Cressbrook, Peak District

Architecture
Well Dressing
Walkers
Cyclists
Climbers

A former mill village on the River Wye set in outstanding countryside perfect for walking. Near the popular beauty spot Monsal Head.

Cressbrook Highlights

The Village and Architecture

Cressbrook Hall is a stunning gothic former house of mill owners, overlooking the river with fantastic views down the Monsal Dale (you can also stay here or have your wedding here!). The former working Cressbrook Mill is a major building in the village and also worth a visit, it was built in 1815 and although it’s now been converted into flats it’s still a fine example of industrial age architecture. Litton Mill is also located very near here, it’s former 19th century textile mill with a notorious reputation. In the mill’s dark history the former owner treated its employees very badly and even covered up a number of its young workers deaths. The author Robert Blincoe once worked at the mill and his experiences is said to have inspired Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist. Well Dressing also takes place in the village every year in June

The surrounding countryside

The scenery around Cressbrook is outstanding. The beautiful limestone cliff river gorge, Water-cum-Jolly Dale is located just along the river from Cressbrook and attracts many walkers and rock-climbers. There is also Cressbrook Dale (north of the river) and Ravensdale, a craggy limestone dale. The popular cycle route the “Monsal Trail” also passes through Cressbrook. Please refer to our Trails Guide for more information on the Monsal Trail. Cressbrook Dale is north of Cressbrook where you can find Peter’s Stone, a large limestone outcrop. The popular beauty and walking spot Monsal Head is nearby, please see our Walks Guide for walks around Monsal Head.

Cressbrook History

Cressbrook dates from 1762 and it’s population grew because of the textile mill built along side the River Wye.