Places to Visit in Derbyshire near Wildflower Cottages
Visitors often comment on how centrally located our holiday cottages are - Foxglove and Columbine - for reaching the many attractions of Derbyshire and the Peak District. We couldn't possibly list them all here but have tried to provide a flavour of what's on offer locally. In all cases distances have been shown.
The Fabrick Rock
Also known as the Fabric or Ashover Rock. A short walk of less than half
a mile from the cottages this rock is 299 metres above sea level and, on
clear days, offers spectacular views of Derbyshire and across five other
counties (Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire).
Look for the stone steps carved into the hillside next to it and follow
the public footpath to Ashover. Or take a picnic and admire the panoramic
view. Try one of our local Ashover walks.
Distance from Alton: less than half a mile.
Ashover
One of the prettiest villages in Derbyshire, Ashover is in a lovely valley,
surrounded by tree clad hills. All around there are excellent walks. By
road it is only a mile away but shorter cross-country. The 15th century
parish church is the focal point of the village with an ancient font and
a beautiful interior. Nearby Ogston
Reservoir is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), offering
a variety of habitats. It is a magnet for bird watchers and Ogston
Bird Club is one of the largest clubs in Britain. There are three pubs
in the village itself and several others nearby with a range of beers and
food to suit all tastes. This traditional farming community is home to the
renowned Ashover
Show which is held each year on the 2nd Wednesday in August. Follow
the Ashover
Audio Trail around the village to find out more about its fascinating
history
Distance from Alton: less than 1 mile.
Read more about Ashover ....
Alton Riding School
Can you ride or would you like to learn? This ABRS and BHS approved riding school is only a few hundred yards away. For more details please call 01246 590267
Chatsworth House
Probably the best-known stately home in England, no stay is complete without
a visit to Chatsworth. There really is something for everyone: the magnificent
house, the formal gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown, the
farmyard and adventure playground, not forgetting the celebrated farm shop.
Open from mid March to just before Christmas
Distance from Alton: 7.3 miles - 14 mins by car across
beautiful moorland
Read More about Chatsworth ....
Heights of Abraham
Try a cable car ride in Matlock Bath which takes you soaring high above
the Derwent Valley and check out the views. This is a unique hilltop Park
set on top of a dramatic limestone gorge, amid great natural beauty. Explore
60 acreas of woodland trail or join a guided tour of the underground caverns
created by lead mining and learn about the rocks and minerals of the Peak
District.
Distance from Alton: 5.8 miles - 14 mins by car
Read More about Heights of Abraham ....
Chesterfield
The town's most famous landmark is the Crooked Spire, the local name for
St Mary and All Saints Church - the largest in Derbyshire and built in the
late 13th century. The Spire stands 228 feet from the ground and leans 9
feet 5 inches from its true centre. Find out how it developed its remarkable
twist. The town is also renowned for its 800 year old open market with general
markets on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays and a Flea Market on Thursdays.
Farmers markets are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month. If shopping
isn't your thing, try exploring The Shambles or visiting the museum to find
out the story of Chesterfield from its origins as a Roman fort on Rykneld
Street. Or what about taking in a show at the Pomegranate Theatre?
Distance from Alton: 4.4 miles - 11 mins by car
Read more about Chesterfield ....
Hardwick Hall
The sight of this impressive Elizabethan hall across the valley from the
cottages shouldn't be missed. As the sun sets and catches the glass windows
there is a blaze of light from this great house, once described as having
"more glass than wall". It was built in the 1590s by Bess of Hardwick, a
stubborn strong-minded woman who survived 4 husbands and amassed a great
fortune. Her son eventually inherited Chatsworth. This National Trust property
is one of the finest and most unchanged examples of Elizabethan architecture
in England. It has a fascinating history and a visit is highly recommended.
Other attractions on the Hardwick Estate include Stainsby Mill, a fully-functioning
water powered mill with a 17 foot waterwheel and the Stone Centre where
visitors can learn about the traditional craft of stonemasonry. Visitors
can also enjoy the walled courtyards and over 300 acres of historic parkland.
Distance from Alton: 6.3 miles - 15 mins by car
Read more about Hardwick Hall ....
Haddon Hall
This Medieval and Tudor manor house is an absolute gem. Inside, there is
a fine example of a medieval kitchen; and an Elizabethan long gallery -
the most modern room in the house! The exterior walls are adorned with climbing
roses whilst the garden brims with roses, delphiniums and clematis. Haddon
Hall is a popular choice as a film and TV location. The 2006 TV adaptation
of Jane Eyre was filmed at Haddon.
Distance from Alton: 8.0 miles - 14 mins by car
Read More about Haddon Hall....
Lea Gardens
The gardens are sited on the remains of a medieval millstone quarry and
cover an area of approximately 4 acres on a wooded hillside. The excellent
rock garden contain a huge variety of alpines with acers, dwarf conifers,
heathers and spring bulbs. Discover a unique collection of rhododendrons,
azaleas, kalmias and other plants of interest, introduced from the far corners
of the world.
Distance from Alton: 4.9 miles - 13 mins by car
Gullivers Kingdom
This family theme park in Matlock Bath is particularly suitable for younger
children. It is situated on a hillside with amazing scenery and views over
the Derwent Valley. Good value for a family fun day out.
Distance from Alton: 5.8 miles - 14 mins by car
Read More about Gullivers Kingdom....
Crich Tramway Village
A
lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway
Museum and its world renowned archives. Have as many rides as you like on
different vintage trams. Visit the fascinating exhibition halls or explore
three acres of woodland park. The sculpture trail is enchanting and fun
for all ages. Open daily until 2nd November.
Distance from Alton: 6.0 miles - 14 mins by car
Caudwell's Mill
This
is a unique, grade II listed historic roller flour mill in Rowsley at the
confluence of the Derwent and Wye rivers. Powered by water from the river
Wye, a mill has stood on this site for at least 400 years. There are numerous
displays, descriptions and exhibitions throughout the mill and an excellent
craft centre and gift shop. There is fresh home-cooked food in the cafe
which has lovely river views.
Distance from Alton: 7 miles - 11 mins by car
Alton Towers
Don't make the mistake of thinking this is the home of the Alton Towers theme park - that's in Staffordshire 33 miles away. Many of our guests do visit Alton Towers during their stay but if you want it on your doorstep this isn't the place to choose. Our Alton is a sleepy hamlet in the award-winning parish of Ashover in Derbyshire.
2008 © Wildflower Cottages
Self catering holiday accommodation in Alton near Ashover in Derbyshire
Tel: 01246 590052 Mobile: 07709 436727
Email: info@wildflowercottages.co.uk