Hardstoft: Village History, Oil Drilling and Circular Walk

Hardstoft combines rural landscapes with an unusually diverse local history. The Hardstoft Conservation Area covers 23 hectares and includes the hamlet of Hardstoft, built-up areas in the northwest on Hardstoft Common, as well as The Fields. Those planning a trip can combine historic traces, an agriculturally shaped landscape and a documented walking route for a varied stay.

Between the Village, Farmland and Hardwick

The Conservation Area lies on both sides of the junction of Deep Lane and the B6039. This road was the former turnpike road between Chesterfield and Tibshelf. The history of transport and settlement in Hardstoft can therefore be closely linked to the development of the surrounding area, without the village being defined by a single era.

The land in and around Hardstoft has been managed as part of the Hardwick Estate since 1593. The landscape also tells a story of change: the enclosure of the open fields was well advanced by 1610. On the eastern slope of Hardstoft’s sandstone ridge, views extend across agricultural land towards Hardwick. This land belongs to the Hardwick Estate, managed by the National Trust. When choosing accommodation, this primarily means choosing a place where landscape and history together shape the character of the trip.

Historic Traces in the Village

One of the most illustrative historic buildings is Toll Bar Cottage. The early 19th-century toll house was built from local sandstone with a slate roof. Another distinctive building is Yew Tree Farmhouse on Deep Lane in Hardstoft. It dates from the mid-18th century and is listed as a Grade II listed building. The former Sunday School has a tall, gabled bell turret on its northern gable. These different buildings show how transport, agriculture and village life have left historic traces in Hardstoft.

The Hardstoft oil well also plays a special role. In May 1919, the well struck oil at a depth of 3,075 feet. The remains of this well are located near Hardstoft, behind the Oilwell Garden Centre; only the collecting tank and associated pipework survive. For families who enjoy discovering history through specific places and unusual subjects, the story of the oil well provides a distinct talking point alongside the older buildings and the landscape.

Hardstoft as a Starting Point for an Active Trip

The 5-mile Astwith circular walk passes through the villages of Astwith and Hardstoft. The route can therefore be a useful part of your daily plans if you would like to add a defined walk to your stay. At the same time, there is room to focus more strongly on the village’s history, the landscape around the sandstone ridge or the connection with the Hardwick Estate. This makes it possible to plan different kinds of days without artificially combining the existing themes.

When looking for a holiday rental or holiday cottage in Hardstoft, it is worth using your own travel style as a guide: would you mainly like to explore historic details, plan a walk or combine the two? Hardstoft is well suited as a thematic starting point for travellers who want to bring village history, agriculture and a specific circular walk together in their plans.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Hardstoft, you can find more destinations here: Baslow, Yeaveley, Hope Valley, Sutton On The Hill, Ticknall, Whatstandwell, Kirk Langley and Ault Hucknall.

For the overarching travel overview: Derbyshire.