Making the Most of Your Stay in Ilam

The Izaak Walton Hotel is situated just outside of the pretty village of Ilam in Dovedale in the breathtaking Peak District. If you’re looking for places to see and things to do locally during your Peak District stay then Ilam has lots to offer.

No trip to Ilam is complete without a visit to Ilam Park and this National Trust park land is just a 15 minute walk from our hotel in Dovedale. At Ilam Park you will find the beautiful Hinckley Woods and rolling hills of Thorpe Cloud as well as the River Manifold, all of which are teaming with wildlife. If you want to take the weight off your feet then head over to the quaint Manifold Tea Room which serves traditional tea and delicious snacks. There is also a shop selling gifts and useful items such as maps and guidebooks for you to browse. If you’re into your history and science then the Visitors’ Centre is full of information on the geology, history and habitat of the area.

Ilam Church is home to the Chapel of St. Bertram which dates back to 1618 and the tomb was once thought to be able to cure illness and many pilgrims crawled through the holes in the tomb’s cover hoping for a miracle. Today St. Bertram’s tomb is a popular tourist spot in Dovedale as the history and tranquillity of the church has much to offer visitors..

If you’re visiting Ilam in the Peak District then when you walk through the village you are bound to see the magnificent Ilam Cross. This striking gothic-style landmark is modelled on one of the crosses that Edward I erected to commemorate his queen Eleanor of Castile. More information can be found about this Dovedale landmark on The Ilam Cross Trust website and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Dovedale in the Peak District has plenty to offer and Ilam is just one of the highlights which can be easily accessed from the Izaak Walton Hotel.

Enjoyed this article? try another one.