What to expect

Eyam’s story is unlike any other in Britain. In 1665, a parcel of cloth delivered from London is believed to have brought the bubonic plague to the village. As the disease spread, the villagers, led by Rector William Mompesson and his predecessor Thomas Stanley, made the extraordinary decision to quarantine the village to protect surrounding communities. Over the following fourteen months, around 260 people lost their lives, but their sacrifice helped prevent a much wider outbreak across Derbyshire.

Today, visitors can follow the Eyam Plague Trail, discovering many of the locations connected to this remarkable story. Highlights include the Plague Cottages, where the outbreak began, the historic St Lawrence’s Church, the Eyam Museum, the boundary stone where food and supplies were exchanged, Cucklet Church, where outdoor services were held during the quarantine, and the Riley Graves, which tell one of the village’s most moving personal stories.

We’ve found Eyam to be far more than a history lesson. Surrounded by rolling hills, limestone dales, and excellent walking routes, it offers a perfect balance of heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re spending a few hours exploring its historic streets or using the village as a base for discovering the wider Peak District, Eyam is one of the region’s most memorable places to visit.