Things to Do in the Peak District, Matlock, Wirksworth and Buxton​

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating story of Buxton with a visit to The Buxton Crescent Experience. A multimedia visitor attraction that brings to life the rich and unique history of a special spa town and its renowned mineral spring, St. Ann’s Well. For centuries Buxton has been a place where people have sought the miracle water cure and within the beautiful Grade-I listed Crescent you will encounter visitors from a period spanning more than 10,000 years who have travelled to the town to drink and bathe in the thermal mineral water.

During the fun and fact-filled experience you can take a virtual reality hot-air balloon ride above the town during its Georgian heyday and have your ailments cured by an 18th century apothecary. Follow rainwater on a 5,000 year journey through the Peak District hills and find out why it emerges warm from the natural springs beneath the Crescent, you can even bottle some straight from source and take it home with you.
The Buxton Crescent Experience is the perfect choice for all ages, the interactive elements will keep children amused and educated, while history buffs can dig deeper into the fascinating story of the town. Special rates are available for families and group visits. Tours can be self-guided to explore at your own pace or fully guided by our knowledgeable and friendly hosts. For further details visit BuxtonCrescentExperience.com

Save 10% on tickets with discount code PEAKSANDDALES

The Pump Room
Opposite the Georgian Crescent stands the Grade-II Listed Victorian Pump Room, constructed in 1894 to provide mineral water to the people of Buxton and the town’s many visitors. The Pump Room’s elegant marble surroundings are still the perfect place to stop for locally produced refreshments including Buxton Roastery coffee, Derbyshire Tea and delicious cakes from Jake’s Peak Bakes. During your visit you can sample the world-famous mineral water straight from its natural source at St. Ann's Well and get expert advice about the best days out in the Peak District from our friendly staff at the Visitor Information Desk. The Pump Room also offers a wide range of gifts and souvenirs including Peak District ales, hand crafted gins and local artisan products. The Pump Room is a unique venue with licensed bar which can provide a special location for exclusive private hire events.
For more information on hire contact hello@buxtoncrescenttrust.org

A Great Family Day Out With a Step Back in Time

Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum, offers one of Derbyshire's great family days out and a step back in time, featuring rides out into the beautiful Derbyshire countryside on the lovingly restored vintage trams.
Experience the fascinating Woodland Walk & Sculpture Trail, which winds its way back to the Tramway Village, before visiting the enthralling, interactive exhibitions.
View the experts at work, maintaining and restoring the vintage trams, from the workshop viewing gallery.
There is a packed programme of special events throughout the season, with something for everyone to enjoy, from themed music events such as Sounds of the 50s and 60s on 9th and 10th August to the popular Teddy Bears’ Picnic on 24th and 25th August and Pirate Day on 31st August.
For tram enthusiasts, the Models Weekend on 16th and 17th August invites you to see some amazing working model layouts, while Tram Weekend sees many of the operational vintage trams running over the weekend from 13th to 14th September.
For the full list of events, visit the website: www.tramway.co.uk/whatson
Please check opening dates on the website, as these vary according to time of year. For more details and opening times visit www.tramway.co.uk, telephone 01773 854321 or email: enquiry@tramway.co.uk.
Enthusiastic volunteers are welcome, and after a successful induction, activities such as painting and gardening, to tram crew and helping with events are on offer. You can find out much more by visiting our website: https://www.tramway.co.uk/volunteering

Luxury Lodge Holidays
Award-winning 5 star park
Spa lodges include private hot tubs
Onsite restaurant and takeaway
Stunning woodland location
Indoor pool, spa, gym and beauty rooms
Cycle hire, mini golf, tennis and woodland walks

Evolution Health and Fitness
Exclusive gym and swimming pool
Spa area with jacuzzi sauna and steam room
Fitness classes and personal training
Beauty therapy

Little Monkeys Play Centre
Huge indoor soft play area
Mini football pitch
Toddler area
Explorers cafe

Deep in the heart of the Peak District lies the lovely village of Eyam, with a fascinating and famous history. Visit our intriguing museum to explore the extraordinary story of the plague outbreak of 1665-1666, and how two clergymen worked alongside the villagers to isolate the village and avoid the spread of disease to neighbouring parishes.

