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South Derbyshire - Tourist Attractions, Amusements,
Theme Parks, Walks, Viewpoints, Zoos, etc |
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This section covers
general Tourist Attractions such as Amusements Parks,
Boat Trips,
Theme Parks, Specialist Shops, Guided Walks, Country Parks,
Viewpoints, Zoos etc.
Not all the
attractions in an area are listed.
If you know of an
activity provider who does not yet have an entry, please
submit the information
here.
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STRUTT'S NORTH MILL
Derwent Valley Visitor Centre, Belper
Northmill Trust, Bridgefoot,
Belper, Derbyshire
Tel/Fax:
01773 880474
E-mail:
vc@belpernorthmill.org.uk
Web: www.belpernorthmill.org.uk
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In 1804 William Strutt built North Mill,
then the world's most technologically
advanced, 'fire-proof', building.
We now display, by original and replica machinery,
the history of cotton spinning, 'Brettles' renown
silk and cotton hosiery collection, Derbyshire's
unique chevening and accounts of framework
knitting and nailmaking.
Schools programme. |
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Open 2009: Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday
Mondays 1pm to 5pm except November to
February weekends only. Open Boxing Day and New
Years Day.
Admission: Adults £3.00, Concessions 2.50
Children £2 (under 7s free), Family ticket £8.50.
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STEEPLE GRANGE LIGHT RAILWAY
4 Oak Tree Gardens,
Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5WA
Tel: 01629 580917
Web:
www.steeplegrange.co.uk
An opportunity to ride on a
unique narrow gauge railway built on part of the
former Cromford and High Peak Railway branch to
Middleton by Wirksworth.
The railway uses former
mining and quarrying locomotives and rolling stock
and climbs up a steep gradient through disused
limestone quarries to historic Killers Dale.
Passengers may continue on foot to Middleton by
Wirksworth which offers opportunities for
refreshment. Sale stand at Steeplehouse Station
with books, gifts and soft drinks. Car parking at
Black Rocks Picnic site or the National Stone
Centre.
Operating Times: Easter to October: Sundays
& Bank Holiday Mondays, 12noon - 5pm. July &
August: Sat, Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays, 12noon -
5pm. Santa Specials 3rd weekend in December.
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MIDLAND RAILWAY - BUTTERLEY
Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ
Visitor Information Line:
01773 570140
General Enquiries: 01773 747674
Fax: 01773 570721
E-mail:
info@midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk
Web:
www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk
Open at varied times
throughout the year, contact to confirm.
The Midland Railway
Butterley, is a remarkable attraction which
includes: A 31/2 mile Heritage Railway. A huge
Railway Museum. The Princess Royal Class
Locomotive Trust Depot. The Midland Diesel Group
collection of Main Line Diesel Power. The Golden
Valley Light Railway. Victorian Railwayman's
Church. Demonstration Signal Box. Butterley Park
Miniature Railway. Stationary Power Gallery.
Model Railways. Brittain Pit Farm Park.
Shops. Buffets. On-train
Bars.
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DENBY POTTERY VISITOR CENTRE
Derby Road, Denby, Derbyshire, DE5 8NX
Tel: 01773 740799
E-mail:
tours.reception@denby.co.uk
Web:
www.denbyvisitorcentre.co.uk
The Visitor Centre is
next to the pottery in an attractive courtyard.
Shops include the Denby
Home Store, extensive Factory Shop full of Denby
bargains at up to 60% off RRP, gift shops, garden and cookery shops,
Dartington Crystal and Bourne’s Restaurant. Pottery tours daily include
paint a plate and make a frog. Small Denby
museum and twice daily free Cookery
Demonstrations. Open daily throughout the year.
Free centre entry and free parking.
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ELVASTON CASTLE STEAM RALLY
PO Box 462, Derby, DE24 3ZL
Tel: 07711 088335
E-mail:
enquire@elvastonsteam.org.uk
Web:
www.elvastonsteam.org.uk
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Elvaston Steam Rally
is an annual event which has been running since
1976, each year it gets larger and more popular.
The money raised by this event goes to local
charities.
The rally consists of many varied exhibits from
around the UK and includes the following:
Steam engines,
Tractors, Stationary engines, Historic cars and
motorbikes.
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Miniature steam engines,
Trade, craft, autojumble, and charity stalls,
Vintage caravans, Fairground rides, Commercial
and military vehicles, Events in the arena etc.
See our website.
Rally date: 3rd &
4th June 2010
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NATIONAL STONE CENTRE
Porter Lane, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, DE4 4LS
Tel: 01629 824833
E-mail:
nsc@nationalstonecentre.org.uk
Web:
www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk
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Telling the Story of
Stone - history, science, technology, art,
environment - in the heart of the Derbyshire
Dales on the edge of the Peak District.
