Sheffield DA is delighted to offer our early summer holiday site at Darley Dale in the heart of the Derwent Valley, ideal for exploring the beautiful Derbyshire Dales attractions.
Let's take a look at a dozen must-see attractions for the perfect holiday.
Matlock Bath
The ‘resort’ town of Matlock Bath nestles in the Derwent Valley just a short trip from Sheffield DA's Temporary Holiday Site. Developed as a Victorian spa, the town follows the river cut through a narrow gorge, which led the visitor Lord Byron to refer to Matlock Bath as “little Switzerland”. Tourism is still the beating heart of the town with attractions including the Heights of Abraham complete with cable car access and Gulliver's Kingdom theme park or the chance to discover local industrial heritage at the Peak District Lead Mining Museum. Often described as an 'inland seaside resort', complete with amusement arcades and fish and chips, at weekends Matlock Bath is a must for the motorcycle enthusiast as the A6 roars to the sound of engines as bikers flock to the town to hang out and proudly show off their machines.
Black Rocks
Nearby Black Rocks is an imposing rock formation with spectacular views across Derbyshire, popular with walkers and climbers, and accessible from the adjacent car park. Take a traffic-free walk directly to Black Rocks from the holiday site, via the High Peak Trail.
Cromford Mills & Canal
Cromford is a fascinating village, famed as the foundation of the industrial revolution and created by the famous industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, to provide labour and natural resources for his 18th century cotton mills. Cromford Mills is part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO world heritage site, now an interesting visitor attraction. Enjoy tours, a visitor centre and the chance to meet Sir Richard in a visual experience, in his first mill.
Cromford Canal offers a sedate stroll through the valley, within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, with five miles to explore along the towpath. The canal is a designated area of special scientific interest and is ideal for walkers of all ages and abilities, with regular public transport stops. Top off a lovely day canal-side with a spot of lunch or a coffee at Wheatcroft's Wharf cafe.
High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail The High Peak Trail is a 17.5-mile traffic-free route offering breathtaking views of the Peak District, tracing a former railway route. Perfect for walking, cycling, or horse riding, it features industrial relics like incline planes and tunnels. With diverse wildlife, peaceful landscapes, and links to the Cromford Canal, it’s a serene journey through history and nature. Today, the leisure trail is popular with walkers and cyclists, with visitor centres and a bike hire adjacent to the THS.
Monsal Trail and Monsal Head
The Monsal Trail offers a scenic, traffic-free route along a former Midland Railway line. Stretching 8.5 miles from Bakewell to Chee Dale, it features dramatic tunnels, impressive viaducts, and stunning views of the iconic Derbyshire countryside, making it ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring the area's natural and industrial heritage.
Monsal Head viewpoint, one of the most iconic spots in the Derbyshire Dales, offers breathtaking panoramas of the Monsal Dale and its famous viaduct. Visitors can marvel at the sweeping views of limestone cliffs, lush valleys, and the meandering River Wye below. The viewpoint is a perfect starting point for walks along the Monsal Trail, leading to dramatic tunnels and historic railway paths. Nearby, cosy pubs and cafés provide a place to relax while soaking up the scenery. Whether for photography, walking, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of nature, Monsal Head is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Peak District.
Crich Tramway Village
Heading along the A6 towards Belper, Crich Tramway Village is always a popular attraction, the visitor will be be transported back in time travelling on vintage trams or soaking up the atmosphere of days gone by in the period street recreation, with a visit to the shops or refreshments from the tearooms and in the Red Lion pub.
Lathkill Dale & Magpie Mine
Lathkill Dale is a tranquil nature reserve and designated SSSI (Site of Special Scienticic Interest) renowned for its unspoiled beauty and biodiversity. This picturesque limestone valley is perfect for walkers and nature enthusiasts, offering serene trails alongside crystal-clear streams, dramatic cliffs, and lush meadows. It’s especially stunning in spring and summer, when wildflowers carpet the valley and wildlife, such as dippers and kingfishers, can often be spotted. The dale also has fascinating historical features, including remnants of its lead mining heritage, with old shafts and ruined buildings adding to its charm. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery, Lathkill Dale is an idyllic escape for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of the Peak District.