Eyam’s not just about the plague story though, so you can find out about the social and industrial history of Eyam on your visit too!

Dress as a 17th Century villager, find the flea, use a discovery rucksack to explore the museum, see the Plague Doctor and take a quiz!

We also run guided walking tours of the village, led by our knowledgeable volunteer guides (subject to availability).

Visit our website: www.eyam-museum.org.uk to find out more.
You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Ahead of the museum’s 30th anniversary in April a special exhibition has opened displaying the museum’s origins from finding a home for the incredible collection of local historian Clarence Daniel to the vibrant museum of today. Eyam Museum will also be hosting a series of events throughout this anniversary year to celebrate the achievements of this thriving organisation.

After exploring the exhibitions, visitors can then take a guided tour of Eyam led by one of the museum’s knowledgeable guide volunteers, before relaxing in one of the three charming cafes or village pub.

Please visit our website at www.eyam-museum.org.uk to find out more!

The monthly Farmers' Market in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales town of Bakewell (home of the famous Bakewell Pudding!) is a massive success story.

Generally held on the last Saturday of every month from 8.30am to 1.30pm, the event, organised by Derbyshire Dales District Council, is mainly under cover at the Agricultural Business Centre (ABC) in the heart of the stunningly beautiful market town.

With plenty of parking and easy access, Bakewell Farmers' Market is dedicated to encouraging and maintaining environmental sustainability, so most stallholders come from within a 30 mile radius of Bakewell.

While there are some crafts, most of the stalls are dedicated to food and drink, with old favourites like pies, real ales, eggs, mushrooms and vegetable stalls. A wide range of meats are available, and also stalls providing vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus chocolate, bread, jams and preserves. Look out too for fresh fish, game, honey, and a selection of cheeses.

Since launching back in 2000, the Farmers' Markets in Bakewell have expanded gradually over the years and continue to thrive, with around 50 stalls today. This spectacular event is now firmly established on the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District calendar.

The atmosphere generated is first class and the spin-off is that local hotels and businesses in and around Bakewell reap the benefits of the trade generated by the Farmers' Markets.

If your visit to the area doesn't coincide with this particular market, please note that the District Council also organises a weekly stall Market in Bakewell town centre every Monday, maintaining a remarkable tradition that dates back to 1330. For more details about the District Council's markets go online to www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/markets, call the Agricultural Business Centre on 01629 813 777 or email abc@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

And why not follow us on Facebook @bakewellfarmersmarket to keep in touch with what's happening?

Great British Car Journey: the region’s award winning interactive car museum have a whole new range of activities for the Summer aimed to keep the whole family amused.

Richard Usher who set up the attraction four years ago said “although the tour audio visual device has a specially developed childrens’ tour , we realised that we needed to broaden our appeal so that families can spend more time with us.”

The attraction now has a fleet of electric mini Land Rovers suitable for children aged 4 to 11 to drive on a new desert track adjacent to the main entrance.

There is also what is believed to be the longest Hot Wheels track in the County where kids can race the diminutive little cars reaching scale speeds of almost 200 miles per hour. Finally, the museum’s Drive Dads Car experience now features a Classic Mini fitted with dual controls which children who are tall enough can take for a spin accompanied by an Advanced Driving Instructor.

Visitors are also now able to cross the River Derwent on a private foot bridge and take a walk in Shining Cliff Woods which is one of Derbyshire’s oldest and most picturesque ancient woodlands complete with a hidden reservoir and amazing rock formations.

Two new businesses are also operating from the museum site:
Rapid Horizons who offer a range of water sports activities from Canoeing to Paddle Boarding and more and Peak EPedals who offer guided and unguided eBike tours of the beautiful surrounding area.

Get ready for giant adventures like none other this summer at Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park Resort.

