Ilam is just about as perfect a Peak District village as you could hope to get! With a collection of pretty cottages set in the most idyllic location, and only a short walk from the popular beauty spot of Dovedale, it’s a great place to spend a day.
Ilam is situated in the Manifold Valley in Staffordshire, where the River Manifold meets the River Dove.
The majority of the buildings in the village date from the 19th Century and are built in a distinctive ‘Swiss chalet’ style. This is because in 1820 the estate was bought by a wealthy industrialist, Jesse Watts-Russell, who felt that the region reminded him of the Alps.
The exception is the beautiful Ilam Hall, in the heart of the village, which dates back to the 16th Century. It was given to the National Trust in 1934 for use as a youth hostel, and it is still run as such today.
Ilam is a great place to explore with many beautiful walks in and around the area. Combine your trip with a visit to Dovedale for a perfect day out in this stunning part of the Peak District!
How do I get to Ilam?
Ilam is located on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park in Staffordshire. It is well signposted from the A515 between Buxton and Ashbourne. The postcode of Ilam Hall in the centre of the village is DE6 2AZ.
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