A dramatic site steeped in industrial
history, ecology, displaying 330 million
year old fossil tropical reefs.
The centre
also runs training courses and teaches
dry stone walling. |
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Limited
wheelchair access - the exhibition centre is
easily accessible and has bathroom facilities,
however not all areas are accessible.

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ASSEMBLY ROOMS
Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AH
Tel: 01332 255800
E-mail:
boxoffice@derby.gov.uk
Web:
www.assemblyrooms-derby.co.uk
For those of you who
haven't visited the venue before, the Assembly
Rooms is a multipurpose venue located on the
Market Place in the centre of Derby City.
It promotes a year round
programme of Arts and Entertainment, including
an orchestral season, comedy, rock and pop
events, family entertainment such as the annual
celebrity pantomime & annual ice-show, dance,
drama and children's shows. It also offers space
for a range of events including conferences,
corporate presentations, trade exhibitions,
dinner dances and weddings.
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Beehive Farm Woodland
Lakes
Beehive Farm, Lullington Road, Rosliston,
Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE12 8HZ
Tel: 01283 762920
E-mail:
info@beehivefarm-woodlandlakes.co.uk
Visitors are able to explore the beauty of this
emerging young woodland landscape on foot or
horseback using specially laid out trails.
Following the trails, you will enjoy the
tranquil atmosphere of the three fishing lakes,
the Horseshoe, Botany Bay and Jubilee, as well
discovering peaceful picnic areas surrounded by
wild flowers. Open all the year round, our
walking trails join with the local network of
footpaths to allow further exploration of the
National Forest area, making the Beehive an
ideal base. Well behaved dogs are welcome as
long as they are kept on leads at all times and
horse riding is by permit only. Ample car
parking is available at the tea rooms and the
Botany Bay lake area.
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Derby Gaol & Pie Shoppe
51 Friar Gate, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 1DF
Tel: 01332 366651
Situated in the depths of the original dungeons
of the Derbyshire County Gaol dating back to
1756, the Derby Gaol offers a reminder of the
city's grisly past. See the condemned cells and
learn of England's last revolution (The Pentrich
Rebellion) which resulted in the last hanging,
drawing and quartering in the country. Survivors
can sample traditional fayre in the Gaol's Pie
Shoppe, located in the cell-block where an open
fire roars during winter months.
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Carsington Water
near Ashbourne
Tel: 01629 540696
E-mail:
carsington@rya-online.net
Web:
www.carsingtonwater.co.uk
Carsington Water covers 750 acres and offers
some of the best sailing in the country. Set in
the spectacular scenery of the southern Peak
District there are footpaths and cycle routes
around the lake and nearby scope for climbing,
caving, abseiling and brilliant walks and
mountain biking. Carsington Water is located
between Matlock and Ashbourne in Derbyshire. It
is off of the B5035 Ashbourne to Wirksworth Road
and the Watersports Centre is on the North Side
of the lake near to the main Visitors Centre.
Free Car Parking is available for Carsington
Sports and Leisure users next to the Centre.
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The Lavender Patch
Hall Croft Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Hilton, Derby,
DE65 5FZ
Tel: 07815 956626 Fax:
01283 732303
E-mail:
info@thelavenderpatch.com
Web:
www.thelavenderpatch.com
Unique lavender garden
situated on an arable farm. Half an acre of
purple, pink and white lavender where you can
come and pick your own. Gifts and refreshments
available, together with lavender plants and
herbs. Beautiful ornamental poultry also on
display. Disabled friendly and free admission.
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Bumpi's Big Adventure
23 Ascot Drive, Derby, DE24 8GW
Tel: 0800 083 0853
E-mail:
enquiries@bumpi.co.uk
Web:
www.bumpi.co.uk
Bumpi's Big Adventure Indoor Play and Blue Cloud
Cafe. Learning and development through magical
adventure play. It is a fantastic adventure play
experience incorporating a three-tier adventure
play structure. For
children up to 4' 9" (144cm). Our qualified
staff are dedicated to help fire the
imagination, encourage physical exercise and
social interaction of all children.
Parent and toddler mornings Monday to
Friday. Babies free.
ROSPA certified.
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Darley Mill Pottery
4 Cotton Mill Yard, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22
1DZ
Tel: 01332 343070
Web:
www.studiopottery.co.uk
Family run pottery
studio and showroom. Handmade original designs
made on the premises. Specialists in techniques
of: throwing on the potters wheel, slab
building, soda-glazed, lustreware and Earthstone
TM ceramics. Collectors 'one-offs' and special
birthday and wedding gifts made by Craft Potters
Association accredited makers: Andrew Mason and
May Ling Beadsmoore.
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Derby Cathedral Centre
18-19 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3GP
Tel: 01332 381685
Web:
www.derbycathedral.org
The new Derby Cathedral Centre is located in a
grade II listed building opposite the Cathedral.
