Cottages in Youlgreave

Youlgreave is an excellent base for exploring this beautiful area of the Peak District. As one of the largest villages, it's close to Chatsworth House, Matlock, Bakewell and it's just 20 miles to the cable cars at the Heights of Abraham. Our holiday cottages in Youlgreave vary in size and are perfect for couples, families and friends. We also have a number of dog friendly cottages so you can even take your four legged friend!  

Youlgreave is home to Thimble Hall which dates back to the 1650’s, the World’s smallest detached house (according to the Guiness Book of World Records). This bijoux residence was a home until the 1930’s and actually housed a family of eight during the 1920’s! Don’t worry, it’s not on our books… our Holiday cottages in Youlgreave are traditional and very comfortable with stylish interiors and most have wood-burning stoves for the cooler evenings. If you’re planning to take the dog, look out for our dog-friendly cottages.

Things to do in Youlgreave 

The local area is perfect for walking and our cottages have easy access to marked footpaths and trails. Take a stroll along the River Bradford which flows through the village. Another favourite walk is along the 9 Ladies stone circle, a circular route that includes the old hunting tower and the Matlock steam railway. A visit to nearby Matlock is well worth considering, as the town lies just eight miles from Youlgreave and boast an excellent selection of local shops, pubs and restaurants.

Alternatively, there’s a shorter route encompassing one of the waterfalls in Darley Dale. Art lovers may like to book their holiday cottage in Youlgreave to join in the popular village arts festival. Chatsworth House is a great day out, just 15 miles away it’s home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. This stunning property is a fusion of Italianate architecture and English Baroque style and dates back to 1687 with over 1000 acres of gardens and parklands to explore.

The village itself is charming, dominated by All Saints Church which dates back to 1130. The church is renowned for having a stained glass window which was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris. Look out for the carved salamander on the Norman font.

Youlgreave is one of the only villages in the UK with its own water company. In 1829  a private water company was set up and today, The Youlgreave Water Works Ltd still supplies 500 properties  with running water.

You’ve probably noticed the unusual spelling of Youlgreave. There are in fact more than 60 different recorded spellings of the village name, it’s one of the most contentious village names in  the UK! Two of the most common spellings are Youlgreave or Youlgreave but the Doomsday Book has the village recorded as Giolgrave or ‘Yellow Grave’ because, it’s believed that the ore which was mined here was yellow.

Youlgreave also has plenty of options when it comes to eating out; wine and dine at the Bulls Head Hotel or the George Hotel. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Farmyard Inn. The Peak Feast is a totally vegetarian bakery, perfect for a picnic or why not try the tea rooms just above the village for some cosy afternoon tea and cake?

However you decide to spend your holiday to the Peak District, Youlgreave certainly has a lot to offer. With charming destinations such as Chatsworth, Matlock and Bakewell only a short distance away, you’ll uncover a new adventure with each fresh morning.