Visit Wirksworth
Carsington Water and the Ecclesbourne Valley
Attractions
There are many places in and near Wirksworth where you can see and do exciting things. Here are some ideas.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Based in Wirksworth town, this fine heritage railway runs 8 miles down the valley from Wirksworth to Duffield and provides a wonderful attraction for all the family.
Details of their timetable can be found here
Black Rocks Picnic Area
Black Rocks, at the edge of Wirksworth on Cromford Hill Lane, has fine walks up to the Trig Point and lovely views. There are woodland walks, parking, on site toilets and a summer refreshment kiosk. For more information click here
St. Mary's Church
St Mary's Church is the most ancient church in the Peak District. It contains many examples of Mercian sculpture built into it's medieval architecture. The church is open every day for visitors.
Details of service times can be found on their website here.
Cromford Mills and Canal Wharf
Adjacent to the ancient town of Wirksworth is the small village of Cromford, home to Cromford Mills and a World Heritage Site.
For more information you can see their website by clicking here
Wirksworth Festival
Wirksworth Festival is held once a year from the first weekend in September and it celebrated its 21st year in 2015. See what's happening this year!
Wirksworth Festival is great for the family, why not come and join in by visiting their website here.
The Ecclesbourne Way
The Ecclesbourne Way runs eleven miles along the Ecclesbourne Valley from Duffield to Wirksworth. It is popular with walkers and ramblers and can be split into shorter walks as some of the Way crosses the railway and the bus route. There are fine views at many points along the Way, but be properly prepared for your walk of course.
Northern Light Cinema
Wirksworth's own lovely town centre cinema shows popular films everyday. Based at the old Malt House on North End. Also has a small restaurant lounge serving food Thursday to Saturday evenings.
To book tickets and see tonight's film listing
click here
Wirksworth Farmer's Market
The Farmer's Market is held on the first Saturday of each month at the Memorial Gardens on St. Johns Street. The market attracts many popular stalls and visitors from the surrounding area.
Click here to find out more
National Stone Centre
The National Stone Centre is adjecent to the High Peak Trail and contains a small display about the history of stone, a café and interesting walks around the grounds which were former local stone quarries. Website here
Wirksworth Heritage Centre
Located on the corner of St Mary's Gate, the Heritage Centre tells the Story of Wirksworth. The centre is an essential part of any visit to Wirksworth.
Click here for their website
Carsington Water Visitor Centre
Close to Wirksworth, Carsington Water is a popular destination for visitors of all kinds, open all year round, with an excellent visitor centre and lovely views across the lake and surrounding countryside. Here are some links: Visitor Centre
Stoney Wood and the Stardisc
Stoney Wood is Wirksworth's newest woodland park, reclaimed from a former limestone quarry it conatins woodland walks, the infinity loop stone marker, picnic places and the Stardisc, a cicular feature describing the heavens. Their website is here.
Middleton Top Countryside Centre
The Visitor Centre at Middleton Top is based next to the High Peak Trail, which passes through Wirksworth parish at Steeplehouse. The Visitor Centre provides information, light refreshments, a car park and cycle hire for the Trail.
For more information click here
Hopton Hall Summer Gardens
Open mid week in July and August, the gardens are part of Hopton Hall, once the home of the Gells. John Gell, the first Baronet, was active in the English Civil War. When he died in 1671 his body was carried in procession back to Wirksworth, where his tomb can be seen in the church. Hopton Hall also provides self catering accommodation.
