Hathersage
S32 1BA
Hathersage isn't an obviously touristy place (unlike Castleton or Bakewell) but has many charms. Until the late 18th century it was a small agricultural village with cottage industries making brass buttons and wire, but in 1750 a Henry Cocker started the Atlas Works, a mill for making wire. By the early 19th century there were several such mills in operation and activities had spread to the manufacture of needles and pins, for which Hathersage became famous. Apart from the wonderful outdoor (heated!) swimming pool there are lovely walks from centre of the village, some by the river, some up on to the moors that serve as a backdrop. The climbing mecca Stanage Edge is a heartbeat away - don't forget to find Nick's Cabin for a cracking espresso whilst you're there. Mellor's Cutlery Factory and cafe are in the village, and Little John's grave is in the atmospheric churchyard on the hill. There are also spectacular tors, such as Higgar Tor, and the enigmatic hillfort at Carl Wark, which has so far defied archaeologists' attempts to date it. Intriguingly, Charlotte Bronte visited Hathersage in 1845 and used it as 'Norton' in 'Jane Eyre' - taking the heroine's surname from the local family. She also used North Lees Hall, a magnificent Elizabethan manor house on the edge of the village as the house where Mrs Rochester jumped from the roof to her death. Fancy embracing your inner Eyre? Book the National Trust's White Edge Lodge - it's remote, wild and wonderful!
