Things to do
Carsington provides a great base for your stay in the Peak District. There are many attractions on the doorstep from Carsington Water, just a few minutes away, to the Town of Bakewell and Chatsworth which are within half an hour drive. Below we have listed some of the things you find of interest during your stay;
Abseiling, rock climbing: Arbour Rocks, Black Rocks, Wirksworth Climbing Wall
Cable Cars: Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath
Cycling: Carsington Water Circular Route, High Peak Trail, Pennine Way & TissingtonTrail Cycle Hire from Carsington Sports & Leisure Ltd 01629 540478 www.carsingtonwater.com or email: enquiries@carsingtonwater.com
Relaxation & Beauty Therapy : We recommend Brackendale Spa just 5 minutes away for massage, beauty treatments, reflexology and more - 'a retreat from reality' Tel: 01629 540727 email: info@brackendalespa.com or website: www.brackendalespa.com
Fishing at Carsington Reservoir and the Chatsworth Estate
Gem Panning: National Stone Centre, Wirksworth
Golf Courses: Allestreee, Ashbourne, Brailsford, & Matlock
Riding & Pony Trecking: Red House Stables, Darley Dale
Watersports: sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, powerboating at Carsington Water - contact Carsington Sports & Leisure Ltd: 01629 540478 www.carsingtonwater.com
Shopping & Factory Outlets: McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Centre A38 Mansfield, Rowsley Designer Outlet Centre on A6 at Rowsley near Chatsworth
Wirksworth Factory Shop, Denby Pottery at Denby
Sports Facilities: Sports Complex at Anthony Gell Sports College, Wirksworth for Abseiling, Badmington, Basketball, Climbing Wall, Football, Tennis, Gymn. Sports Complex in Ashbourne with full size swimming pool, gym and squash courts.
Stately Homes: Calke Abbey, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall & Sudbury Hall
Steam Railway: Wirksworth Light Railway @ Steeple Grange, Ripley Railway & Matlock to Darley Dale Steam Train.
Swimming: Matlock Lido, Ashbourne Sports Centre and Wirksworth Learner Pool. Waterworld @ Stoke on Trent and the River at Chatsworth is highly recommended for a dip on Summer Days with a picnic.
Theatres: Buxton Opera House, Derby Playhouse, Assembly Rooms Derby, Nottingham Playhouse, Theatre Royal Nottingham, Pomegranet Theatre Chesterfield and Winding Wheel in Chesterfield
Theme Parks: Alton Towers near Alton Village, The American Adventure, Gulliver’s Kingdom
Trams: Crich National Tramway Museum
Walking: Throughout the Peak Park and Derbyshire Dales
The Peak District holds the proud distinction of being Britain's first National Park, and once you see the rolling hills and craggy dales of Derbyshire you'll soon realise why. Situated right at the heart of England this is perhaps one of the most accessible areas, and it offers the broadest selection of landscapes and attractions.
This is a region of contrasts, with wild moorland, classic walking country which encompasses every kind of activity, from a gentle stroll to the lofty challenge of the Peaks themselves. The leafy lanes and quiet villages are ideal for that feeling of getting away from it all. With towns such as Buxton, with its wonderful architecture and cultural life, along with picturesque Bakewell and the attractions of Matlock, you'll be spoiled for choice with places to stay and things to see and do.

