A pretty village in the Peak District surrounded by beautiful countryside and a short drive to some market towns has been named as one of Britain’s top holiday destinations
A Derbyshire village you have probably never heard of has been chosen as a must-see destination for its picturesque attractions and a ‘remarkably low’ crime rate.
Most people will have heard of or visited the stunning landscape of the Peak District with its dramatic valleys and rugged moorland but you may not be familiar with a village which is nestled at the start of one of the prettiest walks in the National Park. Despite its low key reputation, the town of Monyash has been named as one of the best for holidaymakers in the UK thanks not only to its beauty and sense of community but also because it’s one of the safest places to visit and has a “remarkably low” crime rate.
Holiday home insurance firm Schofields looked at factors such as crime rate and rental yield across the country when compiling their list of the best places to visit. A spokesperson from the company told StokeonTrentLive: “Instead of usual picks like Bakewell, Derbyshire’s Monyash was selected as a top location for holidaymakers due to its outstanding crime rates and proximity to a range of local tourist attractions. This is a hidden gem of a village with a remarkably low crime rate of 12.05 crimes per 100 thousand people, making it the 32nd safest village in Derbyshire.”
They also noted the village’s unique features and location, adding: “It is famed for its five ponds, 20 wells and thriving community, but it is also located perfectly in the rolling hills of the stunning Lathkill Dale making it an excellent base to explore the Peak District. You can walk straight out of the village across the White Peak landscape with walks to suit everyone, from four-mile circulars to the long-distance trail, The Limestone Way.” Lathkill Dale, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a limestone valley featuring caves, waterfalls, meadows, scree, and abundant trees and wildlife. It’s a favourite spot for tourists and picnic-goers during summer but is more than able of catering for all thanks to its size.
For those with a car, just a short car journey away are more Peak District attractions, such as the Monsal Dale Headstone viaduct and the Monsal Trail cycling route along the old railway line, the iconic Chatsworth House and the spa town of Buxton. Not to mention the delicious food the area is famous for. “And of course, you’re just a stone’s throw from Bakewell’s famed tarts, puddings and pies,” the spokesperson added.
Monyash also boasts a highly-rated pub, The Bull’s Head, with a ‘celebrated’ beer garden and a huge children’s playground. The pretty village green has the remnants of an old market cross and during warmer months is often full of locals enjoying picnics, you may even be lucky enough to see some Morris dancers.
The annual Well Dressings take place on the green in May and June and are unique to the Peak District and Derbyshire. They are an ancient tradition to give thanks for the county’s fresh water springs. Local volunteers create Well Dressings – works of art made from natural materials such as petals and seeds – which are proudly displayed next to the wells and water features during summer.
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