Derbyshire Attractions

Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mills

Cromford Millis the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill and acclaimed throughout the world as being the first, complete factory system. Enjoy a guided tour, available every day.

Mill Riad, Cromford, Matlock  DE4 3RQ  Tel 01629 823256   Email

Sir Richard Arkwrights Masson Mill

Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 showpiece Masson Mills, on the River Derwem at Matlock Bath are the finest surviving and best preserved example of one of Arkwright’s cotton mills.Working Textile Museum with authentic historic working machinery. Shopping village and restaurant on site.

Derby Road, Matlock Bath DE4 3PY Tel 01629 581001

Biddulph Grange Gardens 

One of Britain’s most unusual gardens, with many surprising features. Designed in the mid-19th century by James Bateman to display specimens from his extensive and wide-ranging plant collection, the garden is set out in a series of connected ‘compartments’. Visitors are taken on a miniature tour of the world, featuring the Egyptian Court and an imitation of the Great Wall of China, as well as a pinetum, rock gardens and tunnels

Grange Road, Biddulph, ST8 7SD  Tel: 01782 517999   Email

Buxton Opera House

Exists to build on its historic success as a masterpiece of theatre architecture by presenting a high quality programme of theatre, dance, opera and music which is diverse and as accessible to all sectors of the community as possible. Also to provide a vigorous and wide-ranging outreach activity to maintain and develop the theatre as a centre of social, community and cultural life

Water Street, Buxton  SK17 6XN  Tel: 01298 72050  Email

Carsington Water

Everything you need for a great day out - and best of all most facilities are free! On site shops cater for everybody, with the Gallery Cafe for quick snacks and the Main Sail Restaurant provides a great choice of excellent food.  

Carsington, Ashbourne DE6 1ST Tel 01629 540696

Chestnut Centre Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park

Set in 50 acres of landscaped grounds within the Peak District National Park. Situated equidistant from Sheffield and Manchester you will find one of Europe’s largest gathering of multi-specied otters, owls and other indigenous wildlife.

Castleton Road, Chapel-en-Ie-Frith High Peak SK23 0QS Tel 01298 814099

Denby Pottery Centre

See how Denby is made, ’have a go’ at painting a plate, watch a free cookery demonstration in the Emporium or browse around the shops and museum. During the school holidays there are extra activities for children (see centre events) and for great bargains don’t miss the Denby Factory Shop sales throughout the year

Derby Road, Denby  DE5 8NX  Tel: 01773 740799  Email

Derwent Valley Visitor Centre (World heritage centre)

The Derwent Valley Visitor Centre is on the banks of the River Derwent in Belper. It is in the North Mill, which is one of the old mills which collectively established the Derwent Valley as the "Cradle of the Industrial Revolution". 

The original North Mill, completed by Jedediah Strutt in 1786, was destroyed by fire in 1803. The present building was erected by his son William. 

The cotton mill was the most technically advanced building of its time, incorporating an iron frame and brick arches to make the building "fire proof". 

The Belper North Mill is now recognised as one of the most important industrial buildings in the world and is a World Heritage Site.

North Mill, Bridgefoot, Belper  DE56 1YD 017373 880474

Gullivers Kingdom

From the moment you enter Gulliver’s you enter another world where your imagination can roam free. Gulliver’s Matlock Bath is nestled in a stunning hillside where much of the magic comes from the amazing scenery and views.

Let us take you away from your daily worries and concerns into a world of wonder and fantasy, where anything is possible and your imagination is inspired. From the Alpine joys of Little Switzerland, the escape from reality on Fantasy Terrace to high noon in Western World. Enjoy all the magic of Lilliput Land and then step back in time to Palais Royale.

Temple Walk  Matlock  DE4 3PG  Tel: 01629 580540

Heights of Abraham

Unique hill top park above dramatic limestone gorge amid graet natural beauty. Ride high above the Derwent Valley in a cable car. Two famous show caverns, exhibition and play areas. Café and gift shop

Matlock Bath,  Matlock, DE4 3PD  Tel: 01629 582365  Email

Lea Gardens

Beautifully situated gardens specialising in rhododendrons, azalaeas and alpines, that also enjoys a small, certified caravan setting close to the famous gardens and teashop in a tree-lined, mown field with excellent views.

Long Lane, Lea, Matlock,  DE4 5GH  Tel: 01629  534380

Newfields Gallery

Finely detailed relief ceramics, jewellery, plaques £8 - £100, intricately carved oak panels from £300 Designer/makers Roger Sutton, Gail Keep.

Newfields, Foxt, Nr Froghall ST10 2HS  Tel 01538 266334

New Mills Heritage and Information Centre

For young visitors there is a reconstruction of a coal mine tunnel to crawl through.

A magnificent model of the town in 1884 - the year in which the Union Road high level bridge over the Torrs was built - with an accompanying commentary, describes the growth of industrial New Mills. The later growth of engraving and printing industries and development of New Mills as a town and community are also described

Rock Mill Lane, High Peaks SK22 3BN  Tel: 01663 746904 

Peak Cavern

A spectacular cavern containing historic rope works inside Britain’s largest cave entrance. Come and discover why it is called "The Devil’s Arse!"

Castleton S33 8WA  Tel 01433 620285   Email

Poole’s Cavern & Country Park

Derbyshire’s most spectacular natural show cave, described as "The First Wonder of the Peak". tours, illuminated crystal formations and Derbyshire’s largest stalactite. Woodland trails with Interactive ’virtual tour’ Visitor Centre exhibition for disabled visitors.

Green Lane, Buxton SK17 9DH  Tel 01298 26978   Email

Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre

Employing about 300 people and manufactures the highest quality English Fine Bone China at its factory on a 4½ acre site in Derby. The visiotr centre provides factory tours, demonstrations, museum, factory shop and restaurant

Osmaston Road, Derby, DE23 8JZ  Tel:  01322 712 800  Email

Speedwell Cavern

Cavern - take an incredible journey by boat through the underground flooded workings of an century lead mine.

Castleton. Hope Valley S33 8WA Tel 01433 620285    Email

The Threshing Barn

A 17th Century farm offers a stunning venue for day craft courses, children’s holiday workshops and parties. Visitors welcome to browse. Inspirational selection of crafts and materials for sale.

Lower Lady Meadows Farm Bradnop, Leek, Bradnop ST13 7EZ Tel 01538 304494  Email

Trak Cliff Cavern

Visit an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, rocks, minerals and fossils. Home of the unique mineral Blue John stone, including the largest piece ever found - stili in situ. Events through out the year Accessibility Information leaflet available.

Buxton Road, Castleton Hope Valley S33 8WP Tel 01433 620571   Email

Losehill Hall

Kaken over by the Youth Hostelling Association in  January 2011 but with no web presence so far. You will be able to experience the Peak District National Park and learn about its birds, wildflowers and geology or why not try  landscape painting or botanical illustration. A beautiful setting for special interest holidays.

Peak District National Park Study Centre, Castleton. Hope Valley, S33 8WB  Tel 01433 620373 Email