Lower Farm for Guests (July 2022)
Neighbourhoods
Lower Farm is an 18th Century Derbyshire stone farmhouse and is one of four farms that make up the hamlet of Brushfield, once owned by the Duke of Devonshire. The house faces south and is tucked into a hillside with beautiful views across the valley. It has a lawn and cottage garden to the side of the house; with a walled terrace and pigsties behind. Then there’s an upper lawn and back terrace too.
In front of the house, across the private lane and bridleway is the garage and a former kitchen garden, sometimes used by our neighbours for a few sheep. Please make sure you close the gate behind you. If the sheep are there, they can be a bit over-friendly, so please don’t let small children in there alone.
Behind the house is the back croft which will either be empty, or may hold a few more sheep. Please make sure you close the gate behind you. At the top of the croft is an old tyre swing - please don't use this as we're not sure it's safe. And on the back terrace is a 10’ trampoline, with safety net. (Again, please inspect this to make sure the net is secured before your children go on.)
The converted barn (Mary’s Dairy) on the right as you face Lower Farm is owned by David and Jane; the Old School House opposite is owned by Liz. On the left is Lower Farm Barn where Roy and Margaret live.
The lane that runs in front of the house is gated at either end. This is a public bridleway and footpath: the only vehicles allowed along are those belonging to Brushfield residents, deliveries or the odd tractor. Our children safely play tennis, football and ride bikes in the lane.
Middle Farm is up the hill just behind Lower Farm and Top Farm is a little further up the hill (the Top Farm children sells fresh eggs from the farmhouse – see info on the kitchen noticeboard).
Brushfield
Lower Farm is an 18th Century Derbyshire stone farmhouse and is one of four farms that make up the hamlet of Brushfield, once owned by the Duke of Devonshire. The house faces south and is tucked into a hillside with beautiful views across the valley. It has a lawn and cottage garden to the side of the house; with a walled terrace and pigsties behind. Then there’s an upper lawn and back terrace too.
In front of the house, across the private lane and bridleway is the garage and a former kitchen garden, sometimes used by our neighbours for a few sheep. Please make sure you close the gate behind you. If the sheep are there, they can be a bit over-friendly, so please don’t let small children in there alone.
Behind the house is the back croft which will either be empty, or may hold a few more sheep. Please make sure you close the gate behind you. At the top of the croft is an old tyre swing - please don't use this as we're not sure it's safe. And on the back terrace is a 10’ trampoline, with safety net. (Again, please inspect this to make sure the net is secured before your children go on.)
The converted barn (Mary’s Dairy) on the right as you face Lower Farm is owned by David and Jane; the Old School House opposite is owned by Liz. On the left is Lower Farm Barn where Roy and Margaret live.
The lane that runs in front of the house is gated at either end. This is a public bridleway and footpath: the only vehicles allowed along are those belonging to Brushfield residents, deliveries or the odd tractor. Our children safely play tennis, football and ride bikes in the lane.
Middle Farm is up the hill just behind Lower Farm and Top Farm is a little further up the hill (the Top Farm children sells fresh eggs from the farmhouse – see info on the kitchen noticeboard).
Outdoor Adventures
We’re not a particularly brave family but Dolomite Training (https://www.dolomitetraining.co.uk/) took us and some friends (children aged between 8 and 14yrs) to Giant’s Hole in 2017 for a beginners caving session. We were given all the kit we needed and walked into the cave system via a little stream. Collum, our guide, was very experienced, very reassuring and we loved the whole couple of hours underground.
We also went abseiling with Dolomite Training. We did this in 2017 with another family when their youngest child was nearly five years old and everyone had a go (aged 5 to 50!) We abseiled off a bridge in Litton (only about a 15 minute drive from Lower Farm) and followed this with the afternoon of caving in Giant’s Hole.
Dolomite Training
Wye BankWe’re not a particularly brave family but Dolomite Training (https://www.dolomitetraining.co.uk/) took us and some friends (children aged between 8 and 14yrs) to Giant’s Hole in 2017 for a beginners caving session. We were given all the kit we needed and walked into the cave system via a little stream. Collum, our guide, was very experienced, very reassuring and we loved the whole couple of hours underground.
