Alsop-en-le-Dale
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The pretty Derbyshire farming hamlet of Alsop-en-le-Dale, set in the superb scenery of the White Peak, is situated about 5 miles to the north of the town of Ashbourne close to the border with Staffordshire, and around a mile from the popular tourist location of panoramic Dovedale.
An ancient settlement, Alsop-en-le Dale is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is referred to as belonging to the king.
Characterful Alsop Hall (pictured left) stands opposite the Norman village church, and was built in the late sixteenth century for the Alsop family, whose ancestors had held the estate from the twelfth century.
The village church of St Michael & All Angels’ (right) was founded in the twelfth century and although restored in the nineteenth century, retains its Norman nave and doorway with a double chevron moulding, as well as a font and window of the same period. There is an ancient piscina in the north chancel wall.
The village is a convenient starting point for walks in Wolfscote Dale, which lies between Dovedale and Hartington. Alsop-en-le-Dale once possessed a station on the railway line which connected Ashbourne and the spa town of Buxton. The station now serves as a car-park and access point for the popular Tissington Trail, a 13-mile (21 km) bridleway and walk/cycle path. Opened in 1971, it is part of the National Cycle Network.
Nearby places of interest
The Burrows Garden is situated 5 miles to the south east of Ashbourne. Set in beautiful countryside, the superb gardens cover 5 acres.
Dovedale, a dramatic limestone ravine, with its impressive rock outcrops and tranquil woodlands is arguably the prettiest of the dales in the Peak District National Park and is owned by the National Trust.
The Manifold Valley, which runs almost parallel with Dovedale, has been described as the 'Switzerland of Staffordshire' and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Peak District National Park.
Biddulph Grange, one of Britain's most exciting and unusual gardens, was created by the horticulturalist James Bateman (1811–1897), for his large collection of plants from around the world.
Haddon Hall near Bakewell, is an architectural gem. Dating back to the eleventh century, the hall has been described as "the most complete and most interesting house of [its] period", it is the finest example of a medieval manor house currently in existence in England.