Best Attractions in Derbyshire

Go Ape Buxton is a thrilling high ropes adventure course set in the Peak District National Park's woodlands near Buxton. This self-guided forest canopy experience features one of the UK's highest and most extreme courses, complete with a spectacular Tarzan swing drop, multiple ziplines, and challenging rope obstacles. Suitable for ages 10 and above, visitors typically spend 2–3 hours navigating the treetops while enjoying panoramic views of Buxton town and the surrounding countryside. The course includes a safety briefing from qualified instructors and a practice area before the main adventure begins.

Nestled beside the Chesterfield Canal in Chesterfield, Tapton Lock Visitor Centre is a welcoming hub for walkers, cyclists, and families exploring the waterway. Inside, you’ll find local maps, canal history, and friendly advice for routes along the towpath. The centre also offers light refreshments and serves as a launch point for seasonal boat trips, making it a perfect stop for a relaxed day out in the countryside.

Derbion is Derby’s largest shopping and leisure complex, offering over 200 stores, a vibrant food court, and extensive entertainment options including a 12-screen cinema, bowling alley, and indoor adventure golf. Located in the heart of Derby city centre, it combines shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in a modern, spacious environment with ample parking and excellent transport links.

Calke Abbey, nestled in Ticknall, Derbyshire, is a unique National Trust property showcasing a Baroque mansion preserved in a state of gentle decline. Set within 600 acres of parkland and gardens, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into a historic estate with peeling paintwork and original interiors untouched by modern restoration. The grounds include a deer park, walled garden, domed orangery, and a natural play area, making it a compelling destination for history, nature, and garden enthusiasts.

Hardwick Hall, an iconic Elizabethan country house in Derbyshire, England, was built between 1590 and 1597 for Bess of Hardwick. Designed by Robert Smythson, it is famed for its expansive glass windows and richly preserved interiors featuring 16th-century tapestries and furnishings. Set atop a hill with sweeping views, the estate includes the ruins of Hardwick Old Hall and extensive gardens, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Tudor aristocratic life and architecture.

Carsington Water is a large reservoir in the Derbyshire countryside, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, birdwatching, watersports, and fishing around the 8-mile perimeter trail. The site features a visitor centre with a café, shop, children’s play area, and educational displays about water and the environment. With accessible paths, picnic spots, and dog-friendly trails, it’s a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

Bolsover Castle, perched on a hilltop in Derbyshire, is a striking 17th-century 'party palace' built by the Cavendish family as a luxurious retreat. Visitors explore the richly decorated Little Castle with its ornate rooms and painted ceilings, romantic ruined terraces, and peaceful Fountain Garden. The castle offers panoramic views over the countryside, interactive family activities, and a historic Riding House, blending architectural grandeur with scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum near Matlock, Derbyshire, offers an immersive journey into tramway history with vintage tram rides, a recreated period village, woodland walks, and family-friendly amenities. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collection, enjoy unlimited tram rides on a scenic mile-long track, and relax at the village pub or sweet shop, making it a unique cultural and educational experience.

Kedleston Hall, near Derby, is a grand 18th-century English country house designed by Robert Adam with Palladian exteriors and opulent Neo-classical interiors. Commissioned by Nathaniel Curzon, it showcases lavish state rooms, extensive art collections, and historic parkland. The hall also houses intriguing colonial-era artifacts collected by George Nathaniel Curzon, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and global connections.

Matlock Antiques & Collectables is a charming antique shop located on Dale Road in Matlock, Derbyshire. Open daily with convenient town parking nearby, it offers a diverse range of antiques and collectibles displayed in well-curated cases. Visitors can explore a variety of unique treasures and enjoy the friendly atmosphere created by knowledgeable staff, making it a must-visit for antique enthusiasts and casual browsers alike.