North Lees
UK England East Midlands Derbyshire Hathersage
Shielded within a grove of oak and beechlined woodland, lies the North Lees Peak District National Park campsite. An idyllic sounding setting in its own right, but add to that the looming slopes of England’s largest cliff above the distant treeline and the site’s babbling brook and what you get is just about as near a state of natural perfection as you’re likely to find.
The site itself is pretty no frills. There’s no play area for the kids, but they’ll find natural entertainment enough frolicking within the plentiful woodlands; home to Pied flycatchers, bats and water voles. Set across four fields, North Lees feels deceptively smaller than its actual size, with the trees and dry-stone walls acting to shield each field from the other. The whole site sits on a gentle slope as the ground around begins its ascent up to the moor’s peak at Stanage Edge.
At North Lees you’re deep in the heart of the setting for Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. So, whilst you’re here, why not recreate the iconic shot from the 2005 film version and stand atop The Edge, looking out over the swathes of Derbyshire? You can walk up the slopes to Stanage Edge easily from a track at the back of the site. ‘The Edge’ stretches for six miles with its cliff of gritstone reaching a height of 25 metres in some places. The tall face of the cliff is a Mecca for climbers, ascending the boulder-strewn ridge-line that juts out of the ground.
The site’s proximity to Stanage means it’s a regular hang-out for the climbing conscious, but, no fear, there’s no ‘us and them’ atmosphere. Everyone’s content just to kick back and soak up some of Mother Nature’s ambience. Ascending The Edge needn’t be done at the end of a rope, though. You can wander on up and find your own route to take in the expansive views. From up here you’ll wonder at the patchwork quilt of colours, from verdant green to the scorched brown fields, managed for the red grouse.
The Peak District draws in 45 million day-visitors a year and given the landscape and its historical houses it’s no surprise. But at North Lees you could feel like you’re amongst the only few people in the park, protected behind the walls of this secluded woodland.
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The campsite owner says
North Lees Campsite is located in a sheltered valley, 1.5 miles north of Hathersage and is within a short walking distance of Stanage Edge. The campsite is an ideal base for those seeking quiet recreation in beautiful surroundings and for visitors wishing to explore the wider Peak District. The nearby woodlands, farmland and moorland are managed for conservation and form part of the historic Stanage-North Lees estate.
Why book with I Love This Campsite?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
North Lees
Birley Lane, Hathersage, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 1BR
Camping Pitches & Accommodation
Up to 60 tents across 3 gently sloping fields and 7 wooden camping pods including 1 suitable for wheelchairs. Car parking spaces are separate from the camping area.
Campsite Facilities
There are on-site recycling facilities, hot showers, with male and female toilet blocks, a washing-up area, a drying room and disabled facilities. No campfires or BBQ's. Pods sleep up to 5 people, with lighting, heating, a charging point, a double glazed window, lockable french doors and a covered veranda area, but with the exception of the Easy Access pod (where there is a single bed and an additional mattress) are not furnished. Karrimats and sleeping bags are available to hire.
Things to do
Take a gliding lesson or a trial glide with the Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club (01298 871270) at Camphill. Or head to Hathersage and splash around in the large heated outdoor pool (01433 650 843). Situated just north of Hathersage, Stanage Edge is a popular place for rock climbers and walkers with sweeping views of the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley. The surrounding area is a stronghold for Ring ouzels and the moorland is protected internationally, owing to the presence of threatened upland birds including the Merlin and the Golden plover. The gritstone edge spans approximately 4 miles and was recently featured in the film Pride & Prejudice. North Lees is a cyclists dream of a campsite: there are plenty of accessible on/off-road routes from Sheffield, including exciting mountain bike descent of Stanage Edge. For the latest events in the area click here. All campers receive a 10% discount on National Park Authority cycle hire.
Eat & Drink
The Scotsmans Pack (01433 650 253) has a new selection of micro-brew ales every month, with local fish and meat on its menu. The tucked-away Little John Inn (01433 650 225) down the road in Hathersage also offers local micro-brew ales and decent pub fare in its wood-panelled interior.
Opening Dates
Late March–end of October for turn-up and pitch camping (booking is advised at busy times). Over the winter months (November–March), the site is open but booking is essential for Sunday–Thursday nights. Turn-up and pitch on Friday and Saturday nights only. Bookings recommended for the camping pods at all times.
Prices
Adults £7 per night; children (5–17s) £4.50–£5.50; students £6; under 5s go free. Cars £1–£2 per night. Camping pods £28–£43 per night including 1 adult plus the camping fees for additional occupants. Prices go up by 50p over Bank Holidays but you’ll get a 50p per night discount if you arrive on public transport.
Travel Directions
Take the A6187 eastbound toward Hathersage. After about 2 miles, turn left up Jagger Lane and then left up Coggers Lane. Watch out for the Birley Lane turn-off about 2 miles on your right. The site is about 1 mile on the left. Please do not try using a SatNav.
Transport
Get the train or bus to Hathersage and it’s approximately a 30-minute walk up to the campsite. Call in advance for detailed directions.
Campsite Facilities
- Dogs welcome
- Showers
Good for...
- Forests nearby
- Good walks nearby
- Mountains nearby
- Nice Views from Site
- Remote location
- Woodland camping
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