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an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
For the finest Blue John jewellery
SINCE 1977
Take a piece of the Peak District home with you
ASD Jewellers is an independent family business formed in 1977. We are based in Castleton in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England. This village is home to the only known deposit of the beautiful mineral, Blue John. The stone was mined in Castleton nearly two thousand years ago by the Romans, who recognised it for its beauty.
Today, ASD Jewellers produce a range of stunning jewellery, incorporating this enchanting mineral. ASD Jewellers design and produce all jewellery on the premises and now boast the largest collection of Blue John jewellery in the world. Inspiration for the styles stem from a great number of sources resulting in an extensive range which includes both traditional and contemporary designs available in 18ct, 9ct, yellow, rose or white gold and sterling silver.
Although ASD Jewellers specialises in Blue John jewellery we have an extensive range of other gemstones available. These original and beautiful pieces can be purchased in many different ways – direct, on the internet, by post or by telephone or, alternatively, from our retail outlet in Castleton, which is open seven days a week, all year round. We are conveniently situated opposite the main car park and information centre.
THE ISLAND, CASTLETON, HOPE VALLEY, DERBYSHIRE S33 8WN
01433 620964 sales@asd-jewellers.co.uk
www.asd-jewellers.co.uk
Eating out ...........................
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Derbyshire and the Peak District is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
Weekender
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Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break.
Culture Club ......................
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Culture vultures assemble! This region offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.
After dark
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The night-time economy is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and music venues.
Time to explore.................
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Although Derbyshire and the Peak District has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
This wonderful city draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Welcome to Derbyshire and the Peak District and may we congratulate you on your great taste in destinations! We are so glad you chose to visit this wonderful place and we know you’ll be thinking the same by the end of your stay.
From caverns and country houses to bike trails and beauty spots, this region is enriched with heritage and things to see and do. Our charming towns and villages are home to a superb variety of shops, restaurants, cafés and tea rooms and many of them champion local produce from nearby farms and shops or drinks from local breweries and distilleries.
Home to Chatsworth House and the World Heritage Derwent Valley Mills, the Peak District has thousands of stories to tell and an abundance of attractions where you can learn all about the area’s history.
Prefer the outdoors over indoors? Well, we can cater for you too, of course! Our rolling hills and breathtaking backdrops are what we’re famous for! Choose from hiking, caving, climbing, cycling, weaselling or even abseiling around our extraordinary natural landscapes.
However you like to spend your time, there really is something for everyone to enjoy here. Just make sure that you stay long enough to fit it all in! We’ve got an abundance of accommodation options including cosy B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels, rustic log cabins and more, all waiting to give you a warm, Derbyshire welcome.
For more information, or for ideas and inspiration and a place to stay, visit our website, visitpeakdistrict.com, and share your pictures of your getaway with us using the hashtag #UniqueDistrict. Enjoy your stay and make sure you come back to visit soon! ■
Derby Silk Mill, a museum of industry and history, is located on the World Heritage site of Lombe’s Mill
STEAM TRAIN DINING
CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY
The picturesque landscape of the Churnet Valley can be enjoyed best on train and by foot. Each ticket on our railway allows you to travel the 22-mile round trip to Ipstones and back, where you can hop on and hop off at Froghall, Consall or Cheddleton along the way. For a sit down dinner, consider our Moorlander Dining Train, which combines our unique journey with a delicious meal created by our on-board chefs.
Churnet Valley Railway, Near Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands
We are North East Derbyshire
North East Derbyshire District Council
www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01246 231111
Foodies
Discover North East Derbyshire
With its stunning countryside, award-winning attractions, and unique places to eat and drink, North East Derbyshire offers something for everyone.
The district’s four main towns are linked by picturesque villages surrounded by hills and fields, with pockets of woodland and water creating a charming backdrop to your visit.
Start your stay in one of over 250 types of accommodation, from modern barn conversions and pretty cottages to hotels and glamping sites.
Once you’ve picked your perfect base, get out and explore!
We have some incredible attractions for all tastes:
Animal lovers
Fun-filled adventures for all ages can be found at nearby award-winning Matlock Farm Park.
Feed the meerkats, walk an alpaca or ride a horse.
The park has some fantastic facilities to enjoy, including play areas, a café and gift shop.
Foodies will appreciate Our Food and Drink Trail, which highlights the very best the district has to offer, whether it’s a quick cuppa, a formal dinner or some amazing produce to take home with you.
Try locally produced wine, honey, beer, liqueurs, meat, cakes and more!
History buffs
History buffs will love to visit the district’s country homes, such as Renishaw Hall and Sutton Scarsdale Hall.
At Renishaw, enjoy a guided tour of the hall and vineyard, visit the Sitwell Museum, explore the award-winning Italianate gardens, then pop into the café for a well-deserved treat.
Sutton Scarsdale Hall, a shell of a Georgian mansion, is also open to visitors.
Looking for a hidden gem? Visit Barbrook Stone Circle, with links to the bronze age.
Keep-fit enthusiasts
Each of our four towns has a leisure centre, offering an array of classes and activities to take part in.
More information about what is available at each centre can be found on our website –www.justdomore.co.uk
Nature lovers
Grassmoor Country Park sits at the northern end of the Five Pits Trail.
It’s a great place for walking, cycling, horse riding, wildlife spotting and picnics and now includes a new circular route.
If you are lucky, you might see a water vole or grass snake, as well as butterflies, voles, field mice and birds.
Shoppers
Small independent shops are scattered throughout the district, where you can find something just a little bit different.
Lovely little gift and craft shops and quirky cafes, as well as some of the better-known high street retailers.
Head into our town centres – Dronfield, Eckington, Killamarsh and Clay Cross – and see what you can discover.
Walkers
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, we have walks aplenty! All of these are set in breath-taking countryside, such as Linacre Reservoirs and Ashover village. Walking trails are spread out across the district, with many historical features to discover on the way.
Interested in finding out more about what North East Derbyshire has to offer, including events taking place throughout the year? Just scan the QR code and start your journey today!
Pictured: Swimming pools at Dronfield Active
Pictured: Grassmoor Country Park
Pictured: Sette Coffee in Clay Cross
Pictured: Ashover Rock
Derbyshire and the Peak District offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or adrenaline junkie, Derbyshire and the Peak District deliver a top day out. So pull on those walking boots, get out into the countryside and prime your camera for some serious photo-ops. With all those brooding hills and country houses you’ll be seriously spoilt for choice.
You might have come to Derbyshire and the Peak District for its natural beauty, but don’t forget to explore its cultural highlights too. This fascinating county is full of history, from elegant country houses to remnants of the industrial revolution. A visit to this region isn’t complete without seeing Chatsworth House. Made internationally famous thanks
A visit to this region isn’t complete without Chatsworth House
to its many film and TV appearances, this grand pile has been passed down through 16 generations of the Devonshire family and is renowned for its architecture, gardens, art and décor. Most impressive is the art collection, which includes everything from ancient Roman sculpture to Rembrandts to work by modern painters such as Lucian Freud. The 105-acre gardens include a farm, adventure play area, woods and plenty of places to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.
For more architectural kicks check out Haddon Hall – a magnificent example of a fortified manor house. Visitors can immerse themselves in 900 years of history, art and craftsmanship and stroll around the l
Animal lovers can be any age, so come along to award winning Matlock Farm Park to enjoy a day of meeting, feeding and petting a whole range of friendly animals!
Join in with guided activities, such as a meerkat talk and feed, wallaby encounter, small animal petting, a mini sheep walk or even have a bet on a sheep or ferret race*. In Spring and Summer see newborns and join in with our 'Meet the Kids' and view lamb bottle feeding. With super play areas for the children too, such as the indoor Rainforest playcentre, the multi-zone Enchanted Hamlet and the UK’s largest jumping pillow, there’s always plenty to do.
*Running weekends & school holidays - excludes Winter months. See website listings.
• Horse riding school offering lessons and treks**
• Short children's pony rides from 2.5 years
• Alpaca trekking***
• Licensed cafe and take-away outlets
• Special day events and seasonal events
• Accessible farm park, with Changing Places facility
• Groups, birthday parties and schools accommodated
• Corporate/meeting facilities
**all abilities from 4 years plus - must be pre-booked *** pre-book only
For further information: matlockfarmpark.co.uk info@matlockfarmpark.co.uk 01246 590200
Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH
WELCOME TO
Chesterfield is famous for the iconic ‘Crooked Spire’ of its parish church which leans more than nine feet from its true centre. Whichever way you turn your eye, it always seems to stand awry.
Learn about the history of this fascinating landmark and the legends that surround it whilst taking a tour up the tower… see for yourself how the spire ‘twists’ and step outside to catch the best views around.
The town’s open air market is held every Monday, Friday and Saturday and has been trading for over 800 years and hosts a range of speciality markets:
Flea Market every Thursday
Vegan Market, first Sunday of every other month
Record Fair, second Sunday of the month
Artisan Market, last Sunday of the month
The grade II listed Market Hall is also home to some of the finest independent shops in the area selling everything from craft supplies to luxury clothing.
Grab a bite to eat in one of our many restaurants and a coffee in our quaint tearooms or stop by the Games Quarter to enjoy retro arcade games and escape rooms.
The historic Winding Wheel Theatre also hosts a diverse programme of events including West End musicals, stand-up comedy and music concerts.
For more information on places to stay, eat and drink, things to see and do and how to make the most of your time in the area see:
www.visitchesterfield.info
Pictured bottom to top: Chesterfield Market and Market Hall, Que en’s Park
‘Puffin’ Billy’ train and the ‘Crooked Spire’.
WHAT’S ON IN
Chesterfield is home to a whole host of entertainment options and events, including festivals, shows and celebrations.
Whether you head to Barrow Hill Roundhouse to see the last surviving locomotive turntable in the UK or to enjoy their themed events and shows you will be in for a treat. Don’t forget about their Rail Ale Festival taking place in May 2025.
Upcoming highlights at the Winding Wheel Theatre include Peter Andre in the Best of Frankie Valli, Craig Revel Horwood’s Fab-U-Lous and Showaddywaddy. It’s also a hotspot for stand-up, with the likes of Chris McCausland, Jack Dee, Harry Hill and Omid Djalili all set to take to the stage this year.
