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DERBYSHIRE
website: http: www.mercia.me.uk                                    Tel: 0870 794 2180                                     Click here to contact us
 Welcome to Mercia.  Press Control+B to Bookmark this site for later reference.
The Comprehensive Website for the Ancient English Kingdom of Mercia   
Mercia, sometimes spelled Mierce , was one of the kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy, in what is now the Midlands region of England, with its heart in the Trent valley and its tributary streams. This site shows  places of Interest & Events in  Derbyshire.

Derbyshire

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The area that is now Derbyshire was first occupied between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods of the Stone Age when Mesolithic hunter gatherers roamed the hilly tundra. The evidence of these nomadic tribes is centred around limestone caves located on the Nottinghamshire border. Desposits left in the caves date the occupancy at around 12,000 to 7,000  

Burial mounds of Neolithic settlers are also situated throughout the county. These chambered tombs were designed for collective burial and are mostly located in the central Derbyshire region.  There are tombs in Minning Low, and Five Wells, which date back to between 2000 and 2500 BCE Three miles west of Youlgreave lies the Neolithic henge monument of Arbor Low, This can be dated back to 2500 BCE.

It is not until the Bronze Age that real signs of agriculture and settlement are found in the county. In the moors of the Peak District signs of clearence, arable fields and hut circles were discovered after archeological investigation. However this area and another settlement at Swarkestone are all that have been found

Map of Derbyshire During the Roman invasion the invadors were attracted to Derbyshire because of the lead ore in the limestone hills of the area. They settled throughout the county with forts built near Brough in Hope Valley and near Glossop. Later they settled around Buxton, famed for it's warm springs, and set up a fort near modern day Derby in a area now known as Little Chester.

The name Derby comes from  Anglo-Saxon and means deer '+' habitation.The Anglo-Saxon Derby may have been in existence, as far back as post Roman times where Derventio was still a commercial centre.  It is possible late Romano Britons invited some Anglo-Saxons of their own and had them dwell just over the hill -out of sight of Derventio.  Repton is known and sign posted as the capital of Mercia. Actually it is believed that Repton was the religous Capital and Tamworth the administrative Capital. St Wystans Church contains a unique Saxon crypt which is one of the most important surviving pieces of Saxon architecture in England. Repton church was the burial place of Mercian Kings. It dates from around 750 AD and contains the tombs of King Ethelbald of Mercia(ad757), King Wiglaf in AD840 and his grandson St Wystan who was brutally murdered. The crypt became a place of pilgramage.

 The Anglo-Saxon occupation was ended by the arrival of the Vikings, in AD875, who after capturing Repton turned their attentions on Northworthy. After gaining control of the Anglo-Saxon settlement, they settled in Derby.
Derby is by far the largest town in the county. Other towns of some importance are Alfreton, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Belper, Buxton, Chesterfield, Glossop, Heanor, Ilkeston, Long Eaton and Matlock. Click here to contact us


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Bakewell Show 2008

Description of event:

The Bakewell Show is a celebration all aspects of farming and rural life, from the best of British livestock to the latest business and technological innovations.

Start date:

06-08-2008

End date:

07-08-2008

Location:

The Showground, Bakewell, Derbyshire

Web Link:

http://www.bakewellshow.org

Contact telephone:

