The Area

Chatsworth House

When you drive across the surrounding park and see Chatsworth House for the first time, a sumptuous pile of yellow stone surrounded by gardens, fronted by the River Derwent and backed by a tree-covered hillside, it fairly takes your breath away. It is not hard to see why this is the premier tourist attraction of the area.

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is the finest example of a medieval manor house currently in existence in England. The hall is one of the seats of the Dukes of Rutland and lies alongside the River Wye, just south of Bakewell.

Heights of Abraham

Since first opening to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has remained one of the Peak District’s most appealing destinations where stunning natural beauty is matched by human achievement and where the historic blends seamlessly with the futuristic.

Today the Heights is rightly famous for its landmark cable car which provides a spectacular journey across the Derwent Valley.

Peak Rail

Journey back in time and enjoy a nostalgic train ride on our preserved railway operating between Matlock and Rowsley South Stations. Steam services operate throughout the year together with a host of various special events. Enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch, cream or afternoon tea on the Palatine Restaurant car.

Crich Tramway Village

Take a tram ride through time at Crich Tramway Village, home of The National Tramway Museum – an ideal destination for all ages. Visitors can ride our world renowned vintage trams through our unique period street and out into the open countryside for spectacular views, explore fascinating exhibitions and watch as trams are restored from our Workshop Viewing Gallery.

Bakewell

Bakewell is the only market town within the Peak District National Park boundary and its attractive courtyards, independent shops, cafés and its location on the River Wye make it a hugely popular destination for tourists to the Peak District.

Derbyshire and the Peak District

Derbyshire and the Peak District often mean much the same thing in peoples minds – a beautiful area, a place for relaxing holidays and happy days out.  Below you’ll find lots of information and links for the area, and whilst not exhaustive we think it lists something for everyone!

Matlock and Matlock Bath

Situated on the banks of the River Derwent Matlock and Matlock Bath are two unique and interesting towns.

Matlock

Until early Victorian days Matlock was a rural hamlet working at farming and mining/quarrying. Today Matlock is a thriving market town with a variety of shops, the recently refurbished Hall Leys Park, various museums and attractions.

Matlock Bath

Set in a gorge Derbyshire’s premier resort Matlock Bath grew around its warm springs discovered in 1698 – they run at a constant temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the 19th century the town developed as a spa – apparently even Queen Victoria visited. There is much to see and do in and around Matlock and Matlock Bath. Each autumn the town holds the Venetian Nights – illuminations over and along the Derwent river, including a parade of illuminated boats.

Ashover – Village of the Year 2005

Holestone Moor Barns are situated in the picturesque parish of Ashover. Mentioned as Essovre in the 1086 Doomsday book Ashover has developed a great deal over the years. All Saints church with its 128ft spire sits in Church Street and is a well known local  landmark and dates back some 600 years with one doorway dating back to 1275.