Adjacent to Lathkill Dale is Magpie Mine, a fascinating relic of the region’s lead mining history. Dating back to the 18th century, the atmospheric ruins include a winding house, chimney, and engine house. It offers a unique glimpse into the industrial past of the Peak District and is a favourite of Peak District photographers.
The Great british Car Journey
The Great British Car Journey is a nostalgic visitor attraction just long the A6 at Ambergate, Derbyshire, just 15 minutes drive from SDA's Lees Meadow Farm Holiday site. The attraction has carefully curated a selection of vehicles made in Britain which changed the world for good, starting in 1921 and weaving an automotive narrative through to the 1980's. See the exhibits including Ford Cortina, MGB, Ford Capri, Mini, Ford Fiesta, Austin Metro, Triumph TR7 and even Rolls Royce, Elton Johns's Bentley and the McLaren 650s. Take the opportunity to drive a selection of these classic models.
Bakewell
The famous market town of Bakewell sits on the banks of the River Wye, around 30 minutes drives from the site along the A6. Monday is notable for Bakewell's popular outdoor and livestock market. The medieval five-arched bridge over the Wye is one of the oldest of its type in the country, said to date back to the 13th Century. The town offers a wealth of shops and boutiques for the visitor to discover as they enjoy exploring the courtyards and lanes; not forgetting a stop-off at the famous Bakewell Pudding shop to sample this local delicacy.
Matlock
The county town of Matlock lies just under 3 miles from Sheffield Da's Darley Dale holiday site and offers shopping and supermarkets with Matlock railway station providing direct connections to Matlock Bath, Derby and beyond. The popular Hall Leys Park has served the town since the late 19th Century and has recently received the Green Flag Award for the eleventh consecutive year. The park is scheduled to benefit from superb new facilities for 2025 and boasts a boating lake, skate park, tennis courts, children’s play area, children's splash pad and even a miniature railway!
Chatsworth
The 1,000 acres of Chatsworth Park are free for visitors to roam what is a varied mix of parkland, woodland and farmland landscaped to a great extent by Capability Brown, including straightening the river! The woodland stretches above the House to the east and is host to the 16th Century Hunting Tower.
Chatsworth House is a must for any visitor to this area with 126 rooms, 30 of which are open to visitors to view including the famous Painted Hall, State Rooms, Sketch Galleries and magnificent Sculpture Gallery which accommodates ancient Roman and Egyptian works dating back over four centuries.
Chatsworth Garden dates back to the late 17th century and has evolved over the years under the direction of famous landscape architects including perhaps the most iconic, “Capability” Brown. The Gardens have to be experienced to appreciate their majesty, however it is worth highlighting the Cascade and the famous eruption of water that is the Emperor Fountain, which are ingeniously fed by gravity from lakes set in Estate woodland above the House
Haddon Hall
Historians will appreciate a visit to Haddon Hall is a remarkable fortified medieval manor house that dates back to the 12th century. Renowned for its beautifully preserved period features, the Hall offers a unique glimpse into the medieval and Tudor eras. Its timeless charm has made it a favourite filming location for iconic period dramas such as Jane Eyre, Elizabeth, and Pride & Prejudice. Described by Simon Jenkins in England’s Thousand Best Houses as “the most perfect house to survive from the Middle Ages,” Haddon Hall boasts stunning architecture, intricate stonework, and atmospheric interiors. Visitors can explore its enchanting gardens, majestic Long Gallery, and historic chapel, making it an unmissable attraction for history lovers and romantics alike.
Sheffield DA's holiday site is exclusivve for Camping and Caravanning Club members and runs from Friday 4th to Sunday 20th July 2025. £12.00 per unit night, £3.00 extra adult night.
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Booking is requested: www.sheffieldda.co.uk/booking
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