Tideswell is a large, ancient village situated in Derbyshire and the Peak District, 6 miles east of Buxton, off the B6049, in a wide dry valley on a limestone plateau, at an altitude of over 1000ft.

Tideswell dates back earlier than Roman times and at Domesday it was part of the enormous parish of Hope but in 1207 it was granted to Thomas Armiger and in 1251, a market charter. Tideswell became a thriving market town selling local produce, and held 5 important fairs a year. The village also became a principal market for wool and lead and rapidly grew in prosperity and population.

Tideswell markets are no more, but the towns prosperity at the time is reflected by its magnificent church, dedicated to St John the Baptist and often referred to as the cathedral of the Peak, which was started and completed in the 14th century. It a cruciform building in Decorated style with a Perp, pinnacled tower built later. It stands as a land mark for miles around and has remained relatively unaltered since. The high aisled and clerestoried nave is linked to the tower by a great arch and its beautifully proportioned unaisled chancel has tall traceried windows of clear glass, giving rise to a description of it as ' one gallery of light and beauty'.

The builder of the church was probably Sir John Foljambe, of a prominent local landowning family, whose brass is in the sanctuary. Another splendid brass is of the Bishop Robert Pursglove, a Tideswell man and benefactor of the village, who founded the grammer school in 1569. THe school was closed in 1927. Many of the wooden carvings in the church are by the Hunstone family, woodcarvers of repute for 3 generations. Buried here is William Newton, the utilitarian manager of Cressbrook Mill and a poet, known as the Minstrel of the Peak.

The textile industry came into prominance here in the 19th century when the nearby mills of Cressbrook and Litton were producing cotton and small factories at Tideswell itself were involved in te hand weaving of silk scarves and handkerchiefs for the Macclesfield silk industry.

Tideswell Dale, which leads down to Litton Mill, is a Derbyshire Wildlife Nature Reserve, noted for some beautiful are flowers. Notable outcrops of 'toadstones' - a blue green basalt created by ancient volcanic activity - are to be found in the dale. Tideswell makes an ideal base for walking and climbing, with water sports within easy reach. It is well known for its annual Well Dressing, which starts on the Saturday nearest to the 24th June, this being John the Baptist day, and continues for a week with carnivals, parades and fun for the whole family.

The Tideswell community has protected and preserved all aspects of its rural heritage. It won the Derbyshire best kept village award in 1999, and also won the Eat Midlands Region Britain in bloom contest in 1994, 1995 and in 1997. Locals know the village as 'Tidza' , a vernacular corruption of its full name. They themselves are known as 'Sawyeds', after a traditional story about a farmer whose cow got its head stuck in a gate. Legend has it that the farmer freed the beat by sawing off its head.

Accommodation in Tideswell

The Retreat in the Peaks - A cosy 3-bedroomed, 200-year old terraced holiday cottage at Tideswell in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Newly renovated and now available for holiday lets throughout 2009/2010. Three bedrooms, 2 doubles + 1 single sleeps 5 guests Read more at The Retreat in the Peaks at Tideswell

Merman Barn is a converted limestone barn on the quiet outskirts of Tideswell, only a short walk from the village centre. There is private parking for up to 6 cars at the rear of the property and a walled garden in which guests can relax.

Merman barn is a high quality B&B where Linda and Andrew offer a warm welcome, good food, 3 en suite comfortable rooms and a guest lounge. There is a quiet area for Internet access, private parking and a walled garden. We welcome walkers and cyclists.

Read more at Merman Barn Bed & Breakfast

Millers Dale Holiday Cottages - Situated in the beautiful village of Millers Dale, near Tideswell in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District.

The singing birds in the tranquil hills welcome you to one of the most beautiful places in the country. Millers Dale is situated on the River Wye in the heart of the Peak District, hugged by breathtaking views and the opportunity to experience nature at its best all year round. Read more at Millers Dale Holiday Cottages

Beacon House B&B : Peacefully situated on the outskirts of the village, Beacon House is a working farm, small-holding standing 1,000 feet above sea level, commanding glorious views over Cressbrook/Tansley Dale and Peter’s Stone. Litton Village is a 5 minute walk, where there is a friendly pub, which serves reasonably priced bar snacks.

Our four star accommodation consists of two spacious double en-suite bedrooms with colour TV’s, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryers, clock radio, small fridge and both rooms have central heating. Guests have a private lounge room available to them, where breakfast is also served. Read more at Beacon House B&B

Tideswell photos at Derbyshire Photographs