DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE
AND THE
PEAK DISTRICT
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DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT |
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ATTRACTIONS LIST 2004 Select a Town/Village and click the link below to check for places of interest in the vicinity.
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ATTRACTIONS II
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 2004, 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 around 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 2004. 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. |
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 and a monthly list of EVENTS 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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Alstonefield |
Hartington, a picturesque village with a spacious market place, village green, delightful duck pond and limestone houses which sparkle in the bright sun-light, make it one of the major tourist centres in the Peak District.
Thor’s Cave, rises 350 feet above the Manifold Valley, its 60-foot 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.
The Manifold Valley Visitor Centre, Hulme End (Tel. 01298 84679) is housed in the old station, displays outline the railway history, 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. |
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Ashbourne |
Derwent Crystal (Tel. 01335 345219) where glass blowing and decorating full English lead crystal demos can be seen from Monday to Thursday between 9-2pm. The factory shop is open Monday to Saturday 9-5pm.
Kedleston Hall (Tel. 0870 458 4000) is one of the best surviving examples anywhere of the work of Robert Adam. Lavishly decorated with fine collections of paintings, furniture and sculptures. For further information website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Alton Towers (Tel. 08705 204060) the leading Theme Park in the United Kingdom where you can experience a host of ‘white knuckle rides’, or content yourself with more peaceful pursuits, visiting the shows on site and the more gentle rides. For further information website: www.altontowers.com
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Bakewell |
Bakewell Old House Museum: (Tel 01629 813642) built in Henry VIII’s reign, this splendid little museum is packed with interesting exhibits. The museum celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. For further information website: www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk
Bakewell Old Market Hall: (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. In addition, if you want something a little different, you can send a postcard to the future as well as acting as landscape detective!
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 to be the most romantic in Britain, being the setting for the elopement of Dorothy Vernon and John Manners. For more information website:www.haddonhall.co.uk |
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Beeley |
Chatsworth House and gardens (Tel. 01246 582204) stands in a deer park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century with hills and woods. Visitors are free to wander in the magnificent parklands. Shop and restaurant facilities available. The house is open daily from 16 March to 21 December 2005, from 11am and the Farmyard and adventure playground from 10.30am.The park is open all year.
Chatsworth Garden Centre (Tel. 01629 734004) well stocked with garden plants and furniture and is very popular with visitors. There is a large gift shop and café. Open daily throughout the year.
Edensor, a delightful estate village where the houses have been built in a variety of architectural styles that add to the appeal of what must be one of the most beautiful villages in England. Members of the Cavendish Family lie buried in the churchyard, as does Kathleen Kennedy, sister of the former President of the USA. |
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Carsington& Hopton |
Carsington Water Visitor Centre, (Tel. 01629 540696) a great place just to relax by the water’s edge, but do leave time to look round the Visitor centre with its shops and fascinating exhibition. The more adventurous can hire a sailing dinghy, or a mountain bike. Alternatively, if you have plenty of energy left, why not walk the seven miles or so round the reservoir? Open daily all year.
Wirksworth Heritage Centre, (Tel. 01629 875225) 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 for something different you can always try a computer game. For further information see the special feature
North End Mills, (Tel. 01629 824731) one of the largest factory shops in the country which sells clothes. Visitors to the Mills can still see hosiery being made, have a coffee and admire the display of old photographs of Wirksworth. Open 7 days a week.
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Chesterfield |
Revolution House, (Tel. 01246 453554/345727) situated in the village of Old Whittington three miles north of Chesterfield. It takes its name from the 1688 Revolution, when it was an alehouse. It was where three noblemen met to plot the overthrow of King James II in favour of William and Mary of Orange. The house now provides an interesting exhibition of that period. Open daily (except Tuesdays) 25 March to the 30 September 2005, from 11-4pm. Check for Christmas opening.
Bolsover Castle, (Tel. 01246 822844) an award winning attraction that provides a romantic example of a Cavalier’s pleasure palace. Under the control of English Heritage, there is a shop a spacious café. For further information website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery, (Tel. 01246 345727) tells the fascinating ‘Story of Chesterfield.’ Here you can find out how the Parish Church was built and what went wrong to make the spire lean! Open all year on Mondays, Tuesdays and from Thursday to Saturday. |
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Crich |
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. For further information see the special feature
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. Only roadside parking is available, in a lay-by 150 yards from the entrance to the path to Wingfield Manor. Further information website: www.tramway.co.uk
Crich Pottery (Tel. 01773 853171) a long established award winning business producing hand thrown and decorated stoneware. Normally open every day from 10-6pm, but it is best to check first if travelling a distance. |
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Edale |
Ladybower and the Derwent Valley is a very popular area for visitors. The dams in the valley were used by Dr Barnes Wallis and his team to test his bouncing bombs, and the film ‘The Dambusters’ was partly shot here.
