The heritage site of Creswell Crags, famous for its prehistoric cave art, lies close to the village.

The village was founded in 1804, following the first sinking of mine shafts at neighbouring Whitwell.

There was great resentment in Whitwell at this time to the influx of coal miners, and so the Welbeck Abbey estate agreed to Hodthorpe's foundation.

Junior & Infants School was built on Queens Road, the official opening being carried out by the 6th Duke of Portland on Tuesday, January 17, 1905.

The Cheshire Horse Artillery had stables on the south side of Queens Road, the location being chosen because of the nearby stud farm at Welbeck Abbey.