Local places of historical interest
From Arkwrights first mill - to the future and sustainability, and everything in between.
Arkwright's Mill, Cromford
Cromford Mill was Richard Arkwright's first cotton mill and was one of the industrial revolution's most important symbols. This is where the revolution in the production of cotton began.
Masson Mills, Matlock Bath
Sir Richard Arkwright's masterpiece, a magnificent early 19th century mill. The mill has been converted into a shopping village (not very interesting), with exhibition and conference centre, but it also has a very small working textile museum at the basement.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
The railway enthusiasts opened a rail link between Wirksworth and Duffield a few years ago. The Wirksworth station is staffed and run by volunteers. You can take a train to Duffield in the morning, and go for a walk and catch a later train back.
High Peak Junction and Cromford Canal
High Peak Junction is the former junction of the High Peak Railway and the Midland Railway, located just south of Cromford towards Lea Bridge. Good location for a walk at Bow Woods, visit to John Smedley mills factory shop and Cromford Canal.
Middleton Top
Middleton Top has the last surviving winding engine from the now defunct Cromford and High Peak Railway. You can park at Middleton Top and walk along the High Peak Trail, or hire bicycles from here in the spring/summer months.
Eco Centre, Wirksworth
Not open every day, but offers a great range of craft and sustainability related courses. You can walk here from Wirksworth via Old Lane, approximately 20 minutes.
National Stone Centre, Wirksworth
A centre with a café just off the High Peak Trail, with some geological displays, fossils, stone walling courses, panning for gems and other activities. Located next to the Eco Centre, and about 20min walk from Wirksworth.
Crich Tramway Museum
The National Tramway Museum - the finest Transport museum of its type, with over 70 vintage steam, electric and horse-drawn trams from all over the world to ride upon.
Peak District Lead Mining Museum, Matlock Bath
The Lead Mining Museum at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, is owned by the Peak District Mines Historical Society and is in the Pavilion Building alongside the River Derwent. They also run the nearby Temple Mine, where you can see what a lead mine was like.