flows the crystal-clear waters of the River Lathkill, which tumbles over a series of picturesque weirs.
Throughout the area you’ll find the remnants of the lead mining industry which once played an important role in this park of the Peak District. Just south of Over Haddon is the deserted mediaeval settlement of Conksbury. You can still see some of the remains today, while Conksbury bridge crossing the river remains intact.
Just two miles away from Over Haddon is the beautiful town of Bakewell, famous for its pudding but worth a visit for its shops and buildings. If you want a longer walk, Haddon Hall, a stately home with Elizabethan gardens, is four miles away.
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