Our top ten Derbyshire attractions

The county of Derbyshire is full of wonderful attractions, from chocolate box villages to rugged outdoor landscapes and thrilling family adventures. Here we highlight the top 10 Derbyshire attractions, so you’ll have plenty of choice on your camping holiday.

1 Peak District National Park

The incredible Peak District National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the world. There is so much to do here, from walking, cycling and horse riding to rock sports and caving. There are reservoirs and rivers for water sports too. Of course you could just relax with a picnic and enjoy the stunning views.

2 Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey has an eccentric and beautiful collection of carefully conserved treasures nestled inside, telling the tale of a country estate in decline. The gardens and lands surrounding the abbey are stunning, with walled gardens, kitchen gardens, an orangery, tunnels and overgrown courtyards to explore. 

3 Arbor Low

Known as the ‘Stonehenge of the North’, the mysterious prehistoric monument of Arbor Low occupies a remarkable setting high up on the Derbyshire moorland. Gib Hill, a prehistoric burial mound, can also be found nearby.

4 Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall is an impressive Elizabethan stately home housing a fine collection of tapestries, needlework and furniture. There are fine gardens here too and the parklands are great for a walk and a picnic. The intriguing ruins of Hardwick Old Hall can also be found in the grounds.

5 Matlock Bath

The pretty town of Matlock Bath has been a popular tourist attraction for a long time. However, it has retained its tranquil and remote feeling, making it a lovely place to stroll around. This town has more than its fair share of attractions, from a family theme park to the Heights of Abraham cable car. Don’t miss it.

6 Treak Cliff Cavern

No visit to Derbyshire would be complete without a trip underground to explore the amazing cave systems in this region. Don’t let the humble entrance to Treak Cliff Cavern fool you, once you get below ground this show cave is seriously impressive and the story of mining for Blue John Stone here is fascinating.

7 Bolsover Castle

A grand castle always makes for a brilliant day out and Bolsover is something truly special. The unique painted ceilings of the Little Castle are worth the visit alone, but there is much more to see and learn about within these walls. Plus there is a pretty walled garden to stroll around.

8 Ladybower Resevoir

Located in the Upper Derwent Valley, the Ladybower Resevoir is surrounded by woodland and countryside on all sides. The area is pretty and rural, the perfect place to go and relax after a busy holiday at some of the other attractions in Derbyshire. Best enjoyed via a walk or cycle ride, the views found here are wonderful. It’s also not far to the impressive Derwent Dams, which were used in the Second World War.

9 Crich Tramway Village

Crich Tramway Village is a brilliant little village containing the National Tramway Museum. You can ride the trams, enjoy the views, explore the exhibitions and see a large variety of vehicles from functional to fun.

10 Buxton Opera House

A fantastic tall Edwardian building in the town of Buxton, the Opera House has been a popular spot since 1903. This is a great traditional theatre and seeing a show here is something special. If you don’t fancy opera, there are a number of performance spaces with in the building offering a range of different experiences.

As this list shows, the county of Derbyshire has a lot to offer visitors. From prehistoric sites to fine stately homes and fantastic natural landscapes – and that’s only the beginning. Derbyshire is a fantastic destination for people of all ages and interests – happy holidays!