01629 812736

Find local news, sport and entertainment near you with your local BBC Where I Live website. Choose your nearest location in Mercia:
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An evening with
Henry Blofeld
Henry Blofeld's broadcasting career began at the start of the seventies and in 1972 he joined BBC's Test Match Special for two of the one-day matches against Australia. He has been a regular member of this famous commentary team ever since and after the departure of John Arlott and Brian Johnston, has become the great character of the show. His rich, plummy tones are known and loved worldwide for he has done much commentary on both television and radio while covering cricket overseas. 'Blowers' as he is fondly known, has a tremendous zest for life; his broadcasts are always lively and full of humour and he is famous for the way in which he paints the picture for listeners omitting no detail, down to the pigeons, aeroplanes, red buses and helicopters. And in his one-man show he tells uproarious stories from the commentary box as well as others about his wide circle of friends who range from Dad's Army's Clive Dunn through Noel Coward and Ian Fleming who pinched his name for James Bond's arch enemy, and onto the blind pianist, George Shearing. Anyone who has been to one of these shows will know just how funny he is! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see and hear one of sport’s best loved personalitiesCatch up with him in Mercia. Dates are as follows:
Feb 16
Tamworth Assembly Rooms
01827 709 618
TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS CLICK
Feb 17
Aylesbury, Civic Hall
01296 486 009
AYLESBURY CIVIC HALL CLICK
March 18
Malvern, Malvern Theatre
01684 892 277
MALVERN THEATRES CLICK
March 19
Bedford, The Corn Exchange
01234 269 519
BEDFORD CORN EXCHANGE CLICK
March 29
Crewe, Lyceum Theatre
01270 537 333
LYCEUM THEATRE CLICK
April 6
Redditch, Palace Theatre
0152 765 203
REDDITCH PALACE THEATRE CLICK 
April 20
Northampton, Derngate Theatre
01604 624 811
DERNGATE THEATRE CLICK
April 25
Newark, Palace Theatre
01636 655 755
PALACE THEATRE NEWARK CLICK
April 28
Cannock, Prince of Wales Centre
01543 578 762
PRINCE OF WALES CENTRE CLICK
May 3
Derby, Assembly Rooms
01332 255 800
ASSEMBLY ROOMS CLICK
May 7
Telford, Oakengates Theatre
01952 382 382
OAKENGATES THEATRE CLICK
May 13
Stockport, Plaza Theatre
0161 477 7779
STOCKPORT PLAZA CLICK
June 3
Nottingham Arts Theatre
0115 947 6096
NOTTINGHAM ARTS CLICK
June 4
Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre
01902 429 212
GRAND THEATRE CLICK
June 13
Loughborough, Town Hall
01509 231 914
LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN HALL CLICK
Tourist Offices
Details