The Centre hosts a Coffee Shop and Gift shop, an
education centre, a library, exhibition and
meeting rooms, a treasury displaying the
Cathedral's historic objects, a Biblical garden,
listening rooms and the Cathedral offices.
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Little Chester Heritage
Centre
St Paul's Church, Mansfield Road, Derby
Tel: 01332
363354
E-mail:
jdarcy@qcinternet.co.uk
About 80 AD the Romans built a fort beside the
River Derwent at Little Chester and called it
Derventio. They occupied the area until at least
350 AD and during that time a town grew up
around the fort. After 500 AD Anglo-Saxons
settled in the area and some of their burials
have been found at Little Chester. During the
8th century the region became the kingdom of
Mercia and the town of Northworthy, later Derby,
became established about 1 mile down river.
Opening of the Derby canal in 1792 followed by
the railways in the 19th century brought new
industries and rapid expansion of population and
housing to the area, creating what is known as
Chester Green; now, a conservation area.
Displays, models and exhibits in the
centre show aspects of the rich heritage of the
area from Roman to recent times. It is situated
in St. Paul's Church on the edge of the
attractive Chester Green - one of the earliest
public spaces in Derby.
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The Dolls House Emporium
Codnor Gate Business Park, High Holborn Road,
Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3YD
Tel: 0845 434 9201 Fax:
01773 514408
Web:
www.dollshouse.com
The Dolls House
Emporium is the world's leading supplier of over
25 dolls houses and 2,500 accessories. All of
our display houses are built, decorated, lit and
fully furnished. We stock a range of products
only available in-store and you can also pick up
our free mail order catalogue.
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Paint a Pot
Markeaton Craft Village, Markeaton Park, Derby,
DE22 3BG
Tel: 01332 202652
Paint a Pot is a ceramics studio based in the
Craft Village of Markeaton Park, Derby. We have
a wide range of blank pottery shapes for you to
decorate. Great for any age and you don't need
any great artistic talent.
Birthday Parties - a party full of
creative fun suitable for all ages. Our package
includes: party invitations, party host, every
child will paint their own pot, drinks and
biscuits, a unique gift for the birthday child.
Pack-a-Party - If you can't come to us,
we can come to you or prepare a party box for
you to collect.
Something for everyone - Kids Club, Business Fun
Days, Group Bookings, Education sessions for
schools, Footprints are Forever - a perfect gift
of your child's precious footprints or
handprints on a plate or tile.
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Learn a tale or two
during one of the varied walks available around
Derby city centre with local historian Blue
Badge guides.
Popular themes include Architectural tours, the
Victorian period, ghost walks, the Railway era
and Secret Derby. We recommend comfortable
footwear, as walks last at least 1 hour 30
minutes.
You need to book walks in advance from Derby's
Tourist Information Centre in the Market Place.
Please phone or call in. Full timetable of
scheduled walks also available.
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Ilam Country Park
Ilam, near Ashbourne
Tel: 01335 350245
E-mail:
ilampark@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Beautiful area of open
park and woodland. Ilam Park runs along both
banks of the River Manifold, with spectacular
views towards Dovedale.
What remains of Ilam Hall is a youth hostel
and NT visitor centre, tea-room and shop.
A small garden has been created on the site of
the old Italian Garden situated below the
stableblock. |
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Ilam Hall near Ashbourne -
Photo:
John Darch
CCL |
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Shipley Country Park
Heanor, Derbyshire
Tel: 01773 719961
Attractive countryside of woodlands, meadows and
lakes with an extensive network of easily used
paths, some suitable for wheelchair users.
Visitors centre, shop, cafe and toilets. Cycle
hire and hand cycles for disabled people. Open
all year Mon to Friday 11am to 4pm, Sat and
Sunday 10am to 4.30pm.
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Staunton Harold Reservoir
Nr Melbourne, Derbyshire
Tel: 01283
701709
This 209 acre reservoir provides footpaths and
nature walks which link to Calke Abbey. A new
visitors centre includes an information room
with exhibits and 3-D models.
Open April to Oct, 7am to dusk, Nov to
Mar 9am to 4pm. Small car park charge.
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Legendary Ghost Walks
Booking necessary. for details please
Tel: 01332 299321
Encounter the fright of your life on a choice of
ghost walks operated by local historian and
haunt hero, Richard Felix. All three options
offer surprises and tales of intrigue and
mystery: City Centre Spooks, Hangman's Friar
Gate, Haunted Pub Crawls.
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High Peak Trail
Middleton Top Visitor Centre, Middleton by
Wirksworth, Derbyshire, DE4 4LS
Tel: 01629 823204 Fax:
01629 825336
17.5 mile trail for walkers, cyclists and horse
riders, running through the South Pennines. As
well as plenty of picnic sites and spectacular
views, you can hire a bike at Middleton Top or
explore the inclines and engine houses on this
fascinating old railway. For full details please
send for a leaflet.