If spending time in the great outdoors is more for you, Chesterfield has plenty of stunning nature spots to explore, including Linacre reservoir, Queen’s Park and the Cuckoo Way towpath alongside the tranquil canal.
Our weekly and specialty markets are continuing to trade whilst we work on rejuvenating our town centre and the Stephenson Memorial Hall building, find out more about this work by visiting:
Pictured top left, top middle, top right and left: Linacre Rese rvoir, 1940s market , WInding Wheel Theatre and Barrow Hill Roundhouse.
cascading Tudor gardens, enjoying uninterrupted views of the Peak District.
Bolsover Castle is a hotspot for history buffs and Instagrammers alike. A 17th-century aristocratic retreat, the castle sits on a ridge about the Vale of Scarsdale. There are no barriers inside the ‘Little Castle’ – and it’s open for exploration. A café offers food and drink to fuel you for a wall walk – circular walls encompass the garden, allowing panoramic views of Bolsover Castle grounds and beyond.
Resting place
Trainspotters, get down to Chesterfield! It’s the resting place of the father of the railways, George Stephenson, who died in there in 1848 and is buried in the town’s Holy Trinity Church. His grave sits in a vault behind the communion table, marked merely by a rough slab of Derbyshire stone flooring, on which appears the simple marking ‘G S 1848’.
George Stephenson’s legacy lives on in the town: his statue stands outside Chesterfield station; you can meet him in the town’s museum; and streets and buildings bear his name. Just four miles outside of Chesterfield town centre you’ll find Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the UK’s last surviving and fully restored train turntable.
The Great British Car Journey is packed
full of British classic cars, from Rolls Royces, Reliant Robins and Minis to Austin Sevens, Ford Capris and Morris Minors. Visitors are guided around the exhibition with a handheld audio-visual device, which tells the story of British motor manufacturing and design from the 1930s. You can even drive some of the classic cars on a private road.
Got a thing for vintage trams? Travel back to the early 1900s at Crich Tramway Village and you can ride the rails through the unique period street and out into the open l
L Crich Tramway Village, Matlock I Bolsover Castle, the Vale of Scarsdale
Whether you have a few hours or want a full day out, visit the home of Denby Pottery for a wealth of family friendly activities. Along with a wide selection of shops and food outlets, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at our fully accessible visitor centre.
EAT
Bourne’s Coffee Shop & Bistro has tasty home cooked breakfasts, lunch drinks and afternoon tea. Or grab a lighter bite in The Farm Shop Café & Takeaway.
SHOP
Denby in every pattern, gifts and homeware with savings up to 60% off RRP. Visit the specialist Cookshop, Gift Shop, Garden Stall and Koi Ponds. Stock up on delicious Derbyshire foods in the Farm Shop, Butchers & Deli.
EXPERIENCE PACKAGES
Book a Denby Experience with activities for all ages. Go on a Denby Pottery Tour or visit the Denby Museum. Get creative in the Craft Studio with a Pottery Throwing Experience, Clay Workshop or Pottery Painting.
For more information and to book your experience visit: denbypottery.digitickets.co.uk/tickets,scan the QR code or visit denbypotteryvillage.com
For on the day visits, call Tours Reception: 01773 740 799 between 10am and 4pm
DENBY POTTERY VILLAGE
Derby Road, Denby, Derbyshire DE5 8NX Open Every Day Mon to Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY
cafés, shops, tours and events. Explore our heritage, embrace nature and enjoy our hospitality.
Visit Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mills and surrounding area for a full day out.
Built in 1771 to house the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill, Cromford Mills became the birthplace of the modern factory system. Grade 1 listed and the Northern Gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cromford Mills has something for everyone – indoors and out.
Cromford Mills is home to two cafes, a variety of independent shops, a visitor centre and the Arkwright Experience. It’s a dog-friendly site and welcomes well behaved dogs.
Find out more about Cromford Mills and upcoming events on our website. Visit cromfordmills.org.uk
The Arkwright Society is a registered charity (no. 515526) concerned with education and the conservation of industrial heritage.
Visit Belper, part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia Abounds at Crich Tramway Village, Great British Car Journey, and Midland Railway — Butterley.
Climb
Visit Belper, part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Climb The tower of a working windmill at Heage Windmill and watch the sails go around on a windy day.
Admire Magnificent Kedleston Hall, Wingfield Manor and glorious Lea Gardens.
Nostalgia Abounds at Crich Tramway Village, Great British Car Journey, and Midland Railway — Butterley.
Admire Magnificent Kedleston Hall, Wingfield Manor and glorious Lea Gardens.
Discover
Climb The tower of a working windmill at Heage Windmill and watch the sails go around on a windy day.
Discover The beauty of the National Heritage Corridor® by walking the Derwent Valley Heritage Way.
Admire Magnificent Kedleston Hall, Wingfield Manor and glorious Lea Gardens.
Relax In the splendid setting of Belper River Gardens or hire a boat to take up stream throughout the summer.
Tour
Discover The beauty of the National Heritage Corridor® by walking the Derwent Valley Heritage Way.
Tour Denby Pottery Village and look for bargains on our Individual Factory Shops Trail.
Relax In the splendid setting of Belper River Gardens or hire a boat to take up stream throughout the summer.
Tour Denby Pottery Village and look for bargains on our Individual Factory Shops Trail.
For more information…
[ E ] tourism@ambervalley.gov.uk www.visitambervalley.com
Tourism, Amber Valley Borough Council, Town Hall, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3BT [ T ] 01773 841485 [ E ] tourism@ambervalley.gov.uk www.visitambervalley.com
Discover Strutt’s Belper
Come and explore Belper and join our guided walks to find out how Jedediah Strutt helped introduce mechanised cotton spinning to the Derwent Valley, sparking the Industrial Revolution, and transforming Belper into the world’s first cotton mill town.
For further information take a look at www.belpernorthmill.org.uk
www.heagewindmill.org.uk Open: Saturdays and Sundays April — October (flour normally available)
Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton invites you to come and join us underground.
The self-guided audio tour will explain how Blue John Stone was formed, miners in the 1750s constructed a tunnel using only hand tools to reach the Blue John Stone deposits within the hill, and you will see incredible veins of the stone across the cavern roof and hear about the recent discovery of the ‘lost vein’ of Blue John Stone that had been hidden for almost 70 years.
The tour descends deeper into the hill where you will experience the water worn chambers of natural limestone cavern formations. Multi-coloured flowstone adorns the walls of Aladdin’s Cave. We also have some of the finest stalactites in the Peak District that decorate Fairyland and the Dream Cave. The most famous formation being “The Stork”.
Treak Cliff Cavern continues to mine, process, and manufacture ornamental items and jewellery from Blue John Stone in our on-site workshop.
Visitors can also purchase a slice of Blue John Stone and with the assistance of the craftsmen polish it into a beautiful souvenir to take home.
Available during Derbyshire school holidays dates.
Refreshments are available from 10am -4pm including tea and coffee made with mineral water collected from the cavern and our own Treak Cliff Cavern pale ale.
Dogs on leads are welcome at Treak Cliff Cavern. Prebooking online is recommended at
countryside. You can also watch as trams are restored from the workshop viewing gallery in the National Tramway Museum. From the horse-powered trams of the 1860s to the electric-powered trams of the 1960s, this attraction showcases an entire century of tramway travel.
Another must-see attraction for history buffs is Cromford Mills, a free-to-enter UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill, built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright, and discover the captivating story of how the Derwent Valley changed the world with the growth of the British cotton industry.
Heights of Abraham
Matlock Bath is a former Victorian spa town –but it almost feels as if you’re by the sea rather than on the banks of the River Derwent. The place is full of fish and chip shops, candy floss, amusement arcades and ice cream parlours. It even has an aquarium!
Matlock Bath is also home to the Heights of Abraham, the oldest public tourist attraction in Derbyshire and originally commissioned as a pleasure ground in 1780. Originally, visitors had to wind their way up the steep paths and steps in order to admire the beautiful vista at the summit. These days
you can just hop on a cable car.
At the summit, you’ll also find the Great Masson and Rutland Caverns. You can enjoy a guided tour underground and learn what a day in the life of a 17th-century lead mining family was like as they worked tirelessly extracting the metal. There are also fossil exhibitions, and the Tinker’s Shaft viewing point allows you to enjoy the stunning views.
Over in the elegant spa town of Buxton, the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience tells the stories of Buxton, The Crescent, its famous l
L Tinker’s Shaft viewing point I Cromford Mills, Matlock
BOLD, BEAUTIFUL AND BRIMMING WITH POTENTIAL
The Bolsover area is made up of beautiful scenic landscapes nestled between t he Peak District National Park and Sherwood Forest . It has fantastic visitor attractions, such as Bolsover Castle (English Heritage) and Creswell Crags – offering caves, gorge and museum ; or nearby such as Chatsworth House ; the seat of the Duke of Devonshire renowned for its art, landscape and hospitality. Without wandering far you can enjoy Hardwick Hall (National Trust) , a breathtaking Elizabethan country house built in the renaissance style or Clumber Park , with nearly 4,000 acres of stunning parkland and woods. The whole family can enjoy The Dukeries within Sherwood Forest and you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Welbeck Estate , one of the great traditional estates with its thriving artisan food offering and great accessible walks.
Known for its picturesque setting and rich history, Bolsover offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore its breathtaking surroundings through a wealth of cycle routes and trails, making it a fantastic spot for active travel and outdoor pursuits. Escape and recharge on the Archaeological Way, Stockley Trail or Poulter Country Park.
There is also easy access from Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby with M1 access to the area between junctions 28-30 and close proximity to airports, train stations and EV charging hubs. If you want a change of scenery, a bite to eat and some retail therapy, visit East Midlands Designer Outlet, packed with big brands, and world-class shopping.
Visit Bolsover and take a moment to appreciate the local independent businesses that help make Bolsover a remarkable place to explore! Don’t miss Bolsover town events, happening in and around the centre and at Bolsover Castle throughout the year, including the popular Artisan Markets and Lantern Parade !
Find out more: bolsover-uk.com
www.tramway.co.uk
A great day out for all the family
Come along and be transported back in time with our authentic village street. Experience the gentle rumble of trams passing by while you soak up the atmosphere. Whatever the weather, enjoy a fabulous day out packed with excitement, adventure, electric tram rides and a little learning along the way.