Ashbourne
Welcome to Ashbourne Tourist Information Centre in Derbyshire. If you are looking for information on Ashbourne or on nearby places such as Stoke-on-Trent, Burton-on-Trent, Uttoxeter, Derby and Stone then please call us and see if we can help.
13 Market Place , Ashbourne , Derbyshire  DE6 1EU
Tel: 01335 343666 Fax: 01335 300638
Email: ashbourneinfo@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Bakewell
At Bakewell Tourist Information Centre, we are here to help you. We have information on everything from the Derbyshire town of Bakewell to other nearby places such as Butxon, Matlock and the Peak District National Park in which Bakewell is located.
Old Market Hall , Bridge Street , Bakewell , Derbyshire DE4 1DS
Tel: 01629 816 558 Fax: 01629 814 782
Email: bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Buxton
Buxton Tourist Information Centre is situated in the peaceful town of Buxton, surrounded by the Peak District National Park. There are a lot of tourist attractions in the area including Poole’s Cavern and Solomon’s Temble along with Chatsworth House, Magpie Mine and Arbor Low Stone Circle in the Peak District.
The Crescent , Buxton , Derbyshire SK17 6BQ
Tel: 01298 25106 Fax: 01298 73153
Email: tourism@highpeak.gov.uk
Castleton
Caslteon Visitor Centre is situated right in the heart of the village. Each month the centre houses a different display in its exhibition room, which shows off the talents of local artists, photographers and crafts people. There is also a full tourist information service from an experienced team. Opening timea: 10am - 5.30pm daily
Buxton Road, Castleton, Hope Valley
Peak District
Phone:  01433 620679
Email: castleton@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Chesterfield
At Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre, we are here to help you. We have information on everything from Chesterfield in Derbyshire to other places such as nearby Sheffield, Worksop and Mansfield.
Rykneld Square , Chesterfield , Derbyshire S40 1SB
Tel: 01246 345 777 Alternate Tel: 01246 345 778 Fax: 01246 345 770
Email: tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk
Derby
Discover more about Derby and the surrounding area at Derby Tourist Information Centre. Our information centre is packed with lots of useful travel & tourism information to help you plan your trip so if you’d like help with touring routes, are looking for bed & breakfast, hotel, self-catering or camping & caravanning accommodation, or want to know what tourist attractions you can visit, then call in and let us offer you some advice.
Assembly Rooms , Market Place , Derby , Derbyshire DE1 3AH
Tel: 01332 255802 Fax: 01332 256137
Email: tourism@derby.gov.uk Web: http://www.visitderby.co.uk
Edale -The Moorland Centre (the Peak District National Park Information Centre) Fieldhead, Edale, Hope Valley S33 7ZA
Tel: 01433 670207
Email: edale@peakdistrict.gov.uk 
Fairholmes - Upper Derwent Valley
The centre is a joint venture between the Peak District National Park Authority and Severn Trent Water, forms part of a visitor complex including cycle hire, refreshment kiosk and ranger services. Can accommodate whellechair users and has disabled toilet facilities adjacent to the centre. Visitors can explore the fascinating history of the valley, take part in the range of activities available or just enjoy the refreshments. Just 500 metres from Derwent Dam
Upper Derwent Valley
Fairholmes, Bamford, Hope Valley S33 0AQ
Tel: 01433 650953
Email: derwentinfo@hotmail.co.uk  
Glossop
Glossop Tourist Information Centre is situated in the town of Glossop on the edge of the Peak District National Park and close to Manchester & Stockport.
The Heritage Centre , Bank House, Henry Street , Glossop , Derbyshire SK13 8BW
Tel: 01457 855 920 Fax: 01427 855 920
Email: info@glossoptouristcentre.co.uk Web: http://www.glossoptouristcentre.co.uk/
Hayfield Old Station Yard  tel: 01663 746222
Matlock
Discover more about Matlock and the surrounding area including the Peak District National Park at Matlock Tourist Information Centre. The information centre contains lots of useful tourist information and helpful staff to help you plan your trip.
Crown Square , Matlock , Derbyshire DE3 3AT
Tel: 01629 583388 Fax: 01629 584131
Email: matlockinfo@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Matlock Bath
Discover more about Matlock Bath and the surrounding Peak District National Park at Matlock Bath Tourist Information Centre situated close to Matlock town.
The Pavillion , Matlock , Derbyshire  DE4 3NR
Tel: 01629 55082 Fax: 01629 56304
Email: matlockbathinfo@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
New Mills Heritage Centre  Tel: 01663 746904
Ripley
Ripley Tourist Information Centre is situated in the Derbyshire town of Ripley, close to Matlock, Mansfield, Eastwood, Hucknall and Belper. There are a number of tourist attractions in the area including the Midland railway, Denby Potteries, Wingfield Manor and Hardwick Hall near Mansfield.
Town Hall , Market Place , Ripley , Derbyshire  DE5 3BT
Tel: 01773 841 488  Alternate Tel: 01773 841 486 Fax: 01773 841 487
Email: touristinformation@ambervalley.gov.uk
Swadlincote Sharps Pottery Museum , Swadlincote , Derbyshire  DE11 9DG
Tel: 01283 222 848
Email: tic@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk
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Alfreton and District Heritage Centre
A local heritage centre covering the area around Alfreton. On display are a collection of photographs, paintings, maps and artefacts relating to the area or used by local householders. Books, postcards and videos published by the trust are on sale.
Alfreton Heritage
Heritage Chapel
Rodgers Lane
Alfreton Derbyshire
DE55 7FF  
Tel: +44 (0) 1773 832349
Alfreton Hall
Alfreton Hall was built around 1724-25, close to the site of an older building, for George Morewood and was owned by the Palmer Morewood family, owners of many of the local coal mines, until 1957, when the Derbyshire County Council acquired it and surrounding land. They sold on four acres and the house to the Alfreton UDC in 1964. Most of the house was demolished in 1968, having been substantially weakened by mining subsidence. The remainder, the wing built by Benjamin Wilson in 1855, was converted into an arts and adult education centre. The land is now part of an attractive public park, providing facilities for swimming and other sports.
Alfreton Hall

Church Street, Alfreton,
 Derbyshire DE55 7AH
    Reception@AlfretonHall.com

httALFRETON HALL WEBSITE
Tel : 0845 8 33 33 38
Alport Castles
Alport Castles are a landslip feature in the Peak District , said to be the largest landslide in the United Kingdom. They lie north of the Snake Pass and north west of Ladybower Reservoir. Alport Castles are part of the National Trust's High Peak Estate. Debris from the landslide has produced several mounds, the largest of which — the "Tower" — from a distance resembles a full scale motte and bailey castle.
Alport Castles
High Peak Estate Office, Edale End,
Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 6RF

