At 12 High Street in New Mills, The Gallery stands out as an artist-run cooperative, different from typical galleries.  

There are no owners or curators — the 25 artists involved manage every aspect, from staffing the counter to curating displays that change with the seasons.  

When you enter, the person beside you may be the creator of the artwork you admire — from oil paintings and ceramics to jewellery, textiles, and woodturning.  

The Gallery fills a two-floor historic building and has been a local treasure for more than a decade.  

Visitors find a broad range of original pieces, including stained glass, prints, hand-knitted items, blacksmithing, and unique cards and gifts.  

Prices range from just a few pounds up to several hundred, making art accessible for all.  

This sustainable, ever-changing space is regularly described as one of the friendliest and most surprising places in New Mills.  

The Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am–4pm (Thursday until 5:30pm), and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Find it at 12 High Street, New Mills, SK22 4AL. Tel: 01663 309039.

Bukharaa has quickly become a standout on Market Street in New Mills since its 2024 opening, earning a perfect 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor and the title of the town’s top restaurant.

 

Its story began in Romiley, with the original Bukharaa Street Zaika becoming a beloved local spot before expanding to New Mills with bold culinary ambitions.

 

The kitchen team, led by chefs from fine dining restaurants in Central London, delivers Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

 

Signature dishes like the Dumpukht Biryani, fiery Kolhapuri Lamb Chops, and tender Railway Lamb Curry have wowed diners, while small plates such as the Pani Puri and Gobi 63 are local favourites.

 

On Mondays and Wednesdays, guests can enjoy live music and a value meal deal, making Bukharaa a fresh and vibrant addition to the High Peak dining scene.

May is one of the busiest months in the High Peak, as the well dressing season brings new energy to local villages.

 

High Peak Open Studios runs from 23rd–25th May, offering art enthusiasts a rare chance to explore 33 creative venues.

 

You can meet local artists, discover unique works in progress, and buy directly from the makers.

 

The Buxton International Festival kicks off with its 2026 launch concert on 14th May at the Palace Hotel Ballroom.

 

This renowned festival promises a full summer schedule of jazz, opera, and literary events across Buxton.

 

Adventure seekers can join the Maverick Peak District X-Trail in Bakewell on 30th May, racing through dramatic landscapes.

 

Find further details and a comprehensive event guide at visitpeakdistrict.com.

Antony Gray touched countless lives in Buxton as a beloved former PE teacher at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy.

 

He passed away at 56 after illness, sparking heartfelt tributes from students, colleagues, and the wider community.

 

Gray’s dedication defined his 27-year career at the academy, where he inspired sporting excellence and created a network of school partnerships across the High Peak.

 

He ran dozens of after-school clubs and events, often giving up personal time so students could grow through sport and teamwork.

 

Outside the classroom, Gray competed in Ironman triathlons worldwide—including in Hawaii—and shared his passion for fitness locally.

 

Those closest to him remember a devoted husband and father, who met his wife Shelley at the academy and cherished their young daughter.

 

Gray’s legacy as a mentor, friend, and “champion in every sense” will continue to inspire generations across the High Peak.

Each year from May to September, the Peak District bursts into colour with the ancient tradition of well dressing.

 

Villages across Derbyshire craft stunning, intricate artworks from flower petals, leaves, and seeds, giving thanks for the gift of clean water.

 

Tissington, known as the origin of well dressing, welcomes crowds to view its displays until 20 May, celebrating a custom dating back to the 14th century when its wells were untouched by the Black Death.

 

Throughout the summer, towns across the High Peak join in, including Buxton, where the Well Dressing Festival runs 5–12 July 2026, and villages like Wirksworth, Bakewell, and Eyam.

 

This time-honoured tradition draws locals and visitors alike, uniting communities in a vibrant celebration of heritage and nature.

Motorists who use the A57 Snake Pass should prepare for an 18-day road closure next month, as crucial ground investigation work gets underway at the Doctor’s Gate section.

 

Derbyshire County Council has announced the full closure from 15th June to 3rd July, impacting the stretch between Derbyshire Level in Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir.

 

Access will be maintained whenever possible, and the road could reopen early if the work finishes ahead of schedule.