Exhibitions • Woodland walk • Sculpture trail • Outdoor playground Family activities • Cafe • Refreshments • Shops SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAMME – SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
LOCATED NEAR MATLOCK AND ONLY 8 MILES FROM M1 JCT 28 *excludes the World War II/1940s events. Please see website for full details. facebook.com/CrichTramwayVillage @CrichTramway
Laid back shopping in the heart of the Peak District
Enjoy workshops, children’s crafts, and artisan markets
Discover the nature reserve and year-round events
Free parking and dogs welcome
Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire DE4 2JE
www.peakvillage.co.uk
water and the many people who came to seek its cure. An all-weather boutique attraction it’s the perfect starting point for anyone visiting or learning about the town.
The Buxton Visitor Centre is set in the elegant Grade 2-listed Pump Room and has a year-round evening events programme, as well as a shop selling gorgeous gifts, local products, stationery and cards inspired by the Crescent and Buxton’s spa heritage.
Outdoor adventurers
The Peak District and Derbyshire are a natural playground primed for outdoor adventurers. Love walking and cycling? There are routes for all ages and abilities. Fancy something a little more challenging? There’s plenty of climbing and caving. Or you could take to the Rivers Wye and Derwent by canoe or kayak.
A trip on a steam train is a fantastic way to experience Derbyshire’s stunning countryside. At Midland Railway in Butterley, near Ripley, heritage train rides transport you to a bygone era, and after you’re done you (and the kids) can blow off some steam at the children’s playground and country park.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway runs from Wirksworth to Duffield, while Churnet Valley Railway lies just over the county border in
Staffordshire. It offers a nostalgic steam train ride through Staffordshire’s hidden valley, and into the Staffordshire Moorlands that lie on the outskirts of the Peak District.
From high above the valley to deep below the Peak District, Derbyshire’s many caverns and caves are a must-see on any visit!
The most famous is the Blue John Cavern in Castleton, which takes its name from the semi-precious mineral Blue John, which is still mined and made locally into jewellery. The miners who work the remainin l
L Canoeing in the River Derwent I Churnet Valley Railway
Cycle the Dales...
After cycling through glorious countryside with superb views give yourself time to explore a traditional market town and enjoy delicious foOd and drink.
Bakewell...
Gourmet heaven on the Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail, once a railway line, passes through the former station on the edge of Bakewell. So if you’re cycling on the Trail don’t miss this lovely town on the banks of the River Wye. With several traditional pubs and a wide choice of cafes, and take-aways, there is an unrivalled choice of places to eat and drink.There are cycle racks to secure your bike at the Agricultural Business Centre and on Granby Road; as well as a cycle hire centre at nearby Hassop station. Don’t miss the Visitor Centre in the old market hall, where you can pick up free copies of guides to the town and surrounding
Ashbourne...
Georgian town on the Tissington Trail
Tissington Trail this pretty Georgian market town.There are a wealth of cafes and tearooms where you can restore your energy and don’t forget to take home some delicious Ashbourne gingerbread! Explore the cobbled market place and picturesque ‘yards’ in the town and discover independent shops specialising in antiques, fashion and food. Cycle hire centres at both ends of the Trail (Ashbourne and Parsley Hay) offer a wide range of bikes to hire.
Matlock...
Spa town on the White Peak Loop
A new cycle path from Rowsley to Matlock, following the River lovely river valley. The presence of thermal springs brought the early tourists to Matlock, today it’s the interesting shops, quality cafes and restaurants, beautiful parks and riverside walks that draw visitors. Crown Square lies at the centre of the town, where traditional shops are complemented by independent retailers selling jewellery, clothing, food and gifts. Enjoy food and drink in one of the many cafes and restaurants and don’t miss the vintage and antiques emporia on Dale Road or a stroll through lovely Hall Lees Park.
Wirksworth & Cromford...
Heritage gems near the High Peak Trail
town of Wirksworth. Don’t miss the superb Norman church or the narrow winding alleys crowded with tiny cottages from the days when the town was the centre of a lead mining industry. The southern end of the Trail at High Peak Junction is just a 5 minute cycle ride into Cromford, now part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Railway stations at Wirksworth and Cromford give easy access from Derby and there is a cycle hire centre at Middleton Top near Wirksworth.
White Peak Distillery
Taste the true spirit of Derbyshire. Experience the unique, sensory atmosphere of an authentic working craft distillery. Join us on a tour and discover our awardwinning spirits including Wire Works Whisky, Shining Cliff Gin and White Peak Rum.
White Peak Distillery is located on the banks of the River Derwent, on the edge of Shining Cliff Woods. The Victorian buildings were once part of the former Johnson and Nephew Wire Works, which opened in the 1870s, and this industrial heritage has been restored to house the Distillery.
The Distillery is built on the tradition of the copper pot stills, whilst emphasising a progressive, new direction; using live yeast blends with links to Derbyshire’s brewing heritage to create truly unique flavour in our Wire Works single malt whisky.
We offer visitors an in-depth Tour where our distillers take you behind the scenes in our Still House and in our cask storage areas, to see how we make, mature and bottle Wire Works Single Malt Whisky, Shining Cliff Gin and White Peak Rum. Then it’s back to the tasting room to sample a range of craft spirits.
Visit the distillery shop and take the flavour of the Peak District home with. ■
A great day out for all of the family with lots to see and do. Heritage train rides transport you to a bygone era. Explore the Swanwick Junction complex, the demonstration signal box, a Victorian railwayman’s church and much more.
Plus there are narrow gauge, miniature and model railways, shops, buffets, children’s playground and country park.
seams are also the guides for underground public tours.
Nearby Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton is also famous for its unique and large deposits of Blue John stone and houses some of the most beautiful cave formations found in the UK. Take a self-guided audio tour, enjoy the amazing views across the Hope Valley, browse the gift shop and enjoy refreshments in the newly refurbished visitor centre, café and picnic areas.
Underground canal
The third of the show caves in this area, Speedwell Cavern, can be explored by boat. Descend the 105 steps from the almost hidden cave entrance to the landing stage of an underground canal.
From here, you’ll glide quietly through the 200-year-old lead mine, 200 metres below the surface of the hill, before entering a magnificent cathedral-like cavern containing the awesome Bottomless Pit – a huge subterranean lake.
Just outside the historic spa town of Buxton is Poole’s Cavern – an ancient natural limestone cave complex set in Buxton Country Park. Explore vast, beautifully illuminated rock-sculpted galleries with expert guides, and marvel at the wide variety of crystal
stalactites and stalagmites.
Within Buxton Country Park, you’ll also find Go Ape – a high rope course offering incredible views of the Peak District. Thrilling zip wires, Tarzan swings and challenging crossings make it a great attraction for families with children aged 10 and over.
If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the chance to walk with alpacas. Brackenfield Alpacas offers the ultimate alpaca experience, where you can walk, feed and even groom their wonderful alpaca family. l
L Hope Valley at Bamford Edge, Castleton I Poole’s Cavern, Buxton
The Foxfield Railway runs from its Caverswall Road Station in Blythe Bridge and offers steam train rides through the rural Staffordshire Moorlands every Sunday and school holiday from Easter to October.
Visit our locomotive display area and learn about the history of steam in the local area or head to our station buffet for a bite to eat before boarding your train for a trip through stunning Staffordshire scenery. On dates throughout the year, we run special events including vehicle rallies, steam festival weekends and even play host to Father Christmas during December.
Check out our website today! www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk
Explore the finest example of an Elizabethan Prodigy House deemed ‘more glass than wall’ and designed by the formidable Bess of Hardwick. With an impressive collection of 16th century tapestries, spend your day admiring the craftmanship of these textiles or explore the formal garden and the Grade 1 listed parkland.
Calke Abbey
With peeling wallpaper and faded glasshouses, Calke Abbey portrays the decline of a country house estate. Step inside the house and discover the story of the Harpur Crewe family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures.
Explore vibrant and productive gardens or discover Calke’s ancient parkland on a walk or bike ride
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, DE73 7JF
Staunton Harold
Staunton Harold, Derbyshire, DE73 8DN
Staunton Harold is a countryside gem. Admire the Tower Windmill, which dominates the skyline, and enjoy peaceful walks. Soak up spectacular wildflower meadows or explore further afield on a walk to neighbouring property, Calke Abbey. Refuel with light refreshments in the dog-friendly café or picnic in the great outdoors.
Foremark, Derbyshire, DE65 6EG
Nestled in the rolling Derbyshire countryside, Foremark is a haven for nature and people alike. This 230-acre nature reserve is home to diverse wildlife and is one of the last patches of lowland heath in Derbyshire. Enjoy woodland walks, picnics in nature, family games in open space and playground adventures.
Longshaw
Foremark
Longshaw, Derbyshire, S11 7TZ
Sitting within the Peak District National Park and on the edge of Sheffield, Longshaw is an ideal place to discover spectacular views, for watching wildlife and for a choice of wonderful walks through ancient woods, around gritstone crags and over heather moorland. Don’t forget to visit the award-winning café on your next trip!
Ilam Park, Staffordshire, DE6 2AZ
Explore gardens and parkland to discover natural beauty which has inspired artists for centuries. There are plenty of places for families to walk and play. Enjoy the far-reaching views over to Thorpe Cloud as you sit in the Italian Gardens or enjoy delicious food and drink from the tea-room.
Ilam Park
Plan your visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire
NATIONAL Stone Centre
The National Stone Centre is a 40-acre site on the edge of the Peak District featuring 330 million year old geological formations and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for geology. Set on the site of six former limestone quarries, it is a unique space to explore a beautiful natural landscape. Indoor and outdoor activities are available year round. The Quarry Café serves delicious home cooked food made with local produce and the Rock Shop offers a range of crystals, minerals and gifts.
Educational facilities
• Parking
• Café
• Gift Shop
• Gem panning
• Craft Courses
• Venue hire
Carsington Water is located within a country park, which has fantastic open spaces
If watersports are your thing, head to Carsington Water near Ashbourne for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, powerboating and fly fishing on the reservoir. Carsington Water is located within a country park, which has fantastic open spaces and is perfect for a family day out.
