Attractions and Places To See around Snelston - Top 20

Snelston is renowned for its distinctive 19th-century architecture, designed as a 'model village'. You can observe various architectural styles, including Cottage Orné, Romantic Gothic, Tudor, and Elizabethan, in buildings like Oldfield House (formerly the Snelston Inn), the Old Post Office, and the School. While the original Snelston Hall was largely demolished, its remains and associated structures, such as the stable block, ice house, and boathouse, are Grade II listed and offer a glimpse into its past grandeur. The parish church of St Peter, with parts dating back to the early 15th century, is also a significant historical site.

The area around Snelston is rich in natural beauty, particularly within the nearby Dovedale. You can explore the iconic Dovedale Stepping Stones and the River Dove, offering stunning scenery and fossil-rich stones. For a challenging climb with rewarding views, head to Thorpe Cloud, a distinctive conical hill overlooking the River Dove. Additionally, the Dove Holes Caves, formed by glacial meltwater, and Reynard’s Cave and Natural Arch offer fascinating exploration opportunities.

Yes, several attractions near Snelston are suitable for families. The Dovedale Stepping Stones and the River Dove provide a fun and scenic crossing that children often enjoy. Exploring the shallow Dove Holes Caves can also be an exciting adventure. For a unique experience, visit Ashbourne Tunnel, part of the Tissington Trail, where speakers transmit authentic steam engine noises, adding an evocative touch to a walk or cycle.

Snelston is an excellent base for hiking, especially with its proximity to Dovedale and the Peak District. You can find a variety of trails, including easy hikes suitable for a leisurely stroll. For example, there are routes like the 'Osmaston Park Sawmill – Shirley Park Woodland and Pond loop' or the 'River Dove – Okeover Mill loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Snelston guide.

Absolutely! The area around Snelston offers diverse cycling routes for various skill levels. You can explore road cycling options, such as the 'Clifton Village, Peak District – Hartington Cheese Shop loop' or the 'Hartington Cheese Shop – Ilam Village and Monument loop'. For touring bicycles, routes like the 'Okeover Arms loop' or a longer ride incorporating the Ashbourne Tunnel are available. Discover more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Snelston and Cycling around Snelston guides.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural scenery and the unique experiences offered. The Dovedale Stepping Stones are a particular highlight, described as a 'quirky crossing' that allows adults to 'relive the fun of their youth'. The short but steep climb to Thorpe Cloud is highly recommended for its 'beautiful 360-degree views'. The Dove Holes Caves are appreciated for being 'great fun climbing up into' and easy to access. The area's blend of natural beauty and historical charm consistently receives high praise, with over 190 upvotes and 120 photos from the komoot community.

Snelston Hall was originally a grand Gothic Revival hall completed in 1828. Although largely demolished in 1951, its remains and associated structures are listed buildings. The current Snelston Hall was created from the original stable block, reusing materials from the demolished hall. The site still features remnants like an ice house, boathouse, and summer house, all of which are Grade II listed. The original hall was considered a significant architectural achievement in Derbyshire.

Yes, the Dovedale area near Snelston offers several impressive caves. The Dove Holes Caves are a series of three impressive caves beside the River Dove, formed by glacial meltwater, which are shallow and easy to access. Further up, you can find Reynard’s Cave and Natural Arch, located high on the bank of Dovedale. These caves, formed by limestone erosion, were used as shelters as far back as 13,000 BCE and are freely accessible for exploration.

The wider area, including the neighboring village of Norbury, has a notable connection to the acclaimed author George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans). Her famous novel Adam Bede is largely set in the Dove Valley. Eliot's grandfather was an estate foreman in Norbury, and the character Adam Bede is believed to have been an apprentice there, drawing inspiration from the local landscape and people.

St Peter's Church, the parish church of Snelston, has a history dating back to the early 15th century, with its oldest part being the tower. The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1825 and further altered in 1907. It holds a Grade II* listing, indicating its particular importance. Uniquely, it is one of the few churches where dances were regularly held on the roof, adding to its distinctive character.

Yes, the Ashbourne Tunnel is a notable point of interest near Snelston. This renovated tunnel is part of the Tissington Trail, a 13-mile route on a disused railway line. It provides an evocative experience, especially with speakers transmitting authentic steam engine noises, making it a popular spot for walkers and cyclists alike.