THE HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM , DE4 3PD (for Sat Nav use DE4 3NT)

Visit the Heights of Abraham in the heart of the and you will soon discover that the spectacular cable car ride high above the Derwent Valley is just the start of a truly unique, value-for-money day out. When the cable car arrives at the summit visitors have free access to all the facilities at this Hilltop Park. Most visitors are surprised to learn that the Heights is in fact the Peak District’s oldest tourist attraction, first opening as a Savage Garden in 1780 when visitors would make the climb from the valley floor on foot to witness the breath taking views across the surrounding area. In 1984 the first alpine style cable cars in Britain were built enabling visitors to enjoy a leisurely cable car ride high above the Derwent Valley to the summit, where over two centuries later they are still able to wander around the estate with its zigzag paths and woodland trails and it is easy to understand why the area proved inspirational to the Romantic movement of the period.

It is not just above ground that you can explore. As long ago as Roman times Lead deposits may have been found in the area but it took another 1000 years before Lead mining was officially recorded on site. A Bill of Sale dating back to 1475 was recently discovered at relating to the Nestus Mine. These mines remained active for over 400 years and left behind a legacy of passageways and awe-inspiring caverns.

Today, thanks to all their hard work you can follow in the miners’ footsteps down the passageways they created, going deep underground into the Heights’ famous Show Caverns. In the Great Masson Cavern from the glow of a single miner’s candle to the whole cavern being flooded with light your guide will tell you of the cavern’s 300 million year history before exiting further up the hillside, near Tinker’s Shaft Viewing Point.

Equally, a visit to the Great Rutland Cavern is well worthwhile. First opened to the public over 200 years ago in 1810, here you meet John the Miner and experience a day in the life of the very miners who made your trip possible.

Discover more at The Long View Exhibition… see and hear our story about why the Heights of Abraham has been a favourite place to visit for many generations; a story that unfolds over 230 years until the estate became what it is today. On the upper floor visit The Fossil Factory which brings to life fun and interesting facts about rocks, fossils and the formation of the Peak District. There is also a film presentation about the Heights’ own show caverns, and the chance to get up close to see and touch the fossilized remains of our giant Ichthyosaur which was over 3 metres long and alive at the same time as the Dinosaurs … not to be missed.

In the Masson Pavilion see Heath and Heaven which is a stunning pictorial journey through the Peak District from north to south and shot from the air by world-renowned photographer John Beatty on a single summer’s day to produce a patchwork of fascinating aerial shots, accompanied with words and poems by Si Homfrey. Next to this you will find Through the Lens which provides a virtual tour of the Great Masson Cavern. This is ideal for those who either cannot or do not wish to go underground and gives visitors a taste of the wonders underground. Following this there is a film showing the exciting story of the building of the cable car.

Within the grounds are two exciting play areas, Explorers Challenge and Woodland Adventure, where children can burn off some of that energy in a fun and challenging way. The Victoria Prospect Tower was built in 1842, restored in 1978 and today visitors can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the Derwent Valley.

Should you feel hungry, the focal point at the summit is Treetops Visitor Centre where Vista Bar & Restaurant and the Terrace Café are great places to meet, eat, drink and relax while enjoying views of the Derwent Valley, before heading off and exploring the rest of the site, or browsing round the gift shops.

All up to date information can be found at www.heightsofabraham.com or by calling 01629 582365 ext: 256

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