We also went abseiling with Dolomite Training. We did this in 2017 with another family when their youngest child was nearly five years old and everyone had a go (aged 5 to 50!) We abseiled off a bridge in Litton (only about a 15 minute drive from Lower Farm) and followed this with the afternoon of caving in Giant’s Hole.
We went caving with Ruth from Lost Earth Adventures (https://www.lostearthadventures.co.uk/) in summer 2018 to Bagshawe Cavern (an old mine shaft system) which was also very enjoyable. Of the two though, we though Giant’s Hole was more interesting and varied.
If you’d rather visit caves without crawling around inside them, here’s a selection of some of the beautiful limestone cave systems that are open to tourists:
Peak Cavern - http://peakcavern.co.uk/
We visited “The Devil's Arse” on a rainy day years ago and our then five and seven year olds enjoyed it. The guide we had was great – we made a hemp rope to demonstrate how the massive entrance to the cavern had been originally used as a rope making factory; and bringing the whole place to life.
https://poolescavern.co.uk/
https://bluejohnstone.com/
https://www.heightsofabraham.com/
Caving is a good option on a very cold or wet day: it’s always pretty much the same temperature underground!
We went 'gorge walking' which was great fun in the summer of 2018. Lost Earth Adventures (https://www.lostearthadventures.co.uk/) got us into wetsuits and helmets and took us from Snake Pass Inn along a beautiful limestone brook. Despite the dry summer there was enough icy cold water to allow us to jump into pools and clamber up waterfalls. We all loved it, including the teenagers and the littlest child, aged 6.
Lost Earth Adventures
Parsons LaneWe went caving with Ruth from Lost Earth Adventures (https://www.lostearthadventures.co.uk/) in summer 2018 to Bagshawe Cavern (an old mine shaft system) which was also very enjoyable. Of the two though, we though Giant’s Hole was more interesting and varied.
If you’d rather visit caves without crawling around inside them, here’s a selection of some of the beautiful limestone cave systems that are open to tourists:
Peak Cavern - http://peakcavern.co.uk/
We visited “The Devil's Arse” on a rainy day years ago and our then five and seven year olds enjoyed it. The guide we had was great – we made a hemp rope to demonstrate how the massive entrance to the cavern had been originally used as a rope making factory; and bringing the whole place to life.
https://poolescavern.co.uk/
https://bluejohnstone.com/
https://www.heightsofabraham.com/
Caving is a good option on a very cold or wet day: it’s always pretty much the same temperature underground!
We went 'gorge walking' which was great fun in the summer of 2018. Lost Earth Adventures (https://www.lostearthadventures.co.uk/) got us into wetsuits and helmets and took us from Snake Pass Inn along a beautiful limestone brook. Despite the dry summer there was enough icy cold water to allow us to jump into pools and clamber up waterfalls. We all loved it, including the teenagers and the littlest child, aged 6.
We tend to go on hacks up at Flash (England’s highest village) with the Northfield Farm Trekking Centre (http://www.northfieldfarm.co.uk/). The hacks are really lovely and if you’re experienced, there are a couple of fields where you can have a gallop. You need to book in advance.
14 os moradores locais recomendam
Northfield Farm Riding and Trekking Centre
New RoadWe tend to go on hacks up at Flash (England’s highest village) with the Northfield Farm Trekking Centre (http://www.northfieldfarm.co.uk/). The hacks are really lovely and if you’re experienced, there are a couple of fields where you can have a gallop. You need to book in advance.
Parsley Hay Cycle Hire
If you hire bikes (plus tag-a-longs if you have little ones) here, it’s fun to cycle along the converted railway track, the Tissington Trail, to Tissington which is a very pretty village with a picturesque manor house, fantastic little old fashioned sweet shop, Edward & Vintage (https://www.edwardandvintage.co.uk/) , nice café, on the village green, for hot meals or sandwiches and a great plant nursery and hand made candle shop (https://onawick.co.uk/).