If you’re in the mood for a good oldfashioned splash around, then look no
further than the pretty village of Hathersage in the Peak District, where there’s a fantastic open-air swimming pool. Dating back to 1936, this 100ft pool continues to be enjoyed by thousands of people every year.
Whether you’re an outdoorsy type, a history buff, a thrill seeker or just enjoying a break with the kids, you’ll find plenty to explore in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Just pack a sense of adventure! ■
Hathersage Moor, the Peak District
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque region
1
Hit the shops
The towns of Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock, Chesterfield and Ashbourne are bustling with independent shops full of unique gifts, jewellery, fashion and home furnishings. Take advantage of one of the biggest openair markets in the country in Chesterfield, or head for the high-street names in Derby city centre.
2
Sample the local produce
Derbyshire’s local produce is guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling. The county is home to the worldfamous Bakewell Pudding, Derbyshire oatcakes and blue cheeses amongst other foodie delights. For a local tipple, try White Peak Distillery’s creative range of hand-crafted spirits and beer lovers won’t be disappointed with a Brampton Brewery brew either.
3
The Peak District I Venture into the breathtaking expanse of the Peak District National Park, a haven of natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Explore enchanting dales, rugged moorlands, and rolling hills. Immerse yourself in charming villages, witness ancient stone circles, and relish outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. A picturesque escape awaits.
4
Tour the Plague Village
Discover the fascinating yet tragic story of the village of Eyam which was struck by the bubonic plague in 1665. The village took the remarkable and selfless step of quarantining itself. The Plague in Eyam raged for 14 months and claimed the lives of at least 260 villagers. Today, the Plague is remembered in the village’s own museum and many of the original houses still stand bearing Blue Plaques.
5
Walking the Dovedale stepping stones k Don’t forget your selfie stick when you visit the 158-acre Ilam Country Park. You can enjoy a 50-minute walk and discover the ancient rocks, formed by the accumulation of dead sea creatures more than 350 million years ago, before braving the Dovedale stepping stones across the River Dove.
6
Visit Chatsworth Chatsworth House, celebrated for its exceptional art, landscape, and hospitality, has evolved over centuries to embody the tastes and passions of successive generations. The extensive art collection here spans 4,000 years, featuring ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures, Rembrandt, Reynolds, Veronese masterpieces, and contemporary works
by Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal, and David Nash. Discover over 25 rooms, including the grand Painted Hall, majestic State Rooms, restored Sketch Galleries, and exquisite Sculpture Gallery.
7
Bolsover Castle
Not for the faint-hearted, this English Heritage castle has been named one of the most haunted sites in England, causing some staff to even resign after
their experiences. Some lucky (or some would say unlucky) visitors can even experience the apparition of the deceased Sir Charles Cavendish, proprietor of the property back in the 16th century.
8
Climb the Crooked Spire
Visit Chesterfield’s iconic landmark and climb to the top of the largest church in Derbyshire. Climb the steps to the top of the church and look down over Chesterfield and the surrounding area from the top of the spire which now leans 9.5ft from its true centre.
9
Ladybower Reservoir was the practice ground for Operation Chastise during World War II
Delight in the Dambusters I A must for any history enthusiast, Ladybower Reservoir was the practice ground for Operation Chastise during World War II. A special squadron of
Lancaster bombers used Ladybower as their practice runs to choreograph the dangerous and nearimpossible task of lowlevel flying at night, to attack the Möhne, Edersee and Sorpe dams in Germany with Barnes Wallis’ bouncing bomb.
10
Visit the caverns
Take a tour deep underground at Castleton’s caverns. Marvel at the stalactites hanging precariously from the cavern roof and explore the years of mining history that have taken place deep below the peaks and villages. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love this region for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
When it comes to shopping in Derbyshire and the Peak District, it’s independent retailers that rule the roost. Yes, you can get your highstreet shopping fix. But you shouldn’t ignore all the passionate food producers, market stall holders, jewellers and boutique owners who make the region’s shopping districts so dynamic and diverse.
Whether you’re looking to splash out on some jewellery, pick up a one-off outfit or work out your credit card at a local mall, you’ll find plenty to suit you in Derbyshire and the Peak District. So get out there and
The food producers, market stall holders & boutique owners make the shopping so diverse
get shopping!
If you’re after high-street favourites you’ll find Marks & Spencer, H&M and Boots, based in Chesterfield’s Vicar Lane and Pavements Shopping Centre, but it’s the independent shops that make Chesterfield’s shopping districts really sing.
Right next to the famous Chesterfield Market is a collection of narrow medieval streets known as the Shambles, where you’ll find quirky, unique boutiques crammed full of beautiful things.
There’s award-winning Adorn Jewellers,
as well as clothes shops Dava, Dotique and Blanc & Blanc Occasions, where you’ll always find something special, whether you’re after a casual pair of jeans or an outfit for a glam night out.
You can enjoy a relaxed shopping experience at Peak Village in Rowsley, near Bakewell where parking is free, and dogs are welcome in shops and restaurants. With a blend of national and independent retailers, you can shop a great range of fashion brands, inspiring homewares and unique gifts.
As dining is an important part of any shopping trip, you’ll be glad to note that the village has two great eateries on site, between them offering a great selection of food and drink for all tastes. Both have fantastic areas to enjoy alfresco dining in the warmer months.
Derbyshire-based fine jewellers CW Sellors have shops in both Bakewell and Matlock, as well as Ashbourne, Buxton and Chesterfield. If you’re after some wrist candy, you’re in luck. They’re one of the leading lights of the UK jewellery scene, and as well as a healthy selection of bling, they stock luxury watches from top brands from around the world.
For a special piece of Blue John jewellery make sure to visit ASD Jewellers in Castleton. ASD Jewellers design and produce all jewellery on the premises and now boast the largest collection of Blue John jewellery in the world. Inspiration for the styles stem from a great number of sources resulting in an extensive range which includes both traditional and contemporary designs available in 18ct, 9ct, yellow, rose or white gold and sterling silver. Although ASD specialises in Blue John jewellery, they have an extensive range of other gemstones available.
To the west of the Peak District, you’ll find the picturesque Georgian market town of Ashbourne, which has plenty of high-quality shops catering to the hiking and biking crowd, who come here to tackle routes including the Tissington Trail.
If you’re not in the market for hiking trousers or backpacks, peruse the rails of stylish clothing store Young Ideas, which has plenty of chic threads for both men and women, from Boss, Coach, Calvin Klein and Paul Smith, among other sought-after designers. Henmores is another must-visit for gorgeous clothing for men, women and children, including country crowd favourites Barbour, White Stuff and Joules.
For die-hard shopping fans, no visit to Derbyshire is complete without a trip to Derby city centre. With more than 140 stores, Derbion is one of the top shopping centres
in the East Midlands and it’s rammed full of stylish retailers, including River Island, New Look, Phase Eight, Zara, Moss Bros and Infinities.
Outside Derbion, the Cathedral Quarter combines a friendly atmosphere and beautiful historic surroundings with must-visit vintage stores and chic boutiques. Derby city centre is quite compact and almost completely pedestrianised, enabling you to concentrate on the task in hand – shopping.
Love to bag a bargain? Derbyshire and the Peak District are home to some excellent factory outlets, including the East Midlands Designer Outlet at South Normanton. It’s the leading designer outlet in the Midlands, where you can find all your favourite labels, including Boss, Radley, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, Gap, Converse, Superdry, Barbour and Joules. The best bit? There are price reductions of up to 60 per cent all year round. Once you’ve worn out your feet and your credit card, you can take it easy at the food court or watch the kids go wild at the children’s play area. l
L Peak Village, Matlock j Young Ideas, Ashbourne I East Midlands Designer Outlet, South Normanton
The picturesque Derbyshire town of Belper – the birthplace of the world’s ground-breaking skyscraper technology –is home to De Bradelei Shopping Village, based in a beautifully restored hosierymanufacturing mill. There’s a massive range of high-street fashion names, shoes and gifts with discounted prices, alongside current season fashions from niche and boutique designer brands.
If it’s independent shopping you’re after, get down to Belper town centre for a plethora of quirky and stylish independent shops, including beauty merchants Belle la Vie and Prestige Beauty.
Get ready to salivate! Derbyshire and the Peak District offer a huge array of tempting delis, farm shops and food markets selling goodies from local producers. If it’s gifts you’re after, you’ll find quirky boutique after quirky boutique – there’s even a gift shop in Chesterfield’s world-famous crooked spired church!
From cutlery to carpets, shirts to shoes and pans to potatoes, there’s someone selling it somewhere in Chesterfield – it’s just a matter of finding them among all the stalls packed into the town centre every Monday, Friday and Saturday, all year round.
Every Thursday, the popular Flea Market
comes to town, where you browse for bargains or maybe pick up a priceless antique in disguise. On the second Thursday of every month, the Flea Market joins with a Farmers’ Market. Find organic vegetables, rare-breed meat, fish, Derbyshire honey, home-made cakes and cheese, alongside quirky knickknacks and pre-loved treasures.
On the last Sunday of every month, Chesterfield Market Square plays host to the hugely popular Chesterfield Artisan Market, which champions ethical, local and original produce, from fine silver jewellery to hand crafted homewares to preserves.
For even more market action, get yourself to Bakewell. The Peak District town is home to the farmers’ market, which regularly attracts more than 5,000 visitors and is held under cover on the last Saturday of every month. Organised by Derbyshire Dales District Council, the hugely popular event showcases high-quality, locally made traceable produce and crafts from in and around the Peak District.
In Ashbourne there are markets every Thursday and Saturday, with an artisan food market on the second Sunday of each month. Buxton boasts the highest market in England at 1,020ft above sea level, every Tuesday and Saturday. l
Chesterfield Market
Laid back shopping in the heart of the Peak District
Browse a range of national brands and independent shops
Discover the nature reserve and year-round events
Free parking and dogs welcome
Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire DE4 2JE
www.peakvillage.co.uk
Chesterfield is a foodie dream. There’s a huge array of food and drink products on offer, such as locally brewed beer from Brampton Brewery, original Italian pasta sauces at Teresa Lambarelli’s, and teas and coffees from around the world at Northern Tea Merchants.
