Coast’s Choice: Derbyshire
This week, Coast Choice visits Derbyshire, a county that is known for its natural beauty. Derbyshire encompasses a large part of the Peak District National Park, the Pennines and 225 miles of National Forest.
Chatsworth House & Gardens
This stately home is one of Derbyshire’s most treasured attractions and has been immortalised in numerous television and cinematic period dramas.
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the house itself has more than 30 rooms open for viewing including the chapel, state rooms, painted hall, sculpture gallery and guest bedrooms. It also houses a significant art collection and many historic artifacts dating as far back as Ancient Egyptian times.
The site also includes 105 acres of garden, which encompass the 300-year-old cascade waterfall and rockery, a giant maze, the rose garden, kitchen garden and commanding Emperor fountain.
Many animals live in Chatsworth’s farmyards and visitors are welcome to attend daily handling sessions, while an adventure playground has recently been installed to entertain children during their visit.
Admission to Chatsworth House is priced at £18 for adults and £12 for children. Both the house and gardens are open daily between March and December. Click here for further information.
Nearest caravan site: two caravan parks located on the Chatsworth House estate
Crich Tramway Village
The tram is enjoying a renaissance as a method of public transport thanks to its environmentally friendly credentials, however you can celebrate its origins at a museum dedicated to all things tram!
At Crich Tramway Cvillage, vintage trams will take you along an Edwardian period street comprised of many façades that have been rescued and restored from buildings around the country. For instance, the Red Lion pub once resided in Stoke, while the Town End Terminus’ clock and Exhibition Hall windows were salvaged from Doncaster tram depot.
Other places to visit along your journey include Rita’s tearoom, the Upper Deck restaurant, an old fashioned sweet shop, Frederick’s ice cream parlour and the Eagle press. You can even watch the museum’s collection being restored from the tram workshop viewing gallery. The Crich Tramway Village website features more details.
Tickets cost £12 for adults and £7 for children, dogs on leads are also welcome at this attraction.
Nearest caravan site: 1.1 miles
Cromford Mill
Britain’s first water powered cotton spilling mill is now a popular place to visit in the Derbyshire area. Built by entrepreneur Richard Arkwright in 1771, it was extremely influential in the development of the industrial revolution.
Cromford Mill is viewed as one of UK’s first modern factories, becoming the blueprint for several mills that Arkwright built and leased around the country. It remained in the Arkwright family long after its founder’s death until the 19th century, when its machinery was sold or destroyed and the premises became home to several new businesses including a dye factory.
In 1979, the mill was purchased by the Arwright Society and restored to its former glory. Although it is not functioning, visitors are welcome to view some of its original equipment on a guided tour outlining its fascinating history. This can be combined with a tour of the surrounding village, which includes a closer look at the market place and workers’ housing built by Arkrwight for his factory community.
The mill tour alone costs £3.50 with a combined mill and village tour available for £5.00. Click here to find out more.
Nearest caravan site: 1.7 miles
Heights of Abraham
Derbyshire’s undulating landscape is best seen from above, so why not take advantage of the Heights of Abraham cable cars to enjoy panoramic views across the region.
The Matlock Bath cable cars have been ferrying passengers along one of the Peak District’s most popular valleys since 1984. Formerly a lead mine, the 60 acres of woodland hillside attracts interesting birds and wildlife, provides a stunning view point for nature lovers and photographers and gives children a great environment to let off steam.
Tours into the hillside caverns once used for mining are on offer, while exhibitions explain the geology and history of the area. There is also a kids’ adventure playground and plenty of places serving refreshments.
Open daily during the summer, Heights of Abraham costs £13 for an adult return journey and £9 for a child’s return journey. The official website contains more information.
Nearest caravan site: 2.6 miles
Poole’s Cavern
Below the surface of the rolling Derbyshire countryside lies some of the area’s most fascinating natural history, which you can explore by taking an underground trip to Poole’s Cavern.
An expert tour guide will take you on a journey through limestone caves to find out about the formation of Stalactites and Stalagmites. LED lighting throws a new perspective on these crystal formations, which have entranced scientists, geologists and literary figures – including Daniel Defoe – alike.
Above ground, you can explore the areas woodland scenery and visit the Grin Low and Solomon’s Temple viewing points. There is also a ‘Go Ape’ adventure course in the wood for the daredevils among you!
Poole’s Cavern is open seven days a week in all weather conditions. Entry costs £8.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. Click here for further information.
Nearest caravan site: 0.3 miles
Make sure your leisure vehicle is protected when you’re travelling this summer by taking out caravan insurance or motorhome insurance with Coast. For a quotation, contact our UK based sales team on Freephone 0800 614 849.