26 os moradores locais recomendam
Parsley Hay - Peak District National Park Cycle Hire
Parsley Hay Cycle Hire
If you hire bikes (plus tag-a-longs if you have little ones) here, it’s fun to cycle along the converted railway track, the Tissington Trail, to Tissington which is a very pretty village with a picturesque manor house, fantastic little old fashioned sweet shop, Edward & Vintage (https://www.edwardandvintage.co.uk/) , nice café, on the village green, for hot meals or sandwiches and a great plant nursery and hand made candle shop (https://onawick.co.uk/).
This is one of a number of places you can hire bikes to cycle the Monsal Trail that runs 8.5 miles from Bakewell to Blackwell Mill. Lots of things to do near the trail – lunch at Monsal Head Stables or The Packhorse, Little Longstone for example. We've used Hassop to hire bikes before and they've been great - best to book in advance.
62 os moradores locais recomendam
Hassop Station Cafe and Monsal Trail Cycle Hire
Hassop RoadThis is one of a number of places you can hire bikes to cycle the Monsal Trail that runs 8.5 miles from Bakewell to Blackwell Mill. Lots of things to do near the trail – lunch at Monsal Head Stables or The Packhorse, Little Longstone for example. We've used Hassop to hire bikes before and they've been great - best to book in advance.
Outdoor Swimming
If you love swimming outdoors, Hathersage pool has a fantastic recently renovated heated outdoor pool with views up to the surrounding hills (http://www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk/). You could follow a swim with a meal at the Riverside Kitchen at the David Mellor centre or the Hathersage Social Club.
74 os moradores locais recomendam
Piscina de Hathersage
Oddfellows RoadIf you love swimming outdoors, Hathersage pool has a fantastic recently renovated heated outdoor pool with views up to the surrounding hills (http://www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk/). You could follow a swim with a meal at the Riverside Kitchen at the David Mellor centre or the Hathersage Social Club.
Our favourite Peak National Park swim is the geothermally heated 1930s Matlock lido – a steady 19C+ all year round and pure naturally heated spring water pumping in & out at 8 gallons a second. Incredibly clean, non chlorinated mineral water. Really gorgeous if you’re a fan of (relatively) cold water swimming. (https://newbathhotelandspa.com/open-air-pool/) Needs advance booking, especially in the summer.
6 os moradores locais recomendam
New Bath Hotel and Spa
New Bath RoadOur favourite Peak National Park swim is the geothermally heated 1930s Matlock lido – a steady 19C+ all year round and pure naturally heated spring water pumping in & out at 8 gallons a second. Incredibly clean, non chlorinated mineral water. Really gorgeous if you’re a fan of (relatively) cold water swimming. (https://newbathhotelandspa.com/open-air-pool/) Needs advance booking, especially in the summer.
Historic Houses & Villages
Chatsworth House is brilliant and about 15 mins drive from Lower Farm. It’s not cheap but once you’ve paid the entrance fee, the extraordinary gardens, really fantastic adventure playground, animal packed farmyard and stupendous house will keep all ages interested for a day. They often have excellent events and exhibitions, so it’s worth checking out what’s on in advance: https://www.chatsworth.org/
698 os moradores locais recomendam
Casa Chatsworth
Chatsworth House is brilliant and about 15 mins drive from Lower Farm. It’s not cheap but once you’ve paid the entrance fee, the extraordinary gardens, really fantastic adventure playground, animal packed farmyard and stupendous house will keep all ages interested for a day. They often have excellent events and exhibitions, so it’s worth checking out what’s on in advance: https://www.chatsworth.org/
Haddon Hall is about 10 minutes from Lower Farm. It's a lot smaller than Chatsworth, so more manageable perhaps in an afternoon, and is a beautiful and fascinating house with exceptionally lovely tiered gardens: https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/special-events
260 os moradores locais recomendam
Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall is about 10 minutes from Lower Farm. It's a lot smaller than Chatsworth, so more manageable perhaps in an afternoon, and is a beautiful and fascinating house with exceptionally lovely tiered gardens: https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/special-events
Caudwell’s Mill & Craft Shop isn’t quite an historic house, but we enjoyed visiting the working water mill and the kids loved the shop and café, with hot savory food and great cakes. If you’re leaving Lower Farm to head south on the M1, it’s a place to stop on the way out of the Peak District: https://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
17 os moradores locais recomendam
Caudwells Mill & Craft Centre
Caudwell’s Mill & Craft Shop isn’t quite an historic house, but we enjoyed visiting the working water mill and the kids loved the shop and café, with hot savory food and great cakes. If you’re leaving Lower Farm to head south on the M1, it’s a place to stop on the way out of the Peak District: https://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/
Eyam Museum (http://www.eyam-museum.org.uk) was slightly heavy on the written word when we visited years ago when our kids were younger, but our two got enough from it to enjoy the gruesome stories of the Black Death. (And we found it interesting).
