Glossop is an historic market town in Derbyshire’s High Peak. It’s a great place to visit and there’s plenty to do here, from walks with fantastic views to browsing the independent shops and cafes.
It’s also an excellent base for a trip to the Peak District as you have some of the best walks on your doorstep, including Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the national park, and the B29 bomber crash site at Bleaklow.
Read on to find out more about things to do in Glossop.
How to get to Glossop
Glossop is well connected by public transport and has its own train station. It is less than 30 minutes away from central Manchester by train and the journey from Sheffield takes just under an hour.
There are also direct buses from nearby towns like Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, and Matlock.
If you prefer to drive, there is plenty of parking within the town centre. I like the Edward Street car park which is within a short walk of all the town’s attractions.
Things to do in Glossop
See the Vivienne Westwood mural
First up on my list of things to do in Glossop is to see the Vivienne Westwood mural. Vivienne Westwood was born in a small village near Glossop and the mural was created by local artist Deggy to celebrate the fashion icon.
This vibrant artwork has Vivienne Westwood’s famous red hair and is a popular selfie spot.
Grab a craft beer at Distant Hills Brewing
Distant Hills Brewing is a tap and kitchen in Glossop. Real ales are brewed on site and there is a selection of different flavours.
And it’s not just beer. If beer isn’t your thing, there are plenty of wines to choose from instead.
Distant Hills Brewing also serves food including epic steaks, burgers, and fish specials. There’s a huge beer garden so it’s a great place to enjoy a cold pint on a warm day.
Enjoy lunch at The Two Hares
Go for a walk
Visit Glossop Craft Centre
If you’ve got a passion for crafting, Glossop Craft Centre is well worth a visit. It is a family run business that has been in the town for over 30 years.
Not only is it home to a wide array of buttons, ribbons, in fact anything you need to do any sort of making you can think of, but the staff are also on hand to dole out advice, should you need it.
I had a lovely chat with the lady whose family owns the craft centre and she told me all about her talent for fixing wicker chairs and she was super friendly.
Browse the art galleries
Glossop has a thriving independent art scene and there are several art galleries on its streets. In fact, you can dive into the art scene here as soon as you arrive. Head to the Glossop Station Waiting Room Art Gallery at the train station to see over 30 displays by local artists.
For unique gifts or a piece of original art, try The Artful Pigeon Gallery, a gallery exhibiting works from artists across the north of England. On the high street you’ll also find the Simon Parkin Studio Gallery with a large selection of paintings inspired by the Peak District and seascapes throughout the UK.
George Street Books
If you’re more of a book worm, there’s something here for you too. You can’t miss this charming bookshop with its bright yellow windows and doors.
George Street Books is an independent second-hand bookshop which is owned and run by the community. Their profits are used to benefit the Glossopdale area.
They have hundreds of books in stock with everything from local interest books, to children’s literature, and every genre of fiction you can imagine.
Explore Old Glossop
Old Glossop is the original part of Glossop which dates back to the 12th century. It’s full of pretty stone cottages and is a lovely spot for a little wander. There are a couple of pubs here, too, so you can stop for some refreshments.
Play at Manor Park
Manor Park is a gorgeous park on the eastern side of the centre of Glossop. It’s a great place for a picnic, or wandering around the semi-natural woodland paths and landscaped gardens.
There’s facilities here for lots of different outdoor sports including tennis and basketball courts, a skatepark, bowling greens, miniature golf course and a five-a-side area. There’s also a play area for children and a miniature railway.
Cycle on the Longdendale Trail
The Longdendale Trail is a 6.5 mile path that was once a railway connecting Sheffield and Manchester. It’s a traffic-free route which is perfect for cycling, horse riding, or an easy walk.
It’s a short drive outside of Glossop town centre and it passes some beautiful reservoirs. You can park at Crowden or Torside and the route is very family-friendly.