As well as a popular weekly indoor farmers’ market, Bakewell has a wide and interesting selection of small independent retailers. The town’s traffic-free labyrinth of narrow streets, alleyways, courtyards and arcades is home to all sort of tempting foodie shops including Wee Dram with its catalogue of over 600 whiskies from virtually every distillery in the world.
To stock up on even more booze, head to Ashbourne, home to House of Beer which stocks craft beer, real ale and craft cider from around the globe. There’s also local company White Peak Distillery, who sell their fine spirits from their online shop. You can also enjoy a White Peak Distillery tour where you’ll be guided through the whisky-making process by one of their distillers and see their copper pot stills and cask stores.
Near Ashbourne, The Cheddar Gorge will tempt you with English and locally sourced foods, including pies, cakes and cheese. Need to cool off? Check out the award-winning Daltons Dairy in nearby Wootton and enjoy a
delicious ice cream whilst looking out over the farm and beautiful countryside.
In Chesterfield you’ll find Shop Indie and Clarissa’s Interiors on Steeplegate in the shadow of the Crooked Spire Church. Both are packed full of unique handcrafted goods.
For more independent shopping, get down to The Yards in Chesterfield town centre, home to a plethora of unique stores, including the hip Vanishing Point Records, which will sort out all your vinyl needs.
It’s also home to independent cafés, as well as a falcon and a puppy, installed as part of the Chesterfield Cultural Renaissance project – a great photo opportunity for a selfie!
Once you’ve shopped your heart out in the town centre, head to the Peak District, along Chatsworth Road, the gateway to the National Park from Chesterfield. Chatsworth Road is a popular out-of-town shopping destination with a wealth of independent shops, restaurants and cafés to explore, including Libby’s of Chesterfield, the go-to boutique shop for home and gift supplies.
To the south of the region, the gracious spa town of Buxton offers an equally refined shopping experience. Stroll the Georgian and Regency streets and suddenly shopping becomes a more relaxing event.
Buxton’s oldest shopping centre is the l
Vanishing Point Records, Chesterfield
In the beautiful Derbyshire village of Hartington
Selling award winning local cheeses, chutneys, biscuits and ales for over 40 years
• Bespoke wedding cake service
• Luxury gift hampers online
Open 7 days 9am - 5pm
The Old Cheese Shop, Dig Street, Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0AL Tel: 01298 84935 Email: contact@hartingtoncheeseshop.co.uk www.hartingtoncheeseshop.co.uk
GIFT SHOP
Treak Cliff Cavern continues to mine, process, and manufacture ornamental items and jewellery from Blue John Stone in our on-site workshop by master craftsmen and women who have spent years honing their skills.
The Gift Shop in the Visitors’ Centre offers a wide range of items, all with a Treak Cliff Cavern, Blue John or geological theme. Pocket-money items include small fossils, gemstones and our new activity book and Treak Cliff Dragon comic book.
VISIT THE HOME OF DENBY POTTERY WITH ITS WIDE SELECTION OF SHOPS, EATERIES AND EXPERIENCES
DESTINATION SHOPPING IN THE HEART OF THE AMBER VALLEY
Shop Denby in every pattern, gifts and homeware, with savings up to 60% off RRP.
Visit the Cookshop at Denby for one of the largest premium cookshops in Derbyshire.
Pop into the Gift Shop, Koi Ponds and Garden Stall. Stock up on delicious, fresh Derbyshire foods in our specialist Farm Shop, Butchers and Deli.
DENBY POTTERY VILLAGE
Derby Road, Denby, Derbyshire DE5 8NX
Open Every Day Mon to Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY
Cavendish Arcade, set within the original thermal baths of Buxton. It’s brilliant for gift buying and you can load up all sorts of trinkets to take home to your friends. Try Atticusboo Gift Shop for gorgeous giftware and Charlotte’s Chocolates for hand-made goodies.
You could also check out Isla Fine Art Cards & Gifts for tasteful and beautiful gift ideas that are that little bit different. Its homeware includes quirky ceramic bowls and vases, stylish clocks, a wide range of glassware, china and other kitchenware and more.
Just two miles outside of Buxton, bookworms will enjoy a browse around High Peak Bookstore & Café. This independent bookstore doubles up as a cultural hub, hosting a program of one-off events, including comedy, literature and music.
If homeware is more your thing, then Derbyshire is also home to two of the bestknown china and pottery brands in the world – Denby and Royal Crown Derby. Spend quality time at the home of Denby, with its great selection of shops, places to eat and wealth of family-friendly activities.
At the Denby Pottery Village, home of the 200-year-old pottery brand, the famous Denby Pottery Village Factory Shop offers up to 30 per cent off new ranges of pottery, glass, textiles and cookware, and up to 60 per cent
off on discontinued and clearance patterns. There’s also a gift shop and an independent garden shop on site.
Whether you have a few hours or want to enjoy a full day out, make the most of your visit by choosing from one of the new Denby Experience Packages, including an immersive pottery tour. Get immersed in Denby’s fascinating history in the Denby Museum and even get creative yourself in The Denby Pottery Village Craft Studio, where you can paint your own piece of Denby. There’s even a koi carp area, where you can feed the fish.
Light snacks and takeaways are on the menu at the Farm Shop Café, and you can pick up foodie goodies in the Farm Shop & Deli. Fancy something more substantial? Settle down for a meal or afternoon tea in Bourne’s Coffee Shop & Bistro.
Derby is also the home of Royal Crown Derby, one of the world’s best-known English fine bone china manufacturers. Every piece that gets produced is manufactured from start to finish solely in England.
Whether you’re loyal to high street names, love to bag a bargain at a market stall or want your shopping kicks browsing quirky, independent boutiques, you can be safe in the knowledge that Derbyshire and the Peak District have it all. ■
Cavendish Shopping Arcade, Buxton
EATING OUT
Derbyshire and the Peak District is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
Whatever your dining needs, Derbyshire and the Peak District can fulfil them. Want to splurge on fancy food in a country house hotel? You can do so. Hole up in a cosy country pub? Not a problem. Try the flavours of the Mediterranean, Mexico or Thailand? Easily done. Or you could just hang it all and head off into the dramatic Derbyshire countryside with a picnic of the finest local produce.
Derbyshire’s restaurants know how to make the best of local produce. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub meal or an exciting twist on British ingredients, you’ll be in for a treat when dining in this beautiful region.
Four miles away from Bakewell sits the small village of Baslow and the stunning Fischer’s Baslow Hall, which offers superb views across the Chatsworth Estate and does
spectacular lunches and dinners.
As you’d expect, they cook with the season, making use of the very best of British produce, which might include Derbyshire spring lamb, Yorkshire forced rhubarb, Yorkshire game, Cornish crab and Scottish shellfish. It even has its own beehives in the extensive grounds, and the harvested honey is used in dishes in the restaurant.
Outside Baslow, the award-
Darleys Restaurant, Derby: a two AA rosette, Michelin-recommended restaurant set in a 200-year-old former mill
winning Stones in Matlock not only has great food but also occupies a picture-perfect spot with lovely views over the River Derwent.
The White Horse at Woolley Moor offers exquisite food, views and accommodation, while The Hunloke Arms in Wingerworth offers quirky cocktails and delicious wood-fired pizzas. Be warned, this place gets packed at weekends!
The Chapel Restaurant at Van Dyk by Wildes, in Clowne, offers a sophisticated ambience and locally sourced produce coupled with exquisite wines.
For superlative food with a view, be sure to head to Losehill House Hotel in Castleton, The Lighthouse Restaurant in Boylestone or The Boardwalk Bar & Dining in Willington. The latter overlooks Europe’s largest inland marina, Mercia Marina, which is nestled in a tranquil haven between the South Derbyshire villages of Willington and Findern.
Darleys Restaurant in nearby
Award-winning Stones in Matlock not only has great food but also occupies a pictureperfect spot
Derby is a two AA rosette, Michelinrecommended restaurant set in a 200-year-old former mill, with an outside eating area by the edge of the River Derwent. The chefs serve up modern British and European food with a modern twist – think Hereford lamb with courgette and Israeli couscous, or Pimm’s trifle with blackcurrant sorbet.
British classics
For dining with a bit of a difference, visit The Terrace Restaurant at the H Boutique Hotel in Bakewell. With superb décor, this is one of the most impressive restaurants in the area.
Its menus feature solid British classics such as steak and ale pie and sausage and mash, beautifully presented and created with care from delicious local produce that changes with the seasons.
Thanks to its very own dessert – the Bakewell Pudding (not to be confused with the tart) – the town of Bakewell is considered the food capital of Derbyshire. The family- l
The award-winning Stones in Baslow, outside Matlock
run Bakewell Pudding Parlour bakery and café has been serving the delicious dessert for more than 20 years, keeping to the traditional recipe.
Derbyshire’s country pubs are always a popular stopping-off point after a country walk or cycle. As well as a good pint, many also serve fabulous home-cooked food.
Afternoon teas
The Bridge Inn at Calver, The Devonshire Arms at Beeley, The Bulls Head at Ashford in the Water, The Chequers Inn at Froggatt, The Moon Inn at Stoney Middleton, Packhorse Inn in Little Longstone, The Robin Hood Inn in Baslow, The Duncombe Arms in Ashbourne, Derwentwater Arms in Hope Valley and The Prince of Wales in Baslow are all well worth a visit.
If you love a traditional afternoon tea, then this region has it all, from quirky tea rooms to historic houses. Try Café in The Park in Matlock, Edensor Tea
The Duncombe Arms in Ashbourne is well worth a visit
Cottage in Bakewell, Callow Hall in Ashbourne and Three Roofs Café in Castleton, for its delicious homemade cakes and breads.
The historic ‘plague’ village of Eyam is home to the Village Green Café, where you’ll find delicious teas, coffees and homemade treats.
Not far away in Calver, The Eating House offers a wide range of food and drinks from decadent breakfasts and scrumptious lunches to indulgent cakes and baked items.
Tempting treats
The award-winning Beaurepaire Patisserie in Belper has quaint and cosy tea rooms upstairs, offering a daily-changing menu and glutenfree options. Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants on Chatsworth Road is another must. As well as serving up all kinds of fine teas and coffees, there’s a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads and tempting sweet treats.
