Dove Holes is a small village in an attractive rural setting high up on the moors outside Buxton.

Historically it developed as a community because of the important limestone quarrying which this area of Derbyshire has long been noted for. Limestone is a porous rock which leads to the creation of caverns and springs of very pure water.

The village’s name is believed to derive from the Celtic word dwfr (dŵr in modern Welsh), which means water, hence Water Holes or Dove Holes, rather than the dove family of birds.

The station makes a great starting point for walks over rugged high ground to Buxton, Chapel en le Frith, Edale and Castleton. In fact the summit of the Buxton Line is at Bibbington near Dove Holes Station at a commanding 1,140 feet above sea level which makes it the third highest place on the railway network in England.

Passenger facilities at Dove Holes Station

The station does not have a ticket office and is not staffed. There is however a ticket machine which is located at the top of the station drive near the gate onto the Buxton-bound platform.

Please note that if you are making a journey from the opposite platform, which is towards Manchester, you need to allow time to buy your ticket over on the Buxton side first.

There are waiting shelters on both platforms for passengers and the shelter on the Buxton platform contains a public telephone. The station has passenger help points on both platforms but does not yet have digital displays showing real time train running information.

Both platforms have step-free access for wheelchairs and heavy luggage. However, please note that the only access onto the Manchester platform is via a path from Meadow Lane which is the road going over the end of the station. Therefore, please allow enough time to buy your ticket on the Buxton side before going back down the driveway and using the road bridge on Meadow Lane to get over to the Manchester platform.

There are securing hoops for bicycles on the Buxton side next to the timetable and information boards at the top of the drive.

Train services at Dove Holes Station

The train service is operated by Northern Trains. Please note that not all trains on the Buxton Line stop at Dove Holes Station. There are some gaps of two hours between trains so check the latest timetable carefully before you travel by visiting www.northernrailway.co.uk/timetables and look for Route No.20 in the list.

Sample train fares from Manchester Piccadilly to Dove Holes are £11.10 Off-Peak Return and £3.70 from Buxton.

The nearest bus stops are located on the main A6 road just a short walk away along Station Road. Turn left when you reach the main road and you will find the stops opposite the bus depot about 200 yards away.