Guidebook for Wirksworth

Richard
Guidebook for Wirksworth

Eating and drinking

Here are some of our favourite eating and drinking haunts in and around Wirksworth. Be sure to book restaurants in advance at weekends and during the summer.
An established restaurant with great food and an excellent wine list. The best place to sit in the window with a fresh coffee and watch the Wirksworth folk go about their business. Booking is advised at weekends. Tel 01629 824840 https://www.lemistral.co.uk/wirksworth
31 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Le Mistral Wirksworth - French Restaurant
23 Market Pl
31 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
An established restaurant with great food and an excellent wine list. The best place to sit in the window with a fresh coffee and watch the Wirksworth folk go about their business. Booking is advised at weekends. Tel 01629 824840 https://www.lemistral.co.uk/wirksworth
Quirky real ale bar and art gallery. Not to be missed. Great outdoor seating area in the summer. Umani is a new restaurant offering a great world menu. Booking is advised at weekends. Tel 07399 892796 https://umamiwirksworth.com
The Red Lion Hotel, Feather Star Alehouse, Umami Restaurant & Haarlem Gallery
Market Place
Quirky real ale bar and art gallery. Not to be missed. Great outdoor seating area in the summer. Umani is a new restaurant offering a great world menu. Booking is advised at weekends. Tel 07399 892796 https://umamiwirksworth.com
The former Coffee Bunker is now called Saint Betti. European menu. Shabby chic decor. They do open some evenings but ring to enquire. Booking is advised at weekends. Tel 01629 820900 https://www.saintbetti.co.uk
Saint Betti
5 Market Pl
The former Coffee Bunker is now called Saint Betti. European menu. Shabby chic decor. They do open some evenings but ring to enquire. Booking is advised at weekends. Tel 01629 820900 https://www.saintbetti.co.uk
The late-night place to watch Wirksworth folk and their dogs. Occasional acoustic sessions. Pool table and darts for entertainment.
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Royal Oak
High Street
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The late-night place to watch Wirksworth folk and their dogs. Occasional acoustic sessions. Pool table and darts for entertainment.
A pub with a local scene with a superb cliff face in the garden.
Lime Kiln Inn
Cromford Road
A pub with a local scene with a superb cliff face in the garden.
A friendly local with a good selection of real ales and a lovely high-level beer garden.
Blacks Head
West End
A friendly local with a good selection of real ales and a lovely high-level beer garden.
Good gin selection, hearty meals and quiet lounge. Large garden at the rear.
7 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Hope & Anchor
Saint Johns Street
7 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Good gin selection, hearty meals and quiet lounge. Large garden at the rear.
Set on the hills overlooking Wirksworth. 5 mins drive. Quiet. Pub food.
The Malt Shovel
Oakerthorpe Road
Set on the hills overlooking Wirksworth. 5 mins drive. Quiet. Pub food.
Unique 16th century inn, plus a restaurant. 10 mins drive. Great views.
The Bear Inn
Unique 16th century inn, plus a restaurant. 10 mins drive. Great views.
Traditional inn. 5 mins drive. Good pub food, nice garden.
The Rising Sun Middleton
Traditional inn. 5 mins drive. Good pub food, nice garden.
Traditional inn with folk music every third Wednesday of the month. 5 mins drive away.
The Nelson Arms
Main Street
Traditional inn with folk music every third Wednesday of the month. 5 mins drive away.
Highly recommended restaurant on a working farm, but you must book and order your food. Pizza and steak only but very nicely done. 5 miles away. Tel 07877 723075 https://www.shottlefarmbrewery.co.uk
The Bull Shed
Wilderbrook Lane
Highly recommended restaurant on a working farm, but you must book and order your food. Pizza and steak only but very nicely done. 5 miles away. Tel 07877 723075 https://www.shottlefarmbrewery.co.uk
An ancient pub in Kirk Ireton. Great to just sit and listen to the locals.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Barley Mow Inn
Main Street
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
An ancient pub in Kirk Ireton. Great to just sit and listen to the locals.