HIGH PEAK TRAIL WEBSITE 
Telephone: 01433 670368
Arbor Low
Arbor Low is a stone circle, or henge, positioned on a hilltop in the Derbyshire moorland, five miles South West of Bakewell. Neolithic in date, there are around fifty pillars of limestone laid on the ground where they once stood vertically. These are surrounded by a steep bank and ditch. Nearby is a barrow, or burial mound, named ‘Gib Hill’. Access is via a farm, where a donation may be requested. Sturdy shoes or walking boots are recommended.
Arbor Low
Arbor Low, Near Bakewell,
 Derbyshire DE45 1JS
Phone: +44 (0)1629 816200
Ardotalia (Melandra Castle)

Ardotalia (also known as Melandra, or Melandra Castle) is a Roman fort in Gamesley, near Glossop . Ardotalia was constructed by Cohors Primae Frisiavonum—The First Cohort of Frisiavones  Evidence for the existence of this unit exists not only from the building stone found at the site but also from various diplomas and other Roman writings . This unit would have had around a thousand men, including the specialist craftsmen needed to perform the skilled work of building the fort.This unit was assisted in constructing the fort by the 3rd Cohort of Bracara Augustani. These men were probably Iberian Celts from the colony of Braga in Portugal, who seem to have been attached to the XX Legion Valeria Victrix in Chester. Whilst it is unknown which of these Cohorts actually manned the fort it seems more likely that the 3rd Cohort of Bracara Augstani performed this duty, as they were from a hilly region and so were more experienced in holding terrain such as that found around Glossop. The Frisiavones were from low-lying lands beyond the Rhine and so may have been divided between the lower terrain of Manchester and Northwich. The First Cohort of Frisiavones were also present at Brocolitia, one of Hadrian's wall forts and settlements, at Carrawburgh, Northumberland. Evidence for this relies on an inscription on an altar stone, which tells us that Optio Maus (an NCO within the Cohort) had repaid a vow to the goddess Coventina. Whether this altar was the repayment of the vow is unknown.

Melandra Castle
From the centre of Glossop take the A57 towards Hyde, then at Dinting Vale turn left onto the A626 towards Marple. Go up the hill and after about 500 metres turn right, to follow the road which goes around the edge of the Gamesley council estate.

Ashbourne

Ashbourne, south of the Peak District, is a small town famous for its Shrove Tuesday "football" match, which is played with the goals 3 miles apart and lasts from 2pm to 10 pm, unless a goal is scored before 5pm!. The match has hundreds of "players" and is more than a bit rough!The town itself has several buildings of note in its narrow streets, St Oswolds's church, famous for its white marble statue of a sleeping child, the old grammar school, almshouses, and the home of John Taylor, The Mansion Taylor was a friend of Dr Johnston who visited at the old coaching inn, Black's Head in the town. The other old inn is the Green Man.The town market is held on Thursday in the Market Square.A good base for exploring the Peak District to the north. Try a visit to the small village of Bradbourne, B5056 off A515 north of Ashbourne, with its Saxon Cross outside the church.The town is in the middle of Dove Dale, the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire, the Dale follows the River Dove downstream from the Peak District to the Trent. Lots of villages to visit down small roads, with riverside walks , northwards try Ilam, with its country park, or Mapleton with the walk to Thorpe.
Ashbourne
Tourist Offices
13 Market Place , Ashbourne ,
Derbyshire  DE6 1EU

  ashbourneinfo@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

Tel: 01335 343666 Fax: 01335 300638

Ashby Canal

Visit the one and a half miles of restored Ashby Canal stretching from Conkers to beyond Moira Furnace. Regular boat trips (ring to check - 01283 224667) through a swing bridge and first full sized lock on the canal.

Ashby Canal
Moira, Swadlincote,
 Derbyshire
ASHBY CANAL WEBSITE

Tel : 01283 224667

Bakewell
Bakewell
, a small town with busy roads, famous as the home of Bakewell Pudding or Tart made with raspberry jam, but which is the original recipe? two shops battle for the honour!Popular town to visit as Bakewell is the nearest town to the famous Chatsworth House, one of the most popular stately homes in England.The local showground hosts the yearly Bakewell Show in early August.Useful as a base for the area, visiting villages such as Winster and Birchover, tucked away south east off the A6.