The theme park is gearing up for a summer programme of fun-packed exhilarating rides, events and activities to thrill all families.
Tickets start from just £22pp when booked online at least two days in advance, making for a great value fun-filled family day out right on the edge of the Peak District.
Save even more on your fun-filled family adventure with afternoon rates starting from £15pp… enjoy entry from 2:00pm to 5:00pm each operational day throughout the summer.
This is a unique theme park experience with thrilling rides and amazing attractions, complete with spectacular views thanks to an impressive hillside setting. Climb high above the Crows Nest Quest or take a ride on the log flume, 300ft above Derwent Valley!
Step inside the Upside Down House, Gulliver’s Kingdom’s newest attraction that defies gravity with a peculiar interior.
Extend your family adventure and book a magical short break with the new core short break package “Eat, Sleep, Play!”
Enjoy epic adventures at incredible value over two days. You'll be able to enjoy two days of theme park entry, an evening meal, superb family entertainment, a breakfast bite, and lots of cherished family memories.
Choose from a variety of magically themed family suites and lodges to combine with theme park rides and attractions. Find a perfect room for any adventurer... from wise wizards to swashbuckling pirates and royal princesses.

Café
Set in a beautiful location right on the Monsal Trail, in the historic old railway station building, you’ll find Hassop Station. With an award-winning café, gift and book shop, cycle hire facilities, children’s play area and direct access to the traffic-free Monsal Trail, it’s a great destination for a whole day out!

Serving a wide range of delicious food, Hassop Station Café is open 362 days of the year. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, all freshly prepared using the finest ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible.

There is also a great choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. Hassop Station Café is the perfect location, no matter the weather. There are several dining areas inside and out, with large tables inside the café for big groups.

Outside there are 2 large covered areas and also a sun terrace occupying the old platform overlooking the Monsal Trail. With an ice cream and refreshments kiosk, play area and a wood fired pizza trailer too.
Hassop Station Café has disabled access and a cloakroom, and there is level access from the site straight onto the Monsal Trail.

Cycle Hire

Monsal Trail Cycle Hire at Hassop Station has a wide range of adults’ and kids’ bikes available for hire, as well as eBikes, tandems and trailers, MTB, EMTB and gravel bikes.

With bike hire from only £18 it’s easy to have a great family day out on the Monsal Trail, exploring the beautiful Peak District countryside on wheels.

This hidden gem in Hathersage is a great place for a family outing or to stop off on a walk or bike ride

Open from 10am every day.
Mainsail Restaurant with beautiful views
Watermark Cafe and Gift Shop
Splatz Ice Cream Parlour
Miles of walking routes
New children's play area and exhibition

The National Stone Centre is a spectacular 40-acre site of natural landscape with 330 million year old fossils to explore. This unique landscape tells the story of stone, its importance to our everyday lives and the allied industries it supports.

Just 30 minutes north of Derby in the Derbyshire Dales, on the edge of the Peak District, and easily accessible from the High Peak trail. Open all year round and free to access.

We offer:
• GeoTrails
• Discovery Centre
• Free Exhibition
• Café & Rock Shop
• Dogs Welcome
• Children’s Play Area
• Dry Stone Walling and Stone Carving courses

Open every day from 10am. Parking charges apply

Discover the life of a Derbyshire mineral miner. Investigate the equipment the miners used to extract the lead ore from the ground, clamber and crawl through our tunnels or visit Temple Mine, a real mine, on a guided tour and then pan for minerals.
The mining museum offers something for everyone in the family from the youngest, who love the mouse hunt and dressing up, the more adventurous children (and adults) who clamber through the tunnels, through to those with a special interest in industry, engineering, geology and mining.
The museum has artefacts ranging from a simple tallow candle up to a huge water pressure engine originally designed by Richard Trevithick. These help to tell the story of the old miners who have mined this area from Roman Times through to the 1980s.
A guided tour of Temple Mine, a 20th Century lead and fluorspar mine, provides an underground experience where hard hats are needed and most people have to bend down in the lower passages! After the mine tour there is a chance to pan for minerals – you may even find something that glitters like gold.
You will find us in Matlock Bath, a rather unique little village which has an almost seaside-like feel nestled in a beautiful valley.
We advise you to call ahead of your visit to book places on the Temple Mine guided tours but there is no need to book for the Museum. 01629 583834

Peak Rail welcomes visitors to our popular Derbyshire Heritage Railway situated in the beautiful Derwent Valley between Matlock and Bakewell. Our trains run on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank holidays as well as selected midweek days throughout the season. We also run a variety of special events as seen to the right. Saturdays will feature a choice locomotive from our heritage steam or diesel fleet (Check peakrail.co.uk for up to date information) whilst one of our steam fleet runs on Sundays, Bank Holidays, and selected midweek days throughout the season. Our trains start from Rowsley South Station and call at Darley Dale Station, where visitors can look round the restored station and small museum area. The train then runs directly into Matlock platform 2, before returning to Matlock Riverside where the locomotive runs round its train for the return trip to Rowsley.

