Things To Do
Alport Heights
Alport Heights, near Wirksworth in Derbyshire, is a cherished local landmark and popular picnic destination, offering expansive vistas of the Derwent and Ecclesbourne Valleys. The summit is crowned by the Alport Stone, a striking 20-foot-high pillar of quarried gritstone, which stands as a testament to the area’s geological history.
In 1930, the National Trust acquired nine acres near the summit—excluding the land occupied by the prominent radio masts—marking its first scenic acquisition in Derbyshire. This area remains freely accessible to the public, providing a serene environment for visitors.
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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.
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Carsington Water
Matlock and Matlock Bath, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, are charming destinations offering history and natural beauty. Matlock is known for its shopping, pubs and cafes, plus the lovely Hall Leys Park, featuring a bandstand, riverside walks, and a café, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation. The town’s friendly atmosphere and picturesque setting make it a delight to explore.
Nearby, Matlock Bath, formely a Victorian spa town often called “Little Switzerland,” boasts dramatic limestone cliffs and a historic riverside promenade. Its warm springs once made it a popular retreat, and today it retains its unique charm with quirky shops and traditional eateries. Together, these towns provide a perfect mix of history, scenic beauty, and relaxation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
For history buffs, the canal is a reminder of the area’s industrial past, once serving as a vital transportation route during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Along your walk, you’ll encounter remnants of the canal’s heritage, including old wharves and bridges, each telling a story of its bustling past.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a day immersed in history and nature, Cromford Canal offers something for everyone.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A small shop on-site provides the opportunity to purchase freshly milled flour and unique souvenirs, ensuring a memorable visit to this remarkable piece of Derbyshire’s heritage.
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Heights of Abraham
Take Take a flight across the Derwent Valley in one of the famous cable cars, offering breathtaking panoramic views as you ascend to a unique 60-acre hilltop estate. This iconic experience is a must for visitors, providing stunning perspectives of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside.
Once at the Heights of Abraham, a world of adventure and discovery awaits. Explore the fascinating underground cavern network, where guided tours reveal the area’s rich mining history and natural formations that have been millions of years in the making. Above ground, historic trails and woodland walks lead you through beautiful landscapes, with interpretive boards offering insights into the estate’s heritage and ecological importance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Email : [email protected]
Tel : 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.
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Star Disc
The StarDisc is a 21st-century stone circle featuring a 40ft diameter star chart etched into black granite. Created by artist Aidan Shingler in 2011, the StarDisc is a celebration of humanity’s connection to the stars and the night sky.
Perched atop a hill, high above the Ecclesbourne Valley and Wirksworth village, the StarDisc offers stunning views during the day.
The constellations are etched with precision, and their names are highlighted in silver, creating an engaging and educational experience for visitors. At night, the StarDisc is illuminated by solar-powered lights, making it a striking focal point for stargazing or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
The site is freely accessible to the public and has become a popular venue for community events, performances, and educational activities.
By night, its constellation chart serves as a guide for stargazing.
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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 : Tel: 01773 822224
Web: www.ritz-belper.co.uk
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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.
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Alton Towers
Alton Towers is the UK’s largest theme park, offering an unforgettable day out for thrill-seekers. With world-class roller coasters, tranquil gardens, a waterpark, and luxurious spa facilities, it’s perfect for a fun-filled or relaxing adventure.
The park also hosts extraordinary seasonal events throughout the year.
For visitors staying in Swinney Wood, Belper, Alton Towers is conveniently situated just a 45 to 50-minute drive away, making it an ideal day out for adventure seekers and families looking for a mix of excitement and entertainment.
With its sprawling grounds and diverse attractions, Alton Towers promises a memorable experience for everyone.
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Belper
Nestled in Derbyshire’s Amber Valley, is a historic market town with a rich industrial heritage, forming part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. A key landmark is Strutt’s North Mill, built in 1804, which now serves as a museum showcasing the innovations of the time, including the Arkwright system and exhibits on textile production.
Nearby, the Belper River Gardens provide a peaceful escape, originally designed in 1905 for mill workers and their families. These beautifully landscaped gardens feature vibrant flowerbeds, charming bridges, and a historic boathouse offering summer rowing boat hire. With its blend of industrial history and natural beauty, Belper offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into its past alongside tranquil spaces to unwind.
Web : https://bit.ly/4fPZgbo
Tel : 01773 841335
Matlock & Matlock Bath
Matlock and Matlock Bath, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, are charming destinations offering history and natural beauty. Matlock is known for its lovely Hall Leys Park, featuring a bandstand, riverside walks, and a café, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation. The town’s friendly atmosphere and picturesque setting make it a delight to explore.
Nearby, Matlock Bath, a Victorian spa town often called “Little Switzerland,” boasts dramatic limestone cliffs and a historic riverside promenade. Its warm springs once made it a popular retreat, and today it retains its unique charm with quirky shops and traditional eateries. Together, these towns provide a perfect mix of history, scenic beauty, and relaxation.
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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.
