Art Holiday Travel and Vacation information for Derbyshire

"Derbyshire, midland county of England, having Yorkshire on the north, Notts on the east, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire on the south and Staffordshire and Cheshire on the west; length, north and south, 52 miles; greatest breadth, 85 miles; average breadth, 20 miles; area, 658,624 acres; pop. 461,914. The surface in the south is either flat or undulating, irregular in the middle and NE., and picturesquely mountainous in the NW. or Peak district. The principal rivers are the Trent, Derwent, Dove, and Wye; river communication is supplemented by the Erewash and Grand Trunk Canals. The road and railway systems are highly developed. The soil in the Vale of the Trent is alluvial and very productive. In the hilly districts the land is mostly in pasture; much of it is rocky and unproductive. Oats, barley, potatoes, and wheat are cultivated; and there are many excellent dairy-farms. Warm mineral springs are numerous, the most popular being those at Buxton, Matlock, and Bakewell. Coal is abundant; iron ore and lead are worked; among the other mineral products are zinc, manganese, and barytes. There are numerous and extensive quarries of limestone and marble; fluor-spar is found in the caverns, and is manufactured into a great variety of ornamental articles. Silk, cotton, and lace are the chief manufactures, but malting and brewing are also carried on, and there are some extensive iron foundries." [Bartholemew's Gazetteer of the British Isles, 1887]

Beautiful scenery, magnificent and appealing stately homes, interestingly restored survivals of early industry and other lively and unusual places to visit The dales country, which includes much of the Peak District National Park, is very rewarding both for walkers and for drivers, with charming villages and in the countryside pale stone buildings and walling underlining its natural beauty.

The remarkable underground caverns are well worth exploring - the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath perhaps best for families, Poole's Cavern in Buxton the showiest and most interesting, Treak Cavern the best of those around Castleton. Haddon Hall is a particularly engaging stately home, Sudbury Hall another real charmer, and Chatsworth, Hardwick Hall, Calke Abbey and Kedleston Hall are all magnificent; less touristy, ruined Wingfield Manor is evocative. Other places we'd highlight include the tramway museum at Crich (fun even if you have no interest in trams themselves - and now on the Heritage Secretary's new "excellence shortlist" of nationally important museums), the enjoyable Peak Rail at Darley Dale, Lea Gardens (gorgeous in late spring), and Bolsover Castle and Eyam Hall. Cromford is a fascinating survivor of the earliest days of the Industrial Revolution. There's enough variety to fill a family holiday, particularly around Matlock and Matlock Bath (where the Riber Castle wildlife park is another strong draw). The Chestnut Centre at Chapel-en-le-Frith is a most enjoyable conservation park, and the American Adventure theme park at Ilkeston is good for a family day out. In the North the scenery becomes increasingly austere, with far fewer rainy-day attractions: Castleton's the most popular base for this part. The further North you head into the High Peak, the bleaker it becomes - territory for the really serious long-distance walker, and very forbidding in winter. Drivers up here though have lots of great scenery, not too much traffic - the A6024, A628 (rather slow), A57, A5002, A624 and A625 all have outstanding views. There's a very good choice of places to stay in; eating out is rather good, too. In summer the most lovely dales do have almost a crocodile of walkers snaking along them, though even then you can find quiet areas. As with other particularly popular areas, Derbyshire is perhaps ideally suited to short breaks in autumn, late spring or very early summer.

Carriages Restaurant

Newhaven Nr. Hartington
Derbyshire England
We provide freshly cooked Italian and Continental food specializing in fresh fish either in the restaurant or the Snack Bar. Wether you are having a cappuccino, a glass of wine, a beer or a full meal you can be sure it will be genuinely freshly cooked and caringly served. Of course both Karina and Enzo have the knowledge & experience to make your lunch or evening special and tailored to your requirements. - Carriages Restaurant

Castle Cliffe

Monsal Head
Derbyshire England

Working Craft Centre
A beautiful river setting for stunning studio glass, watercolours, oils, turned wooden bowls, ceramics and forge work. Workshops in the old stables, gallery in the engine house. Gift and craft shop in the huge, former grain store where international, global and local work is for sale. Coffee shop (wholefood/vegetarian) in a building utilising reclaimed timber, stone etc and a unique working flour mill. Large car park just off the A6 between Matlock and Bakewell. Established makers and artists.

Caudwell's Mill Craft Centre Bakewell Road Rowsley
Derbyshire England
- Working Craft Centre

Arts Creative
Contemporary art and craft gallery in the market town of Chesterfield

21 Old Road
Derbyshire England
contemporary art, paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles and jewellery - Arts Creative