 

The focus is on the Doctor’s Gate area, a known risk point due to complex geology—part of why Snake Pass is regularly closed by landslips and severe weather.

 

Councillor Charlotte Hill highlighted the need for detailed investigation to secure the long-term resilience of the A57, working closely with regional authorities.

 

Drivers are encouraged to plan for delays and consider using the A624 via Hayfield or A6 through Chapel-en-le-Frith as alternatives.

Buxton Town Hall is at the heart of a rapidly growing community campaign after Derbyshire County Councillor Melandra Smith launched a Change.org petition to stop its potential sale.

 

The historic Grade II listed building, which has stood since 1889 and was built for the people of Buxton after the original Market Hall burned down, now faces an uncertain future after the council said it’s "no longer fit for purpose."

 

More than 600 residents have joined the effort within days, seeing the Town Hall as a vital civic landmark and a living piece of the community’s heritage.

 

The petition urges council leaders to withdraw the building from sale and instead work with local groups to find sustainable, community-driven solutions.

 

The council says any future owner would need to preserve its historic features.

Buxton is set for a major transformation as developer Capital&Centric submits a full planning application for a £100 million redevelopment of The Springs Shopping Centre.

 

Working alongside High Peak Borough Council, this ambitious project aims to reshape the town centre with 332 new homes for rent—ranging from townhouses to flats—as well as space for bars, shops, and cafés.

 

Designed by Stephenson Hamilton Risley Studio, the scheme also features amenities like a gym, mini cinema, co-working space, and new green areas by reopening the River Wye.

 

Five percent of homes will have reduced rent for locals, and new public toilets and a feature lift will serve Buxton station.

 

The council plans a separate multi-storey car park with 200 spaces by 2027 to address parking concerns.

 

A public consultation is set for the coming months.

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.

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.

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 30 April, followed by Millers Dale on 1 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Edwin Wild & Son is more than a local butcher — it’s part of Whaley Bridge’s character, serving the community for over 125 years from its Old Road shop.

 

Currently run by third-generation butcher Byron Rowbottom, the store continues the family tradition of offering high-quality meat sourced directly from their own farm.

 

The shop’s approach remains unchanged: locally reared meat, excellent customer service, and familiar faces behind the counter.

 

Byron’s commitment shone during the 2019 Toddbrook Reservoir dam crisis, when he worked tirelessly to save stock and reopen quickly after a town-wide evacuation.

 

Now, as the reservoir and local amenities are restored, the butcher’s resilience stands as a symbol of Whaley Bridge’s enduring community spirit.

 

Edwin Wild & Son, 16–18 Old Road, Whaley Bridge, SK23 7HR. Tel: 01663 732180.

Bridge 42, a small independent bistro on Whaley Bridge High Street, has earned two prestigious AA Rosettes while keeping its prices accessible to locals.

 

Opening its doors in late 2025, Bridge 42 quickly made an impact by offering "notable excellence" and top-tier cooking in a friendly, neighborhood setting.

 

The warm, stylish interior features herringbone floors, cozy lighting, and soft green walls, creating a welcoming spot for solo coffee breaks or relaxed dinners with friends.

 

Menu highlights include brunch classics and a weekly evening à la carte selection, showcasing quality local produce and seasonal flavors.

 

Coffee is sourced from Ground Effect, while the wine list is varied and carefully curated, adding to the overall appeal.

 

Bridge 42 is open Tuesday to Sunday, with extended evening hours on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining.

Derbyshire’s first-ever red routes are being introduced at Castleton and Mam Tor, aiming to tackle inconsiderate parking at the heart of the Peak District.

 

Double red lines, which prohibit stopping at any time, will soon appear on Old Mam Tor Road, the route to Blue John Cavern, Rushup Edge Road, and Winnats Pass to Sparrowpit.

 

Installation starts after 5 May, with £70 fines for violators, halved if paid within 14 days.

 

Within Castleton village, new double yellow lines will also be painted on streets like How Lane, Weaving Avenue, and Castle Street, addressing long-standing parking frustrations for residents and emergency services.

 

These changes follow a public consultation, making Derbyshire County Council one of the first outside London to use red route designations.

