This tiny  village is home to fewer than 200 people and has been carefully preserved to maintain its enduring character as a quintessentially English settlement.

When it comes to picture-perfect destinations, Tissington fits the bill perfectly – a peaceful Derbyshire village offering an idyllic day out.

Featuring charming cottages built around a grand Hall, complete with a duck pond and traditional tea rooms, this village exudes character at every turn.

Its conservation is credited to the FitzHerbert family, who have owned the village for more than 400 years whilst living amongst the community. The affluent family reside at the Hall, which forms the village’s centrepiece.

Their ancestral ties run so deep that the local church, St Mary’s, contains numerous memorials dedicated to family members.

Tissington Hall

The magnificent hall forms the village’s focal point, originally constructed in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert as a Jacobean manor house. Sir Richard inherited the property in 1989 and currently lives there with his wife and four children.

It stands as one of just 300 properties nationwide where descendants of the original builder still occupy the home. Each year, the family continues to open the estate to visitors, allowing them to explore the impressive interiors and stunning gardens.

Entry currently costs £16 for adults, whilst children under five can visit the grounds free of charge. The site opens to the public between 12pm and 3pm, with guided tours available for booking every half hour.

Food and Drink

Set within the charming village is the popular Herbert’s Tearoom, providing the perfect stop-off point for walkers and cyclists exploring the Peak District. The tea room offers delectable sweet treats alongside teas and coffees in a traditional environment with both indoor and outdoor seating available.

A recent visitor said on TripAdvisor: “We love visiting this beautiful tea room for a light lunch, especially after a leisurely stroll around the peaceful and relaxing village. Excellent food, very pleasant and attentive staff, reasonable prices and consistently high standard of customer service.”

Whilst Tissington doesn’t feature any countryside pubs within its boundaries, several options can be found on the village outskirts. Among these is The Old Dog in Thorpe, which prides itself on serving ‘unfussy’ quality food in a welcoming atmosphere, utilising locally sourced produce.

A short distance away, visitors can also enjoy dining at the Sycamore Inn in Parwich or stop for refreshments at the Coach and Horses in Ashbourne. Despite its tranquil setting, the village sits within easy reach of numerous excellent Derbyshire venues.

Tissington Trail

Spanning 13 miles across the Peak District, the Tissington Trail has become a favourite amongst ramblers, following the path of a former railway line. The route features predominantly level, easily manageable ground whilst delivering spectacular vistas and the opportunity to explore the charming village of Tissington.

The trail follows what was previously part of the London and North Western Railway connecting Buxton and Ashbourne, which opened in 1899, but has since been transformed following closure. Approximately 70 years after operations ceased, the Peak District National Park acquired the land and developed the well-loved trail, establishing a vehicle-free corridor for ramblers and cyclists.

One visitor commented: “We all went out as a family and had a brill day. The routes are well maintained and are fairly flat apart from the odd big hill. The scenery and views are stunning, and it’s not too busy.”

Another shared: “We walked from Ashbourne to Tissington, and the route was lovely, with some great scenery. We particularly liked the old Tissington railway station, where we stopped for a picnic before wandering around the village and walking back again.”