DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE
AND THE
PEAK DISTRICT
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DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT |
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ATTRACTIONS LIST 2003
Select a Town/Village and click the link below to check for places of interest in the vicinity.
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ATTRACTIONS
This guide not only introduces you to some of the best walks, picturesque villages and interesting old towns, in Derbyshire and the Peak District, but also lists three attractions of special interest in the locality to enable you to plan a full day out. This feature was published in December 2003, and it is advisable to check times of opening etc. in the case of any doubt.
The rich diversity of the scenery has been attracting visitors to Derbyshire and the Peak District for many centuries, so much so that The Peak National Park is the second most visited Park in the World. But, it is not just for not just for the beauty of its landscapes that people come. There are many treasures to be found in the area the grandest of which is Chatsworth House, set in beautiful parkland it attracts visitors from all over the world. Theme parks that provide enough excitement even for the most ardent fun seeker, show caverns, an owl and otter sanctuary, interesting museums and ancient castles are just a small part of the regions attractions. There is so much to see and do, that you need to plan your visit carefully. Study the list of attractions below and set up an itinerary to suit your taste. The attractions listed, are those included with the walks, linked to the features shown below, published on this website during 2003. For further information and to check the listing contact the attraction direct or the nearest Tourist/Visitor Information Centre. Bookmark this site for future reference.
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THE GUIDE Enchanting villages, historic towns and glorious ever changing landscapes are featured in this independent guide to the Peak National Park and Derbyshire. The guide is divided into two sections, the feature and the walk. 1. THE FEATURE - provides interesting snippets of historical information about the village/town and a heritage trail to guide you round. 2. THE WALK - carefully detailed walks take you to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Derbyshire and the Peak National Park. 3. SPECIAL FEATURES - lots of features of interest to both the local person and visitor alike. Regular Newsletter and What's On Guide. NEWS Bookmark this site so as not to miss other town/ village features, heritage trails and countryside walks to be published shortly. Plus many more interesting features to help make your visit complete. SPECIAL NOTE: Click the link below the image to go to the town/village feature.
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Ashford-in-the-Water |
Bakewell the capital of the Peak; an historic little market town packed with shops, pubs and cafes alongside the beautiful River Wye. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop offers you the opportunity to sample this famous local delicacy. Old Market Hall, Bakewell (Tel. 01629 813227) an impressive building that dates back to the 17th century and now accommodates the Tourist Information Centre. Goods produced by members of the Peak Products organisation are attractively displayed for purchase. Old House Museum (Tel. 01629 813165) built in Henry VIII’s reign, this splendid little museum is packed with interesting exhibits. Further details from website : www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk |
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Ashover |
Chesterfield with its historic town centre, cobbled market place, famous ‘Crooked Spire’ and picturesque Queen’s Park, where Derbyshire played county cricket until quite recently. The Museum and Art Gallery (Tel. 01246 345727) is well worth a visit. Ogston Reservoir to the south east, provides good views in a relaxing setting and is of particular interest to those who enjoy bird watching. Good parking facilities available. Wingfield Manor (Tel. 01773 832060) impressive ruins of a huge country mansion, where Mary, Queen of Scots was once imprisoned. It is now under the care of English Heritage. Further information from the English Heritage website: www.english-heritage.org.uk |
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Baslow |
Chatsworth House, Garden, Farmyard and Adventure Playground (Tel. 01246 582204) visitors are free to wander in the magnificent grounds The house stands in a deer park laid out by ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century, with hills and woods. Shop and Restaurant facilities are available. The house is open every day from the 16 March to the 21 December 2005. Hassop Railway Station (Tel. 01629 813444) on the Monsal Trail, it was built much nearer to Bakewell than Hassop to serve the Duke of Devonshire and is particularly ornate. Now the railway is no more it has been converted into a very large bookshop. The Derbyshire Craft Centre (Tel.01433 631231) has on display a large selection of local and national crafts, plus a wide range of gifts, books and other items. There is also a popular café. Open seven days a week. |
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Belper |
St. John’s Chapel Heritage Centre: (Tel. 01773 822116) dates back to about 1250, contains an interesting collection of old photographs of Belper and memorabilia. Open weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm. Also open the last Saturday in the month. Derwent Valley Visitor Centre: (Tel: 01773 880474) situated in North Mill where superb displays of hand spinning wheels, Hargreaves’s Spinning Jenny and many more exhibits bring this old mill back to life. An exhibition not to be missed. Telephone for opening details. Denby Pottery Visitor Centre: (Tel. 01773 740799) offers factory tours Monday to Thursday (booking essential). The museum, cookery emporium and factory shops are open daily. Restaurant facilities available. |
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Buxton |