Bakewell
Tourist Offices
Old Market Hall , Bridge Street , Bakewell , Derbyshire DE4 1DS
 
Email: bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Tel: 01629 816 558 Fax: 01629 814 782
Bakewell Old House Museum
A 16thC house with many original features containing 19thC costumes displayed on models, a Victorian kitchen, craftsmen's tools, farm implements, children's toys, lace work and items of local historical interest. Also included are cameras, Ashford marble and samplers.
Bakewell Old House
Cunningham Place,
Bakewell, DE45 1DD
Email: bakewellmuseum@tiscali.co.uk
  Visit theWebsite
Telephone: +44 01629 813642
Bakewell Pudding Shop
A number of Bakewell pudding shops exist in Bakewell, however this is largely accepted to be the original, where the first ever pudding, or tart, was made. Set in a seventeenth Century building in the centre of the town, the shop sells not only their own puddings, but also other delicacies such as different types of bread and preserve. A restaurant on the first floor offers tasty snacks and meals using local produce.
Bakewell Pudding Shop
The Square, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1BT
E-mail Original Bakewell Pudding Shop 

 Original Bakewell Pudding Shop Web site
Phone: +44 (0)1629 812193  -  Fax: +44 (0)1629 812260
Barlborough Hall
Sometimes described as the county's finest unspoilt Elizabethan country house, Barlborough Hall has stood to the north of Barlborough, a north-east Derbyshire village, for four centuries. The ornate, lantern-towered and mullioned structure was built for Lord Justice Francis Rodes to a design attributed to Robert Smythson in 1584.   Now adopted as a school it retains much of its original character.  The chapel and many of the teaching rooms are in the Central Hall, while the Jacobean stable outbuildings and domestic quarters house the Early Years department
Balborough Hall
Barlborough, Chesterfield,
 Derbyshire. S43 4TJ
BARLBOROUGH HALL WEBSITE
tel: 01246 810511
Fax: 01246 570605
Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society
Welcome to the Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society. After many years of hard work by dedicated volunteers, the magnificent Midland Railway roundhouse at Barrow Hill that faced certain demolition now looks forward to a very bright future. We hope you will find something to interest you during your visit to the site of Britain's last operational roundhouse. Only a few years ago it seemed that "our" roundhouse would never see the 21st century - but here we are!
Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society

Campbell Drive, Barrow Hill,

Chesterfield, S43 2PR

BARROW HILL WEBSITE

tel :01246 - 472450
Belper River Gardens
A popular river gardens used as a film and TV location on many occasions. The beautiful gardens are situated by the River Derwent, 'The National Heritage Corridor'. There is a summer programme of band concerts and outdoor theatre and each July well dressings are displayed in the gardens. Visitors are able to hire a rowing boat or take a ride on a motor boat. The gardens are adjacent to the historic North Mill (now part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site which houses the Derwent Valley Visitor Centre.
Belper River Gardens
Matlock Road, Belper

Telephone: +44 01773 841482
Fax: +44 01773 841487
Email: tourism@ambervalley.gov.uk
Website: Visit theWebsite


Telephone: +44 01773 841482
Fax: +44 01773 841487
Blue John Cavern

The Blue John Cavern is one of the four show caves in Castleton,  .The semi-precious mineral "Blue John" or "Derbyshire Spar" is mined from this cave. Although the cavern works as a show cave, the mineral is still worked here during the winter months. The miners who work the remaining seams act as guides for the underground tours.Blue John is a blue/purple and white/yellow banded variety of fluorite which locals will tell you is found nowhere else in the world other than this cave and the nearby Treak Cliff Cavern.  In the late 18th century a small local industry was centred on turning vases of Blue John, which might be mounted with ormolu as chimneypiece garnitures. A small amount of the rock is still mined and can be bought as jewellery in local shops.The earliest dated decorative application of Blue John is its use in marble fireplace panels designed by Robert Adam and installed in Kedleston Hall near Derby in 1762.The eight veins here are Twelve Vein, Old Dining Room, Bull Beef, New Dining Room, Five Vein, Organ Room New Cavern and Lanscape.

Blue John Cavern
The Blue John Cavern
Castleton
Hope Valley
S33 8WP


http://www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk/
Tel: 01433 620638
Bolsover Castle
Be transported back to the Golden Age of Chivalry and Romance. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale, Bolsover Castle enjoys panoramic views over the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Children will love the fairytale Little Castle, designed as a fantasy entertainment house with magnificent wall paintings. Visit the indoor Riding House where William, Duke of Newcastle indulged his passion for training horses in balletic movement. Wander round the beautiful Venus Garden, with its secluded love seats, 23 statues and fountain which plays again for the first time in centuries. There are also intriguing audio-visual displays to enjoy in the Discovery Centre.