Sightseeing

There is a wide range of things to see and do in and around the Wirksworth area.
Amazing location and 10 minutes walk up The Dale. The evening views are superb.
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
StarDisc
Greenhill
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Amazing location and 10 minutes walk up The Dale. The evening views are superb.
Important and impressive Saxon carvings.
St Mary's Church, Wirksworth
Saint Mary's Gate
Important and impressive Saxon carvings.
The perfect morning hike (or run for the energetic) is up to Black Rock for the views then back to Wirksworth for lunch. The rocks and woods will occupy children for hours.
32 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Black Rocks Car Park
Brickfields Close
32 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The perfect morning hike (or run for the energetic) is up to Black Rock for the views then back to Wirksworth for lunch. The rocks and woods will occupy children for hours.
One of Britain's best-loved and most famous stately homes. Beware of huge crowds in the summer. http://www.chatsworth.org/
698 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Casa Chatsworth
698 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
One of Britain's best-loved and most famous stately homes. Beware of huge crowds in the summer. http://www.chatsworth.org/
Matlock has plenty of sights and shops, particularly antique shops and bars.
84 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Matlock
84 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Matlock has plenty of sights and shops, particularly antique shops and bars.
Derelict manor house in an imposing location. Where Mary Queen of Scots was thrice imprisoned. Nice walks around the area.
Wingfield Manor
Derelict manor house in an imposing location. Where Mary Queen of Scots was thrice imprisoned. Nice walks around the area.
The birthplace of the industrial revolution. Easily a family day out, with walks, the canal, shops and cafes. https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/
67 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Molino de Cromford
Mill Road
67 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The birthplace of the industrial revolution. Easily a family day out, with walks, the canal, shops and cafes. https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/
Fascinating historical railway junction with a very steep but energetic walk up to Black Rock. Great views.
Estación High Peak Junction
Cromford Hill
Fascinating historical railway junction with a very steep but energetic walk up to Black Rock. Great views.
The original plague village which is a fascinating place to walk around to learn how a pandemic was dealt with in 1665.
79 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Eyam
79 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The original plague village which is a fascinating place to walk around to learn how a pandemic was dealt with in 1665.

Entertainment

There are plenty of entertaining activities for sunny and not so sunny days.
A lovely local museum, shop and cafe.
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Wirksworth Heritage Centre
31 St Johns St
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A lovely local museum, shop and cafe.
Fantasic local heritage steam/diesel railway that runs from Wirksworth to Duffield. A great trip is to catch the train to either Shottle or Duffield then walk back to Wirksworth following the Ecclesbourne Way: https://www.e-v-r-a.com/ecclesbourne-way For trainn tickets and timetables go here: https://www.e-v-r.com/
8 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Coldwell Street
8 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fantasic local heritage steam/diesel railway that runs from Wirksworth to Duffield. A great trip is to catch the train to either Shottle or Duffield then walk back to Wirksworth following the Ecclesbourne Way: https://www.e-v-r-a.com/ecclesbourne-way For trainn tickets and timetables go here: https://www.e-v-r.com/
https://www.thenorthernlightcinema.co.uk The town cinema, tucked away inside the old malthouse.
42 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Northern Light Cinema
13A North End
42 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
https://www.thenorthernlightcinema.co.uk The town cinema, tucked away inside the old malthouse.
A good local art gallery. https://cromfordstudioandgallery.weebly.com/
Cromford Studio & Art Gallery
11 Market Place
A good local art gallery. https://cromfordstudioandgallery.weebly.com/
A lovely small art gallery over the hill in Cromford. https://theoldlockupgallery.org
The Old Lock Up Art Gallery
19 The Hill
A lovely small art gallery over the hill in Cromford. https://theoldlockupgallery.org
20 mile cycle track along a disused railway line. Cycle hire available at Middleton Top.
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
High Peak Trail
High Peak Trail
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
20 mile cycle track along a disused railway line. Cycle hire available at Middleton Top.
18 hole moorland golf course. Tel 01629 582191
Matlock Golf Club
Chesterfield Road
18 hole moorland golf course. Tel 01629 582191
Theme park for families with children aged 2 - 13 yrs. Tel 01925 444888
110 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Gulliver's Kingdom Resort
Temple Walk
110 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Theme park for families with children aged 2 - 13 yrs. Tel 01925 444888
Plenty to see and do and trails to explore. http://www.storyofwirksworth.co.uk/
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
National Stone Centre
Porter Lane
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Plenty to see and do and trails to explore. http://www.storyofwirksworth.co.uk/
A superb day out for all ages. http://www.tramway.co.uk
77 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Pueblo Tramway de Crich
77 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A superb day out for all ages. http://www.tramway.co.uk
Excellent climbing wall for rainy days. Tel 01629 824717 http://www.acclimbatize.co.uk
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Wirksworth Heritage Centre
31 St Johns St
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Excellent climbing wall for rainy days. Tel 01629 824717 http://www.acclimbatize.co.uk
Day Sailing, competitive boat hire and full facilities. Also walks and bike hire for trips around the lake. Tel 0345 750 0500 http://www.carsingtonwater.com
163 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Carsington Water
163 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Day Sailing, competitive boat hire and full facilities. Also walks and bike hire for trips around the lake. Tel 0345 750 0500 http://www.carsingtonwater.com
A stunning opera house tucked away in the High Peak of Derbyshire. Hosts many films and talks with an outdoor theme. Tel 01298 72190 http://www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
121 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Buxton Opera House
Water Street
121 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A stunning opera house tucked away in the High Peak of Derbyshire. Hosts many films and talks with an outdoor theme. Tel 01298 72190 http://www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Vast collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. https://www.leagarden.co.uk/
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lea Gardens
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Vast collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. https://www.leagarden.co.uk/
An absolute must for anyone with a love of books, or even if you don't, you will after visiting. A huge collection of books and a wonderful vegan cafe. You can easily loose 2 hours in here. One of our favourite days is to walk via Middleton and down to the bookshop then walk back over Black Rock. You can also catch the bus back if your legs are tired. http://www.scarthinbooks.com
26 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Scarthin Books
The Promenade
26 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
An absolute must for anyone with a love of books, or even if you don't, you will after visiting. A huge collection of books and a wonderful vegan cafe. You can easily loose 2 hours in here. One of our favourite days is to walk via Middleton and down to the bookshop then walk back over Black Rock. You can also catch the bus back if your legs are tired. http://www.scarthinbooks.com
The Wireworks Project. If you like contemporary art in a fascinating setting, The Wireworks Project is a must. Check Instagram for the latest exhibitions: https://instagram.com/wireworksproject?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
1331 Matlock Rd
1331 Matlock Road
The Wireworks Project. If you like contemporary art in a fascinating setting, The Wireworks Project is a must. Check Instagram for the latest exhibitions: https://instagram.com/wireworksproject?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
A new gem of a shop selling an eclectic mix of retro items.
Red Brick Retro
North End
A new gem of a shop selling an eclectic mix of retro items.

