FURTHER AFIELD
The surrounding areas of North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and the Peak District National Park offer a wide variety of interesting things to do and places to visit. Here are just a few. Click on the web addresses below for more information.
TOWNS
Chesterfield (6 miles)
is famous for the crooked spire of it's parish church. The town celebrated the 800th anniversary of it's Market Charter in 2004 and 200 stalls pack the town centre every Monday, Friday and Saturday.
Matlock and Matlock Bath (7 miles)
is a former spa town on the River Derwent and a highly popular tourist destination.
Bakewell (18 miles)
is a highly picturesque market town in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Famous for its Bakewell Pudding.
Eyam (18 miles)
is one of the best preserved villages in the Peak District and is known as 'The Plague Village' after the plague of 1665.
HISTORIC HOUSES AND GARDENS
Hardwick Hall (4 miles)
is an impressive Elizabethan mansion built for 'Bess of Hardwick', the wealthiest woman in England after the Queen Elizabeth I. This famous house was once a place of imprisonment for Mary, Queen of Scots.
Bolsover Castle (10 miles)
a 17th century mansion managed by English Heritage, brings history to life throughout the year with fighting knights, armed redcoats, battle enactments and encampments.
Renishaw Hall & Gardens (13 miles)
with its beautiful Italianate gardens, woodland trails and sculpture park are an excellent relaxing day out for those who love gardens.
Newstead Abbey (14 miles)
former home of Lord Byron, is set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland.
Chatsworth House (18 miles)
is also known as the 'Palace of the Peak', and is the region's grandest and most famous stately home offering something for everyone to see and enjoy.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The Peak District National Park
is situated adjacent to Clay Cross, and is Britain's premier National Park with unrivalled walking and climbing, world-renowned historic homes, or more gentle relaxation in some of the most breathtaking scenery in England.
Carsington Water (14 miles)
is the place to go for those into watersports, fishing, walking or cycling.
Longshaw Estate (16 miles)
is one of the many expanses of moorland, woods and farmland within the Peak District National Park owned by The National Trust. Great walking opportunities with dramatic panoramas. Fantastic wildlife and flora.
Sherwood Forest (20 miles)
was the home of the famous Robin Hood and his merry men and covers a third of Nottinghamshire.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Derwent Valley Mills (10 miles)
is a World Heritage Site snaking 15 miles along the River Derwent from Matlock Bath to Derby with a fascinating series of historic mill complexes including some of the world's first 'modern' factories.
Denby Pottery Visitor Centre (12 miles)
includes various factory tours, a small museum, a glass studio, the Denby factory shop and the Darlington Crystal factory shop.
Caves, Caverns and Mines.
The hillsides of the Peak District are riddled with caves, many of which are now open to the public:
Pooles Cavern in Buxton (30 miles) www.poolescavern.co.uk
Speedwell Cavern www.speedwellcavern.co.uk
and Peak Cavern www.devilsarse.com in Castleton. (25 miles)
Alton Towers Theme Park (30 miles)
is Britain's number 1 theme park set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside. A must for those looking for those seeking the country's best rides and thrills!
and the North-East Derbyshire tourist information website. www.visitchesterfield.info