Start of Tourism

In the 1870s, the Industrial Revolution was paying dividends, roads were improving and more people had money in their pockets to spend on luxuries and travel. The Derwent Valley, including Baslow, was a favourite destination to visit. The Baslow hotels could not cope so the massive Hydropathic Hotel was built (see image below).
At the same time, rich industrialists started moving to live in Baslow and commuting to work.

The Hydro, which was on land between Bar Road and Eaton Hill, was built in 1881, and became a major village institution until it was demolished because of neglect in 1936.

One of the first houses to be built in the village by an ‘outsider’ was Beechcroft, which was constructed in the 1890s by John Frith, an engineer for the Chesterfield Water Board.

The property, to this day, enjoys stunning views down the valley.

Today, there are many commuters in Baslow and it remains a tourist centre for both day visitors and guests enjoying longer breaks in one of the many hotels in and around the village.