Historic Houses / Castles
Derbyshire abounds with historic houses and parks. Many of these have been used recently as filming locations and they are all set in unspoilt countryside. There is Chatsworth, Kedleston, where The Duchess has been filmed, Sudbury, Haddon Hall, where Jane Eyre was filmed in the recent television series, Melbourne Hall, Wingfield Manor, Hardwick Hall, Shugborough Hall, Calke Abbey and Carnfield Hall. With Bolsover Castle and Ashby Castle there are many historic buildings to explore.
Gardens / Theme Parks / Attractions
Meanwhile, tranquil parks and gardens encourage you to relax and enjoy the serenity, whilst if you visit Lea Rhododendron Gardens you will be greeted by one of the most glorious displays of colour to be found anywhere in Britain. At Belper River Gardens you can hire a boat or take a trip on the River Cruiser, then enjoy the superb visitor centre in the nearby historic Strutt’s North Mill. Shipley Country park has a Visitors Centre, tea rooms and plenty of places to explore. The National Forest is within walking distance of several pubs and restaurants in the pleasant scenery of south Derbyshire.
For those looking for excitement, one of the Country’s leading theme parks Alton Towers, is just a short journey away! Additional places to visit are Drayton Manor Park, Snibston Discovery Park, Donnington Park, National Space Centre, National Stone Centre, Conkers, Snowdome at Tamworth, Waterworld and the Potteries at Stoke on Trent, Denby Pottery, The National Brewery Centre, Cannock Chase and Twycross Zoo. Just when you begin to think you’ve seen everything there is to see, you?ll discover there is so much more!
Shopping
Looking for a bargain? Then there are numerous factory shops situated in the area. Smedleys, De Bradley Mill , Stevensons, Mcarthur Glenn and many more. Derby has a new Westfield Centre with a vast array of different shops.
Market Towns
Perhaps you would rather explore our towns and lovely stone villages, all with something of interest to offer.
ASHBOURNE, BAKEWELL, BUXTON – fascinating market towns with quaint shops, antiques and historic buildings and don’t forget.
MATLOCK BATH – with Gulliver’s Kingdom and the Heights of Abraham, just 10 minutes up the A6 from Belper.
Villages in South Derbyshire
Melbourne, Ticknall, Repton and Staunton Harold are all villages of historical character.
Sport / Activities
CARSINGTON WATER – has many watersports, fishing and boating facilities. There are also walking and cycle trails.
Foremark Reservoir and Swarkstone with their water sports facilities.
Wildlife centre near Wirksworth, which is also the home of the National Stone Centre.
DOVEDALE, HARTINGTON, MILLER’S DALE, MONSAL HEAD – all of these famed limestone dales, and more, with superb walking and lovely stone villages, are near at hand.
PLUS: nationally famous CLIMBING at Matlock Bath (High Tor and Wildcat) at CURBAR, FROGATT and STANAGE EDGES, and CAVING in and around Matlock and in the famed show caves in the Castleton area – Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Pooles Cavern and Speedwell Cavern.
Cycle Hire – there many cycle trails eg Tissington Trail and the High Peak Trail.
Plan your outdoor activities with Escape Tel No: 01773 599687
Enjoy as much as you can – and there’s always more to see on your next holiday with us!