If it’s variety you’re looking for, Derby city centre is the place to l
The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne
There are plenty of reasons to add The Lamb Inn in Chinley to your list of places to visit in Derbyshire. Locals know it as a charming country pub where a warm welcome is guaranteed, but that’s only half the story. First-rate food and expertly selected real ales ensure visitors return to this much-loved bolthole time and again.
The pub’s pretty surroundings are the perfect spot for taking time out of your day. Inside, you can expect all the usual comforts of a traditional local – low-beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, woodburning stoves and warm lighting. On warm sunny days take advantage of their newly extended patio with extensive seating areas.
The kitchen at The Lamb Inn operates a menu that blends the best of traditional British and modern European fare. With a team of professional chefs sourcing local seasonal produce this ensures the menu will always excite the taste buds.
With starters ranging from a hearty home made chicken liver and prosciutto pressed terrine to a crevette gremolata. Followed by mains of line-caught sea bass fillet with Champagne sauce and duchess potatoes, or locally shot venison steak with fondant potatoes. If you fancy something to share then the 18-20oz chateaubriand fillet for two with all the trimmings should hit the spot. To finish there is a good selection of hot and cold desserts and local cheeses
For those planning a longer stay in the region, The Lamb Inn’s three en-suite bedrooms offer a comfortable, home-from-home retreat at the end of a day’s adventuring in the Peaks.
Tel. 01663 750519
Hayfield Road, Chinley, High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 6AL
Situated half way between Chinley and Hayfield on the A624 www.goodfoodpeakdistrict.co.uk
be. There’s a lively café culture, with outdoor seating set amongst historic buildings. Plus, there are plenty of excellent restaurants just right for a night out with friends or a romantic meal.
If you’re a veggie you might like The Wonky Table, which puts on popular plant-based evenings and pop-up events. For food that’s modern, stylish and inventive, make your way to The Dining Room on Friar Gate. Try the pistachio and herb-crusted pork belly or share a decadent Derbyshire chateaubriand.
Chilled-out lunch
Chesterfield has its own vibrant dining scene too. For a chilled-out lunch in Chesterfield town centre, try Sorbo Lounge, The Market Pub, Bottle & Thyme or Society Coffee Shop and Bar. Not a meat eater? There are a couple of fantastic vegan and vegetarian options in town, including laid-back Thyme to Eat in the town centre, where you can settle down for a belt-busting veggie
breakfast or brunch, or just pop in for a coffee and vegan cake.
The Elm Tree at Heath, meanwhile, offers great food and a fantastic kids’ outdoor play area, as does Six Halts at Clay Cross. Stylish Amalfi White in Melbourne has a wonderful children’s menu, a play area in the garden and unisex baby facilities.
Country pub
The Lamb Inn in Chinley, High Peak, is everything a country pub should be. The hearty grub ranges from traditional classics to offbeat dishes with Asian influences, and there’s a wide selection of draught ales, continental lagers and wines. Even better? The Inn offers three luxury en-suite bedrooms –perfect if you’ve drunk too much to stagger home.
The Packhorse Inn at Longstone is one of the best-loved pubs in the Peak District. Situated just off the Monsal Trail, it has some of the most dramatic views in the business. Settle down by the open fires or l
The Tickled Trout, Barlow
Tina, Paul & family welcome visitors to The Shoulder of Mutton, a traditional village pub in the archetypal English village of Osmaston with its Duck pond, Church and thatched cottages.
Now in their 31st year and having maintained that traditional village pub feel, you can enjoy the light airy lounge and cosy main bar, perfect for that relaxing lunch or evening meal.
The pub serves a varied menu of hot and cold bar meals and snacks that combine the best of English home cooking with influences from abroad. A traditional roast is served on Sundays along with our full menu. Our bar stocks a wide range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks to satisfy all needs. There is something for everyone whether walking, riding, entertaining guests or just out with the family.
With real fires in the winter and large gardens for the summer this is the perfect place to spend a few relaxing hours.
Oakhill, a Georgian-style house, is a beautiful Grade II Listed property built by the Arkwright family in the mid-19th Century for the Cotton Merchant. It is now a family-owned boutique hotel, in the heart of the Derwent Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Oakhill offers visitors and guests a luxurious, yet relaxed, place to dine, drink and stay whilst exploring the beautiful Peak District. Oakhill has four charming suites, for those who prefer a little more space, all with the most wonderful open views. Each individually designed with uncluttered
elegance and finished to an impeccable standard with original and thoughtful heritage features. There are 11 further elegantly designed bedrooms, which include two family suites, offering peaceful and relaxing accommodation.
Derbyshire dining at its best! Experience Oakhill’s elevated take on traditional home cooking with friendly, thoughtful service. We serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea in our elegant dining room, overlooking our beautiful garden. We pride ourselves on using locally sourced quality ingredients
wherever possible. Our bar is open from 8am daily. Call in for coffee and homemade cake, or enjoy a drink in our bar, lounge, or beautiful garden.
We can cater for any family celebration or any other event which deserves a party! We also offer an exclusive-use wedding venue, allowing for flawless photo opportunities in our beautiful English garden. Our garden could easily take a lead role in a Regency drama! Larger weddings are held in our picturesque grounds with smaller intimate weddings in our elegant dining room.
linger outside on sunny days to enjoy real ales and tasty food locally sourced by the landlord. Muddy boots, kids and dogs are all welcome!
The Tickled Trout at Barlow offers a great kids’ menu alongside excellent stone-baked pizzas, while Hassop Station Café boasts a children’s play area, Wendy houses and a large, canopied seating area where you can settle in to watch passing cyclists on the Monsal Trail.
Home-made meals
Over in Ashbourne, The Cock Inn is a beautiful building steeped in history, while The Coach & Horses is a good local pub that serves hearty food and pulls in a lively crowd.
The Royal Oak in Mayfield, near Ashbourne, is a former Georgian coaching house where guests can enjoy hefty home-made meals and the perfect Sunday roast.
At The Shoulder of Mutton pub in nearby Osmaston, the welcome is warm and there’s a varied menu
The Cock Inn is a beautiful building steeped in history
of tasty meals and snacks that combine English home cooking with influences from abroad.
If you’re not afraid of a sugar rush, take the kids to Mad Hatter in Matlock. Its enormous, calorieladen freakshakes are a sight to behold! For delicious breakfasts, delicate afternoon teas and brilliant bistro nights, head to Cool River Café & Patisserie in Matlock.
British cuisine
This fertile county offers some of the best British cuisine around – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t satisfy your international food cravings. As with most places in the UK, you can get a mean curry here, but the county’s international repertoire also stretches to French, Greek, Chinese, Thai… you name it!
It’s easy to make like you’re in the Med in Chesterfield (if you ignore the weather, that is). This market town has it all, from authentic Italian to Greek to Turkish and Spanish. Fancy something from l
The Cock Inn, Ashbourne
North East Derbyshire Food and Drink Trail
Places to eat, drink and shop!
Award-winning gastro pubs, fabulous farm shops and passionate producers – you can discover them all in North East Derbyshire!
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the trail highlights the amazing food and drink venues and makers across North East Derbyshire, that are bursting with flavour, ideas and innovation.
For more information scan the QR code or visit: www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/explore -the-district/food-and-drink-trail
further afield? There’s also an excellent selection of Chinese, Indian and Thai restaurants that will tantalise your tastebuds.
If you like Spanish food, be sure to visit the award-winning Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, where Spain meets Derbyshire in its two AA Rosette Cocina Restaurant. The hotel mixes Spanish ingredients with locally grown produce to create authentic Spanish dishes, including paella, tapas and hearty meat dishes from the charcoal-fired Josper grill. For more laid-back vibes, try the Barca Bar next door.
Italian experience
For a full modern Italian experience, Nonnas Chesterfield on Chatsworth Road offers fresh seasonal ingredients in menus that offer far more than typical Italian fare. Try prosciutto wrapped hake with lemon and time, penne with Sicilian-style spicy pork ragù or chicken leg stuffed with pistachio. In good weather, you can dine al
fresco on their terrace.
If you love a curry, the awardwinning Spice Lounge on Friar Gate offers modern, beautifully presented takes on Indian classics – think Malabar soft shell crab, tandoori salmon and good old butter chicken.
The restaurant is a popular spot with locals, who praise the warm welcome and efficient service. Fusion of India gets just as many plaudits. Come here for curries, grills and seafood, and bring a veggie friend with you, too. There’s plenty to keep them happy!
For a trip to Bavaria, Try Einstein’s on Holywell Street in Chesterfield. The Germanthemed bar serves up pizzas and traditional German favourites, like bratwurst, Spätzle and meatballs and schnitzel. Bring the kids and settle in for the evening – there’s an eclectic library of board games to keep you entertained.
Vegetarians and vegans needn’t miss out on tastebud-tingling
international flavours. Try the town’s Maazi Indian Restaurant, which offers an excellent selection of veggie curries, grills and sides.
For even more authentic international cuisine, there’s Anoki Restaurant (Indian) in Burton, Simply Thai in Buxton, Le Mistral (French) in Wirksworth and Odyssey Greek Restaurant in Chesterfield. All are well worth a look. Want to get your international food fix from a family-friendly chain? Derbyshire has these in droves. In Derby, Chesterfield and Buxton you’ll find Pizza Express, Nando’s, Carluccio’s, Pizza Hut and Frankie & Benny’s, to name but a few.
From elegant country house hotels to cosy pubs to fancy delis and bakeries, there are dozens of ways to taste Derbyshire’s fine local produce, whatever your budget and whatever your preferred cuisine. So get yourself out there and take your tastebuds on a magical journey. You won’t regret it! ■
Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start your break in Derby city centre. Put your most comfortable shoes on and indulge in a spot of shopping at Derbion shopping centre, before heading to the stylish and independent shops in the Cathedral Quarter where you can also enjoy a spot of lunch.
Derby to Bakewell
Once you’re all shopped out, head to Bakewell, a charming market town an hour’s drive away. Relish the scenic vistas of the Peak District and the tranquil, uncrowded roads for an enjoyable journey.
