All of this, right on your doorstep
Famous for its rich history, historic and modern waterworks and sculptures, Victorian rock garden, and maze, there is something for everyone in the 105-acre Chatsworth Garden.
The house and garden were first constructed by Sir William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick in 1555. The Elizabethan garden was much smaller than the modern garden is now.
In 1811, the 6th Duke inherited a garden that had been sadly neglected by his father. The restoration, on a very grand scale, was not immediate and 15 years were to pass before Joseph Paxton was appointed as head gardener. Paxton proved to be the most innovative garden designer of his era and remains the greatest single influence on Chatsworth’s garden. In the last 60 years, many of the historic features of the garden have been restored and numerous important new features have been added. These include the ravine and azalea dell, the rose garden, the serpentine hedges, and, last year, the trout stream was redesigned.
The Five Pits Trail is an off-road route that’s great for walkers, pram pushers, cyclists, and horse riders alike. It is a 5½ mile off-road linear route from Grassmoor Country Park to Tibshelf Ponds, passing through a mainly agricultural and woodland landscape.
The Trail can be extended to 7½ miles by exploring the route through.
Williamthorpe Ponds local nature reserve and Holmewood Woodlands.
Queen’s Park Sports Centre should be your first port of call if you love health and fitness and incredible facilities, which include an 80+ station gym, eight-lane swimming pool, a learner pool with children's fun water features, eight court sports hall, two squash courts, group exercise class studio and freedom climbing wall. As well as the health and fitness facilities, there is also a cafe serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals throughout the day, so you can wind down after your workout.
Shopping
Whether you're searching for a bargain at Chesterfield’s open-air market or browsing the stalls at the Flea Market, there is something in Chesterfield for every budget and need. Don’t miss the Chesterfield Artisan Market on the last Sunday of every month where you can pick freshly baked bread and pastries and other local produce.
For a trip down memory lane, pop into Chesterfield Market Hall to find old-fashioned sweets at Auntie Dot’s, the award-winning Fred’s Haberdashery, the Fruit, and Nut stall which does just what it says on the tin, and lots more. Be sure to grab a slice of cake and a coffee at the Market Café before you leave.
Then there are shopping centres like the Forge at Dronfield, Dobbies at Barlborough next door to junction 30 of the M1, and the Pavements Shopping Centre and Vicar Lane outdoor shopping centre in Chesterfield. If you were born to shop, don’t miss the East Midlands Designer Outlet just off junction 28 of the M1 and Meadowhall with its massive range of shops, eateries, and multiscreen cinema just down the road in Sheffield.
