Local attractions

Wirksworth Heritage Centre 

The centre is situated in the heart of town and offers a taste of Wirksworth's past. prehistoric bones to artefacts from the age of lead mining and quarrying

The National Stone Centre

The Wirksworth area lies on a boundary between the light coloured Carboniferous Limestone and the darker Millstone Grit. Fossils, faults and any number of mineral deposits made Wirksworth an obvious location for the National Stone Centre.   A short distance from the town centre set between two old limestone quarries, the centre is well worth a visit.

Peak Tors

Enjoy archaelogical tours of the local areas chauffered in Guinevere the expedition landrover. Local specialist Ian Bunting, can arrange visits to local archaeological sites to suit your particular interest.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

The railway runs heritage trains on a section of the Wirksworth to Duffield railway line. The line is standard guage and work is under way to extend the passenger service to Duffield.

Steeple Grange Light Railway

The Steeple Grange Light Railway is a narrow guage (18 inches) railway which  uses industrial locomotives and rolling stock from disused mines, quarries and steel works. It runs along the track bed of a branch line off the Cromford and High Peak Railway (now the High Peak Trail).

High Peak Trail

The Cromford and High Peak Railway closed in the 1960s and the track was turned into a walking and cycling route known as the High Peak Trail. The trail runs through some stunning countryside and gives a glimpse of the industrial past of the area, including a few early examples of the original 'fish belly' rails from the original horse-pulled railway of the 1830s.

The railway had a number of steep inclines where stationary steam engines were used to pull trains up. the winding engine at Middleton Top is preserved and open to the public. For more information about the trail and opening times for the winding engine, contact  Middleton Top Information Centre on 01629 823204

Carsington Water

Officially opened by the Queen in 1992, Carsington Water is now a very popular destination for visitors. In addition to offering water sports and a sailing club, there are walking and cycle routes which run right round the reservoir. Cycle hire is available and the visitor's centre has refreshments and an award winning exhibition on water supply. Carsington Water is maintained by Servern Trent Water.