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Allestree Circular Walk
Woodlands Road Car Park, Woodlands Road,
Allestree, Derby
Tel: 01332 255802
An enjoyable walk for all the family but not
suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users.
The walk takes in parkland, woodland, river
valley and farmland using footpaths and minor
roads, through Allestree park to Duffield Church
returning via the village of Quarndon.
Distance: 9 kilometres/5.5 miles - allow
between 2 1/2 and 3 hours.
Free leaflet available from Derby Tourist
Information Centre 01332 255802.
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The Diana, Princess of
Wales Memorial Woodland
Occupation Road, Albert Village, Swadlincote,
Derbyshire
Tel: 01283 229494 Fax:
01283 229496
47 acres of newly planted woodland created as a
tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. Includes
sculpture trail, peace glade and children's
glade.
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West Park Meadow Nature
Trail
West Park Meadow, West Road, Spondon, Derby
Tel: 01332 715537
West Park Meadow is a nature reserve located off
West Road, between Chaddesden and Spondon.
Since 1993, Derby City Council has worked
with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, English
Nature, The Countryside Agency and local people
to improve and manage the site which was
declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1998.
The trail starts on the footpath at the
end of West Road and follows a reasonably flat
route about 750 metres long which should take
about an hour. Not suitable for independent
wheelchair users. A
free leaflet is available from Derby Tourist
Information Centre 01332 255802.
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Alvaston Park
London Road, Derby
Tel: 01332 715537
Alvaston Park is in the south of Derby, about
two miles from the city centre off the A6 London
Road. It lies adjacent to the river Derwent, and
from here you can cycle or walk along the
riverside path - north west to the city centre
or south east to Elvaston Country Park. You can
also go south to Chellaston, Swarkeston Lock and
Melbourne along the filled-in Derby Canal.
There is a car park on Meadow Lane, off
London Road. Children's Playground - the play
are contains a range of play equipment.
Toilets - these are in the pavilion, near
the main car park. BMX Bike Track.
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Chaddesden Wood Local
Nature Reserve
Springwood Drive, Oakwood, Derby
Chaddesden Wood is the only ancient oak woodland
in the city of derby. Declared a Local Nature
Reserve in 1991. The Nature Trail starts at the
main entrance, off Springwood drive, Oakwood. it
is just over 1 kilometre/0.6 miles and should
take around 45 minutes.
The Nature Trail is accessible to wheelchair
users except the access points off Silverburn
Drive, Foxglove Drive and adjacent to Green
Close.
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Beehive Farm Woodland
Lakes
Beehive Farm, Lullington Road, Rosliston,
Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE12 8HZ
Tel: 01283 762920
E-mail:
info@beehivefarm-woodlandlakes.co.uk
With lots of farm animals and cuddly pets to
meet, Beehive Animal Farm is a fun place for
children to bring their mums, dads and
grandparents. There's a great new children's
playground too for the under 12's to explore.
Animals include: Sheep, Rare breed pigs, Ducks,
Rare breed poultry, Goats, Donkeys, Miniature
Shetland pony, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Peafowl,
Pheasants.
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'Safari Parties' at
Grangewood Zoo
Grangewood, Netherseal, Swadlincote, Derbyshire,
DE12 8BE
Tel: 01283 760541
Visit to see small rain forest animals, birds,
reptiles and lizards. Learn about Ringtailed
Lemurs, fascinating lizards and snakes. Meet the
meerkats and 'Barnaby' the Coati. For 3 - 13
year olds book an exciting and unusual birthday
party with 'Safari Parties'.
Open Tuesday to Fridays 10am to 4pm - Parties
only on Saturday & Sundays. Open only to the
General Public at Bank Holidays, Easter
Holidays, Summer & Christmas School holidays.
Phone for further details. Group admission
includes guided tours and meeting some of the
animals. Decking
ramped walkway access to lodge building.
Separate entrance gate for wheelchair users to
access Zoo grounds.
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Highfields Happy Hens
Heage Lane, Etwall, DE65 6LS
Tel: 01283 732083 Fax:
01283 732083
E-mail:
happyhens@happyhens.force9.co.uk
Web:
www.highfieldshappyhens.co.uk
Highfields is a special farm - it provides
training for young people with Special needs -
the hens, sheep & cows are part of the therapy
of love & understanding. Our customers make it
all possible by buying our produce - all are
welcome to look around & see how good food
should be produced.
Opening Times: Open all year round, Monday to
Friday - 9.00 - 17.00; Saturday 10.00 - 17.00.
Closed Sundays, 25th/26th December and 1st
January.
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