Rowsley South Tea Rooms, situated on the platform at Rowsley South serves a selection of locally sourced hot and cold food and drinks. The Tea Rooms are open Wednesday to Sunday every week, 08:30-15:00 (16:30 when trains are in operation). We hope that our visitors will come and enjoy a ride with us over the summer months and support our beautiful Heritage Railway set in the stunning Derwent Valley. We also have a range of special events throughout the season, including Steam and Diesel events, 1940’s Weekend, Cheese and Wine and Whisky tasting trains and Afternoon Teas. Please check our website (www.peakrail.co.uk) for a full list of events and further information and bookings.

Well known for its cable car flight to the top of Masson Hill, rising almost 1000 feet above sea level, visitors to the Heights of Abraham enjoy a hilltop adventure on this privately-owned, family-run 60 acre estate. incorporating magnificent views over the Derwent Valley, exhibitions, show caverns tours, playgrounds, woodland trails, Vista restaurant and café, and so much more.

This spring the Heights of Abraham’s underground experience has an exciting new offer - ‘Seism!c’, an immersive lights and sound experience within the larger of its two show caverns, The Masson, sheds a new light upon the dramatic events in the World’s history with this fascinating underground cavern, with its strata of mineral-rich rocks. The Rutland cavern tour meanwhile is guided by actors in Victorian period costume, who bring to life anecdotes from the old miners, the showmen who used their wits to create one of England’s oldest tourist attractions dating back to Georgian times, and the odd spooktacular tale!
www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/show-caverns

The summer of events continues again this year at the Heights, starting with Musical Sundays in June. Sit in the sunshine and enjoy live music in the Amphitheatre from Throwback, a musical collective from Sheffield UK, playing an eclectic mix of hits from the 50s to present day but with an emphasis on fun, performing from 13:00 – 15:00. Then enjoy the sounds of the BM&W Brass Band on 6th July, playing hits from films, modern covers and brass classics. Finally, to round off the summertime schedule, the Punch and Judy show is back for their 20th season at the Heights, with a hilarious show three times a day to entertain children and adults alike!

Book tickets online in advance to enjoy discounted rates, or show your bus or train ticket at the box office to enjoy our ‘Green’ discount saving, with prices from £24.50 per adult. Family tickets are available also, with prices starting from £79 and under 5’s are welcome free of charge.

Well behaved dogs are also welcome at the Heights and to travel on the cable cars, although kindly note that they are not allowed in the caverns in the interest of safety.

www.heightsofabraham.com

Treak Cliff Cavern is a genuine wonder in the heart of the Peak District. Treak Cliff Hill is the only place in the world where Blue John Stone naturally occurs. The mineral Blue John Stone is a unique banded form of Fluorspar. It is believed it was originally given its name from the French “bleu et jaune” – the “blue and yellow” stone. It was mined in the eighteenth century with the Derbyshire folk coining the name. Treak Cliff Cavern continues to mine, process and manufacture ornamental items and jewellery from Blue John Stone today in our on-site workshop. We also have some of the finest stalactites in the Peak District. The self-guided Audio tour will explain how miners in the 1750s constructed a tunnel using only hand tools to reach the Blue John Stone deposits inside the hill, and you will see incredible veins of the stone across the cavern roof and hear about the recent amazing discovery of the ‘lost vein’ of Blue John that had been missing for almost 70 years. Your audio-guide will point out fossils in the limestone rock which formed the hillside above you 330 million years ago. The tour descends even deeper into the hill where you will experience the wonder of underground limestone cave formations. Multi-coloured flowstone adorns the walls of Aladdin’s Cave. Stalactites and stalagmites decorate Fairyland and the Dream Cave. The most famous formation is “The Stork”. During your tour the guide will explain where Blue John Stone came from, how water made the caverns and how stalactites are formed.