Things to do in Derbyshire
Having relocated to the beautiful peak district, it could only mean more exciting places to visit and explore! Here are some of the places I visited in and around Derbyshire.
The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is huuuuuge, many people come here for the day and even people bring their dogs for walks over the lands. Attractions include The House and displays, gardens, a maze, water fountains and a play area. Look out for the banana plants!
A heritage site in Derbyshire, Bolsover Castle was owned by Sir Charles Cavendish in 1612. He enjoyed dining with guests in the luxury staterooms and had a passion for equestrian. He built a riding house within the Castle grounds. You can walk around the castle and see the old structural remains. I thought the castle had lots of character where you can imagine what it must have been like back in the ages.
Buxton
Pooles Cavern
A popular attraction in Buxton, as you walk through the underground cavern with a guide, you can see how stallactites and stalagmites are formed and other amazing natural formations. The guide was brilliant, very knowledgable and I loved they had character names for the formations.
The slug
Bakewell
A small old market town on the banks of the river Wye, famous for its puddings. Expect lots of narrow cobbled roads with intriguing shop front windows. Definetly worth a visit for the tearooms and a cake or two. We had stopped for a cup of tea with a lavender cupcake - delicious!
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Lavender cupcake (made from real lavender)
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Known as the 'gem of the peaks', Castleton is a tranquil, idyllic rural village and is a popular tourist destination in the Peak district. Attractions include Peveril Castle and four show caves; Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern.
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An Elizabethan country house, built between 1590 and 1597 for Bess of Hardwick the countess of Shrewsbury. Bess was the richest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth I and was married to the Earl of Shrewsbury whom owned Chatsworth House. The architecture is of a renaissance style taken from Florence and within the building itself, there are huge collections of tapestries and needlework. Walk down the road and you will find Old Hall, this was were Bess originally resided until Hardwick Hall was built. Be wary, there is separate fee for entry here.
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