Ilam area, Peak District

Walkers
Cyclists
Architecture
Families
Pretty village
Literature connections
History

A pretty picture postcard tiny village with unusual Alpine-style cottages and a Tudor Gothic Hall. The scenic and beautiful Dovedale and Manifold Valleys and a National Trust owned Parkland Estate are on it’s doorstep.

Ilam highlights

The Village

The village is very picturesque and is often described to have a ‘holiday atmosphere’ mainly due to its attractive Swiss Chalet inspired houses and matching school. History lovers will also think the church is worth a visit, it’s of Saxon origin and has a carved Saxon font and two Saxon crosses in the churchyard.

Ilam Hall and Parklands

Ilam Hall is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture from the 1820s and is now a youth hostel owned by the National Trust. It is set in large parklands and gardens which is open to visitors and a great for families. A visit here would include lovely walks through beautiful dalesides and woodland, cycling by the old railway line or enjoying a picnic by the picturesque River Manifold. The estate also has a visitor centre, tearooms, bookshop and a grotto where William Congreve wrote his first play.

Interesting Facts

1. Ilam’s beautiful estate is said to have inspired the Happy Valley in Samuel Johnson’s book ‘Rasselas’.