Scarthin Books, in Cromford, covers four floors and sells a range of new and second-hand books. Credit, Anuj Mishra – Ruby Rowlands (Image: Ruby Rowlands)
“‘Cos I’ve been standing at the station, in need of education in the rain.”
These iconic words from Oasis’s smash hit ‘Some Might Say’ resonate with fans across the globe. The single’s cover art pays homage to the lyrics, depicting Noel Gallagher on a train platform with a watering can, while Liam Gallagher peers down from above.
Yet, what many enthusiasts may not realise is that this evocative image was captured in the picturesque Derbyshire village of Cromford, a stone’s throw from the Peak District.
While it’s a must-visit spot for die-hard Oasis followers, Cromford is also a gem in its own right, appealing even to those who can’t hum a bar of Wonderwall.
Brimming with quaint allure, the village boasts one of the planet’s most stunning bookshops and lies tantalisingly close to Britain’s unique inland ‘seaside resort’.
My own journey to Cromford kicked off in Manchester, taking just over two hours by train to Derby with a swift interchange at Sheffield.
Sure, driving cuts the travel time to around 90 minutes, but where’s the charm in motoring to a railway haven?, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The best way to discover the ‘seaside town’ of Matlock Bath is by water. Credit, Anuj Mishra (Image: Anuj Mishra)
From Derby, the train ride to Cromford is a visual feast, tracing the River Derwent through the scenic stretches of the Peak District.
I found myself “standing at the station” from ‘Some Might Say’, the smash-hit single released on the legendary album ‘(What’s the Story?) Morning Glory’ in 1995, which famously became the band’s first-ever number one single in the UK.
The locale has drawn numerous tourists eager to snap pictures of this site immortalised in music history.
But Cromford’s allure isn’t solely based on its association with Oasis; indeed, its origins predate the Britpop movement by centuries.
From the groundbreaking Cromford Mill to the congenial Boat Inn pub, established in 1772, theres plenty of historic charm to be found here.
The iconic Cromford train station. Credit, Anuj Mishra (Image: Anuj Mishra)
After a brief stop in the inviting pub with an enchanting beer garden and pond views, my journey continued to Scarthin Books.
Frequently lauded as one of the globe’s loveliest bookshops, Scarthin Books may seem just another modest retail front at its entrance.
However, behind its facade lies an emporium spanning several levels packed with literary treasuresshould you navigate towards the rear staircase.
The bookshop is nestled within an elegant Georgian abode, offering an extensive selection of both new and pre-loved books.
Celebrating half a century of independent bookselling, it also features an upstairs vegetarian cafe, providing the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch amidst the exploration of thousands of titles.
Wanderers venturing beyond Cromford will find the idyllic Matlock Bath nestled further up the valley. Despite being a mere half-hour stroll, my sunny day visit prompted me to hop on the bus.
Active spirits who wander on foot can’t help but spot the historic Cromford Mill beside the road, famously recognised as the first water-powered cotton mill, erected by Richard Arkwright in 1771 a staple piece of knowledge for any Manchester primary school alumni.
Even though the mill played a pivotal role in Manchester’s transformation into the famed ‘Cottonopolis’, I chose to bypass this educational detour and continued towards Britain’s unique landlocked ‘seaside town’.
Scarthin Books, and the neighbouring Boat Inn, overlook the Cromford Mill Pond. Credit, Anuj Mishra (Image: Anuj Mishra)
Inundated with fish and chip shops and bustling with tourists and young families, Matlock is heralded as “the closest thing Derby people have to the seaside,” according to my friend and Derbyshire connoisseur.
Though there’s a distinct lack of sea in Matlock Bath, the charm of the village lies within its dramatic gorge setting and a river ripe for exploration which I did aboard a rented pedalo.
To top off my quasi-coastal expedition, as per local tradition, I indulged in an ice cream parlour visit, devoured a takeaway fish supper, and lounged riverside, all while fending off a bold pigeon with an eye for my chips.
Admittedly, I was unaware of the Oasis link when I visited Cromford. However, there are plenty of reasons for fans to visit, even if they need a better excuse than recreating the iconic photo.