Do you ever hear facts and think, you know what? I really need to go and see that for myself. Well last weekend, that was me visiting Thimble Hall in Youlgreave in the Peak District.
Having dropped my daughter off for her DofE adventure somewhere in the Peak District I decided to gift myself the day to explore some of the surrounding villages by myself. Noting to be far enough away NOT to bump into said hiking child of course. Can you imagine the shame!? We absolutely love exploring the Peak District as a family. And it’s always great to find new places to return with them.
The Smallest Detached House In The World
This is where I came across Youlgreave (or Youlgrave, even their own signs can’t seem to decide) and the fact that despite being one of the largest villages in the Peak District. It is in fact home to the Smallest Detached House In The World. According to the Guinness World Records at least. Promise not to come at me for details on the validity? Ok?
*Notice this states ‘detached house’. Not to be confused with renowned tourist attraction that is The Smallest House in Great Britain which I am sure you have seen pictures of online everywhere and is located a mere 100 miles away is Conwy, Wales.
Thimble Hall
Thimble Hall in the centre of the village is a picture perfect 1 up 1 down with measuring less than 11ft square with only a fixed ladder to access the second floor. It is reported that 100 years ago it was once home to a family of eight! Imagine that.
It hasn’t been occupied since around the 1930’s being a butchers, cobblers and antique shop after. Whilst in private ownership, causing a global bidding war no less in 1999 where a local ice cream firm owner from Chesterfield Bruno Fredericks paid £39,500. A chance conversation with a local man, and the fence around it, tells me it is in need of significant repair. Being a Grade II listed building I can imagine that isn’t an easy task. Nevertheless the front of it would not tell you that story, is well maintained and really is a beauty.
Youlgreave Village
Aside from the tiny house which, if you didn’t know the significance of, is easy to miss (no pun intended) as it stands beside a village full of houses just as picturesque. Youlgreave itself is a gorgeous village with the stunning traditional limestone arcitecture boasting a church, three pubs, post office, bakeries, cafes, shops and is popular amoung hikers with the most stunning countryside walks all around.
In late June the village partakes in Well Dressing – a 200 year old Derbyshire tradition where communities create decorations from natural materials around wells and water sites to celebrate water and heritage. Definitely worth an admire on a revisit.
Youlgreave can be accessed by public transport, there is a bus that runs from nearby Bakewell. If driving there is a small car park and public toilets in the village at Coldwell end. It has an honesty box for payment of suggested £3 for the day. The streets are narrow, some with no pavement and there can be horses passing through too. After stopping for a coffee and seeing Thimble Hall for myself I simply wandered around wherever my heart took me and it did not dissapoint. The sun was shining and noone was asking me a single thing. In a world of demands it was the perfect place to be.
A Surprise Swimming Spot
An inquisitive turn down one road, through the undergrowth which opened up, led me to discover a hidden gem (for me) but apparently a very popular local wild swimming spot. And I can see why!
The River Bradford runs right through Bradford Dale on the edge of the village with open grass banks and clear, if not a *little* cold, water making it a popular swim spot in the summer. Although on this random Friday in April I practically had the place to myself. Aside from an elderly couple on a bench sat there peacefully and I tired to admire in a heartwarming and not creepy way. You’ll have to ask them if I achieved that particular aim. It would be absolutely sublime on a hot UK summers day. I have already made plans to return with the children so don’t worry, I’ll report back with full details soon.
Essentially if you like beautiful countryside, walks, and even more beautiful houses and people, you will love a little trip to Youlgreave. Plus you can say you have visitied the Smallest Detached House in the World too.