A must for any Bakewell visitor is to sample the world-famous Bakewell Pudding. Make sure you check out The Bakewell Pudding Parlour where you can either buy one to take away or enjoy one with a fresh pot of tea or coffee in the café.
Bakewell to Buxton
After you’re refreshed, head up the road to the Bakewell Old House Museum, an original Tudor dwelling, which chronicles the history of the Peak District and is packed full of artefacts from the area.
From Bakewell, travel to Buxton where you’ll round off your day with fine food and a spot of culture before getting a good night’s rest at one of the town’s B&Bs, guest houses and hotels.
Enjoy early evening drinks at Beer & Bean before heading either for dinner or to see a performance at the Buxton Opera House or Pavilion Arts Centre in Pavilion Gardens. Try The Bar Brasserie, described as ‘Paris in Buxton’ or authentic Spanish tapas restaurant, Santiago,
for good food and a nightcap to end your day.
DAY TWO
Wake up feeling refreshed and head to nearby Castleton. Take a waterproof and a warm jumper because you’ll be exploring the underground cave system by boat at Speedwell Cavern. You might even have time to check out Peak Cavern,
also known as the Devil’s Arse.
And, of course, no visit to Derbyshire would be complete without a trip to the worldrenowned Chatsworth House, just half an hour away. Choose to visit either the house or the gardens or both during your visit. If you’re running short of time take a trip around the house, marvelling at the artwork that spans 4,000 years.
Chesterfield
Finish your weekend in the market town of Chesterfield – home to the
See a performance at the Buxton Opera House or Pavilion Arts Centre in Pavilion Gardens
iconic crooked spire. For tea, coffee and real ale lovers this is the place to be. Chatsworth Road boasts breweries, tea merchants, micro pubs and shops that sell everything for the enthusiastic home brewer.
Evening meal
From traditional British to Derbyshire-meets-Spain, finish your weekend in Derbyshire at one of the top restaurants in the area, Casa, for a superlative meal in its two-rosette, award-winning Cocina Restaurant. ■
The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Culture vultures assemble! This region offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
Whether you’re into plays, history or highbrow culture, Derbyshire and the Peak District has it all. Impressive museums and galleries? Check. Theatres? Absolutely. Historic properties? Tonnes of them. There’s a multitude of ways to get your cultural kicks.
Derbyshire and the Peak District have a rich history of creativity and innovation, seen in the county’s museums and fascinating old buildings. Once you’ve worked out your body in the great outdoors, challenge your mind by taking in some culture too.
Derby-born English landscape and portrait painter Joseph Wright (1734-1797) defined the 18th century, the age of Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution through his much-praised work. In Derby City Museum and Art Gallery, you’ll find a large collection of Wright’s paintings, but his art has also graced the walls of some of the world’s most famous galleries, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tate Britain and the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia.
The region’s 300-year history of
innovation is celebrated in Derby’s new Museum of Making. Located on the site of the Derby Silk Mill –widely regarded as the site of the world’s first modern factory – the museum has a 30,000-strong collection, including a seven-tonne Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engine suspended above visitors’ heads!
The Derwent Valley saw the birth of the factory system and the Industrial Revolution, and Derwent Valley Mills is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the East Midlands. Derby’s stunning Silk Mill building stands on the site of
Y Not Festival, Pikehall
the world’s first factory, while Belper North Mill is one of the world’s most important buildings from the Industrial Revolution.
Strutt’s Mill Museum, which is also based in Belper, tells the fascinating stories of cotton spinning, stocking making, and how the small town of Belper was transformed into the world’s first factory community.
Not far from Belper, Cromford is the home of the world’s first successful water-powered cottonspinning mill, which was built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright. He continued to develop the mills, warehouses and workshops until around 1790. These now form the Cromford Mills site and present a remarkable picture of an early textile factory complex.
The Peak District isn’t just about dramatic countryside. It’s also home to some of the most impressive old houses in the country, including stunning Chatsworth House –which is so stunning it features in a whole host of film and TV
productions from Peaky Blinders to Pride and Prejudice. It is renowned for its architecture, gardens, art and décor and there’s also no shortage of magnificent rooms here, with highlights including the grand Painted Hall, regal state rooms and beautiful Sculpture Gallery.
Chatsworth is also home to one of the most important private collections in Britain. From Elizabethan needlework to Old Master drawings to 21st-century art and sculpture, the Devonshire Collection is a record of one family’s eclectic tastes and interests over 400 years.
Nearby Haddon Hall in Bakewell is a castellated medieval manor house built around two courtyards, which has remained unchanged since the reign of Henry VIII. It has some of the finest untouched interiors in the country, including the Long Gallery, Great Hall and Chapel.
Equally impressive is Casterne Hall, a Grade 2-listed manor house set in its own bucolic grounds near
Ashbourne. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful houses in the area, and features in Simon Jenkins’ book, England’s Thousand Best Houses.
In the picturesque village of Bakewell, be sure to visit the Old House Museum. This 500-yearold Tudor house was rescued from demolition in the 1950s and is host to a wide range of interesting artefacts from the Peak District and beyond.
Like a huge glass lantern, Hardwick Hall, at Doe Lea near Chesterfield, dominates the surrounding area. The house, which was built in 1597, was a magnificent statement of the wealth and authority of its owner, Bess of Hardwick. Designed by Robert Smythson, the house has barely changed since Bess lived here, giving a rare insight into the formality of courtly life in the Elizabethan era.
There are outstanding collections of 16th-century embroidery, tapestries, furniture and portraits l
Richard Whittlestone has been a professional wildlife artist for almost 40 years. He works from his gallery on the Chatsworth estate, where he sells his paintings to all parts of the world.
Richard Whittlestone has been a professional wildlife artist for almost 40 years. He works from his gallery on the Chatsworth estate, where he sells his paintings to all parts of the world.
All of Richard’s paintings carry his trademark hidden fly, but it can take a keen eye to spot it!
All of Richard’s paintings carry his trademark hidden fly, but it can take a keen eye to spot it!
With ample free parking, the gallery is well worth a visit. Tue to Sat: 10am-5pm
With ample free parking, the gallery is well worth a visit. Tue to Sat: 10am-5pm
We all like to discover new experiences on holiday, and interesting and stylish shops are no exception.
If you are looking for a beautiful or unusual present, then you must visit Isla Fine Art Cards & Gifts in Buxton.
This shop and gallery is a true emporium of delights, it is packed with an eclectic mix of original art and prints by local artists alongside handmade items by local artisans, designers and makers, including hand-blown glass, jewellery, homewares, and needlefelt work.
Alongside a wealth of local products, there are art and design-inspired gifts and greetings cards. There is also a fantastic range of humorous cards.
Isla provides excellent customer service, a comprehensive website and a shop combining old-world charm and modern effieciency.
Taking a leaf out of William Morris’s book, there is nothing in this shop which Isla does not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
Isla Fine Art Cards & Gifts 4b The Colonnade, Buxton SK17 6AL
within the Hall. Outside, walled courtyards enclose fine gardens, orchards and a herb garden, while the surrounding country park contains rare breeds of cattle and sheep.
It’s easy to get your cultural fix in this creative region. Sign up for a low-key festival in the grounds of a country house, catch live theatre or comedy in Derby or Chesterfield or visit one of the region’s many boutique art galleries. Who knows? You might just discover the next big thing.
Many of the county’s historic houses and properties, including Chatsworth House, Kedleston Hall and Belper River Garden, also double up as outdoor venues, regularly playing host to musical performances, cinema events (including the ever-popular outdoor cinemas), festivals and plays.
Chatsworth House also hosts the annual Chatsworth Country Fair, one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, attracting visitors from all over the country for a family fun day out.
For cycling and vintage enthusiasts, the Eroica Britannia Festival is an absolute must. Held in Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District, the three-day family adventure, described as ‘the world’s most handsome bike ride’, brings together music, glorious vintage,
shopping, food, drink, camping and, of course, cycling.
The outstandingly beautiful, Matcham-designed Buxton Opera House hosts the annual Buxton International Festival, where up-and-coming artists, writers and musicians rub shoulders with big names in a packed two-week programme.
If you’re into festivals, Derbyshire is an excellent place to be. There are plenty of small festivals throughout the year, where the acts are unknown and exciting, and the food and drink are local and artisan. If you fancy something bigger, the award-winning Y Not Festival in Pikehall is familyfriendly and attracts big names, like Stereophonics, Madness and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
To watch both traditional and contemporary plays in a beautiful historic theatre, make sure you check out the Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield. A Victorian building with a 546-seat auditorium, it was first opened in 1879 as the Stephenson Memorial Hall in tribute to George Stephenson, an English civil and mechanical engineer who built the world’s first public intercity railway line. There’s both a stage and a cinema screen for a full range of shows, music acts, films and displays.
For another slice of the theatre
action, head to Derby, where the Derby Theatre puts on brilliant and diverse performances and shows – from Shawshank Redemption to Alice in Wonderland. It’s also a fantastic place for aspiring local actors, writers and producers, with regular workshops, classes and even open-mic nights.
Buxton is home to the impressive Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, which has recently undergone extensive redevelopment. The ‘Wonders of the Peak’ exhibition is a must-see journey through time and place, where you can explore Peak District lives and landscapes.
For beautiful images of local landscapes, The Derwent Gallery in Grindleford is the place to head. It’s packed with the work of local artists who have captured the beauty of the Peak District in a range of media.
Galleries and museums
Art lovers looking for hidden gems away from galleries and museums should head to Chesterfield. It’s home to a Dame Barbara Hepworth sculpture – Curved Reclining Form (Rosewall). The sculpture currently lives behind the Royal Mail building on the route from the town centre to Queen’s Park but will be moving to the Chesterfield Waterside development.
More than 60 works of art have sprung up around Chesterfield Borough in the past few years, creating the Chesterfield Art Trail, which features public artwork from more than three dozen artists.
For something a little more contemporary, head to West Studios in Chesterfield, which works closely with the local creative community to support local businesses, makers, independent artists and students of Chesterfield College in the creative and digital areas. As well as a gallery shop, there are also regular exhibitions which showcase the fantastic work of talented artists from the local community.
