Tideswell area, Peak District

History
Walkers
Cyclists
Cathedral
Architecture

An attractive large limestone village set high on a limestone plateau. The village is known for its particularly stunning church often known as The Cathedral of the Peak.

Tideswell highlights

The Village and Architecture

Tideswell is a pretty very old village with narrow roads and maze-like alleyways. There are also some interesting shops, traditional pubs and some notable buildings, one being Odd Fellows Hall which dates from 1872 and Bagshaw Hall which sits in the centre of the village.  Tideswell is particularly attractive in the summer when it’s decorated with flower tubs and baskets. Well Dressing also takes place every year in the summer.

The Cathedral

Tideswell has a beautiful example of a medieval cathedral dating from the 14th century. It’s known as the “Cathedral of the Peak” because of its size and also because it’s one of the loveliest cathedrals in the Peak District area. It has an ancient sundial in the churchyard, ornate carved tombs and three 15th century misericords (wooden seats provided for long periods of prayer).

Surrounding Countryside

Tideswell is located right next to the lovely limestone dale Millers Dale and the popular trail Monsal Trail also runs through here. Other beauty spots such as Chee Dale, the River Wye and Water cum Jolly Dale are also not far away, so too are some historic and notorious work mills (Cressbrook Mill and Litton Mill) which make for some great and interesting walks. Please see our Walks section for a scenic circular walk through Millers Dale and Monsal Head).

Tideswell History

During the Middle Ages Tideswell was a busy prosperous market and lead-mining town. The mining industry declined in the 19th century and so did the village population. The population has recently started to increase again.