When Jesse Watts Russell bought the Ilam Estate over 100 years ago he thought the area had such sylvan beauty and alpine charm, that he built his estate cottages to look like Swiss chalets – picturesque and very photogenic.

A Tudor mansion once stood on the site of Ilam Hall which was then home to the Port family. Rebuilt in Victorian times, the hall has a chequered history and now belongs to the National Trust. Guests staying at holiday cottages in Ilamcan therefore take advantage of the tea rooms, shop, manicured grounds and fabulous riverside walks.

Ilam church is Norman in origin and contains a huge monument depicting the death bed scene of David Watts Pike, a previous owner of the hall. Whilst staying at one of the holiday cottages in Ilam you may wish to visit the shrine to St Bertram. Centuries ago the saint was a nearby hermit who is said to have had healing powers, and devoted his life to preaching Christianity after the tragic death of his baby daughter.

Many visitors staying at holiday cottages in Ilam have packed their walking boots to explore nearby Dove Dale which must surely rate as one of the wonders of the Peak District. Deep, dark and full of fascinating rock formations and wildlife, Dove Dale is an absolute treasure to behold.

Should you be staying at one of the holiday cottages in Ilam in August, then listen out for the sound of whistling and shouts of ‘Come by’ – this is the time of the Dovedale sheepdog trials, with surrounding hillsides setting the scene.

The river Manifold runs through Ilam, after hiding underground for almost 4 miles from Wetton Mill. The river disappears in summer months before bubbling up again from a swallet hole in the grounds of the hall which can be seen if you wander along Paradise Walk as part of your holiday when staying at holiday cottages in Ilam

The hills around Dove Dale are rich in country mansions and impressive old halls including Castern Hall, Stanshope Hall and the ruins of Throwley Hall which was at one time the seat of the Meverall family, all just a short walk away fromholiday cottages in Ilam

The quaint town of Ashbourne is the nearest place to stock up on food and goodies for your stay at one of the holiday cottages in Ilam. Here you will find a cobbled market place and individual shops linked by ginnels and narrow alleyways.

To stay in holiday cottages in Ilam gives you a first class ticket to visit the Peak District at its very best – have fun!