Tansley Village

Some places of interest to visit, arranged approximately in order of increasing distance.

Click on the photos for links to them

(1.5 mls) Matlock Matlock is a beautiful former spa town built by the River Derwent and on the adjacent hill side. It has railway and bus stations and a steam heritage railway. A superb old stone river bridge links the main town with Dale Road and the stations. There is a beautiful river-side park with fine flower beds, seats, grassed play spaces, tennis courts, skate park, bandstand, bowling green, boating lake, miniature ride-on railway, children's play pool and play area. There are many good shops and supermarkets and plenty of places to eat and to drink. The former hydros can be visited up and near Bank Road, following Heritage Trails available from Matlock Tourist Information Centre in Crown Square (01629 583388).

(2 mls) Peak Rail - Matlock Riverside to Rowsley South stations In 1968 the fabulous railway between Matlock and Buxton, an amazing feat of engineering and determination, was closed as part of the national short-sightedness inflicted by Earnest Marples under advice from Dr. Beeching. In 1975 a group of enthusiasts formed the Peak Rail Society. Now steam trains run between Matlock and Rowsley South mainly at weekends and Bank Holidays through the season. The photo shows LMS 8F 8624. It has recently completed 28 years of restoration. You can see a superb HD video by Alan Taylor on YouTube of the engine's first steaming since 1965. To find out more about the heritage of the former Midland Railway between Ambergate and Chinley, there is a superb book written by Bill Hudson called "Through Limestone Hills". It is available at the Peak Rail Shop beside Matlock Station and by post. See www.billhudsontransportbooks.co.uk for further information.

(2.4 mls) Lea Gardens, Lea Lea Gardens is a unique collection of highly acclaimed rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias and other plants collected from the far corners of the world. The Gardens are sited on the remains of a medieval millstone quarry and cover an area of approximately 4 acres (1.6ha) on a wooded hillside. The excellent Rock Garden contains a huge variety of alpines with acers, dwarf conifers, heathers and spring bulbs. There is a new tea shop, open until September. Home-baking, cakes, light lunches and traditional cream teas may be enjoyed with the finest specialist coffees, teas and ices in scenic and tranquil surroundings.

(3 mls) Peak Mining Museum, Matlock Bath Visit a museum where you can experience and wonder at the forgotten world of a Derbyshire lead miner. Also visit the Temple Mine which was acquired by the ancient custon of “nicking”. The mine will give you an authentic insight into life underground and the tools and equipment involved in the extraction of minerals.

(3 mls) Heights of Abraham Country Park and caverns, Matlock Bath From Matlock Bath take the cable car ride high above the deep limestone gorge and over the trees towards the summit of the Heights of Abraham and the 60 acre country park. Set in mature woodland, surrounded by fantastic views and with two famous show caverns, there’s so much for the whole family to do. There’s a great deal at the top and everything is included in your cable car ticket.

(3 mls) Life in a Lens Museum, Matlock Bath Life in a Lens is a museum dedicated to the history of popular photography, from its invention in 1839 to the end of the previous century. It was created as an informative entertainment for people of all ages and walks of life. There is something for everyone and we welcome all. The museum is situated in a renovated Victorian House in scenic Matlock Bath, set in the heart of Derbyshire.

(3 mls) John Smedley Knitware Factory Shop, Lea Bridge John Smedley has been making fine knitware at Lea Bridge for over 225 years. Today, 98% of its products are made in England. Why not visit the factory shop at Lea Bridge. Princess Anne recently did just that - on 3rd March 2009! The shop is open from Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. The John Smedley product is regularly seen on the pages of the world's leading magazines and newspapers. Celebrities worldwide are fans of the John Smedley brand, including Tom Cruise, Madonna, Harvey Keitel, Sean Connery and Nicole Kidman.

(3 mls) Press Manor Fishery, Birkin Lane, Ashover, Nr Chesterfield Situated between Chesterfield and Matlock on the A632. The fishery has three lakes – Trout, Coarse and Carp. The owner is an Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructor (AAPGAI) and qualified Instructor for The Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF). Instruction is available, hourly, half day or day, for casting and fishing, for individuals and groups. Also available is professional guiding and fishing instruction on the beautiful River Wye, Haddon Hall stretch Rowsley/Bakewell, catering for individuals, groups, and corporate days. Contact Bernie Maher (07976 306073) for details.

