Activities
Within 5 miles of Carsington
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- Relax and enjoy the views from Breach Farm
- Walk or cycle the trail around Carsington Water (8 miles)
- Visit the ancient market town of Wirksworth. Explore The Dale with all its secret passages, and discover The Star Disc. Visit the Heritage Centre for local history and the lovely Cafe
- Walk over the hill for a pint in the Old Gate Inn Brassington
- Try windsurfing or canoeing on Carsington Water. Let the children explore the play area and then go for an ice cream or cream tea.
- Catch a train on the recently restored Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Wirksworth (sometimes a Steam train ) or book a day to drive the engine
- Enjoy a Meal or a pint in The Miners Arms in Carsington
- Visit the Northern Lights Cinema in Wirksworth, independent, quirky, plus bar and food = delightful
- Hire a boat on Carsington Water – maybe catch a trout
- Explore Hopton Hall’s garden – snowdrops in the spring, roses in the summer.
- Have a day cycling on the High Peak Trail
- Stroll along by Cromford Canal to the steam driven pump house. March to October canal boat trips available.
- Pass the hours in Scarthin Books in Cromford, a traditional book shop
- White Peak Distillery home of Shinning Cliffs Gin for a tour, taste or buy.
- Skip over the stepping stones at Dovedale
- Browse the Antique shops in Church Street Ashbourne
- The Artisan Bar, Ashbourne- lovely little bar, great selections of real ale and gins.
- Visit The Old Dog Pub at Thorpe, perfect for a drink after a walk at Dovedale.
- Selection of independent shops –especially for the girls (if needed on a wet day)
- Visit charming Tissington village and its tea room, candle workshop, old fashioned sweet shop.
- Dare yourself to try the rides at Alton Towers
- Wander by the river at the National Trusts Ilam Hall
- Call in at the Cheese shop Hartington and sample the wide variety of cheeses
- Hire a bike at Waterhouse’s (Browns Farm) for a traffic free ride along the Manifold Valley
A Little further Afield
- Pooles Cavern (near Buxton) vast limestone caverns plus home to Go Ape
- Go to Bakewell and enjoy a taste of an original Bakewell Pudding
- Explore the National Trusts Calke Abbey – the house time forgot
- Spend a day riding the trams at Crich Tramway Museum
- Call in at the market town of Leek, buy some oat cakes and discover the Butter market.
- Cycle through the tunnels on the Monsal Trail
- Marvel at Chatsworth – a must for the House, Gardens, Grounds, Restaurants, Farm Shop, Farmyard and Adventure Playground
- Monday is Market Day in Bakewell – traditional market and livestock
- History comes to life exploring the World Heritage Sites along the Derwent Valley Mills Trail, plus Cromford Canal with its steam driven pump House.
- Dare yourself to try the rides at Alton Towers
- Enjoy an evening’s entertainment at Buxtons wonderful Opera House
- Roam the Dark Peaks
- Try Buxtons spa water in the Crescent
- Sudbury Hall (National Trust) for the Museum of Childhood Exhibition of toys through the years, many hands on toys to try.
- Ride the cable cars in Matlock Bath
- Discover the tranquillity of Lathkill Dale
- Take a boat down the Speedwell Cavern at Castleton
- Wander Medieval Haddon Hall with its scented Elizabethan gardens
- Ashbourne Shrovetide football – madness in the streets
- Raft race at Matlock Bath on Boxing Day
- Derbyshires Famous Well Dressings from May to September
- Wirksworth Art and Architecture Festival in September
- The world famous Bonsall Hen races on the 1st Saturday in August
- Enjoy a day at Ashbourne Show in August
- RHS Flower show at Chatsworth House in June.
- The Y Not music festival at Pikehall in August
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