What legendary figure from English folklore is said to have died in Chapel-en-le-Frith?

High Peak Borough Council’s proposal to sell Buxton Town Hall has sparked a passionate local backlash, with a petition amassing over 600 signatures in just days.

The iconic Grade II listed building stands at the centre of Buxton’s civic identity, and residents see its sale as a threat to the town’s character and history.

Community groups and heritage advocates are urging councillors to seek alternative solutions to budget pressures before considering selling the Town Hall to private owners.

Supporters warn that selling the building could restrict public access and erode the unique spirit of the town centre.

The council is currently reviewing the petition and says stakeholders will continue to be consulted before any decision is made.

The petition remains open, as residents fight to protect one of Buxton’s most cherished landmarks.

Just days after firefighters battled the massive Snake Pass wildfire, some visitors to the Peak District stunned emergency services by requesting matches for a campfire, even as the land was being returned to the National Trust.

Glossop Fire Station crews described their shock and stressed the devastating effects of wildfires on the countryside, wildlife, and emergency response capabilities.

Rangers near Ladybower Reservoir discovered six instances of illegal fires over the Bank Holiday, despite a complete ban throughout the Upper Derwent Valley.

Dan Taberner from Severn Trent highlighted the real risk posed by barbecues and small fires, warning that in dry weather, wildfires can easily ignite and spread.

Station manager Mark King urged everyone to act responsibly and help protect the region’s unique landscapes, especially with warmer, drier weather ahead.

Buxton’s celebrated Georgian Festival returns from 21–27 September 2026, freshly honoured with the Silver Award for Festival/Event of the Year at the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

The event, curated by the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, transforms the historic core of Buxton into an immersive celebration of the Georgian and Regency eras.

This year, the festival’s programme promises a deeper exploration of period life, highlighting iconic fashions, architecture, and the social currents that shaped the era.

Anticipated highlights include expert Hand and Lock embroidery workshops, guided heritage tours, and the elegant Regency Ball in the Assembly Rooms.

Festival leaders, Matthew Howarth and Simon Wallwork, expressed pride in the event’s growth and in establishing Buxton as a premier heritage destination.

Tickets and the full programme are now available at buxtoncrescentexperience.com.

Glossop, once considered simply the gateway to the Peak District, is rapidly gaining recognition as a destination in its own right.

The town’s relatively affordable housing and strong rail connections are driving an influx of young buyers from Manchester, according to local estate agents.

Manager Ryan Jackson of Ryder & Dutton’s Glossop branch highlights this trend, noting a marked rise in buyer interest from the city.

With an average house price of £295,082, far below Manchester suburbs, Glossop offers value amid a competitive market.

The direct train to Manchester takes just over 30 minutes, making commuting straightforward.

The newly reopened Glossop Market Hall and evolving high street are infusing the town with new energy and attracting independent businesses, transforming Glossop into an appealing hub for younger residents seeking both lifestyle and community.

The Derwent Dam, an iconic Gothic-style stone structure in the Upper Derwent Valley, was completed in 1916 after 14 years of intense construction by around 1,000 workers.

To mark its 110th anniversary, Severn Trent has released rare, historic photographs capturing the dam’s dramatic building process—workers balancing high on scaffolding, cranes hauling stone from Bole Hill and Grindleford, and the rise of the landmark’s famed twin towers.

The majority of builders lived in nearby Birchinlee, affectionately nicknamed “Tin Town,” under the direction of chief engineer Edward Sanderman.

The vast reservoir now stretches nearly two miles and, together with Howden and Ladybower Reservoirs, makes the Upper Derwent Valley a beloved destination.

The dam also played a crucial role in British military history, serving as a practice ground for the RAF’s legendary Dambusters squadron in 1943.

The site remains a poignant symbol of local heritage and engineering achievement.

Visitors to three of the Peak District’s busiest spots will now pay a 50p fee for public toilets, following a new policy by the Peak District National Park Authority.

The contactless-only charge applies to the recently refurbished toilets at Dovedale, Hartington, and Millers Dale.

This move comes as national parks across England face funding pressures and highlights calls from park leadership for new ways to support maintenance.

The Authority says every penny from the fees goes back into caring for the park and keeping facilities clean and well-maintained.

The policy began at Hartington on 30th April, followed by Millers Dale on 1st May, with Dovedale’s fee introduced in early May.

Officials will monitor the scheme and review it as needed, while encouraging visitors to bring a contactless card or phone—especially at busier periods.

Coco Ristorante & Pizzeria in Chapel-en-le-Frith stands out in the High Peak with its heartfelt story and authentic Italian flavours.

Head chef and owner Mas was inspired by his Neapolitan wife’s family, discovering a passion for Italian cooking rooted in tradition and generosity.

This local favourite sources ingredients from Rome every month and makes fresh pasta daily.

Homemade Limoncello and hand-prepared calamari batter are signatures, while duck ravioli attracts devoted regulars.

The intimate dining room boasts Italian-themed décor, widely spaced tables, and soft background music.

Mas’s personal touch, greeting guests at the door and checking on tables, genuinely sets the experience apart.

With near-perfect reviews, Coco Ristorante is consistently rated among the top dining destinations in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

For those seeking something special in the High Peak, Coco offers a meal and atmosphere worth a detour.

Mac Burnham’s Traditional Family Butchers was more than just a shop in Chapel-en-le-Frith—it became a beloved part of the High Peak community over three decades.

Known for his locally-sourced meats, house-made pies, and feature appearances on Channel 4’s Secret Supper Club and There’s No Taste Like Home, Mac earned a glowing reputation as a dedicated craftsman.

When Mac passed away in 2023, uncertainty surrounded the future of the shop.

His children, Jake and Abbie, stepped in—balancing their own careers to preserve their father’s legacy. With remarkable dedication, they kept the doors open.

By October, the shop was relaunched as Chapel Butchers Block, keeping the same trusted staff and unwavering commitment to quality local produce.

This is a true High Peak story—a family business, cherished by the community, and carried forward with pride on High Street.

A square of cobbles adjacent to the stocks marks the spot where Will Scarlet, the legendary companion of Robin Hood, is said to have died on 14th December 1283.