Summary
Derbyshire is a county marked by contrasts, situated in the East Midlands region of England, where its northern towns share latitude with major cities like Manchester and Liverpool.
The county is renowned for its striking natural landscapes, with a significant portion encompassed within the Peak District National Park.
If you appreciate the grandeur of historical estates, Chatsworth House offers an experience reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. For those interested in the Industrial Revolution, the Derwent River Valley is home to the world’s inaugural factories, established in the late 1700s and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Moreover, Derby, a city reflecting Enlightenment ideals, played a crucial role in industrial advancement during the 18th century, making it a must-visit destination.
Let us explore the premier attractions in Derbyshire:
1. Derby
Derby presents a multitude of attractions, making it challenging to decide on where to begin your explorations.
The Derby Museum and Art Gallery constitutes an essential starting point, housing numerous works by Joseph Wright of Derby, an 18th-century master of chiaroscuro and a prominent proponent of the Enlightenment, noted for his enthusiasm for scientific endeavors.
For enthusiasts of real ale, Derby is particularly noteworthy, boasting a selection of ales at its local pubs reputed to be unmatched in the country.
Experience a journey back to the Georgian era at the Pickford House Museum and immerse yourself in the culture of the historic cathedral quarter, leaving you eager to discover more.
2. Buxton
Established by the Romans, the spa town of Buxton has attracted visitors for centuries.
However, it gained particular prestige in the 1780s under the vision of the Fifth Duke of Devonshire, who initiated several notable projects.
Among them was the impressive Crescent, designed by the esteemed Georgian architect James Carr.
This landmark is located next to St Ann’s Well, where Buxton’s famed spring water is sourced at 27.5°C. The Pavilion Gardens also exemplify refinement, while the Opera House, built in 1903, is a splendid example of art nouveau architecture.
Visitors can also explore Buxton’s unique geological formations at Poole’s Cavern, an ancient limestone show cave that is over two million years old and features more than 300 meters open to the public.
3. Chesterfield
The large market town of Chesterfield is characterized by its distinctive spire.
The spire of St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the largest in Derbyshire, is both twisted and slanted, added in the 14th century, leading to various interpretations regarding its unique shape.
The most plausible explanation is that the lead on the southern roof has expanded and contracted over centuries of sunny weather.
Prominently situated on a hilltop with scenic countryside views is Hardwick Hall, constructed for Elizabethan England’s wealthiest woman, Bess of Hardwick.
This grand estate represents one of the most significant and beautiful stately homes in England, renowned as one of the first Renaissance buildings designed in the country.
4. Peak District
Derbyshire boasts more of this national park within its borders than any other county.
The Peak District presents a diverse landscape, with grassy limestone valleys in the south transitioning to barren sandstone moors in the north, all contained within Derbyshire.
Numerous breathtaking natural features await exploration, from dramatic escarpments with steep cliffs to mineral-rich caves unique to the region.
Renowned authors such as Jane Austen, Wordsworth, and Charlotte Brontë drew inspiration from this scenic landscape, which also illustrates how human activities, including mining and industry, have shaped the land throughout history.
5. Bakewell
Bakewell is the only market town nestled within the boundaries of the National Park, characterized by its charming stone architecture and grand courtyards.
The town’s most ancient monument is the bridge over the Wye, noted for its five gothic pointed arches and constructed around the time when Bakewell received its market charter in 1254. The limestone dales surrounding the town are predictably stunning, and the extensive network of footpaths offers ample hiking options, with the Monsal Trail being particularly suitable for families.
This trail, situated on a decommissioned railway line, features gradients accommodating hikers of all ages.
Moreover, be sure to visit two of Britain’s most celebrated stately homes, Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, both located near Bakewell.
6. Wirksworth
The lead-mining industry in Wirksworth roots back to Roman times, and by the 18th century, the author Daniel Defoe noted thousands of mines in the region.
The decline of the industry occurred by the 1900s, but the Church of St Mary features an impressive artifact highlighting the history of mining in the area.
This includes an Anglo-Saxon stone from the 600s known as “Th’ owd Man,” depicting a lead miner, alongside a coffin lid also dated to the 600s, showcasing angels.
Wirksworth exhibits a unique character, with its Georgian inns, tea rooms, pubs, and galleries making it an excellent base for a Peak District holiday.
7. Ashbourne
This town is in close proximity to one of the Peak District’s most scenic areas: Dovedale, a steep wooded valley known for providing unforgettable walks and breathtaking photography opportunities.
No visit is complete without traversing the stepping stones across the water.
In the summer, Carsington Water reservoir attracts sailors, anglers, birdwatchers, and cyclists, all seeking enjoyment in this picturesque locale.
Furthermore, Sudbury Hall offers insights into history with the National Trust Museum of Childhood, enabling visitors to experience the attire of Victorian schoolchildren.
