Derbyshire is rich in stately homes and within easy each of the site are the Houses of Kedleston, Melbourne, Haddon, Sudbury with the Museum of Childhood, Bess’s Hardwick and the ‘Pride of the Peak’ Chatsworth. Also well worth a visit are the castles at Bolsover and Castleton.
The Spa town of Buxton uses its warm springs for a modern indoor swimming pool, it has two 18-hole golf courses and 23 acres of gardens providing bowling, putting green and tennis courts. The Market town of Ashbourne is home to Shrovetide football and associations with Dr Johnson. Bakewell is famous for its pudding, Chesterfield has a church with a crooked spire and the Matlocks are the holiday centre of an area rich with delights for all tastes.
The pleasures of Derbyshire are many and varied. Rock climbers, cavers and potholers will find many a challenge in the High Peak, walkers can explore the beauties of the Derbyshire Dales and the rugged splendour of the moors. The Tissington and high Peak trails provide interesting walks where steam trains once travelled. Children will find excitement on the alpine Cable Car at Matlock, enjoy the miniature world of Gullivers Kingdom, make friends with the animals of Riber Castle and a visit to the world famous Alton Towers is a must!
Castleton boasts spectacular Blue John Caverns which may be visited on foot or by boat, Crich Tramway Museum provides a journey into the past (by tram or course) and the glorious array of rhododendrons at Lea have to be seen to be believed. Throughout the Spring and Summer villagers in Derbyshire are busy dressing their wells with flowers and leaves to give thanks for pure water and delight to the visitor.