As the weather heats up many people will be booking their summer holiday, but there are many weird but wonderful places to explore in Britain without spending lots of money travelling abroad.
Ilam (pronounced eye-lamb) is a beautiful English village which sits on the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire in the Peak District National Park.
However, what is unusual about Ilam is its cottages have been built in an Alpine style to mimic a Swedish village, which has led to it being voted Britain’s number one “most eccentric village” by the Guardian.
This strange little village has a rich history as it has been around since Saxon times, but was completely transformed in the 1800s by Jesse Watts-Russell, a wealthy landowner who built Ilam’s homes in a Swiss chalet style as the surrounding hills reminded him of the Swiss Alps.
Ilam is only a three-hour drive away from London and is the perfect weekend getaway or staycation as the village looks like it comes straight from a fairytale with its Swedish storybook architecture, surrounding lush hill views and the River Manifold running through it.
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Despite its unusual appearance, Ilam is a quintessential English village and the perfect place to visit for anyone wanting a peaceful trip in the countryside as has a population of only 402 people.
It is a great place to walk around and take in some interesting historic buildings such as Ilam Hall, a Gothic 16th-century manor that was inherited by the wife of Jesse Watts-Russel.
The manor is surrounded by a well-maintained country park that is now owned by the National Trust and is the remnants of Hinkley Wood, an ancient woodland, making it the perfect place to stop and take in the sights.
On the grounds of Ilam Manor is a footpath which runs alongside the river which is known for its colourful wildflowers, making it a quiet yet incredible place to take a stroll.
Nowadays the manor is a youth hostel and does not allow visitors, but there is a second-hand bookshop in the stable area so you can browse for your next great read.
Also on the manor grounds is the Manifold tearoom which offers views of its magnificent park where you can enjoy lunch or get cosy with a book while a cup of tea and a homebaked treat.
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Near Ilam is Dovesdale, a breathtaking National Trust which has become famous for its stepping stones across the River Dove and breathtaking scenery.
Doverdale can easily be reached on foot and is the perfect spot for a picnic, or a swim in the river and it is worth exploring Thor’s Cave, a huge cavern which overlooks the area.
Anyone wishing to hike should also visit Thorpe Cloud, a limestone hill which can be seen from Ilam and is known for its beautiful views across the Midland plain.
Ilam has been described as a “beautiful hidden gem” by the top reviewer on Trip Advisor who visited at Christmastime and highly recommended the tea room.
Another review said: “What a gem of a place. Absolutely beautiful [and] peaceful scenery. We were blown away!”
Someone else commented that they were shocked by the village’s lack of visitors due to how beautiful they found Ilam.
They wrote: “Lovely tranquil place to walk around! An actual hidden gem. We visited with our dog and he loved walking around and seeing all the baby lambs.”
