Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Whaley Bridge has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Whaley Bridge.
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Sights in Whaley Bridge
Whaley Bridge is a pretty little town in the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England. It sits on the River Goyt at the edge of the Peak District National Park, surrounded by picturesque countryside. The town has a thriving community with plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as a good selection of schools and leisure facilities. There are some great walking and cycling routes in and around Whaley Bridge, making it the perfect base for exploring the Peak District.
The most notable landmark in Whaley Bridge is the 19th century Victorian viaduct which spans the River Goyt. The viaduct is now used by the heritage Peak Rail railway, which runs regular steam and diesel train services between Matlock and Buxton. It’s well worth taking a ride on the train just to see the viaduct from a different perspective!
Another highlight of a visit to Whaley Bridge is a walk up to Toddbrook Reservoir. This is a beautiful spot for a scenic stroll, with stunning views of the surrounding Peak District countryside. The reservoir is also popular with watersports enthusiasts, as it’s used for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, the Projex Climbing Centre offers indoor rock climbing and bouldering. It’s the perfect place to learn the basics or improve your skills, with qualified instructors on hand to help.
Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Whaley Bridge. This pretty little town is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
History of Whaley Bridge
The market town of Whaley Bridge is situated in Derbyshire, England within the picturesque Peak District National Park. It is located at the southern gateway to the Peak District on the main A6 road between Manchester and Buxton. The town is bordered to the south by the River Goyt which runs through the centre of town. The Goyt valley is home to one of the largest reservoirs in England, named after the village of Toddbrook which lies at its centre.
The first recorded mention of Whaley Bridge was in 1260, when it was referred to as Whythebrigg. It is thought that the name derives from the Old English word hwithe, meaning white, and the word brig, meaning bridge. The name is apt, as the town is home to a white stone bridge which spans the River Goyt.
The original bridge was built in the 13th century, but was rebuilt in the early 18th century due to deteriorate. The current bridge dates from 1779, and is Grade II listed.
Whaley Bridge has a long history as a market town. A weekly market was first granted by Royal Charter in 1290, and continued to be held until the early 21st century. The market was originally held on Thursdays, but was moved to Wednesdays in the late 18th century. The market day was an important event in the town, and would see farmers and traders coming in from the surrounding villages to sell their wares.
The town was also home to a number of mills, powered by the River Goyt. The first recorded mill was a fulling mill, used for processing cloth, which was built in the 14th century. Over the centuries, a number of different mills were built, including corn mills, sawmills and paper mills. The mills were an important source of employment for the people of Whaley Bridge, and many of the mill buildings can still be seen today.
Whaley Bridge underwent a period of rapid growth in the 19th century, due to the opening of the Glossop to Buxton railway line in 1863. The railway brought increased prosperity to the town, as it became a popular destination for tourists seeking to enjoy the scenery of the Peak District. A number of hotels and guesthouses were built to cater for the influx of visitors.
Today, Whaley Bridge is a thriving community, with a variety of shops, cafes and businesses. It is still possible to see evidence of its industrial past, in the form of the mill buildings which line the River Goyt. The town is also home to a number of listed buildings, including the Grade II listed bridge, and the Grade I listed Church of St Michael and All Angels.
Vacation in Whaley Bridge
Whaley Bridge is a picturesque town in the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England. The town nestles in a valley on the River Goyt, at the edge of the Peak District National Park.
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in and around Whaley Bridge. The Peak District National Park offers miles of scenic walking and hiking trails, as well as opportunities for cycling, horse riding and rock climbing. For water lovers, the River Goyt is popular for canoeing and kayaking, and there are several lakes in the area where you can enjoy fishing, sailing and windsurfing.
In town, there are several independent shops selling local arts and crafts, as well as cafes, pubs and restaurants. There is also a history museum which tells the story of the town and its residents.
Whaley Bridge is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Whether you want to pack your days with activity or simply relax and take in the scenic views, you’ll find plenty to do on a vacation here.
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