Hartington is a gorgeous village in the Peak District National Park. The village is full of beautiful stone cottages and is set in some of the most picturesque countryside in Derbyshire. Hartington is built around a village square and duck pond, and it once held a thriving market for the isolated farming communities surrounding it.
In the village you’ll find a selection of gift and craft shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You’ll also discover a small pottery and one of Hartington’s most famous offerings, The Old Cheese Shop.
Wandering around the village is a fun, free way to spend a morning or afternoon. Couples and solo travellers will enjoy pottering around the pretty streets, while families with children can then hop onto the nearby Tissington Trail for a bike ride.
Hartington is on the western edge of the county of Derbyshire, just next to the neighbouring county of Staffordshire. It is in the centre of the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park and sits on the banks of the river Dove.
Hartington is famous for its cheese-making heritage. The first Hartington Creamery was in operation in the 1870s and made a crumbly Derbyshire cheese until it was partially destroyed in a fire. It was then taken over by a stilton cheese maker in 1900.
From being one of many cheese factories in the Peak District, Hartington Creamery was the only one left when it closed in 2009. It then moved to a new location at Pikehall Farm and was reopened in 2012.
Although the creamery is no longer in the village, Hartington hasn’t forgotten its cheese-making traditions, and the village is now home to The Old Cheese Shop. They’re open seven days a week and stock a range of cheeses made in Hartington Creamery, plus many more.
The cheeses come in many weird and wonderful varieties, including a sticky toffee cheddar, white stilton with strawberries and champagne, and Wensleydale and pineapple. Cheese lovers should not miss this!
The village of Hartington is very dog friendly and four-legged friends will love exploring the lanes here. There are also plenty of longer walks starting in Hartington for those who need to stretch their paws.
There are also several dog friendly places to eat in the village, including:
Hartington is also the gateway to some of the most stunning walks in the Peak District. There are several routes which start right from the door of YHA Hartington Hall, including:
We’ve already mentioned this one, but we think it should be top of your list to visit in the village. With its range of artisan cheeses and local produce, there’s plenty to try.
Why not buy a few and have a cheese and biscuits night back at YHA Hartington Hall?
St Giles Church is open daily to visitors, and it’s well worth popping in for a look. It dates back to the 13th century, and inside there’s a chancel, a nave of three bays, and various monuments to significant people from the village.
Visit St Giles Church's website for more information about opening times.
If you need to refuel during your explorations of Hartington, the village is home to some cosy pubs that are perfect for a post-walk pint. Pubs include:
The Devonshire Arms
Charles Cotton Hotel
The Jug & Glass
If you prefer a cuppa and a light bite, then you could try Beresford Tearooms or Hartington Farm Shop and Café instead.
A great way to get to know Hartington and something fun to do for families with children is the Hartington Village Trail.
Pick up a map from one of the shops in the village or download it online to discover more about the history and features of Hartington.
YHA Hartington Hall has a spectacular location just a stone’s throw from the centre of Hartington. It’s around 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometres) and an easy wander down to the village.
On foot: From YHA Hartington Hall, walk to Hall Bank road and turn right. Continue along this road and you’ll soon find yourself in the village. If you fancy a little wander around the village, this short self-guided walking route will help to guide you.
By car: If you’d prefer to drive into the village, there is free parking available in the centre of the marketplace. There’s also a pay and display car park near the Charles Cotton Hotel.
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