(3.5 mls) Masson Mills, Cromford Sir Richard Arkwright built Masson Mills as his showpiece mills on the banks of the River Derwent at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire in 1783, when, as the inventor of the water frame and ‘Father of the Factory System’, he was at the height of his entrepreneurial power. These internationally famous Grade II listed buildings now welcome visitors to experience over 200 years of industrial history in one afternoon! Beautifully restored, Masson Mills house a Working Textile Museum containing a unique and comprehensive collection of authentic historic working textile machinery, a Shopping Village, tearoom, fully licensed restaurant and a Conference and Exhibition Centre

(3.5 mls) The Arkwright Society's Cromford Mill, Mill Lane, Cromford The Arkwright Society is creating a living celebration of Sir Richard Arkwright’s far reaching impact with the construction of the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill at Cromford in 1771. The Society is a registered charity primarily concerned with education, the conservation of the industrial heritage of this part of Derbyshire and improving the environment. The Cromford Mill site has restaurants, shops, exhibitions, and a varied programme of events. The Society owns and manages other sites in the area.

(3.5 mls) Karina Goodman's Studio 61 Gallery and Boutique, Holloway near Matlock Established in 2005 Studio 61 has gained a reputation for selling quality British Art, Design & Jewellery and does not sell imported goods. With a stunning backdrop of picturesque Peak District scenery, the studio is spread nicely throughout numerous rooms and offers a beautiful and innovative range of gorgeous gifts, designer jewellery, pieces for the home, prints and cards with something for everyone's tastes and budgets. Features the artwork, ceramics, textiles and bath products by Karina Goodman which is complimented by a refreshing and ever changing range of unique & unusual gifts and design pieces for you and your home from around 100 British artists, designers and jewellers.

(4.3 mls) Red House Stable and Carriage Museum, Darley Dale Red House stables and Carriage Museum has one of the finest collections of original horse drawn vehicles and equipment in Britain consisting of nearly 40 Carriages, including one of the very few surviving Hansome Cabs, a Stage Coach, Park Drag and numerous other private and commercial vehicles. One of the more unusual aspects of the collection is that it is a working museum, and the owner ensures that the vehicles are regularly out on the road being used. Please telephone for details of Coach tours and horse riding.

(4.3 mls) Matlock Farm Park, Matlock Moor Matlock Farm Park is set in part of a 600 acre working farm, providing a great day out with varied activities for all the family. the park has a varied selection of animals to see including llamas, goats, peacocks and red deer to name a few. The pet rabbits are always a favourite with the children along with the opportunity to help feed the young lambs (seasonable).Children will learn about the countryside, experience the many pleasures and have tremendous fun as they go. There are specially designed playgrounds and even a go-kart track for the kids and many places for the adults to relax if they wish.

(5.2 mls) Little Monkeys, Darwin Forest Country Park, Darley Moor, Two Dales, Matlock An exciting, indoor play centre or party venue for under 12's as well as wondrous surroundings, good food and comfort for accompanying adults. Convenient easy parking, excellent quality cafe, free Wi-Fi internet access, television and newspapers – everything is designed to make the experience trouble free and pleasurable for users of all ages.

(6 mls) Wirksworth Heritage Centre A visit to Wirksworth Heritage Centre will take you through time from the Romans in Wirksworth to the present day. The mysteries of the town’s ancient lead mining industry are unveiled. The visitor can explore the local customs of ‘Clypping the Church’ and ‘Well Dressing’. You can see how quarrying is central to the life of Wirksworth and take a look at an early twentieth century Quarryman’s Houseplace and hear his memories. Enter the thrilling Dream Cave and imagine how it felt to discover the remains of the prehistoric Woolly Rhino.

(6 mls) High Peak Trail, Middleton The line of the old High Peak railway has a new lease of life as the High Peak Trail. There are 17.5 miles of traffic free trail for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. It connects High Peak Junction near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton, joining the Tissington Trail near Parsley Hey. Cycles can be hired from Middleton Top. At Middleton Top there is the restored engine house. The steam winding engine built in 1892 to raise and lower wagons on the Middleton Incline can be seen in motion on the first weekend of each summer month and at Bank Holidays.

