Derbyshire

Chatsworth House is one of Britain's most beloved stately homes, nestled beside the River Derwent in the heart of Derbyshire's Peak District, just outside Bakewell. Since its beginnings in 1549 under the formidable Bess of Hardwick, it has served as the seat of the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire. Over seventeen generations, the family has shaped the house into a masterpiece of architecture and art, set within a stunning landscape designed by Capability Brown.

Inside its opulent rooms—from the Painted Hall to the sculpture gallery—you'll find the Devonshire Collection, one of Europe's finest private art collections featuring everything from old masters to modern works. The 105-acre garden is equally impressive, boasting the famous Cascade, gravity-fed fountains, a maze, and rare trees. With an additional thousand acres of parkland, a farmyard, an adventure playground, and various shops and cafes, Chatsworth offers a truly complete day out.

Crich Tramway Village is home to the National Tramway Museum, tucked away in an old limestone quarry in the Derbyshire hills near Matlock. Started in the late 1950s by enthusiasts eager to save Britain's disappearing trams, it has evolved into a charming open-air museum that captures the feel of a traditional village from a bygone era. Its collection of over sixty vintage trams is considered of national importance, covering everything from the early horse-drawn days to the golden age of electric streetcars.

The best part of visiting is that many of the trams are still operational, and your ticket includes unlimited rides along a scenic route that leads from the cobbled village streets out into the countryside with stunning views of the Derwent Valley. The village itself features a classic pub, an old-fashioned sweetshop, a tearoom, and exhibition halls. Between the workshops, indoor displays, and family activities, it really brings the history of the tram to life.

Dovedale is one of the Peak District's most popular spots, a steep limestone valley in Derbyshire shaped by the River Dove, which marks the border with Staffordshire. Managed by the National Trust, the ravine winds through wooded hills and striking rock formations, with the iconic cone of Thorpe Cloud standing watch at the southern end. Because it's a National Nature Reserve, the area is celebrated for its diverse wildlife and natural habitats.

The highlight for most visitors is the famous line of stepping stones. Built by the Victorians to help people cross the river, they're so beloved that you'll often find a queue during the summer. An easy path follows the river deeper into the gorge, passing rugged cliffs with names like the Lion's Head and Reynard's Cave, along with the impressive Ilam Rock and Twelve Apostles. It's a beautiful walk that appeals to families and serious hikers alike.

Run by passionate volunteers, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is a heritage line in Derbyshire that follows the river of the same name from its source down toward the River Derwent. Based at Wirksworth station, the restored track stretches about eight and a half miles to Duffield, where it joins the national rail network, plus a short, steep branch line leading up to Ravenstor. It took over a decade of hard work from volunteers to bring the line back to life, with the last section finally reopening in 2011.

Visitors can now enjoy trips through the countryside on vintage diesel trains, with steam engines making appearances for special events. Wirksworth station is the main hub, featuring a gift shop, a café inside a vintage carriage, and a small museum full of railway treasures. Between the slow pace, the beautifully restored trains, and the warmth of the staff, it's a nostalgic escape into a quieter part of the Derwent Valley.

Perched on a hill in Derbyshire, Hardwick Hall is one of the most impressive estates from the Elizabethan era. It was built in the 1590s by Bess of Hardwick, the Countess of Shrewsbury, who was among the wealthiest and most powerful women of her day. The architect Robert Smythson designed the house with so much glass that it sparked the famous saying 'Hardwick Hall, more window than wall,' and its skyline is still marked by the carved initials 'E.S.' atop its towers.

Now run by the National Trust, the hall retains a stunning interior that has remained largely untouched, housing some of Europe's finest early tapestries, furniture, and embroidery. Guests can wander through grand rooms up to the spectacular High Great Chamber and Long Gallery. The grounds feature walled gardens and orchards, as well as the atmospheric ruins of the original Old Hall.