Castleton Caverns without doubt the most spectacular collection of caverns in the country. Speedwell (Tel. 01433 620512), Blue John (Tel. 01433 620638), Treak (Tel. 01433 620571) and Peak (Tel. 01433 620285).
Chestnut Centre (Tel. 01298 814099) near Chapel-en-le-Frith houses Europe’s largest collection of multi-specied owls and otters. Situated in wooded parkland. Shop, tea room and exhibition buildings. For further information website: www.ottersandowls.co.uk |
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Elton |
Magpie Lead Mine (Tel. 01629 583834) leased to the Peak District Mines Society, the surface remains are one of the best examples in Britain of a 19th century lead mine with impressive mine buildings and winding gear. Ring for opening details.
Arbor Low Stone Circle, is a huge stone circle surrounded by a grassy bank and a ditch near to Youlgreave. No one knows if the stones originally stood upright.
The Old Market Hall (Tel. 01335 350245) Winster dates back to the 17th century when the village was granted the right to hold a market. It became the first National Trust property in Derbyshire and the Peak District in 1906 and it is now used as an exhibition and information centre. For further information website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
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Eyam |
Eyam Hall (Tel. 01433 631976) a fascinating 17th century manor house that has been the home of the Wright family for over 300 years. For further information website: www.eyamhall.com
Eyam Hall Craft Centre (Tel. 01433 631976) a working craft centre situated in the old farm buildings to the hall. Restaurant and gift shop. Open every day 10.30-4.30pm except Mondays.
Eyam Museum (Tel. 01433 631371) tells the dramatic story of the bubonic plague outbreak that so decimated the inhabitants of the village in 1665/6. Local geology, archaeology and social and industrial development are all covered in this excellent little museum. For further information website: www.eyam.org.uk
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Great Longstone |
Hassop Railway Station Bookstore (Tel. 01629 813444) on the Monsal Trail was built much nearer to Bakewell than Hassop to serve The Duke of Devonshire. It is particularly ornate. Now the railway is no more, it has been converted into a very large bookshop. There is a small café serving snacks. Just off A6020 and B6001 between the village of Hassop and Bakewell. Open daily.
Ashford in the Water, this lovely village nestles on the banks of the River Wye as it meanders its way south towards Bakewell. The beautiful medieval Sheepwash Bridge, overhung by willow trees is a particular attraction.
Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop (Tel. 01246 583392) is situated at Pilsley, one and a half miles from Chatsworth House. Sells a fine selection of meat and dairy products. Gift shop and restaurant. Open daily.
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Grindleford |
Longshaw Visitor Centre (Tel. 01433 631708)situated in the out-buildings of Longshaw House it is a popular place to stop and have something to eat, or to purchase a gift from the National Trust shop. For further information website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Padley Chapel, an early 14th century gatehouse is all that remains of Padley Manor House, the home of two Roman Catholic families who were persecuted. In 1588, two priests from here were executed for their beliefs.
The Derbyshire Craft Centre (Tel. 01433 631231) at Calver 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 every day.
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Heanor |
Shipley Country Park (Tel 01773 719961) contains over 600 acres of attractive parkland with lakes, woodlands and miles of footpaths and bridleways. There is a Visitor Centre with a countryside gift shop and café.
American Adventure (Tel 01773 531521) a spectacular theme park with white knuckle rides, shows and for the less adventurous a train ride round the lake. Telephone for further information.
Great Northern Basin, Langley Mill (Tel 0115 9328042) was originally built over 200 years ago. The basin has been restored and extended during the last few years, linking the area with the southern canal system. Open all year.
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Hope |
Ladybower and the Derwent Valley is a very popular area for visitors. The dams in the valley were used by Dr Barnes Wallis and his team to test his bouncing bombs, and the film ‘The Dambusters’ was partly shot here.
Castleton Caverns without doubt the most spectacular collection of caverns in the country. Speedwell (tel 01433 620512), Blue John (tel 01433 620638), Treak (tel 01433 620571) and Peak (tel 01433 620285).
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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Ilam |
Tissington Hall (Tel. 01335 352200) a fine Jacobean Manor House in the heart of the village, owned by the FitzHerbert family who built most of the cottages in Tissington. For further information see the special feature
Tissington Trail following the closure of the railway line, the track was converted into a trail and ever since has been popular with walkers and cyclists. The trail links up with the High Peak Trail. You can now either walk or cycle through some of the White Peak’s finest scenery without ever seeing a car!
Ilam Park the 158 acres of the park is managed by the National Trust. It lies on the banks of the River Manifold and includes a walk along an avenue of Lime Trees known as Paradise Walk. There is a National Trust shop, information centre and tearoom and entrance to the grounds is free to walkers. |
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Lea & Holloway |
Lea Gardens (Tel. 01629 534380) hold a rare collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, alpines and conifers in a lovely woodland setting. The attractive teashop provides seating both inside and out. Plants are available for purchase. Telephone for further information.
