Free Guide Countryside Destinations and Events 2018 Lots to explore... Events to enjoy... Time to relax... Welcome Derbyshire’s countryside is a fantastic place to explore the great outdoors. Our beautiful destinations attract thousands of visitors each year, which is great for the local economy. The countryside visitor centres offer information and guides, quality crafts and tasty treats. I’m delighted we’ve been able to line up some exciting activities for you to enjoy. With more than 50 events there’s something for everyone, from family fun and festivals to skilled workshops and local heritage. Come and explore some of the region’s best country parks, trails and historic waterways. With 3,000 miles of public rights of way and plenty of opportunities to walk, cycle or horse ride you can enjoy leisure time across the county. For visitors with more limited mobility you can hire a tramper scooter and venture further. So whether you’re a regular visitor or looking to discover somewhere new, I hope you’ll be able to enjoy even more of what Derbyshire has to offer. Councillor Simon Spencer Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Derbyshire County Council Front cover: Countryside event, Cromford Canal. Below: Black Rocks, High Peak Trail near Wirksworth. 1 Contents Discover Our Countryside Events .............................................. 3-4 wonderful Elvaston Castle Country Park and Visitor Centre ....... 5-9 days out... Shipley Country Park and Visitor Centre ................. 11-16 High Peak Trail and Cromford Canal: ....................... 17-23 Middleton Top Visitor Centre, Cycle Hire and Black Rocks ............................................................ 18 High Peak Junction and Cromford Wharf ..................... 20 Steam Heritage .............................................................. 24 Tapton Lock Visitor Centre: Chesterfield Canal ........ 27-30 Our Wider Countryside ............................................. 31-33 Our Countryside Destinations and Visitor Centres Situated in the heart of England, come and enjoy our countryside destinations. Relax in beautiful surroundings with some of the region's best country parks, trails, waterways and attractions. Great visitor centres, a cycle hire facility and a programme of seasonal events to enjoy. What’s on offer Our Visitor Centres: information and facilities - a great place to start your visit. Relax in beautiful surroundings: with gardens, parks, heritage, woodland, nature reserves, trails, lakes and canals. Explore: walking, cycling, horse riding, outdoor gyms, great play areas, boat trips, fishing and so much more. Enjoy: more exciting events, festivals and activities in 2018. Indulge: savour the taste of freshly ground coffee, enjoy a snack or dine in one of the cafes. Treat yourself: to bespoke cards and prints, and handcrafted gifts. Discover: what our wider countryside has to offer. 2 About the events Our We’ve lined up an exciting range of countryside events and festivals for everyone to enjoy, with seasonal interest and lots to look forward to. Our countryside friendly and experienced teams are on hand to help you entertain the events... kids, learn a new skill and explore our beautiful destinations. Event keys Gentle walk (easy going) Moderate walk (some climbs) Strenuous walk (some steeper climbs) Suitable for everyone Accessible by public transport (within 15 minutes walk of a bus stop or train station) For travel advice see page 33. Event booking and charges The majority of events are bookable via their respective Visitor Centre. A small number of specialist workshops require pre-payment and must be booked online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countrysideevents Details can be found throughout the brochure. Special event charges vary. Some of our events are FREE. Parking charges apply at our principal countryside destinations. If you are coming to several events and visit these sites regularly, why not consider an annual season ticket. Details at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countryside Clothes and what to bring with you Warm clothing, a waterproof and suitable footwear is recommended. For longer activities and workshops please bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinks. In warm weather remember your sun protection. Young people attending our events All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Workshops All tools and equipment will be provided. No previous experience is required as tuition will be given. Participants may be required to use hand tools. Workshops are not suitable for children under 16 years. Photographs Please note we may take photographs at our events and festivals. Photographs may be used in future leaflets and publicity for which the appropriate permissions will be sought. Dogs ‘Dogs welcome on leads’ at some events, unless otherwise stated. General enquiries and feedback Visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countryside Write to: Derbyshire County Council, Countryside Service, Economy, Transport and Environment, Shand House, Dale Road South, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3RY Email: [email protected] Comments: We welcome your feedback and comments. Please send these using any of the methods listed above. 