Wirksworth & the Peak District

Historic Town

Wirksworth is made for wandering, with narrow lanes, hidden alleys and old stone buildings ranging from Georgian townhouses to former quarrymen’s cottages.

Its character was shaped by lead mining, quarrying and textiles, with centuries of history still visible throughout the town.

Independent Wirksworth

This is still a proper working market town, with independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants throughout the centre.

A weekly Tuesday market brings local produce, baked goods and artisan wares, while an artisan farmers’ market takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

Arts & character

Wirksworth has a strong creative streak, from its galleries and independent businesses to the annual Wirksworth Arts Festival.

Above the town, the StarDisc, a 12-metre stone star chart created by local artist Aidan Shingler, adds something you certainly won’t find in every Peak District town.

Wirksworth Heritage Trail

Wirksworth’s history is written into the town itself. Follow its streets, lanes and old buildings to uncover stories of lead mining, quarrying, mills and the people who shaped the town.

A self-guided heritage trail offers an easy way to explore the town’s history at your own pace.

St Mary’s Church

At the heart of Wirksworth, St Mary’s is a Grade I-listed church with origins stretching back more than a thousand years.

Inside is the carved figure known as T’Owd Man, associated with the town’s lead-mining past and is one of Wirksworth’s best-known symbols.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

From Wirksworth station, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway runs for nine miles through the Derbyshire countryside.

Steam and diesel services operate on selected days, with regular passenger services most weekends, making it one of the town’s most distinctive days out.

National Stone Centre

The National Stone Centre sits just outside Wirksworth in a 40-acre landscape shaped by more than 300 million years of geology.

Its trails lead through former quarries and fossil-rich limestone, with displays and activities explaining the rocks, minerals and industries that helped shape the surrounding Derbyshire landscape.

The outdoor site is free to explore and open throughout the year, with geo-trails, fossil hunting, gem-panning, a café and Rock Shop. It also sits conveniently close to the High Peak Trail, making it an easy stop to combine with a longer walk or cycle ride.

Carsington Water

A short drive from Wirksworth, Carsington Water is surrounded by woodland, farmland and around eight miles of trails.

You can walk or cycle around the reservoir, watch wildlife from the bird hides or simply find a quiet spot beside the water and take in the views.

The main Visitor Centre has places to eat, shops, a children’s play area and an interactive water exhibition, while cycling, fishing, sailing and other activities are available around the site.

It works equally well for a full day out or a couple of easy hours outdoors.

Cromford Mills

Cromford Mills is one of Derbyshire’s most important industrial heritage sites.

Developed by Sir Richard Arkwright in the 18th century, it helped establish the modern factory system and now forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can explore the historic mill buildings, exhibitions and independent shops, stop for food or coffee, and combine a visit with a walk along Cromford Canal.

It makes an easy half-day trip from Wirksworth, particularly for guests interested in history, architecture and the area’s industrial past.

Matlock Golf Club

Set high above Matlock on undulating moorland, Matlock Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par-70 course with wide views across the Derwent Valley and surrounding Derbyshire countryside.

Bentley Brook runs through the course, adding interest to a layout designed to challenge experienced players without making it forbidding for less regular golfers.

Visitors are welcome, with individual and group tee times available to book. The club also has a covered, floodlit driving range and clubhouse facilities, making it a practical option for anyone wanting to fit a round of golf into their stay.