Free Guide Countryside Destinations and Events 2017 Lots to explore... Events to enjoy... Time to relax... Welcome There is an astonishing variety of countryside in Derbyshire from historic country parks to trails and canals that have been reclaimed from former industrial use. We can claim the birthplace of the modern factory system along the Derwent Valley, which is a World Heritage site, and over 3,000 miles of public rights of way criss-cross the county offering leisure opportunities to locals and visitors alike. Now in its 51st year our Countryside Service continues to offer events and activities for all the family including stargazing, school holiday fun, mosaic making, guided walks, insights into our industrial heritage and narrow boat trips. Most of these are held at our four main destinations – Elvaston, Shipley, Cromford and Tapton Lock but there are plenty of opportunities for informal recreation such as walking, cycling, fishing and horse riding in the wider countryside. Several national trails pass through the county but you can have just a gentle stroll or longer walk to suit you. The Derbyshire countryside is accessible to all with a variety of terrain. People with mobility problems can hire a Tramper scooter and not miss out on exploring leafy lanes and tranquil places. It is also great value! Walking costs nothing and our events are often free of charge or at a modest charge. Our Visitor Centres are a good starting point for information, food and drink and books and gifts. I would encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our green spaces - whether we're welcoming you for the first time or you're one of our regular visitors, I'm sure you'll find something here that appeals to you and your family. Mike Ashworth, Strategic Director, Economy, Transport and Communities, Derbyshire County Council Front cover: Solomon’s Temple: Grin Low and Buxton Country Park. Below: Autumn on the Cromford Canal at High Peak Junction. 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 ...............11-15 High Peak Trail and Cromford Canal: ................... 16-21 Middleton Top Visitor Centre, Cycle Hire and Black Rocks .......................................................... 17 High Peak Junction and Cromford Wharf ............... 18 Steam Heritage .......................................................... 22 Tapton Lock Visitor Centre: Chesterfield Canal ...... 25-29 Our Wider Countryside: Sites, Public Rights of Way and Greenways (multi-user trails), Public Transport, Season Tickets and Volunteering ..... 31-33 Our Countryside Destinations and Visitor Centres Situated in the heart of England, come and enjoy our great 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. Discover all that the Derbyshire villages, market towns and surrounding attractions have to offer. 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 2017… Indulge: savour the taste of freshly ground coffee, enjoy a snack or dine in one of the cafes… Treat yourself: quality countryside gifts, crafts, cards, books, maps and souvenirs... 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 kids, learn a new skill and explore our beautiful destinations. events... 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. For more information see page 33. 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 any of our events or festivals. Photographs may be used in future leaflets and publicity. If you have any objections please tell one of the staff before the start of an event. 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 Communities, 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 Chesterfield G Bolsover 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 Middleton Top Visitor Centre and Belper Cycle Hire Ashbourne Heanor Pleasley Pit Country Park Shipley Country Park and Visitor Centre • Ilkeston Tapton Lock Visitor Centre (Chesterfield Canal) Motorway Main roads Principal roads Long Eaton Towns 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 © Crown copyright and database rights 2017. Ordnance Survey 100023251. 4 Elvaston Castle Country Park Near Derby 5 Relax… in beautiful surroundings Elvaston Castle Country Park offers 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and formal historic gardens close to Derby and Nottingham. At the heart of the estate lies Elvaston Castle, ark a gothic revival masterpiece (currently not open to the public) redesigned for the third Earl of Harrington by James Wyatt in the early 1800s and based on the original house, which dates back to 1633. The Stanhope family resided here until the estate was sold by the then Earl of Harrington. Today, both the buildings and gardens are registered nationally (Grade 2 and Grade 2*) as being of special architectural and historical interest. Elaborate structures such as the 'Golden Gates' and 'Moorish Temple' provide a fascinating glimpse of the past. The core gardens are locally renowned for their rockwork structures and fine examples of topiary, originally introduced by William Barron in the 19th Century, a prominent garden designer of the time. The walled Old English Garden offers a lovely tranquil setting and close to the castle, St Bartholomew's Church is also of interest. tle Country P Within the castle courtyards, you will find the Information Centre and Shop, café, toilets, baby changing facilities, tramper hire and exhibition space. ton Cas as Elv View across the Lake The Moorish Temple Explore Whatever the season there is always lots to see and do with popular events throughout the year and ample opportunities for a gentle stroll. Elvaston is well known for being a dog-friendly park. Discover the network of pathways and wayfaring points, with orienteering maps and a wide variety of leaflets available at the Information Centre. Horse riders and cyclists can follow the bridleway which runs around the perimeter of the park, or if you are less mobile all-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire at the shop, if pre-booked. Families can enjoy a picnic at tables across the park, including on the events field and historic lawns. Come and discover the interactive sculpture trail, children's play area and the lake. The local nature reserve is also lovely to visit (sorry, no dogs in the reserve). If you keep your eyes peeled you may even spot a knight, royal throne or a bear in the woods! 6 Indulge The Information Centre and Shop in the castle’s ark cobbled courtyard, sells a range of refreshments, hot and cold drinks, ice cream and confectionery, including traditional loose sweets and crisps, ideal for a picnic. Looking for a small toy, gift or card? Come and see what we have in stock! The privately run Wyatts Café located within the castle offers a wide selection of tasty hot and cold meals, snacks, cakes and drinks. An ice cream van is available most days at the main car park. tle Country P Treat yourself On arrival at Elvaston’s main car park look out for the sign board and map, helping you to find your way to our central courtyards.