Nearby Attractions
Links
For information on organisations, societies, and sites of geological interest, visit our links page.
Belper Mill
Belper was a cotton spinning town but the first mill was destroyed by fire. In 1804 William Strutt built a new 'fire-proof' mill with cast iron columns and beams and brick arch floors. The North Mill houses a collection of cotton spinning machinery, original and replica, representing the whole history of spinning from the drip spindle to Crompton's mule. There is also an exceptionally fine collection of silk and cotton hosiery which includes stockings made for King George III and Queen Victoria. Belper North Mill is now part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. www.belpernorthmill.org.uk
Buxton Museum
Explore the geology, archaeology and history of the Peak District displayed in a seven section time tunnel - complete with sounds and smells! On site you'll find Local History displays, an Art Gallery and the Museum Gift Shop. The shop stocks educational books and games, fossils, rock and mineral specimens, replica artefacts and a host of bright, amusing and affordable toys www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/buxton_museum/
Chatsworth
You can't help but discover something new on a day out at Chatsworth. As well as being one of Britain's most famous and welcoming historic houses Chatsworth has a wide range of attractions for all the family. The fantastic farmyard where you can meet our animals, a breathtaking garden and park (including the newly uncovered Quebec garden) and some of the most remarkable water features you're ever likely to see. www.chatsworth.org/
Creswell Crags
Creswell Crags is a limestone gorge honeycombed with caves and smaller fissures. Stone tools and remains of animals found in the caves by archaeologists provide evidence for a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Visit the "Age of Ice" exhibition in the Museum and Education Centre. www.creswell-crags.org.uk/
Crich Tramway Museum and Village
Nestling high up in the heart of Derbyshire overlooking the famous Derwent Valley and open almost throughout the year, Crich Tramway Village is a lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway Museum and its world renowned archives. www.tramway.co.uk/
Derwent Valley World Heritage Site
In December 2001, the Derwent Valley Mills in Derbyshire became inscribed as a World Heritage Site. This international designation confirms the outstanding importance of the area as the birthplace of the factory system where in the 18th Century water power was successfully harnessed for textile production. Stretching 15 miles down the river valley from Matlock Bath to Derby, this World Heritage Site contains a fascinating series of historic mill complexes, including some of the world's first 'modern' factories. www.derwentvalleymills.org/
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (EVR) has their main station in Wirksworth, with the track terminating at the base of the National Stone Centre site. Ravenstor Platform is accessible by a dedicated path from the National Stone Centre trails.
Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Hall is one of Britain's greatest and most complete Elizabethan houses It is a spectacular tudor treasure house built for 'Bess of Hardwick', Elizabethan England's second most powerful and wealthy woman. It contains outstanding 16th- and 17th-century tapestries and embroideries and has fine historic parklands with rare breeds of cattle and sheep to see and an orchard and herb garden to explore. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hardwickhall/
Heights of Abraham
Since first opening its gates to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has remained one of the Peak District’s most popular destinations and has been voted the East Midlands Best Tourist Attraction 2007/08 by readers of Going Places. Visitors have travelled from all over the world to experience its unique blend of spectacular underground caverns, stunning views and acres of beautiful woodland. The Heights has become rightly famous for its landmark Cable Car system which was introduced in 1984 - the first of its kind in the whole of the British Isles. www.heightsofabraham.com/
Magpie Mine
Found at the Magpie Mine are the remains of the Cornish pumping-engine house and chimney, with the headgear of the mine shaft and winding winches. A cottage used as the Field Centre of the Peak District Mines Historical Society, and various other buildings. There is an ore-separating jig, horse-gin circles, crushing circles, tram lines and spoil heaps. www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/magpiemine.htm
Peak District Mining Museum (and Temple Mine)
The Peak District Mining Museum is situated in 'The Pavilion' at the centre of Matlock Bath which runs alongside the river Derwent in a picturesque limestone gorge. Visit a museum where you can experience and wonder at the forgotten world of a Derbyshire lead miner. For centuries, men have toiled underground in cramped and hazardous conditions to earn a meagre living by extracting the mineral galena (lead ore). Experience all this for yourself and enjoy a look into an industry that did much to shape the landscape and prosperity of Derbyshire and its notable families. www.peakmines.co.uk/
Peak Rail
Peak Rail run regular Steam and Diesel hauled heritage passenger trains between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley. A large car park at Rowsley makes it an ideal way to beat the traffic jams to get into Matlock. An on-train dining service is offered on selected trains. Footplate experience courses, where you can get your hands on a steam engines controls can be booked. Special events are featured at different times of the year (Santa Specials run through December). http://www.peakrail.co.uk
Poole's Cavern
Poole's Cavern is a 2 million year old, natural limestone cave situated in the beautiful woodland of Buxton Country Park. One of the great caves of the Peak District. The cavern has been visited for 5,000 years since Neolithic tribes first used its chambers as shelter. The cave has been known as 'The First Wonder of the Peak' since the 1600's. Visitors for the 21st century can enjoy the latest facilities in our new visitor centre, restaurant and exhibition. www.poolescavern.co.uk/
Steeple Grange Light Railway
Steeple Grange Light Railway (SGLR) have their site just five minutes walk along the High Peak Trail towards Black Rocks (to the east). Established in 1985, the Steeple Grange Light Railway is an 18-inch gauge line near Wirksworth in Derbyshire.
Treak Cliff Cavern
Treak Cliff Cavern is of international fame and geological importance. It has been a designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for many years and by agreement with English Nature all the Blue John Stone deposits on the visitor route are preserved. Blue John Stone is found nowhere in the world but amongst the rocks of Treak Cliff Hill, Castleton and this mineral, a colour banded form of fluorspar, is so beautiful that it has been prized for many hundreds of years. www.bluejohnstone.com/
Wirksworth Festival (September)
Visual and performance arts - "Exciting, inspiring and above all entertaining, this year’s programme has performances of every kind – music from classical concerts to contemporary bands, alongside events ranging from family theatre to dance, comedy and film. This renowned three-week festival turns the historic market town of Wirksworth into one fantastic arts venue". www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk
Wirksworth Heritage Centre
Wirksworth Heritage Centre is situated in Crown Yard just off the Market Place in the town centre and occupies a building which was once a mill for the production of silk and velvet textiles. Here you will find the local history of the town and its association with lead mining, quarrying and 'red tape'. www.storyofwirksworth.co.uk
Further information on Derbyshire
A Taste of the Peak District
Derbyshire UK - Guide to Derbyshire and the Peak District
Tourist and visitor Information Centres in Derbyshire and the Peak District. www.derbyshireuk.net/touristinfo.html
Discover Derbyshire and the Peak District
www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/index.htm