‘LITTLE SWITZERLAND’ IN ’S

Featuring steep rocky gorges, vast caverns, fast running rivers, wide panoramic views and a cable car, it is easy to understand why the Victorians called "Little Switzerland". However, The Heights of Abraham Cable Cars, Caverns & Hilltop Park is not to be found abroad, but overlooks the famous spa town in Derbyshire, and provides a unique aspect to a day out or holiday in the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District.

Taking a Cable Car ride from the valley floor, adjacent to the Matlock Bath Railway Station, makes the steep climb to the summit of the Hilltop Park seem quite effortless. When the cable car arrives at the summit visitors have free entry to all the attractions in the grounds, including the two spectacular Show Caverns. Tours throughout the day allow you to experience the exciting underground world within the hillside. From the light of a single miner’s candle in the Great Masson Cavern, to the whole chamber being awash with colour, you can now experience firsthand the magnitude of this cavern as it has never been seen before. Further down the hillside in the Great Rutland Cavern listen to the 17th Century lead miner’s tale.

The Fossil Factory brings to life fun and interesting facts about rocks, fossils and the formation of the Peak District. There is also a film presentation showing how the Heights’ own show caverns were formed, and the chance to get up close to the fossilized remains of a giant Ichthyosaur, which was over 3 metres long and alive at the same time as the Dinosaurs... not be missed!

In the Masson Pavilion the Heath & Heaven Exhibition features a patchwork of stunning aerial shots taken of the surrounding Peak District on a single summer’s day by world- renowned photographer John Beatty, and accompanied with words and poems by Si Homfrey. Also to be found here is 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 of the underground world. Following this there is a film showing the exciting story of the building of the cable car.

Those of an inquisitive mind should make sure they 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.

Wander the woodland trails, climb the Victoria Prospect Tower, visit the shops, two exciting play areas for children to burn off some of that energy in a fun and challenging way, picnic spots including the amphitheatre built from natural materials which blend into the hillside - all with stunning views in acres of beautiful wooded landscape.

When you have worked up an appetite, the focal point at the summit is Tree Tops Visitor Centre where Vista Bar & Restaurant and the Terrace Café are great places to meet, eat, drink and relax while enjoying stunning views down the Derwent Valley from the floor to ceiling panoramic windows which open onto their own terraces when the weather permits.

So next time you are planning a trip to the mountains, remember The Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath and "Little Switzerland" is closer than you think!

THE HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM CABLE CARS, CAVERNS & HILLTOP PARK, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3PD. (for Sat Nav use DE4 3NT)

24hr information line: 01629 582365 ext: 256 www.heightsofabraham.com

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