Bplsover Castle
Bolsover, Derbyshire - S44 6PR
In Bolsover, 6 miles E of Chesterfield on A632. Off M1 at junction29

 BOLSOVER CASTLE WEBSITE
tel : 01246 822844
Bottle Kiln
A fine art gallery with a new exhibition every month. There is also a craft gallery with hand-crafted artefacts from around the world, a gift shop containing an excellent selection of cards, jewellery and general high-quality gift items. The Buttery cafe serve wholesome home-made food. All this is in an attractive landscaped setting with a Japanese garden and a unique renovated bottle-necked kiln.
Bottle Kiln Art Gallery
High Lane West
West Hallam Ilkeston
Derbyshire DE7 6HP
Tue-Sun, 1000-1700

 BOTTLE KILN GALLERY WEBSITE
tel: 01159329442
Fax: (0115) 930 9114
Bradbourne Hall

Bradbourne Hall, a greystone Elizabethan building with three gables, was once the home of the Buckston family. It was probably built by Henry Buckston or his son george who died in 1631, possibly on the site of a much older building. The Buckstons moved to Sutton on the Hill in the early part of the 19th century and the building was tenanted out. In 1929 an extension was added by the then owner L.W.Hodson. It remains a private residence.


Bradbourne Hall
Bradbourne in Derbyshire is an ancient village situated 4 miles north east of Ashbourne off the A5056 and stands high on a ridge between the valleys of Bradbourne Brook and Havenhill Dale, enjoying some fine views
Bradley Hall Bradley Hall


Bretby Hall

Bretby Hall is a country house at Bretby,  north of Swadlincote and east of Burton upon Trent. The name Bretby means "dwelling place of Britons".The first Bretby Hall was built in 1630 after Thomas Stanhope bought the manor of Bretby from the family of Stephen de Segrave, to whom it had been granted by Ranulph de Blondeville, 4th Earl of Chester.In 1628, his grandson Philip was made Earl of Chesterfield by King Charles I of England. From then on, Bretby Hall was the ancestral home of the Earls of Chesterfield.The second Earl was responsible for a complete restyling of the gardens so that some compared them favourably with the gardens at Versailles.The fifth Earl demolished the mansion and built the present Hall to a design by Sir Jeffry Wyatville.The sixth Earl, known as the "racing Earl", loved cricket and shooting, so he built a cricket pitch and raised game birds.The seventh Earl died without issue, and the estate revolved to his mother and through her to the wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, the famous egyptologist . In 1926, the Hall was sold to Derbyshire County Council and was run as an orthopaedic hospital until the 1990s when it was sold to a private developer, who has converted it into luxury apartments and suites.

Bretby Hall
Bretby, South Derbyshire

www.bretby-hall.com/

Buxton
Buxton, developed as a Georgian spa and the buildings and some streets reflect the Georgian splendour. You can still "take the waters" at St Ann's Well, the water is warm!Largely developed in the Victorian era, it is still a popular town, the highest in England, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Even if you are not walking, the town is well worth a visit.
Tourist and general chain stores in the town, plus specialist shops. Try the Spring Gardens Shopping Centre or the shops in the Market Place and High Street. Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.Take a look at the Crescent with its Georgian facade, the Town Hall (1888), the Natural Bath building, as well as the restored Opera House. Box Office Telephone number is 01298 72190. A smaller theatre is at The Pauper's Pit, The Old Hall Hotel, The Square, Tel: 01298 72190Churches to note are St Marys Church and St Johns Church.

Buxton
Tourist Offices
The Crescent , Buxton , Derbyshire SK17 6BQ
 
Email: tourism@highpeak.gov.uk
Tel: 01298 25106 Fax: 01298 73153
Buxton Hall
The Old Hall Hotel was originally Buxton Hall. It was built by the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, George Talbot, whose wife was Bess of Hardwick, in 1550, replacing an earlier building. It is situated over a natural spring, the warm mineral waters of which were the reason for Buxton's origin. This was the site of the Roman Baths ("Aqua Arnemetiae") thought to have been named after the Celtic water Goddess Arnemetiae.
Buxton Hall