Arkwright’s Cromford Mill (Cromford Mill Tel. 01629 823256, Masson Mill Tel. 01629 760208) the world’s first successful water powered cotton-spinning mill. It is now a world heritage site and guided tours are available. There is a whole food restaurant, a number of shops and free car park. A not to be missed attraction, along with Masson Mill situated about a quarter of a mile away on the A6, that has been converted into a shopping village and working textile museum. Open daily.
John Smedley Factory Shop (Tel. 01629 534571) established over 200 years ago, sells a wide range of luxury knitwear at its factory shop at Lea Bridge. It is acknowledged as a leader in the specialist field of fine gauge knitted products of the highest quality. Open every day 10-4pm. |
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Matlock Bath |
Mining Museum and Temple Mine (Tel. 01629 583834) where you get a very realistic impression of what the conditions used to be like for men who toiled underground. After completing your absorbing tour of the museum you can visit Temple Mine that has been worked since 1922. The museum is open daily throughout the year. Temple Mine is open on a reduced basis in the winter. For more information see the special feature
National Stone Centre, Wirksworth (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 million years. Open every day 10-4pm during the winter and 10-5pm in the summer.
The Heights of Abraham (Tel. 01629 582365) where you can 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 and shop. Further information website: www.heights-of-abraham.co.uk |
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New Mills |
The Torrs Millennium Walkway a much admired bridge set deep in the spectacular Torrs Riverside Park and gorge. The walkway forms the final link in the Midshires Way long distance footpath.
The Heritage Centre (Tel. 01663 746904) is housed in a converted stone building of great character and tells ‘The New Mills Story’ with the aid of a magnificent model of the town as it was in 1884. There is a viewing platform outside looking down over The Torrs gorge. A small café serves mainly drinks and biscuits and in the shop maps, guides and gifts are sold. Open all year Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11-4pm.
Lyme Park (Tel. 01663 762023) is a National Trust property comprising a magnificent mansion and a 1,400-acre park and formal gardens. The park contains a herd of deer. Ducks and wildfowl can be seen on the lakes and ponds in the park. In the house is a varied collection of historic furniture, textiles and tapestries. For further information website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
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Rowsley |
Caudwell’s Mill, (Tel. 01629 734374) powered by the River Wye is the only complete Victorian working roller flour mill in the United Kingdom. There are a number of craft shops as well as a well stocked gift shop, artist’s gallery and café. For further information visit Caudwell's Mill Feature .
Peak Village (Tel. 01629 735326) is the Peak District’s first and only factory outlet shopping centre, set in beautiful surroundings at Rowsley. Open every day . Peak Rail (Tel. 01629 580381) a preserved railway, operating steam trips on Sundays throughout the year. Trains normally also operate on Saturdays from April to October and mid-week in the peak season. Telephone for details.
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Swarkestone |
Melbourne Hall (Tel. 01332 862502) was once the home of Victorian Prime Minister William Lamb (Lord Melbourne). The hall opens its doors to the public every afternoon during August from 2pm (except the first three Mondays in the month). Telephone for further information.
The Donington Grand Prix Collection (Tel. 01332 811027) the world’s largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars. Exhibits are on display from 1900 to today detailing the history of motor racing. Open daily.
Elvaston Castle Country Park (Tel. 01332 571342) Set in 200 acres of parkland with an ornamental lake, extensive gardens, stony grottoes, rock archways and other interesting features. Open daily.
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Ticknall |
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. Good parking.
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
Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts, located in the Georgian Stable Block of Staunton Harold Hall, where a wide range of goods can be obtained. Teas are available here or at the adjacent garden centre complex. In the grounds of the hall is the ancient Holy Trinity Church. Open all year Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. |
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Tideswell |
Freshfields Donkey Village (Tel. 01298 79775) off the A623 close to Peak Forest village The herd of donkeys have their own distinctive colours and range in size from Highland donkeys to Sicilian Miniatures, which when fully grown are only three foot tall. (Souvenir shop, free parking and tea gardens. Open daily from 1 April to 1 November 2005, from 10.30-4.30pm. Winter opening dependent on weather conditions.
Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club (Tel. 01298 871270) at Great Hucklow is a members club, but also offers trial flights for visitors. There is a large car park where visitors can sit /picnic and watch the gliders taking off and landing. Open all year (closed Mondays September to April). Call for further details.
Bookstore Trading Post (Tel. 01298 71017) at Brierlow Bar, three miles south-east of Buxton on the A515. Massive bookstore selling a wide range of books, CD’s, cards and gifts at bargain prices. Refreshments available. Large car park. Open daily 9.30-5.30.
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www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk is an independent, not for profit website. No recommendation of any establishment is implied by inclusion on this website. All details on this page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made without notification.
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