We used to live nearby but since moving elsewhere we possibly appreciate it even more. There was maintenance being carried out on the water supply when we arrived, affecting the café and toilets but the staff were excellent in dealing with this and had made provisions for drinks even though the full list could not be offered. The walks around the estate offer fantastic views and varied walking- we did the 5 mile route plus some meandering off on our own routes along the way to take in even more variety. The old grindstones in the derelict quarries are a reminder not to take it for granted that thriving industries may not last forever and the world and competition moves on relentlessly. Part of our walk took in a rest at the Surprise View- still an absolutely magnificent panorama no matter how many times you have viewed it before.
Beautiful easy, moderate and hard walks! Strongly recommend the Burbage Brook route as you walk alongside the stream - very pretty! Will definitely be returning in the future!
Visit Fox House quite often at the weekends with my son for our dad/son hikes, have driven past the entrance to Longshaw hundreds of times and never actually been in.The wife took the kids on a Halloween walk with friends last week during half term and they were desperate for me to do it with them so we went on Sunday morning.Did the Halloween walk with the kids, which they got a spooky biscuit at the end of it which was great fun for them. The kids halloween walk took us on a 2.5km walk which was ideal for the kids, especially my 4 year old daughter who does not usually like walking too far, though there are several other walks available which are longer and more challenging (they even do a free guided tour at certain times), all with great views over fox house and the surrounding area.It was fairly busy and car park was getting full as we were leaving at around 12.30pm, parking is I think £2.6 for 4 hours.They have a café with indoor and outdoor seating which serves hot and cold food (lovely cakes) and is reasonably priced.Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area !
I walk at Longshaw nearly every week...it is beautiful....great for kids to climb rocks and scramble over streams etc. Lots of coded walks to follow and plenty of serious walks too. Need to keep dogs on leads as loads of sheep! I feel comfortable to do a 10 mile walk around this estate on my own with two small dogs and then go for the best scone in Derbyshire and the cafe...tea and scone cost about £3.00 in total which is great value and service is wonderful. Nice young people serving who are friendly....Jacket potatoes good too. My friend complains about the coffee though...she won't buy it know and brings her own as she says it's cold all the time....I have heard others complaining about this too.....I think nescafe with water straight from kettle would be better than putting coffee in flasks....It doesn't bother me as I don'[t drink coffee!
Longshaw Estate is a family favourite. The visitor centre cafe does lovely scones, even if the ladies are a little short when you come near to closing time. The cottage garden is a nice way to see what is in season and some of the produce is used in the cafe kitchen. There are so many walks here that in the 12 years we have been coming here regularly we still have some more to discover. The carpark is a bit small at times, and the overflow car park is hard to find if you dont know about it too well. The drivers who park on the narrow road to Grindleford by Padley Gorge sometimes park over the white lines and make things hard for others. The views are always different. Fox House pub nearby does nice food if you fancy a bit of a bigger meal or an evening meal, and you can stay at Fox House overnight. All good.
There are lots of walk attached to the Longshaw Estate. You can either opt for a stroll around or a slightly more adventurous one depending on your willingness/ability. Which ever you chose you will be awarded with stunning views and landscapes. To top it all you will be rewarded with a fantastic "cuppa" at the National Trust cafe - a stroll from the NT car park. Fee payable but not unreasonable. They have sensible sized tea pots and different coffees and cakes that are generously proportioned - tasty too ! You can eat indoors on those inclement days and outside on the better ones.Whatever your capabilities, enjoy a visit to the Longshaw Estate. We do !
Just a warning for all Longshaw lovers. For three months from 16th March parking at the Fox House end will be difficult. The car park nearest the visitor centre is being closed for a major upgrade!
We love walking on Longshaw Estate - it is really beautiful, scenic and well maintained. However, I was really disappointed during my most recent visit during February half term. We visited the cafe, which we expected to be busy, for lunch. Surprisingly there were several free tables inside but unfortunately we then had to queue for more than 20 minutes to place our food order. For some reason, the staff member taking orders was also making all of the hot drinks, which meant that the queue was soon out of the door. When I eventually got to place my order, I found the selection of food on offer uninspiring and the selection of cakes utterly disappointing. When our toasties did arrive, they were fine, but only fine, so I wouldn't come for lunch again - there are much nicer cafes in the Peak District! It is such a pity because the surroundings are stunning and the Estate offers some great walks - a lovely lunch would have finished it off nicely!
We are regular visitors to the Longshaw estate and love every minute of itThe views are out of this world and it is a place of peace and serenity,whatever the weatherThere are so many routes to follow in all different terrainesWe always round off our visit with a lovely pot of tea in the cafeA must visit
Free to park if national trust members. Great cafe but bit small as it does get very busy. Lots of different walks to do, so ideal for all ages and abilities. Lovely views of the hills, great place to wile away an afternoon.