Cafes

Wirksworth has a good selection of cafes, most of which serve takeaway food.
Lovely local cafe at the bottom of The Dale with great takeaway coffee.
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sour Cow
12 Market Pl
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lovely local cafe at the bottom of The Dale with great takeaway coffee.
Nice cafe attached to the Heritage Centre.
Websters Cafe
31 Saint Johns Street
Nice cafe attached to the Heritage Centre.
Lovely little cafe in Cromford, friendly service with good variety on the menu including vegetarian/vegan options.
The Tor Cafe
Derby Road
Lovely little cafe in Cromford, friendly service with good variety on the menu including vegetarian/vegan options.
Traditional hearty meals and a friendly service.
The dining room
Saint Johns Street
Traditional hearty meals and a friendly service.
A nice little shop/cafe where you can get drinks and snacks. They sell maps plus a few others bits.
Middleton Top cafe/shop
A nice little shop/cafe where you can get drinks and snacks. They sell maps plus a few others bits.

Nature and wilderness

There are a rich variety of wildlife sites around Wirksworth, from rivers, limestone scenery and ancient woodland.
The Lumsdale Valley is a site of national archaeological and historic importance. It is owned by the Arkwright Society, an educational charity devoted to the rescue of the industrial heritage buildings & associated landscape. The mills and the associated water management features form one of the best examples in Britain of a water-powered industrial archaeological site.
Lumsdale Waterfall
The Lumsdale Valley is a site of national archaeological and historic importance. It is owned by the Arkwright Society, an educational charity devoted to the rescue of the industrial heritage buildings & associated landscape. The mills and the associated water management features form one of the best examples in Britain of a water-powered industrial archaeological site.
Inspired by Japanese gardens and Buddhist philosophy, Cascades Gardens is a celebration of Nature, a perfect place to find peace of mind, to relax and reflect. Cascades is designed around a spectacular 4-acre landscape in old quarry, with a ruined corn mill, canal, cliff and stream. https://cascadesgardens.com
Cascades Gardens for Meditation and Wellbeing
Clatterway
Inspired by Japanese gardens and Buddhist philosophy, Cascades Gardens is a celebration of Nature, a perfect place to find peace of mind, to relax and reflect. Cascades is designed around a spectacular 4-acre landscape in old quarry, with a ruined corn mill, canal, cliff and stream. https://cascadesgardens.com
Walk along the High Peak trail to reach this natural limestone outcrop. The rocks can be climbed but are very polished.
Harborough Rocks
Walk along the High Peak trail to reach this natural limestone outcrop. The rocks can be climbed but are very polished.
A bit further away but Stanton Moor is a good day out. High-level easy walking around a moor on a plateau. Beautiful in the summer with birds and insects everywhere.
30 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Círculo de Piedra de las Nueve Damas
Lees Road
30 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A bit further away but Stanton Moor is a good day out. High-level easy walking around a moor on a plateau. Beautiful in the summer with birds and insects everywhere.
Wonderful place to walk and spot wildlife.
Bow Wood
Wonderful place to walk and spot wildlife.
A wonderful old quarry with trails, rocks and sculptures. A great place to spot butterflies basking on the limestone and grasses.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Stoney Wood Wirksworth
86 Greenhill
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A wonderful old quarry with trails, rocks and sculptures. A great place to spot butterflies basking on the limestone and grasses.
A fantastic site to visit on a warm summer day. Rich in butterflies and wildflowers - including orchids in the summer.
Hopton Quarry Nature Reserve
A fantastic site to visit on a warm summer day. Rich in butterflies and wildflowers - including orchids in the summer.