Poole’s Cavern: (Tel. 01298 26978) guided tours are provided of the limestone cavern, famous for its stalactites and stalagmites.Ancient remains show the Romans worshipped here. Large car park, toilets, shop and drinks facilities available. For further information website: wwwpoolescavern.co.uk Buxton Museum and Art Gallery: (Tel. 01298 24658) award winning ‘Wonders of the Peak’ gallery. Programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. Well stocked shop. Telephone for opening details. Cavendish Arcade: originally designed in 1854 as Thermal baths, converted and re-opened in 1987 as a speciality shopping arcade. The original plunge bath and chair remain. A stained glass vaulted roof adds a touch of distinction. |
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Castleton |
Caverns without doubt the most spectacular collection of caverns in the country is within easy walking distance of Castleton. Speedwell (Tel. 01433 620512), Blue John (Tel. 01433 620638), Treak (01433 620571) and Peak (Tel. 01433 620285). Chestnut Centre (Tel. 01298 814099) houses Europe’s largest collection of multi-specied otters and owls including Britain’s only pair of giant otters. Situated in wooded parkland. Shop, tea room and exhibition buildings. For further information website: www.ottersandowls.co.uk Edale where the Nag’s Head Inn is the traditional starting point of the 270 mile Pennine Way Trail, as it winds its way north to the Scottish border at Kirk Yetholm. The Peak District National Park’s Field Head Visitor Centre is also here. |
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Cromford |
Crich Tramway Village (Tel. 0870 75(TRAMS) 87267) boasts a large array of vintage trams from all over the world. Unlimited rides through a period street to stunning views over the Derwent Valley. For further information see the special feature Lea Gardens: (Tel. 01629 534380) rare collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, alpines and conifers in a lovely woodland setting. Attractive teashop where you can sit inside or outside. Plants can be purchased. Telephone for further information. Masson Mill (Tel. 01629 760208) working textile museum and shopping village situated in an internationally famous mill built by Sir Richard Arkwright. Open daily. |
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Dale Abbey |
Crich Tramway Village (Tel. 01773 852565) boasts a large array of vintage trams from all over the world. Unlimited rides through a period street to stunning views over the Derwent Valley. Open daily 23 March to 3 November. Reduced winter opening. Lea Gardens: (Tel. 01629 534380) rare collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, alpines and conifers in a lovely woodland setting. Attractive teashop where you can sit inside or outside. Plants can be purchased. Telephone for further information. Masson Mill (Tel. 01629 760208) working textile museum and shopping village situated in an internationally famous mill built by Sir Richard Arkwright. Open daily. |
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Edensor |
Chatsworth House, Garden, Farmyard and Adventure Playground (Tel 01246 582204) one of the grandest stately homes in the country and the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Both the house and magnificent gardens are open to the public daily from the 16 March to the 21 December 2005. Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop (Tel. 01246 583392) situated at Pilsley one and a half miles from Chatsworth House. Sells a fine selection of meat and dairy products. Open daily. Peak Village (Tel. 01629 733433) is the Peak District’s first and only Factory Outlet Shopping Centre set in beautiful surroundings at Rowsley. Open daily. |
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Hartington |
Manifold Valley Visitor Centre (Tel. 01298 84679) housed in the old Hulme End Station, where information displays outline the history of the railway, the industries and local community. Precise opening dates for 2005 are not currently available. Leek Tourist Information Office (Tel. 01538 483741) will be able to supply further details. Thor’s Cave rises 350 feet above the river in the Manifold Valley, its 60 feet entrance is imposing but the cave inside is comparatively small. The railway track that once ran through the valley has been converted for the use of walkers and cyclists. Longnor Craft Centre (Tel. 01298 83587) the home of Fox Country Furniture. Apart from furniture, exhibits of the work of local craftspeople and artists are also displayed. The café is open seven days a week from March selling home baked produce. |
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Hathersage |
David Mellor Cutlery Factory (Tel.01433 650220) designated a masterpiece of modern architecture. The shop beside the factory sells a wide range of cutlery and is open seven days a week. The factory may be visited during the week. Padley Chapel an early 14th century gatehouse and chapel is all that remains of Padley Manor House, the home of two Roman Catholic families who were persecuted. Two priests from here were executed for their beliefs. Ladybower and the Derwent Valley is a popular area for visitors. The dams in the valley were used by Dr. Barnes Wallis and his team to test his bouncing bomb and the film ‘The Dam Busters’ was partly shot here. |
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Hayfield |
Glossop Heritage Centre (Tel. 01457 869176) contains a permanent exhibition of Glossop’s history and changing exhibitions of general interest. A Victorian kitchen illustrates what life used to be like in this interesting old town. For further information website: www.glossopheritage.co.uk The Torrs Millennium Walkway a much admired walkway set deep in the the spectacular Torrs Riverside Park and gorge at New Mills. The walkway forms the final link in the Midshires Way long distance footpath. The Sett Valley Trail follows the track of the railway line that linked Hayfield with Manchester as far as New Mills. There is an Information Centre at the former station at Hayfield and a car park. |
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Hognaston |
Middleton Top (Tel. 01629 823204) the Visitor Centre tells the story of the Cromford and High Peak Railway. Shop facilities and cycle hire available. The Engine House opens on a limited basis. Ring for details. The High Peak Trail: formerly a railway track now resurfaced for the benefit of walkers and cyclists. Harborough Rocks located just off the High Peak Trail half a mile to the east of Brassington, where the caves in the rocks have yielded remains from the Stone Age, and evidence of occupation during the Iron Age and Roman occupation.
