Derbyshire is rich in history, all evoking significant moments in England’s cultural past.
Bakewell
Bakewell is the only market town within the Peak District National Park boundary and its attractive courtyards, independent shops, cafés and its location on the River Wye make it a hugely popular destination for tourists to the Peak District.
Buxton
The spa town of Buxton lies just outside the National Park boundaries, and is situated in a natural bowl forged by the River Wye on the boundary between the gritstone and limestone areas of the Peak. The site has been continuously occupied since at least Roman times, when people were attracted to the area by the warm springs that have been a major source of importance and income for Buxton ever since.
The town has a range of shops and a market every Tuesday and Saturday.
Chesterfield Parish Church
The crooked spire of the Grade I listed St. Mary and All Saints Church in Chesterfield is known worldwide, and is the only UK member of the Association of Twisted Spires of Europe, where it has the honour of having the greatest ‘lean and twist’ of all 72 members.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church, at the heart of the beautiful and storied village of Edensor on the Chatsworth Estate, has memorials to several members of the Cavendish family, including Kathleen ‘Kick’ Kennedy, daughter-in-law of the 10th Duke and sister of John F. Kennedy. As well as a memorial to prominent British architect and horticulturalist Sir Joseph Paxton, who designed the Crystal Palace and was head gardener at Chatsworth from 1826.
Hardwick Hall
Built by Bess of Hardwick, an ancestor to the Devonshire family, and now looked after by the National Trust, the hall was designed by England’s ‘first architect’ Robert Smythson in the Italian Renaissance style. It features extensive use of glass, a rare commodity in Elizabethan Britain, and houses famous examples of plasterwork, tapestries and paintings.
Haddon Hall
Haddon is a medieval hall and estate that traces its origins back to 1086. Untouched for over 200 years, the hall escaped modernisation and remains almost frozen in time, with remarkable original features throughout. Thanks to its medieval perfection, Haddon has been the setting for much-loved films including Jane Eyre, Mary Queen of Scots, The Other Boleyn Girl, Pride & Prejudice and The Princess Bride.
Heights of Abraham
Famous for its cable cars, which take visitors on an exciting ride through and over the scenic Derwent Valley, the Heights of Abraham comprises a Victorian country park and garden at the top of Masson Hill, as well as adventure playgrounds and guided tours through illuminated underground caverns.
Crich Tramway Village
A must for transport enthusiasts. Travel on vintage trams through a period street scene and into the open countryside, and see restoration work in progress in the workshop. The site includes a Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail as well as an onsite pub, tearoom and shop. Dogs on leads are welcome.