The historic importance of Dale Abbey began in about 1130 when a Derby baker had a vision of the Virgin Mary telling him to go to Deepdale (the old name meaning, literally, 'deep valley') to worship God. The Hermitage, a schedule ancient monument, is situated within Hermit's Wood. This wood is a relic of the forest that used to cover much of this part of Derbyshire and is itself on the County Register of Biologically Important Sites.

Although Augustinian canons came to Deepdale in the 1150's, it was not until about 1200 that the Abbey of St Mary was founded. The abbey flourished and owned 24,000 acres of land until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536.

Today, however, all that remains of this splendid building are the 13th century east window and the abbey gatehouse which are behind the former Methodist chapel, now the Gateway Christian Centre. The former gatehouse was used as a jail on the 18th and 19th centuries.

Walls and stone from the abbey are incorporated in a number of buildings. Excavations in the 1870's, 1880's and 1930's exposed parts of the abbey including the Presbytery.

The unique semi-detached church of All Saints, part of which was built by the hermit, became the chapel for the abbey infirmary.
The stonework by the hymn board is believed to be part of the original building.
The church is in regular weekly use and has hardly changed since 1634, retaining its box pews. Attached to the church is the verger's farmhouse, a former public house which was demolished and rebuilt around 1883.

To the east of the abbey window are earth banks which dammed the Sow Brook to make a monastic fish pond. To the north is the village school, now reopened and operated by the Church through a charity.

The Borough Council made the village and its surroundings a Conservation Area in 1972 to safeguard the beauty, peace and historic interest which surround Dale Abbey.

On the hill north of the village is the Cat and Fiddle Windmill, one of the last in Derbyshire to retain its machinery. It was built in the 18th century and is one of the oldest types of mill. Fine views of Dale Abbey can be seen from the main road nearby.

The area's many footpaths enable walkers to enjoy the village and its surrounding countryside.