DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE

AND THE

PEAK DISTRICT

COUNTRY BOOKSHOP & CAFE

THE FEATURE

The Country Bookshop to which a cafe was added in 2001, is housed in a former railway station that served the London-Midland Railway. The line opened in the 1860s and linked St Pancras and Manchester. It closed in 1968, and the line remained unused for twelve years before being taken over by the Peak National Park. The track has been converted into a walking route, known as the Monsal Trail.

The trail stretches from Wye Dale, near Buxton, to Coombs Road, near Bakewell. Most of the tunnels have been closed, but alternative routes have been provided. The station car parks at both Bakewell and Millers Dale are convenient for those walkers who come by car to explore the magnificent scenery of the Wye Valley and to enjoy the abundant wildlife, flora and fauna.

Hassop Railway Station was built in 1863 by Edward Walters to serve the Devonshire family who lived at Chatsworth and was provided with a particularly ornate design. In 1988 it was opened as a bookstore and nine years later started up an on-line selling operation. The shop, situated in the heart of the Peak District countryside has become one of the most popular out of town leisure and entertainment shops in the UK.
 

The Country Bookshop provides a wide selection of books, music, dvds and videos, in addition to a search and ordering service. Visits by authors have proved very popular and attracted large audiences. Literary Events and the Peak Festival are also held at the store.

In February 2001, the Whistlestop Café was opened and immediately proved a resounding success. Both walkers and customers enjoying relaxing with light refreshments and hot and cold drinks in the cafe. The choice is wide with a selection of locally produced cakes and pastries, delicious filled rolls, fresh coffee, tea and soft drinks. Visitors can also sit outside in the covered picnic area in front of the bookstore . Like the Country Bookshop, the café is open seven days a week, all year round excluding Christmas Day.
 

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THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE

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