79 os moradores locais recomendam
Eyam
Eyam Museum (http://www.eyam-museum.org.uk) was slightly heavy on the written word when we visited years ago when our kids were younger, but our two got enough from it to enjoy the gruesome stories of the Black Death. (And we found it interesting).
Favourite Pubs for a Good Meal
This is our favourite pub to walk to from Lower Farm - a 45 minutes stride (turning left out of the house and following the limestone ridge, til it drops to the Monsal viaduct. You walk up the narrow path to Monsal Head, then continue about 500m to Little Longstone and the Packhorse Inn). They offer cosy dining rooms plus outdoor space, good food, nice staff, and can be booked in advance. Sometimes, when busy, food can take a little while to arrive.
46 os moradores locais recomendam
The Packhorse Inn
Main StreetThis is our favourite pub to walk to from Lower Farm - a 45 minutes stride (turning left out of the house and following the limestone ridge, til it drops to the Monsal viaduct. You walk up the narrow path to Monsal Head, then continue about 500m to Little Longstone and the Packhorse Inn). They offer cosy dining rooms plus outdoor space, good food, nice staff, and can be booked in advance. Sometimes, when busy, food can take a little while to arrive.
This is a terrific pub. Excellent food and lovely environment. It's a drive from Lower Farm, but we often combine it with a long loop walk to and from Alstonfield along Wolfscote Dale which is a really stunning walk following a pristine river, woodland and the odd steep climb with fantastic views.
39 os moradores locais recomendam
The George at Alstonefield
1 church laneThis is a terrific pub. Excellent food and lovely environment. It's a drive from Lower Farm, but we often combine it with a long loop walk to and from Alstonfield along Wolfscote Dale which is a really stunning walk following a pristine river, woodland and the odd steep climb with fantastic views.
Food Shopping
This is probably the nearest large supermarket to Lower Farm (about 4.5 miles away). Check it's opening hours but I'm sure it opens late, so could be a good option to pick up groceries on your way to Lower Farm.
9 os moradores locais recomendam
ALDI
Ashford RoadThis is probably the nearest large supermarket to Lower Farm (about 4.5 miles away). Check it's opening hours but I'm sure it opens late, so could be a good option to pick up groceries on your way to Lower Farm.
Waitrose in Buxton is about 6 miles from Lower Farm with a car park that requires payment (in coins - I think it's £1 or £1.20 now). Waitrose.com will deliver to Lower Farm if booked in advance.
16 os moradores locais recomendam
Waitrose & Partners
33 Station RoadWaitrose in Buxton is about 6 miles from Lower Farm with a car park that requires payment (in coins - I think it's £1 or £1.20 now). Waitrose.com will deliver to Lower Farm if booked in advance.
This high quality (high price) large farm shop offers a wide range of local meat, fish, cheeses plus all sorts of excellent ready meals and general groceries. A good choice if you want to treat yourselves.
52 os moradores locais recomendam
Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop
This high quality (high price) large farm shop offers a wide range of local meat, fish, cheeses plus all sorts of excellent ready meals and general groceries. A good choice if you want to treat yourselves.