(6.3 mls) Caudwell's Mill, Rowsley The mill is a fine example of a working 19th century mill, with water turbines powering the machinery. The millstones were replaced over a century ago with roller mills. Everything is in working order and the mill is open to visitors on a daily basis. There is also a shop on the ground floor where flour may be purchased. There is a busy Craft Centre with Glass Studio, Blacksmith, Jewellery Gallery, Craft Shop, Wood Turner and Artist. There's an excellent café, and well-stocked gift shop and picture gallery. If you just want to relax you can watch the ducks on the millpond.

(6.3 mls) Peak Village, Rowsley Nestling in the Derbyshire Dales between the tourist towns of Matlock and Bakewell lies Peak Village, a home to 26 shopping outlets and a variety of shops and attractions only usually found in larger towns. It is leisure shopping at its best. Peak Village is part of a marvellous day out for the family. On top of great value for money shops, restaurant and coffee shop and the Wind in the Willows attraction, Peak Village has free entertainment most weekends.

(6.3 mls) Wingfield Manor (ruins), South Wingfield The vast and immensely impressive ruins of a palatial medieval manor house arranged round a pair of courtyards, with a huge undercrofted Great Hall and a defensible High Tower 22 metres (72 feet) tall. Built in the 1440s for the wealthy Ralph, Lord Cromwell, Treasurer of England. Later the home of Bess of Hardwick's husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury, who imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots here in 1569, 1584 and 1585. Zeffirelli's film Jane Eyre was filmed here.

(7.5 mls) National Tramway Museum, Crich Be a passenger on vintage trams from all over the world. Ride through history as many times as you like - with trams running every few minutes. From the moment you arrive you are transported out of your time. You’re given a genuine old penny (or halfpenny for children) on admission - you use this to ‘pay’ for your first tram ride and get an all-day ticket in return. The National Tramway Museum illustrates the social, cultural and economic history of tramways and tramcar travel in the United Kingdom. The indoor and outdoor exhibits present the story of tramways in the United kingdom from their beginnings in the late nineteenth century, through their heyday in the 1920s and 1930s to the decline and virtual disappearance in the 1960s.

(8 mls) Midland Railway Centre at Butterley and Swanwick This is the home for all the things related to the Midland Railway. There is a Standard Gauge line which has steam and diesel hauled passenger trains. The main site at Swanwick has a museum devoted to the Midland Railway as well as a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives. It is a day out for the whole family with model and miniature railways, a farm and a country park as well as a host of other attractions.

(8.7 mls) Haddon Hall, near Bakewell Built over 600 years ago, Haddon Hall is a fine example of a medieval and Tudor Manor house. Little has been added since the reign of Henry VIII. The terraced gardens added during the 16th century boast an array of roses, clematis and delphiniums

(9 mls) Heage Windmill, Heage This is a working Grade II listed tower mill with six sails and fan tail built of local sandstone over two hundred years ago. Standing on the brow of a hill it overlooks the village of Nether Heage. It has a small visitor centre and shop selling guided tours, flour, drinks, snacks and souvenirs.

(9.3 mls) Chatsworth House, between Beeley and Baslow The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

(9.7 mls) M&C Collection of Historic Motorcycles, Bakewell The M&C Collection at Bakewell has been assembled with an emphasis on the development of the motorcycle throughout the 20th century. Machines on display represent the early years known as “Pioneers”, together with Veteran, Vintage and Classic bikes. There are over 40 motorcycles on permanent display.

(12.6 mls) Hassop Station Cafe, Bookshop, Gifts and Cycle Hire, near Bakewell A new family friendly cafe with outdoor covered seating and play, with a focus on food, family & fresh air. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea on our terrace on the Monsal Trail or in the newly refurbished station building.

(18.3 mls) Kedleston Hall, Derby A classical Palladian mansion built 1759-65. The house boasts the most complete and least-altered sequence of Robert Adam interiors in England, with the magnificent state rooms retaining their great collections of paintings and original furniture. The gardens have been restored in part to an 18th-century ‘pleasure ground’ and the surrounding park, also designed by Adam, includes a fine bridge, fishing pavilion and a beautiful series of lakes and cascades. All Saints’ Church is the only survivor of the medieval village of Kedleston and contains a fascinating collection of monuments and memorials to the Curzon family.

A nice place to visit
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