9 Best Places To Visit In Derbyshire

 

Whether you’re visiting the county for the first time or you’re coming back for more, check out some of the best places to visit in Derbyshire to make sure you don’t miss anything. 

Derbyshire is best known for having a large part of the Peak District National Park, but there’s so much more to explore here. With Elizabethan country houses, heritage sites from the Industrial Revolution and great outdoor activities, Derbyshire’s attractions cater to a range of interests.

Take a look at some of our best days out in Derbyshire. 

Peak District National Park

A stunning national park

Derbyshire’s national park is full of things to do – frankly, you could spend weeks exploring the area. If you only have a short time, here’s our pick of things to see and do. 

If you’re looking for a scenic walk, go to Dovedale, famous for its stepping stones across the River Dove. Cross the stones and climb the short ascent to Thorpe Cloud for views over Derbyshire and neighbouring Staffordshire.

Near the village of Castleton, go to the show caves at Treak Cliff hill. Here, you’ll see Blue John, a special type of fluorspar that is used to make jewellery in the local area.

Finally, there’s Matlock Bath, a village with attractive gardens surrounded by a landscape of limestone crags and wooded hills. Visit nearby Gulliver’s World theme park and the local museums or walk up to High Tor. Another top spot is the Heights of Abraham, a hilltop park that overlooks Matlock Bath. Take the cable car to the top and learn about the 17th-century mining industry in the area as you take a tour of the caverns.

Find out more about attractions near Matlock.

Hardwick Hall

A country house built by Bess of Hardwick

The National Trust manages Hardwick Hall, a large mansion house that dates back to Elizabethan times. It was built by Bess of Hardwick, who also built nearby Chatsworth and was one of the richest women in England in the 16th century. 

There are Elizabethan tapestries and embroideries on the walls and lots of architectural details to discover. The gardens are especially pretty in the summer but the whole estate is open to be explored and there are walks through the parkland and the wider estate where you might see livestock grazing. 

Dogs are welcome here but must be kept on a lead.

Pitch up at campsites near Hardwick Hall.

Crich Tramway Village

Ride a vintage tram and see a period street

Crich Tramway Village promises to transport visitors back in time with its vintage trams and period street, where you can wander through the traditional village scene and see the Derby Assembly Rooms before stopping for refreshments at the tea rooms, sweet shops and pub.

Take one of the restored trams along the street and then out into the countryside, or go for a woodland walk on one of the many well-prepared trails. This is a great place to take the kids in Derbyshire but it’s adult- and dog-friendly too.

Go camping near Crich Tramway Village.

Derwent Valley Mills

Insights into the industrial heritage of the region

A UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site next to the River Derwent, Derwent Valley Mills are a series of 18th- and 19th-century cotton mills that give glimpses into life in the area during the Industrial Revolution. 

Take a guided tour of Cromford Mill, surrounded by some of the first purpose-built housing in the world, as well as traditional shops, a pub and a school. Or, see the mill complex in Belper, which was once described as the best in England. The Derwent Valley Visitor Centre is here too, and there are lots of other mills and historical sites to see along the 15-mile trail.

Find a campsite near the Derwent Valley Mills.

Chatsworth House

An art-filled Elizabethan mansion

Another stunning Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick, Chatsworth has been passed down through the generations from her husband, Sir William Cavendish, and his descendants still live there. 

There are more than 25 rooms to explore in the house with works of art from Egyptian sculpture to modern paintings and the grand Painted Hall. Outside, there are gardens, a farmyard and a play area for kids, plus a gift shop, restaurants and cafés. 

Chatsworth holds events throughout the year – like horse trials, a Christmas market and a country fair, so have a look to see if there’s anything going on while you’re in the area.

Discover campsites near Chatsworth.

Buxton

Highest market town in England

You might know Buxton for the mineral water that’s bottled here – and indeed when you visit the town you can see the well where the water comes from, plus some natural thermal springs. 

Buxton is 300 metres above sea level, making it the highest market town in England. See the Georgian and Victorian architecture and the Devonshire Dome, built by the Duke of Devonshire, and visit the landscaped Pavilion Gardens, which have a play area to amuse the kids.

Read about the best waterfalls to see in Derbyshire.

Carsington Water

Reservoir with watersports, hiking and biking

Looking for a place to go for a stroll, a bike ride or even get out on the water? Carsington Water is a great day out with fun for all the family. There are two bike trails (one of three miles and the other eight miles), with views of the water and bikes are available to hire. 

There are three walking trails to choose from too, and the open waters and muddy shores are habitats for a range of birdlife so there’s always something to spot. Hire a boat and go fishing for trout or try out watersports like windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Look for campsites near Carsington Water.

Bolsover Castle

A fairytale castle in Derbyshire

English Heritage takes care of this early 17th-century fairytale castle, which has enough to do for a full day out with all the family. 

Go inside the Little Castle to see the sumptuous rooms with wall art, painted ceilings and marble fireplaces. A rare feature here is that you can sit on and touch all of the reproduction furniture – so it’s a particularly good tour for kids.  

See the secluded fountain garden and walk on the restored walls around the whole castle, then when you’re hungry head to the tearooms for traditional English treats.

Find campsites to stay near Bolsover Castle.

Derby

The largest city in Derbyshire

If you want to have a more urban experience in Derbyshire, go to the largest city in the county, Derby. Derby is at one end of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, and here you can visit the Museum of Making to learn more about the industry in the region. 

Climb the steps in the tower of Derby Cathedral to have views over the city and see the tomb of Bess of Hardwick on the ground floor. After that, visit the Derby Museum & Art Gallery where artwork sits alongside nature, military and archaeology exhibitions.

Search for campsites near Derby.

Looking for more places to get outdoors in Derbyshire? Check out our guide to the best walks in Derbyshire and explore more of the county on foot.