Things To Do
Alport Heights
A popular picnic site and local landmark with extensive views of the Derwent and Ecclesbourne valleys.
Alport Stone is the name of the pillar of quarried gritstone, some 20 ft high, which stands at the summit of Alport Heights.
DE56 2DQ
Black Rocks
Black Rocks is a weathered outcrop of Ashover grit. While reaching it requires a short yet steep climb, those who make the ascent are rewarded with superb views. Waymarked walks guide visitors through the Forestry Commission woodlands of Cromford Moor.
From here, you can access a beautiful and diverse countryside, including the High Peak Trail. Taking a short walk or bike ride along the trail to Sheep Pasture Top offers an exceptional view of Matlock Gorge, Cromford, and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
DE4 4GT
Carsington Water
Carsington Water is a large reservoir surrounded by wildflower meadows and native woodlands, ponds and reedbeds. There are so many things to do and see including a water sports centre, cycle hire, bird hides, a sailing club and signposted walks.
There is also a café, ice cream parlour and a
variety of shops on site.
DE4 5DP
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the River Derwent. Having been the residence of the Cavendish family since the 1550s, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions, and interests of succeeding generations.
Explore Chatsworth’s 105 acres of stunning gardens, with miles of footpaths, extravagant water features, outdoor art exhibitions, and surprises at every turn.
Chatsworth’s gift shops boast a wide selection of beautiful and exclusive products inspired by different aspects of the Chatsworth Estate, ensuring hours of delight and retail therapy.
DE45 1PN
Crich Stand
Constructed shortly after the First World War, Crich Stand stands as perhaps the most iconic landmark in Derbyshire. Perched over 340 metres above sea level, visitors can ascend 58 steps to reach its pinnacle.
From this vantage point, one can behold eight counties: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire. Notable landmarks, such as the Humber Bridge and Lincoln Cathedral, stand out on the horizon.
The stand serves as a memorial for the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and is dedicated to both the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and the Mercian Regiment.
DE4 5DP
Cromford Canal
The northern stretch of the canal lies within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. With five miles to explore along the towpath through woodland where there is a wide range of wildlife, including water voles, ducks, and dragonflies.
DE4 3RQ
Denby Pottery Village
Denby Pottery is a British manufacturer of pottery, named after the village of Denby in Derbyshire where it is based.
Enjoy a tour of the historic working factory and travel through 200 years of fascinating pottery history in the museum.
Denby Visitor Centre, next to the working pottery is set in a cobbled courtyard with award winning Home, Garden, Cookery and Gift shops.
DE5 8NX
Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 130+ modern British classics, including one of the last cars to roll off the Longbridge production line, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring industry from the early 1900s to the turn of the century.
DE56 2DQ
Haddon Hall
This Medieval and Tudor manor house is an absolute gem. Inside, there is a fine example of a medieval kitchen and an Elizabethan long gallery – the most modern room in the house! The exterior walls are adorned with climbing roses and there is a beautiful terraced garden.
Haddon Hall is a popular choice as a film and TV location.
DE45 1LA
Heage Windmill
A fascinating historic working windmill located a few minutes’ drive from Swinney Wood Log Cabins.
Built in 1797 and restored in 2002 Heage Windmill, a Grade II listed building, is the only working, stone-towered, six-sailed windmill in England.
Guided tours are available during which you will discover the history of Heage Windmill, how the miller controls the mill, how stoneground flour is traditionally milled along with many anecdotes about the life of a miller.
DE56 2BH
Heights of Abraham
Take a flight across the Derwent Valley in one of the famous cable cars to a unique 60-acre hilltop estate.
Visitors can explore an underground cavern network, historic trails, woodland walks, and visit restored heritage structures.
DE4 3NT
High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail runs for 17.5 miles from High Peak Junction, near Cromford, to Dowlow, 6 miles south of Buxton. At Parsley Hay it is joined from the south by the Tissington Trail, which runs for 13 miles from Ashbourne.
The High Peak and Tissington Trails were formerly the Cromford and High Peak and the Ashbourne to Buxton railway lines. You can walk, cycle or ride a horse on the
trails all year round.
DE4 4LS
Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Hall is an 18th-century neoclassical mansion with historic parkland, known for its appearances on TV and film.
Explore its remarkable collection of art and furnishings, and visit Lord Curzon’s Eastern Museum, filled with Asian artifacts.
DE56 5JH
Rapid Horizons
Outdoor adventure experience trips in canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, paddle boarding, and river tubing.
Various different land activities can be arranged such as climbing, biking, and caving.
E: [email protected]
T: 01629 700334
Shining Cliff Wood
Shining Cliff is an ancient woodland which is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The wood supports a diverse bird community including warblers, flycatchers, and bramblings. In the spring, coppiced sycamore trees provide a canopy for a carpet of bluebells, something that cannot be missed.
There is a circular waymarked trail for visitors which pass by the remains of the Betty Kenny Tree which is said to be 2000 years old.
DE56 2HF
Star Disc
The StarDisc is a 21st-century stone circle featuring a 40ft diameter star chart etched into black granite.
Perched atop a hill, high above the Ecclesbourne Valley and Wirksworth village, the StarDisc offers stunning views during the day.
By night, its constellation chart serves as a guide for stargazing.
DE4 4EN
The Ritz Cinema
The Ritz is an independent cinema boasting 99 seats with options for Luxury, Standard, or Sofa seating. Patrons can indulge in a variety of refreshments, including popcorn, sweets, cakes, and a selection of hot and cold beverages to enjoy during the film.
Given the popularity of some shows, advance booking is recommended. Reservations can be made in person or over the phone.
The box office opens at 4pm on weekdays and 1pm on Saturdays. Hours on Sundays and during school holidays may vary and are subject to change. Please note that only cash or cheque payments are accepted; card payments are not.
Box Office – T: 01773 822224
W: www.ritz-belper.co.uk
DE56 1QA
White Peak Distillery
Established in 2016, White Peak Distillery is the first full-scale, craft distillery in the Peak District region. The Distillery is located in the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works in Ambergate and celebrates the rich riverside and industrial landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The Distillery backs onto the ancient woodland of Shining Cliff, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). On the Distillery tasting tours, you are able to sample the Derbyshire style of single malt spirit as well as a range of award-winning Shining Cliff gin.
DE56 2HE
Walking & Cycling
To fully appreciate the stunning scenery surrounding us, we recommend that guests use a car to travel to nearby walking and cycling trails. This is due to the immediate vicinity lacking paved roads and paths, and travelling by car will allow you to enjoy your walk or ride without the inconvenience of navigating difficult terrain. We hope that you will take the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside during your stay. Whether you choose to relax in your log cabin or venture out into the surrounding area, we are confident that your experience with us will be truly memorable.
Explore the most popular mountain biking trails near Belper with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