The Square, Buxton,
 Derbyshire,  SK17 6BD  
E-mail: info@oldhallhotelbuxton.co.uk  
http://www.oldhallhotelbuxton.co.uk/
Tel: +44 (0) 1298 22841   Fax: +44 (0) 1298 72437
Buxton Opera House
Buxton Opera House is one of Britain’s leading receiving theatres, presenting around 450 performances each year including dance, comedy, children’s shows, drama, musical concerts, pantomime and opera as well as a lively Fringe Theatre and Community and Education Programme. The theatre is also home to the prestigious Buxton Festival and The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival and The Four-Four-Time Festival of Live Music. Lovingly restored to its former glory in 2001, Buxton Opera House is an exquisitely beautiful Edwardian theatre and one of the country’s finest examples of Frank Matcham theatre design.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6XN
admin@boh.org.uk
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
 
Box Office: 0845 127 2190
Administration: 01298 72050
Fax: 01298 27563
Buxton Museum & Art Gallery
Visit our shop - we stock educational books and games, fossils, rock and mineral specimens, replica artefacts and a host of bright, amusing and affordable toys 

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery
Terrace Road   Buxton     
Derbyshire  SK17 6DA 
email: buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk  

BUXTON MUSEUM WEBSITE
 
Tel: 01298 24658
Fax: 01298 79394  












Calke Abbey
This baroque mansion, built 1701-3 and set in a stunning landscape park, has become famous as a graphic illustration of the English country house in decline. Little restored, the house contains the spectacular natural history collection of the Harpur Crewe family, as well as a magnificent 18th-century state bed and interiors that are essentially unchanged since the 1880s. The open parkland is managed for its nature conservation value and the attractive grounds feature a beautiful walled garden and an interesting collection of garden buildings, including a newly restored orangery.
Calke Abbey
Ticknall, Derby, Derbyshire DE73 1LE 
E-mail Calke Abbey
Tel 01332 863822  -  Fax:  01332 865272
Carnfield Hall
Carnfield Hall is a 15th century 'mansion house' added to during the 16th & 17th centuries and restored in the early 1990's. Its atmospheric interior has fine oak panelled rooms including a 16th century 'great parlour', Georgian dining room and two impressive Jacobean staircases.For several centuries the seat of the Revell family, the Hall contains a varied and fascinating collection of antique furniture, porcelain and glass, family portraits, needlework and old costumes, 19th century toys and manorial documents from the 16th century. Curios including a lock of Edward IV's hair, Princess Charlotte's wedding stockings and Louis XIV's travelling trunk are shown as well as heirlooms of the Cartland family who live in the hall.

South Normanton
Alfreton
Derbyshire
DE55 2BE  
Tel: +44 (0) 1773 520084
Carsington Reservoir

Carsington Reservoir is a reservoir operated by Severn Trent Water . The reservoir takes water from the River Derwent at Ambergate during winter months, pumping up to the reservoir by 10.5 km long tunnels and aqueduct. Water is released back into the river during summer months for abstraction and treatment further downstream. It is England's ninth largest reservoir with a capacity of 35,412 megalitres.Planning for the reservoir started in the 1960s with actual construction starting in 1979. In 1984 there was a partial collapse of the dam prior to its filling. The dam was subsequently completely removed before construction of a new dam commenced in 1989. The finished reservoir was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.The reservoir is a major centre of leisure activities including walking, cycling, birdwatching, sailing and windsurfing. The land surrounding the reservoir, in particular the facilities around the visitor centre, have played host to events including a music festival, the Festival of the Peak.

Carsington Reservoir
Carsington Water Visitor Centre
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 1ST

Tel: 01629 540 696

 CARSINGTON WEBSITE

Tel: 01629 540 696
Cascades Gardens
Come and explore this fascinating landscape which originates from the early 18th century... ...and surrounds the ruins of an old corn mill, with ponds, stream, canal and waterfalls and an old lead mine. The garden has a wide variety of plants, shrubs and trees providing colour and interest all year round.The Bonsall Brook runs through the garden and over the ruined mill, a feature which gave the house its name. In the winter it becomes a torrent and in summer a more gentle trickle. The four acre garden is set on many levels and is surrounded by mature trees, high cliffs and banks. It is divided into areas or "rooms" each with its own character
Cascades Gardens
Clatterway
Bonsall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 2AH 
 
Tel: 01629 822813
Castle Donington Museum
Housed in a listed 17th Century house in the centre of this historic village, the museum mounts a new exhibition each year illustrating the life, work and leisure of the local villages over the years. Every Sunday and all Bank Holiday Mondays 2-4.30pm