Day out in Derbyshire

Another day out and about. This time it was to somewhere I hadn't been in years. The last time I had really properly visited Derbyshire would have been before Catherine was born over ten years ago.

The first stop was in the picturesque village of Cromford just outside Matlock Bath off the A6.  If your ever there pop into to Scarthin Books. It has to be one of the best second hand bookshops I have ever found. If you like books then seek it out. You might find a copy of that old book you lost and have been looking for for years.

The next port of call of Matlock Bath. It is the playground of Derbyshire in that it is full of amusements, tea shops, and fish and chip shops. 

Matlock Bath well known hunt of both bikers and landlocked seaside lovers. It has been described as Peak Districts answer to the Alps and to prove it, it even has it's own cable cars. Running alongside the Matlock Bath is the River Derwent which in ancient times cut the gorge in which the town is now situated. It the step sides and cliffs that add to the places feel and beauty.

It was once a holiday retreat for the Gentry mainly because of the hot water springs that were discovered at the turn of the seventieth century. Lord Byron visited there and was so in love with it romantic character that he named it Little Switzerland. There is a lot to do there for adults and children alike. The water gardens and lovely and it just a fun place to go and enjoy the atmosphere of being at the seaside without the sea.

A bit further up the A6 towards Manchester you come to the town of Bakewell, famous for being the home of the Bakewell Tart. Bakewell is a small market town in the Derbyshire Dales located on the River Wye which is crossed by a thirteenth century bridge. The market in the town dates back to the time of the construction of the bridge and is one of the oldest in the area. There are some really pleasant walks and a large recreation ground. The town was largely rebuilt in the late seventieth century with the coming of the Industrial Revolution and lost a lot of it medieval character, however a few medieval building remain like Old House Museum.

It's a lovely place to relax and the views from the local Golf course of the Derbyshire Dales are a sight to behold. Maybe not a place to take children, unlike Matlock Baths, but it is worth stopping if your passing by to sock in the beauty of the Peak District. 

Just off the A6 and the way back from Bakewell to Matlock Baths in Chatsworth House. It is a place you could spend a whole day exploring and is fun for all the family. It stands on the east bank of the River Derwent and has one of the most famous gardens in England. It really is a magnificent sight and you could write about it endlessly. It is a real must see if you are in the area even if you just drive past it down the private road the goes through the estate. Better still if you have the money and the time go and see it properly. 

The final stop off was at Belper. The name Belper is a corruption of the word Beaurepaire, meaning beautiful retreat, and the town itself is lovely in its own way. The people are friendly and warm and it is a welcoming place. Like many towns in Derbyshire it was largely rebuilt during the industrial revolution and be came a mill town. Before that it was known for making nails from the ironstone found and mined locally. 

One thing of real note is the old mill which is still standing on the banks of the River Derwent, now minus it's chummily it is still an impressive sight as is the weir that powered it. A must is a walk in the river gardens which on weekends in summer has live bands playing in the bandstand. The town centre itself is compact but usual shops and has a number of great pubs to visit. 

As the sun set it was time to say goodbye to Derbyshire and head home. It was nice to see it again and it's rolling countryside. It was one of the places I wanted to live when I left Leeds and in away I wish I had. It is the real heart of England's beauty. If you get a chance do visit the area. I just touched on some of the sites in this entry. There is so much more to see.