3 Derbyshire County Council Countryside Event Locations and Visitor Centres The map shows our principal countryside destinations, event locations, visitor centres and pay and display car parks around Derbyshire. Glossop We have many more countryside sites, greenways and trails around the county that you can visit. See our website for more information at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countryside Buxton Bolsover G Chesterfield Bakewell B Black Rocks Cromford Wharf• Matlock Elvaston Castle Country Park and Visitor Centre• G Grin Low and Buxton Country Park B Hayfield Picnic Site (Sett Valley Trail) Alfreton High Peak Junction Visitor Centre Ripley Belper Middleton Top Visitor Centre and Ashbourne Cycle Hire Heanor Shipley Country Park and Visitor Centre• Tapton Lock Visitor Centre Ilkeston (Chesterfield Canal) Motorway Main roads Principal roads Towns Long Eaton Peak District National Park • Changing Places facility - a spacious accessible toilet with specialised equipment, including a height-adjustable changing bench and hoist. RADAR key operated. Swadlincote © The Crown copyright reference 2018. Ordnance Survey 100023251. 4 Elvaston Castle Country Park Near Derby 5 Relax...in beautiful surroundings Elvaston Castle Country Park is truly magical and steeped in history. Its formal gardens and wider parkland still inspire and surprise today. At the heart of the estate is Elvaston Castle, a gothic revival masterpiece, once home to the Stanhope family and Earl’s of Harrington. Licenced for weddings inside the stunning Gothic Hall or within the walled gardens, this venue will not fail to wow. Whatever the season there’s always lots to see and do, from play and picnic areas, to a host of popular events throughout the year. 6 Treat yourself Head for the Castle Courtyards and Wyatt’s café overlooking the formal gardens or start your visit at the Information Centre and Shop. You will find friendly advice, refreshments and a wide range of gifts, seasonal plants and produce grown on the estate. Tramper scooter hire can be booked for easy access around the park. Stay in touch Find us Website: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/elvaston Elvaston Castle Country Park, Facebook: Borrowash Road (B5010), Elvaston, Derby, www.facebook.com/ElvastonCastleCountryPark Derbyshire, DE72 3EP. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01629 533870. Elvaston Castle Country Park The visitor car park opens at 9am every day and To Ilkeston 25 closes at 8pm April to September; 5pm October To Derby A51 to March. A52 To 1 1 Nottingham B5010 Elvaston’s main car park off Borrowash Road is A6005 pay and display with toilets and a Changing A6 B5010 Places facility located near the entrance. Blue badge holders are also welcome to use the Elvaston ‘authorised vehicles only’ car park located closer Castle M1 to the castle. Season tickets are available from A6 the Information Centre and Shop. A50 For information about Elvaston’s future visit www.futureelvaston.co.uk 24a For information about Weddings visit To Leicester www.elvastoncastleweddings.co.uk 7 For all Elvaston events - unless otherwise stated: Meet: Elvaston Castle cobbled courtyard. Equipment: Suitable clothing and footwear. Location: OS ref SK406 330. Sat Nav DE72 3EP. Information: Elvaston Castle Country Park 01629 533870. Parking charges apply. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs welcome on leads. If you would like to organise your own event, please contact us. Elvaston offers indoor and outdoor spaces for hire, ranging from a 27 acre showground to a smaller events field or the stunning Gothic Hall. The Gothic Hall FRIDAY 30 MARCH 10.30pm-3.30pm. Turn up any time. ELVASTON GOLDEN SUNDAY 22 JULY 11am-4pm. Turn up EGG TRAIL Join us, and the Easter Bunny, any time. TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC If you go at Elvaston for some Easter eggcitement! down to Elvaston Castle today you’re sure of Hop on down and follow the famous a big surprise! Kick off the summer holiday Elvaston Golden Egg Trail! Crack the code fun by joining us for a Teddy Bears’ Picnic. and claim a chocolate treat! Cost: £4 per Meet: East Avenue (in front of the castle). trail sheet. Length: Less than a mile. Cost: FREE to attend picnic. Small charge for some activities. SATURDAY 21 APRIL 12 noon-4pm. Turn up any time. NATIONAL GARDEN SATURDAY 21 JULY - SUNDAY 2 SCHEME (NGS) OPEN DAY Come and SEPTEMBER 11am-4pm. Turn up any time. discover the beauty of the Old English SUMMER ACTIVITY TRAIL Go wild in the walled garden at Elvaston Castle. Take in summer holidays at Elvaston Castle. Visit the the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the shop in the cobbled courtyard to pick up your scents and colours of the plants varieties, activity sheet and equipment. Venture out in summer bedding and large herbaceous the park, use your senses to see what you borders. Estate gardeners on hand during can discover! Return to the shop to claim a the day. Delicious home-made cakes reward! Meet: Elvaston Castle Shop and available.