This slice of green and pleasant land is positively brimming with art and culture. So get out there and explore the best theatre, art and history that the region has to offer! ■
The Mollusc, Chesterfield Art Trail
After dark
The night-time economy is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and music venues
Buxton Opera House is the focal point for local festivities, including the Buxton International Festival
Whether you’re into nightclubs, casinos or live music you won’t have to look far in Derbyshire and the Peak District. You may have come here for the lush landscapes and stately homes but stick around at night and you’ll see region’s towns and cities come alive as the restaurants, bars and clubs fill up with a friendly, exuberant crowd.
For the young at heart, Derby is the place to be for nightlife. Thanks to a large population of university students, every night is party night – just be aware that the city centre can get particularly boisterous on a Friday and Saturday night.
Derby has a couple of excellent clubs, including the legendary BlueNote, which has hosted many a banging party or superstar DJ over the years. Nearby Mosh is an alternative nightclub, where indie kids hand out and get down to all kinds of sounds across the club’s three floors, from indie, urban and dance to pop and punk.
World’s finest rums
For a taste of Cuban music, Revolución de Cuba, located on The Strand, right in the heart of Derby, is the place to be. Its cocktails and Cantina menu will give you a taste of Cuban life, alongside live music and late-night partying. If you need to slow the pace, sneak off to its exclusive laid-back Havana bar and enjoy some of the world’s finest rums, as well as table service all night long.
If you’re looking for the thrill of the roulette table, then Genting Casino at Riverlights is a sprawling venue offering all the classics you would expect, as well as a restaurant and two bars.
The Cathedral Quarter is the hub of Derby’s nightlife scene. The quirky, eccentric Cosy Club offers casual dining, drinking and lounging in a family-friendly environment. Come here for a lazy breakfast, a hefty burger or wait until after sunset and sample their beers, wines and eclectic cocktails.
The Cathedral Quarter is also home to BEAR. By day it serves coffee and light meals. At night there’s an ever-changing craft beer
See a band or a performance at the beautifully restored Buxton Opera House
menu, alongside cocktails shaken, stirred or muddled fresh at the bar.
Just nearby is The Distillery, an independent and contemporary bar and kitchen whose owners have a passion for spirits. So if you want to sample small-batch Scottish gin or Japanese whisky, this is the place to be. Split over two levels, it has a rustic dining area downstairs and an intimate, refined cocktail and whisky lounge upstairs. It also holds regular special events, showcasing local musical talent.
The Flower Pot is a landmark real ale pub, hotel and live music venue that’s popular with an older crowd. Other real ale pubs in and around Derby include The Exeter Arms and Mr Grundy’s Tavern, a lively spot set within a beautiful Georgian House Hotel.
Slow the pace right down at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Derby, a 12-screen cinema which features RealD 3D, Sony 4K Digital Projection, and the Director’s Hall – an exclusive, intimate auditorium where you have cocktails and snacks delivered to your seat. Which, by the way is wide, leather and extremely comfortable!
Think nightlife and Chesterfield doesn’t come to mind. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy a night out here, especially if you like craft beer or a good old traditional pub. Prefer something a little more swish? You’ll find plenty of wine and cocktail bars to meet your needs.
For even more cocktails, try Bottle and Thyme, which does a nice line in unusual flavours – think sweet chilli liqueur, tequila and coriander. If you’re eating too, l
you’re in for a treat. The organically sourced, local and sustainable food goes perfectly with the inventive drinks.
A five-minute walk takes you to Corporation Street – the hub of Chesterfield town’s nightlife scene. The area boasts a plethora of pubs, bars and restaurants, including the hugely popular Einstein’s, the town’s first German-themed bar, which has an extensive range of world beers, local ales and cocktails, as well as delicious food.
The Market Pub is a traditional boozer serving a vast range of real ales alongside more than 100 wines, gins and whiskies. It’s not just about the drinks, though. You can tuck into seasonal, locally sourced and home-cooked food, take part in one of their regular tastings or quizzes and listen to live local bands.
If you haven’t yet had your fill of beer, there’s a huge selection of real ale pubs and micropubs set around the eclectic Chatsworth Road area. Choose from Real Ale Corner, Rose & Crown, Chesterfield
L Winding Wheel, Chesterfield k Buxton International Festival
Alehouse and The Tap House, to name but a few. As well as real ale, the award-winning Tramway Tavern offers a wide range of world and Belgian beers from breweries such as St Bernardus, BrewDog, Goose Island, Schneider Weisse and Delirium, alongside fine wines, whiskies and spirits.
Across the road, you’ll find a different drinking experience at Nonnas and Maison Mes Amis, which all boast cocktail bars that are popular with a mature and sophisticated crowd.
For fans of live music, a trip to Real Time Music or Winding Wheel Theatre is a must. Real Time Music is Chesterfield’s leading live music venue, with many of the UK’s top tribute bands appearing, as well as the best in original rock, blues, metal and indie.
If you’d rather kick back and relax, there are two cinemas in Chesterfield – a multi-screen Cineworld and a screen at the town’s Pomegranate Theatre on Corporation Street. If it’s unique
ambiance you’re after, plump for the latter and enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of beer as you settle down to watch a film in the grand Victorian theatre.
You’ll find a vibrant nightlife scene in the Peak District town of Buxton, thanks, in part, to the many students based at the town’s University of Derby campus. After live music? Matlock has some of the best venues in the region.
Monk Cocktail Bar has venues in Buxton, Matlock and Chesterfield, where they serve delicious cocktails, craft beers, world wines and artisanal charcuterie. Indulge in a cocktail or two before heading off to see a band or a performance at the beautifully restored Buxton Opera House, which hosts a full programme of drama, dance, concerts and comedy. It’s the focal point for local festivities, including July’s Buxton International Festival.
Nearby, in Buxton’s historic Market Place, you’ll find the beautiful New Inn pub and bar, which has classic décor but a
quirky, diverse clientele. They serve excellent pub food and a fine selection of wines and cask ales.
Matlock’s pubs and bars put on regular live gigs throughout the year. The Fishpond in Matlock Bath has become synonymous with live music and entertainment. Its 150-capacity ballroom regularly hosts big events, and its stage has been graced by the likes of Ben Ottewell, Nine Below Zero, Joe Lycett, Sally Barker and Paul Sinha, to name a few. Every Friday, The Fishpond has music in the bar from 9pm, free of charge.
Quite literally anything goes, including folk, country, storytelling, Balkan, retro, jazz, funk and acoustic. It also serves up a mean pizza! Dale Road is the hub of Matlock’s nightlife. Twenty Ten is a popular bar that offers food in the daytime and transforms into a bar and live music venue in the evening, offering 2-4-1 cocktails all day, every day.
The Tipsy Toad has changed up the standard 2-4-1 cocktail offering.
Instead, it offers you the chance to win your happy hour drink for free through a game of heads or tails –available between 5pm and 7pm every day.
For a bohemian feel, check out The Barley Mow, which hosts a huge range of events, including poetry, open mic and jazz – there’s something for everyone, and there’s always a warm welcome.
Fancy a giggle? The Loft in Matlock plays host to the awardwinning Manford’s Comedy Club, which takes place on the first Friday of the month. If you like stand-up comedy, don’t miss it. Renowned comedian Jason Manford sends in the very best from the comedy circuit, who are guaranteed to have you laughing-out-loud throughout the night.
Derbyshire and the Peak District aren’t just about sweaty hikes and jaw-dropping vistas. Once you’re done in the great outdoors, get out there and explore the best bars, clubs and comedy that this welcoming region has to offer. ■
Although Derbyshire and the Peak District has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
Derbyshire’s central location cannot be beaten. In fact, Morton, a small village in Derbyshire, is one of a number of places that claim to be the centre of England. The county’s central location puts it within easy travelling distance of its neighbouring counties.
If you’ve got a little bit of extra time on your hands, then take the opportunity to venture further afield and experience what lies beyond Derbyshire.
To the south lies Nottinghamshire where you can explore the legend of Robin Hood and his merry band of outlaws. Visit the actual Major Oak, estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, at the 450-acre Sherwood Forest Country Park in Edwinstowe. Acknowledged as the largest oak in Britain, it is believed to be where Robin Hood and his merry men planned their daring escapades.
The spirit of Robin Hood also lives on in Nottingham city centre. Explore The National Justice Museum with one of history’s most notorious villains – the Sheriff of Nottingham. Based at Nottingham’s old courthouse and gaol, discover England’s shockingly true history of crime and punishment.
Robin Hood is also waiting for you at Nottingham’s medieval castle – home of the Sheriff of Nottingham, where you can venture down 300 steps deep underground to explore the man-made labyrinth of caves and tunnels beneath the city.
To the north of Derbyshire, shoppers will also delight at Meadowhall, which is located just three miles outside the City of Steel, Sheffield. Meadowhall is home to more than 230 retailers, this out-oftown indoor shopping centre also boasts a multi-screen cinema and
food court.
More shops and stores can also be found in Sheffield city centre, as well as a plethora of museums, galleries and the Winter Garden, the largest urban glass house in Europe which houses over 2,000 species of plants from all around the world.
For shopaholics Manchester, to the west of Derbyshire, is a must. Designer lovers should head to Manchester’s King Street or luxury department stores Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. The city of Manchester also has some marvellous galleries museums, historic landmarks and, of course, two world-famous Premier League football teams. Explore the stories of famous footballers throughout history, from Pele to Pickles, at the National Football Museum in the city centre.
For family fun, then Staffordshire, around 45 minutes South West of the Peak District, is the place to head. It is home to Alton Towers which, arguably, offers something for everyone. As well as the theme park, boasting some of the most technological and thrilling rollercoasters in the UK, including the world’s first virtual reality rollercoaster and the UK’s first rollercoaster restaurant, Alton Towers Resort is also home to a water park, two nine-hole golf courses, CBeebies Land and a spa.
But, for a visit that’s truly out of this world when you’re visiting Derbyshire, then head to Leicestershire’s National Space Centre. Interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, a unique 3D Simulator experience and the iconic 42m high Rocket Tower makes a visit to this award-winning attraction a day of discovery and interactive fun for all ages. ■
Alton Towers, Staffordshire
“Had
“Some cracking cars to see and drive.” dayvw
Karl R
“Nostalgia in bucketloads.” Redditchtraveller
“Awesome Father’s Day out. Absolutely fantastic from the second we arrived till we left.”