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Matlock |
The Heights of Abraham: (Tel. 01629 582365) take a spectacular journey by cable car to explore two show caverns, follow woodland trails and enjoy the magnificent view from the Treetops café and restaurant. Children’s play area. For further information website: www.heights-of-abraham.co.uk Gulliver’s Kingdom: (Tel. 01629 57100) popular theme park for younger children in a glorious setting. Normally open Easter to the end of October, telephone for full details. Peak Rail: (Tel. 01629 580381) preserved railway operating steam trips from Matlock Riverside Station to Rowsley South throughout the year. Please ring for details. |
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Melbourne |
Melbourne Hall and Gardens (Tel. 01332 862502) once the home of Victorian Prime Minister, William Lamb, the hall opens its doors to the public during August. Telephone for further information.
Calke Abbey and Grounds (Tel. 01332 863822) ‘The place where time stood still,’ was the phrase used to describe this property when The National Trust opened it to the public in 1989. One of the most unusual of English country houses with large collections of birds, ornaments, paintings and photographs. For further information website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Foremark Reservoir a 230 acre reservoir provides footpaths, picnic facilities, sailing and good trout fishing. A recent addition is an area of woodland planted with 10,000 trees. Visitor Centre and children’s play area. |
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Monyash |
Magpie Lead Mine (Tel. 01629 583834) leased to the Peak District Mines Society, the surface remains are the best example in Britain of a 19th century lead mine with impressive mine buildings and winding gear. Ring for opening details. Arbor Low Stone Circle this huge stone circle consists of a ring of stones surrounded by a grass bank and a ditch. No one knows for certain if the stones originally stood upright. Over Haddon picturesque village overlooking Lathkill Dale, where English Nature have an Information Centre open to the public.
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Shardlow |
Shardlow Heritage Centre (Tel. 01332 793368/792334) housed in the old Salt Warehouse, the centre features displays of canal and village life of this historic inland port. Telephone for further information. Elvaston Castle Country Park (Tel. 01332 571342) the first Country Park to be opened in Britain. Set in 200 acres of parkland with an ornamental lake, extensive gardens, stony grottoes, rock archways and many other interesting features. Open daily. The Donington Grand Prix Collection (Tel. 01332 811027) the world’s largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars. Exhibits from 1900 to the present day detailing the history of motor racing. Open daily. |
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Tissington |
Tissington Hall (Tel. 01335 352200) a fine Jacobean Manor House in the heart of the village. Open to the public for guided tours (see the Tissington Feature) Ilam Village with its alpine style cottages and close proximity to Dovedale makes it a very popular attraction. The National Trust grounds and country park of Ilam Hall are open to the public. Ashbourne is one of Derbyshire’s finest towns, with a wealth of Georgian architecture. The triangular cobbled Market Place holds markets twice per week on Thursday and Saturday. |
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Wirksworth |
Wirksworth Heritage Centre: (Tel. 01629 825225) where the ‘Wirksworth Story’ is told taking you on a fascinating journey through time on three floors of the centre. The special displays are excellent and if you want something different you can always try a computer game. For more information see special feature. The National Stone Centre: (Tel. 01629 824833) tells the story of stone, its geological and industrial history. The exhibition inside shows how advanced technology makes use of stone in an incredible number of ways. Outside the visitor centre, the quarry trail takes you back over three hundred million years. Open all year seven days a week. North End Mills: (Tel. 01629 824731) one of the largest factory shops in the country which sells clothes for all the family. Visitors to the Mills can still see hosiery being made, have a coffee and admire the display of old photographs of Wirksworth. Open seven days a week. |
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Youlgreave |
Haddon Hall (Tel. 01629 812855) perhaps the most perfect example of a medieval manor house in the country. The gardens are a delight and believed by many to be the most romantic in Britain, being the setting for the elopement of Dorothy Vernon and John Manners. For further information website:www.haddonhall.co.uk Caudwell’s Mill (Tel. 01629 734374) powered by the River Wye is the only complete Victorian working roller flour mill in the UK. There are a number of working craft shops as well as a fascinating gift shop and café. For further Information website: www.caudwellsmill.museum.com Derek Topp Gallery, Rowsley (Tel. 01629 735580) offers a wide range of contemporary applied art, everything being hand made in Britain and of the highest quality. Open daily. |
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