Owing to its rich surroundings, Ashbourne hosts numerous pubs and inns to accommodate its many visitors, a legacy of its past as a vital staging post along the route from London to Carlisle.
8. Matlock
Located adjacent to the River Derwent, renowned for its stunning landscapes to the south, Matlock emerged as a spa town following the discovery of its springs in 1698. During the 1800s, when hydrotherapy gained popularity, visitors traveled from afar for treatments, leaving Matlock with impressive architecture that complements its beautiful natural setting.
The riverside features a series of pathways leading to the historic resort of Matlock Bath to the south.
Don’t miss visiting the Heights of Abraham, accessible via a cable car that crosses the river gorge, offering stunning views and two caves, the result of nearly 2,000 years of lead mining.
9. Belper
Belper is a pivotal location for understanding the origins of the Industrial Revolution, belonging to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Here, industrialist Jedediah Strutt harnessed the Derwent’s water power to establish some of the earliest textile mills in the 1770s.
At sites like Strutt’s North Mill, visitors can witness the origins of modern factory design, having introduced the first fireproof iron frame in a building after its predecessor burned down.
Additionally, take a moment to explore the high street in Belper, recognized as the best in Britain in 2014.
10. Glossop
Situated at the northern boundary of Derbyshire, Glossop is a historic cotton-milling town at the foothills of the Peak District.
This segment of the park, known as the Dark Peak, features a layer of darker sandstone beneath the ground.
The region presents a wilder landscape, with moorlands and peat bogs in the valleys, accentuated by Glossop’s charming cottages constructed from local sandstone.
Although Glossop’s history dates back to Roman times, the town expanded significantly during the early 1800s due to the influx of textile mills.
Today, it is a prosperous commuter town for those seeking rural tranquillity, conveniently close to the national park.
11. Castleton
Situated at the junction of the Dark Peak and the verdant White Peak to the south, Castleton is a beloved destination for tourists.
The appeal is evident: Begin your adventure underground at the Blue John and Treak Cliff Caverns, the sole mines globally producing Blue John, a unique fluorite utilized historically in decorative items since the 18th century.
The visitor center in Castleton showcases several objects crafted from this exquisite material.
Above ground, explore stunning landmarks such as the imposing Mam Tor, where an Iron Age fort once overlooked the landscape, or the picturesque ruins of Peveril Castle, established by the Normans in 1086.
12. Swadlincote
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Swadlincote, like its neighbor Staffordshire, thrived within the pottery industry.
A diverse range of items, from bricks and toilets to decorative ceramics for industrialists, were crafted here.
At Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, visitors can engage with this aspect of Swadlincote’s history amidst a beautifully restored bottle kiln, complete with workshops and ancillary buildings.
Presently, the town lies within the newly established National Forest, a project aimed at reforesting the expansive woodlands that once covered much of the midlands prior to industrialization.
Thus far, eight million ash, pine, and oak trees have been planted.
13. Edale
Adventurers aiming to traverse the entire Pennine Way typically commence their journey in Edale, the southern trailhead.
This National Trail extends through England’s most challenging landscapes over 267 miles, necessitating approximately three weeks if undertaken continuously.
For a shorter visit, consider stopping at the Moorland Centre, which provides insights into the region’s human and natural history before embarking on one of the various circular paths.
A popular and demanding option is Jacob’s Ladder, an ancient zigzagging packhorse route linking Sheffield with Manchester and Liverpool.
Build an appetite exploring the moors before retreating to one of Edale’s friendly pubs for a wholesome meal and a pint of real ale.
14. Hathersage
This charming village in the Peak District serves as a base for exploring the stunning Hope Valley.
Just a short distance away lies Stanage Edge, an impressive sandstone escarpment featuring 100-meter-high walls, ideal for climbing enthusiasts navigating the national park.
Hathersage is also rich in folklore and has connections to the author Charlotte Brontë.
At St Michael’s Church, purportedly lies the grave of Little John, Robin Hood’s companion.
In the 1800s, Brontë resided in the village while composing Jane Eyre, with locations like the captivating North Lees Hall (Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre) represented in her narrative.
15. Bolsover
Located in the northeast of Derbyshire, Bolsover is a former coal-mining town that experienced challenges after major employment diminished in the 1980s and 1990s.
Bolsover presents a distinct ambiance compared to Matlock or Chesterfield, which are situated nearby.
Nevertheless, the area boasts charming countryside, warm-hearted residents, and one of the county’s most significant historical landmarks.
Bolsover Castle began as a Norman fortress but was transformed into the refined palace seen today in the 1600s.
Less than ten minutes east of Bolsover lies Cresswell Crags, the site of Europe’s northernmost prehistoric cave paintings.
