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.

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. Follow the Ashover Audio Trail around the village to find out more about its fascinating history; Distance from Alton: 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 away. For more details please call 01246 590267; Distance from Alton: less than half a mile.

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
Read More about Caudwell's Mill....

Whats On Guide

July: Chesterfield Medieval Market; Tuesday 27th July; Medieval entertainment including knights, ladies and minstrels taking part in battles and skirmishes. Stalls and fun-fair with refreshments and hog roast. Trips up the Crooked Spire.; Tel: Chesterfield Tourist Information 01246 345777; www.visitchesterfield.info; Cromford Steam Rally; Sat 31st July - Sun 1st Aug; Explore a bygone era at this traditional 2-day show. See steam engines, old vehicles and models plus old fairground rides and displays of rural crafts.; Tel: 01629 582272; www.cromford-steam.co.uk

August: Bakewell Show; Wed 4th and Thurs 5th August 8.30am to 6.30pm; Derbyshire's premier agricultural and horticultural event for the whole family. Main attractions are Titan the Robot and the Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team.; Tel: 01629 812736; www.bakewellshow.org

September: Ashover Festival; Early September; Concerts of classical music performed by young musicians from London colleges of music. These events take place at All Saints Church, Ashover, starting at 7.30pm.; Chatsworth Country Fair; 3rd to 5th September; This popular annual outdoor event has something for everyone. Attractions include massed pipe and military bands, hot air balloons, parachuting and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts.; www.chatsworth.org; Classic Ford Day at Crich Tramway Village; Sunday 19th September; A celebration of classic Fords with special rates for pre-booked vehicles, trade stalls, street parades and lots more; www.tramway.co.uk; Walk - Ashover Amble; Sunday 19th September; Join Ashover Footpaths Group as they explore the footpaths aroiund the Parish, looking at the beautiful landscape and the area's rich industrial heritage.Distance approx 5 miles. Booking is essential.; Tel: 01629 533020

October: Matlock Bath Illuminations and Fireworks; Fireworks 2nd 16th and 30th October; Visit Derwent Gardens on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 7pm for family entertainment and 8pm for parade of illuminated and decorated boats. Clifftop Firework Displays at 9pm on 2nd, 16th and 30th October.; from 6pm, entertainment 7pm, illuminated boats 8pm, fireworks 9pm; Chesterfield Arts & Market Festival; Thurs 28th to Sat 30th October; Now in its 7th year the festival goes from strength to strength. Includes the Garden of Light, fireworks, classical music, continental markets, tours of the Crooked Spire, ghost walks, a lantern parade and a host of productions at the Pomegranate Theatre.; Tourist Info: 01246 345777/8; chesterfield festival

2008 - 2010 © Wildflower Cottages
Self catering holiday accommodation in Alton near Ashover in Derbyshire
Tel: 01246 590052 Mobile: 07709 436727 Email: info@wildflowercottages.co.uk