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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Alexandra Bullard & Paige Oldfield

The stunning town by the river with the 'best pie and chips' - an hour from Manchester in the Peak District

Not only is the Peak District one of the most stunning areas in England – it's also home to one of the most unique riverside towns in the UK.

Just over an hour from Manchester is the historic location of Cromford. The town offers some wonderful tourist attractions that are perfect for a long weekend staycation.

If you love the great outdoors, Cromford has an array of hiking trails. Black Rocks is a steep climb up to the top of Cromford Moor and you'll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views, ideal for the perfect outdoor picnic.

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Just a short walk along the trail leads you to Sheep Pasture Top, Cromford Canal and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The canal is suitable for a romantic summer stroll and stretches for over 14 and a half miles from Cromford to Ambergate.

Cromford is also a great place to explore for any foodie, with several country pubs and a nearby Michelin-star restaurant being some of the major highlights, MyLondon reports.

The Greyhound Hotel and Restaurant has glowing reviews on TripAdvisor and also boasts a 2021 Travellers Choice Award. One person left a review saying: "Right in the heart of the village we popped in without a reservation and was lucky to get a table. Had the best pie and chips I have ever had ! Clean, tidy and had very friendly staff."

Another 5* review said: "Food, service, wine, ambiance absolutely perfect! Could not fault any aspect of our visit. From the crockery to the delicate wine glasses."

Two miles away, in Matlock, they have the Michelin-star Stones Restaurant. You’ll find a modern take on British cuisine, with dishes like slow-cooked short rib of beef or fillet of lemon sole.

One 5* review said: "Must be the best restaurant in the area. Great food and feels very special especially with all the extra little courses. Staff excellent and service was friendly and efficient."

Another happy customer wrote: "This was our first visit and definitely not our last. The staff were second to none. Beautiful decor and ambience. We chose the taster menu and every month full was delicious."

If you’re looking for a quick break in the stunning English countryside, put Cromford on your to-do list. Take a friend or travel solo; there are memories waiting to be made here.

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