 

The 55 parking bays at the end of Old Mam Tor Road and several lay-bys will remain free and open.

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that pushes back the history of human settlement on the High Peak hills to the Roman era, several centuries earlier than previously believed.

 

 

Exciting details about the discovery were shared at ‘Shining a Light on Sheen’s Past,’ a public open day at Under Whitle Farm in Sheen village.

 

 

Lead archaeologist Dr Ian Parker Heath revealed that while earlier studies confirmed medieval farming from the 11th to 16th centuries, new findings indicate that people were farming the land as early as the 4th century.

 

 

The site is owned by Elspeth Walker, whose family’s curiosity started decades of research, involving locals and Buxton Community School students.

 

 

Further investigations using scanning technology are planned, potentially opening the door for a full excavation and deeper insight into the area’s Roman heritage.

Bakewell is set to welcome a major new hotel development, with plans advancing for a 72-bedroom property on the northern edge of town.

 

The proposed four-storey hotel, known as Riverside Works, will overlook the River Wye along the A6 and form part of a broader regeneration led by Litton Properties.

 

The site has been under transformation since 2019, following the demolition of historic mill buildings.

 

Savills has been appointed to find a hotel operator, with potential for an additional 17 bedrooms subject to planning approval.

 

Tom Cunningham, regional director at Savills Manchester, highlighted the development as a unique chance to boost Derbyshire’s hospitality scene.

 

Bakewell’s growing popularity as a tourist destination underscores the hotel’s importance, with expectations for increased local jobs and further bolstering of the town’s vibrant visitor economy.

Six years after the emergency evacuation of 1,500 homes in Whaley Bridge, Toddbrook Reservoir has finally started refilling, signaling a major milestone for the High Peak community.

 

The reservoir, constructed in 1840, narrowly avoided disaster in August 2019 when a section of its spillway collapsed after intense rainfall.

 

An RAF helicopter was deployed, dropping hundreds of bags of aggregate to stabilize the dam as residents were forced out for several days.

 

The extensive repairs included a brand-new, reinforced concrete overflow spillway, finished in December 2025, and earned final approval for refilling in April 2026.

 

The water is being added in carefully monitored stages over at least twelve weeks, aiming to safely restore the reservoir’s key role in supporting the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals.

 

Plans also feature restocking the reservoir with fish, reinstating the dam walkway with a new bridge by autumn, and enhancements to local parkland and playgrounds.

A significant moorland wildfire erupted near Snake Pass Summit on Thursday evening, scorching almost one million square metres of Peak District moorland.

 

Fire crews from Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire, along with specialists from the Peak District Fire Operations Group, local gamekeepers, landowners, and Derby Mountain Rescue, battled the flames throughout the night.

 

Three wildfire units and a helicopter were deployed to control the blaze.

 

The A57 between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir was closed due to a significant smoke plume, but has now reopened after crews returned to inspect for lingering hotspots.

 

The National Gamekeepers' Organisation wildfire risk index is now at red for all moorland across England and Wales, highlighting growing concerns.

 

The High Peak has been identified as the nation’s most wildfire-vulnerable constituency, with conditions leading experts to call 2025 "by far the worst year" for moorland fires.

 

Residents nearby are advised to keep windows and doors closed until smoke fully clears.

A small restaurant on Glossop High Street is making major waves in the local food scene.

 

Almanac, the brainchild of chef-owner Luke Payne, has received a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand in the 2026 guide, the only Glossop eatery with the accolade.

 

Payne, formerly of The Pack Horse in Hayfield, has created an intimate spot offering a cosy bar downstairs and a candlelit dining room above.

 

The menu is all about seasonal, small plates with a modern twist on British classics—think “Orbs of Joy” (slow-braised Roscoff onions) and mutton merguez.

 

Lunch plates come in under £10, and dishes change weekly to champion the best local produce.

 

Almanac’s win cements Glossop as a destination for those seeking exceptional food without city prices.

Torr Vale Tap in New Mills is a standout spot for locals seeking authentic High Peak character.

 

Set inside the historic, Grade II* listed Torr Vale Mill, this welcoming bar blends over 200 years of industrial heritage with a vibrant, community feel.

