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Historical places

Ruin of Errwood Hall

4.5 · 425 reviews
A quiet, atmospheric woodland ruin
Ruin of Errwood Hall, Buxton SK11 0AR, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The hall was built for Samuel Grimshawe, a wealthy Manchester cotton manufacturer who moved his family to the remote valley.

2

The family established an elaborate rhododendron garden on the estate, which still blooms today during early summer.

3

The house was intentionally demolished by the local council to protect the water quality of the Errwood Reservoir.

4

Errwood Hall once had its own private chapel, which served the local Catholic community in the valley.

5

A significant portion of the estate was gifted to the public after the death of the last resident, Mary Grimshawe, in 1930.

6

The site features a Spanish-style shrine dedicated to Maria Dolores Palatine, the governess of the Grimshawe children.

Overview

The ruins of Errwood Hall are the remnants of a 19th-century country house located in the Goyt Valley of the Peak District. Built in 1840 for Samuel Grimshawe, the hall was abandoned in the 1930s after the local estate was acquired by the Stockport Corporation to create a reservoir. The building was subsequently demolished in 1934 to prevent contamination of the water supply, leaving only foundation walls and stone fragments. It was constructed from local gritstone in a Gothic Revival style, featuring a distinctive four-story tower. The site is now managed by the Peak District National Park Authority as part of the public access land in the valley.

Photo spot

The view through the remaining stone window archway facing towards the reservoir.

Insider tips

Wear waterproof hiking boots, as the paths surrounding the ruins can become muddy and uneven.

Combine your visit with a walk along the Errwood Reservoir to see the remains of the former valley infrastructure.

Bring a mobile map, as signal strength is inconsistent in the deep sections of the Goyt Valley.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to park on the narrow grass verges along the road, as this causes environmental damage and road hazards.

Etiquette

Maintain the integrity of the ruins by not climbing on the low stone walls.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer to witness the rhododendrons in bloom.
Address
Ruin of Errwood Hall, Buxton SK11 0AR, United Kingdom
53.270, -1.989
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleGothic Revival
Primary MaterialLocal Gritstone

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer to witness the rhododendrons in bloom..

The view through the remaining stone window archway facing towards the reservoir.

Close by you'll find Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Poole's Cavern, Errwood Reservoir.