Having grown up in the Derbyshire hills, I couldn’t believe that I had never set foot in Eyam Hall. So, better late than never, I set off with my fellow adventurer, my mum. The views as we drove through the beautiful Peak District were simply stunning, as was the sight of the grand manor house that greeted us as we arrived at Eyam Hall.

We took our time entering, admiring the beautiful Jacobean brick work and gorgeous windows. Inside, the hall was just as impressive; all the rooms laid out with period furniture, family portraits, artefacts and ornaments.

The kitchen was my favourite place, full of old kitchenware, with a huge open range and wonderful old servant bells. I felt like I was about to appear in an episode of Downton!

Upstairs, the bedrooms gave more away about the lives lived at Eyam Hall. We looked out over the beautiful gardens and soon found ourselves outside again, peacefully taking in the vegetable patch, apple trees and beautiful borders.

As well as enjoying Eyam’s visual delights, we also found the history of the village of Eyam fascinating, especially the legendary plague stories. I’d love to go back and do the ‘thought walks’ that go into more detail.

A delicious lunch in the nearby café, followed by a snoop around the craft shops, rounded off a lovely little afternoon out.

Images by Joanna Payne