 

The outdoor terrace overlooks the River Goyt, providing gorgeous views after a stroll along the Millennium Walkway or through the Torrs gorge.

 

Dog lovers and walkers are made to feel at home — muddy boots and four-legged companions are always welcome.

 

The thoughtfully chosen drink selection features local craft beers from Torrside Brewing, perfectly paired with artisan cheese boxes from Cheese Wheel just next door.

 

Whether you fancy a quiet coffee, a post-hike pint, or an evening out with friends, Torr Vale Tap offers a unique High Peak experience in a landmark setting.

Buxton’s iconic Town Hall, a Grade II listed 19th-century landmark overlooking the Market Place, has officially been put up for sale by High Peak Borough Council.

 

The historic building has been deemed unsuitable for modern local government needs, prompting the council to seek a more efficient workspace as part of the Revitalising Buxton initiative.

 

While no asking price has been made public, any potential buyer must demonstrate clear plans to protect the Town Hall’s rich heritage and preserved features.

 

The council strongly emphasises the importance of responsible custodianship, insisting that future owners must maintain the building’s historic value sustainably.

 

The prospect of the sale has stirred intense local discussion, as many residents hope the site can be converted into a community hub or mixed-use venue—keeping public access to its cherished interior alive.

The Peak District faces a dramatic shift as ash dieback disease threatens up to 90% of local ash trees within 15 years.

 

To combat this loss, the Peak District National Park Foundation has launched a £20,000 appeal for a new tree nursery near Ashford-in-the-Water.

 

This nursery will nurture resilient native trees like oak, birch, and rowan under poly tunnels, preparing them for planting across the park to restore landscapes left barren by dying ash.

 

Felicity Stout, woodlands manager, highlighted the visible changes as many ash trees now stand dead or dying, but expressed excitement for the renewal effort and a more diverse future woodland.

 

Sustained by the River Wye, the nursery marks a strong, hopeful commitment to maintaining the unique natural character and ecological health of the High Peak for generations to come.

The historic Peaks and Dales railway revival moved a step closer this week as a comprehensive feasibility study was submitted to the Department for Transport.

 

The proposed 50-mile route would reconnect Manchester and Derby, passing through Chinley, Buxton, Bakewell, and Matlock—requiring just 11.5 miles of new track.

 

The study, reviewed by the Better Value Rail Working Group, found no major technical or environmental obstacles to reopening the line.

 

Severe congestion currently affects the Peak District, where 85% of its 13 to 26 million annual visitors arrive by car.

 

The new line could offer a high-capacity, low-carbon option, potentially cutting 4.3 million car journeys each year.

 

Economic projections suggest the railway could deliver up to £8 billion in local value by 2040, while enabling sustainable housing on brownfield land outside the park.

 

The project has strong political backing and now awaits the next approval stage.

The Peak District will host the world's most prestigious women's cycling race in 2027, as the Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ launches in the UK for the first time.

 

The opening stages will begin in Greater Manchester, with elite cyclists departing Manchester city centre and tackling the steep climbs of High Peak.

 

Stage Two promises a challenging route through the stunning Peak District National Park, already earning a reputation as one of the toughest starts in race history.

 

This international event is set to draw thousands of visitors, boost local businesses, and shine a global spotlight on the region's rugged beauty.

 

Exact roads are still to be confirmed, but the dramatic landscapes guarantee spectacular racing and worldwide TV coverage, making this a monumental moment for the Peak District community.

Peak Vitality, run by Nick Roche and Emma, brings a fresh approach to natural health in the High Peak.

 

After leaving his electronics and space career, Nick retrained as a naturopath, blending scientific expertise with a passion for holistic healing.

 

Emma, a qualified homeopath with advanced training in colonic hydrotherapy, adds over two decades of complementary medicine experience.

 

Their philosophy centres on finding root causes of health problems, rather than masking symptoms, making their services a natural fit for residents and visitors who value wellbeing in the Peak District.

 

With technology like the B.E.S.T. system for in-depth screening and cold laser therapy for pain relief, alongside homeopathy and massage, Peak Vitality offers a modern blend of science and common sense.

 

Locals facing pain, digestive issues, or looking to optimise their wellness find personalised care at this community clinic.