Derbyshire and the Peak District

Peak District and Derbyshire
As well as free access to the 1000 acre park at Chatsworth, there are more than 100 miles of footpaths on the rest of the estate across Derbyshire, a county with some of the most breathtaking scenery in England. The Peak District, which encompasses some of the most dramatic and beautiful of this scenery, became Britain’s first National Park in 1951 and draws walkers, climbers and holiday makers from all over the world.

As well as free access to the 100 acre park at Chatsworth, there are more than 100 miles of footpaths on the rest of the estate across Derbyshire

The county’s famous natural features include Dovedale, Monsal Dale, the Hope Valley, Mam Tor, and the unique ‘Blue John’ caverns in Castleton one of the only places in the world where this semi-precious stone is found. The entire area is famous for its walking, along rivers and valleys or over steep and rugged hills. The Tissington trail offers miles of cycle riding.

Historic Houses
The area also has a remarkable wealth of historic houses. In Derbyshire alone, it is possible to see outstanding examples of many of the most important periods and styles in British history and architecture, including some of the country’s greatest houses. Those directly associated with the Duke of Devonshire’s family are Hardwick Old and New Halls, both built by Bess of Hardwick in the 16th century, and Bolsover Castle, all now administered by the National Trust or English Heritage. Others include Haddon Hall, Eyam Hall, Tissington Hall, Sudbury, Melbourne, Calke Abbey, Kedleston Hall and Renishaw.

Hardwick Hall, built in the 16th century by Bess of Hardwick, who also built the original Chatsworth

Industrial Heritage
Derbyshire also has a unique industrial heritage. The mills along the river Derwent north of Derby have been designated by UNESCO as a ‘World Heritage Site’, encompassing the earliest surviving water-powered buildings of the Industrial Revolution. The craft and industrial traditions survive in Derbyshire, with many traditional and modern makers living and working in the area, including the famous cutlery designer David Mellor, whose ‘Round Building’ factory and shop can be visited outside Hathersage.

The Round building, Hathersage where modern cutlery by David Mellor is manufactured

Towns and villages
There are many charming and historic towns and villages in Derbyshire, including Bakewell, Ashbourne, Wirksworth, Cromford, Tideswell, Buxton, Matlock and Chesterfield. Most of them have active markets and arts festivals, most famously in Buxton, and the Derbyshire tradition of Well Dressings take place in many Peak District villages between June and September every year.

The Crescent in the historic town of Buxton

Local Cities
18 miles over the moors from Chatsworth is Sheffield, a lively and welcoming city, with superb parks, shops, sports facilities, cafes and restaurants and a rich industrial and cultural heritage. The city is home to many young and established artists and craft makers, some of whose work spaces are regularly open to visitors. There are award-winning public spaces, such as the Peace Gardens and the dramatic new glass Winter Garden, museums and galleries, the largest independent art cinema outside London and three of the most acclaimed theatres in Britain. Music in the Round is home to a world-class series of classical chamber concerts throughout the year.

The Winter Garden at the Millenium Galleries, Sheffield

Other Cities
Other cities within 70 minutes by car from Chatsworth are Manchester and Derby; they offer world class attractions, international sporting arenas, galleries, museums, shops and fine examples of 18th, 19th and 20th century civic architecture.

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