Living in Derbyshire

All of this, right on your doorstep

Things to do

Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District, on the banks of the river Derwent. The Cavendish family have lived here since the 1550s and since, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions, and interests of succeeding generations. Chatsworth has lots to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall to the family-used chapel, regal State Rooms, and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. It also houses the Devonshire Collections, one of Europe's most significant art collections, which is continually added to, encompassing Old Master’s to contemporary ceramics and artefacts from Ancient Egypt to cutting edge modern sculpture. Stroll in the beautifully landscaped gardens and be transported back in time.

The Heights of Abraham, a 60-acre woodland estate, was first opened to the public in 1787 as a "savage garden" constructed around Masson Hill overlooking the pretty town of Matlock Bath. Cable cars have since been added to bring visitors across the Derwent valley and up to Hilltop Park. Originally a lead mining site, in the late 1700's as the mining industry became less economical, the miners became cavern guides, and a whole visitor attraction was built around these popular tours. Cavern tours run continuously throughout the day for guests to learn about the history of mining in the area, dating back to the Middle Ages, and experience a day in the life of a 17th Century miner.

Set on the edge of the Peak District, Peak Wildlife Park is a one-of-a-kind, immersive animal experience. Its large walk-through exhibits allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents. Whether you love lemurs, have a passion for penguins or want to wander with the wallabies (and feed them with your hand!), the park has something for you.

Shopping

Peak Shopping Village is nestled in the hills of Derbyshire in the small, picturesque village of Rowsley just a stone’s throw from Chatsworth House and Gardens. In this relaxed and accessible environment, you can enjoy browsing a range of stores from national names such as Pavers Shoes, Leading Labels, The Gift Company, and Regatta to unique independents such as The Woolroom and Authentic Furniture.

Derbion is the place to go for high street favourites and well-known brands all under one roof. With fast food outlets too, a day of shopping is easy here.

It doesn’t get better than a good, old fashioned British marketplace! The hustle and bustle, the sights, sounds and smells just conjure a sense of nostalgia in all of us. Sadly, they're becoming a bit of a relic of the past, but they're still alive and kicking in the Peak District and Derbyshire, and in some cases reinventing themselves and going through a bit of a renaissance. From farmer’s markets to flea markets, you’ll find everything from local produce to unique homewares in any one of the region’s markets.

Transport

The M1 motorway connects Derbyshire to the north and south of the country and with many A roads snaking through the region, travelling by car, whether for business or pleasure is simple and hassle-free.

Derby and Chesterfield have major train stations connecting to other large cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and London.

For those wanting to travel further afield, East Midlands Airport sits on Derbyshire’s southern boundary, with both domestic and international flights available.

Food

You can’t live in Derbyshire and not try the famous local dessert, Bakewell tart. This sweet treat has been loved in the picturesque Peak District market town of Bakewell and beyond since its creation in 1860.

It might be home to the smallest Stilton producer in the world but the Peak District village of Hartington packs a big punch in the cheese-making stakes. At one time, this tiny parish supplied a quarter of the world’s Stilton cheese - cheese lovers rejoice!

Ashbourne Gingerbread, freshly baked and served in the timber-framed Gingerbread Shop in Ashbourne's St John Street, now owned by Birds the Confectioners, is thought to date from the 15th century and is the best place to stock up on the unique and delicious gingerbread.

Derbyshire Fidgety Pie originates from South Derbyshire, where it was traditionally created to make use of the apples left over from the autumn harvest.

Combining potatoes, apple, bacon, and onions, topped with shortcrust pastry, the name is thought to derive from ‘fitchet’, the five-sided dish the pie was originally cooked in. A must-try for those wanting a hearty, warming meal after a walk in the Peaks.