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Incorporating Notts,
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Issue 13 - 2011
Annual Publication - The Ultimate County Guide

Historic Houses | Attractions | Museums & Arts

Towns & Districts | Open Air

www.countysignpost.co.uk
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in conjunction with any other
Derby Road, Matlock Bath, Derby shire, DE4
OFF
valid until 31st October 2011,
3PY. Photo
not to be used
offer. Only redeemable at Masso
n Mill,
copies not accepted.
concessions.
ories, alcoho l and
Offer excludes cashmere, access

DESIGNER, HIGH SSTREET,

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Derby R
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Matlock Bath,
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Bath, Derbyshire,
Derbyshire,
3PYY. (On the
DE4 3PY. the A6). Tel:
Tel: 01629
01629 760208
760208
OPEN 7 D
DAYS:
AYS: MON TO SAT
SAT 10am
10am - 5.30pm,
pm, SUN 11am
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PARKING FOR
FOR 200 CARS
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oppingvillage.co.uk
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County Signpost

CONTENTS
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Welcome to the 2011 edition of Derbyshire,

Nottinghamshire & the Potteries County
Historic Buildings Signpost Tourist Guide, your indispensable
guide to the best tourist attractions and days out
the county has to offer.

Attractions We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure to

read, both interesting and informative, and that
you will take it away with you, to use again and
again.

Museums & Arts We offer a taster of the visitor attractions and

events within the County, for both locals and
those who wish to visit from afar.

Towns & Districts To be featured in our next edition -

please email the editor.

For a free download please visit

The Open Air our new map-driven,
online magazine website
Published by: County Signpost Ltd
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Editor: Adam Davison

All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct

at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd does not accept
any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies which slipped
through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd 2011. No part of
this magazine may be used or
reproduced without the written permission of the
publisher.
Please mention
Derbyshire Signpost
when visiting any of
the attractions.

Cover image © Heage Windmill

County Signpost Ltd

01743 874098
Signpost - page 1 info@countysignpost.co.uk
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 THE NATIONAL TRUST
Clumber Park, nr Worksop
Clumber Park is a 1,543 hectare country park
which was once the home of the Dukes of
Newcastle. The property was acquired by the
National Trust in 1946, following a public appeal
and has been open to the public all year round
ever since.
Clumber House was demolished in 1938 by the
Pelham-Clinton family who planned to build a
smaller, more practical home elsewhere in the
grounds. The start of the WW11 in 1939 pre-
vented this happening; the park was requisi-
tioned by the Ministry of Defence and became
an ammunition sub-depot and training camp.
After the war the family decided to sell the estate
hence Clumber is now a ducal estate without a
ducal home. Many clues to the splendour of the
past remain, including the classical bridge,
Gothic style chapel (often described as a cathe-
dral in miniature), the longest avenue of lime
trees in Europe and the Walled Kitchen Garden,
at 450 foot long, is the longest glass house in
Trust care. In the spring and summer months,
visitors can see the progress being made to bring
more areas back under cultivation, visit the glass
house and see the museum of garden tools. A
number of heritage and rare varieties of fruit
and vegetables are grown in the garden, under
the watchful eye of the Head Gardener and his
team.
Signpost - page 4
Clumber Lake landscape - © NT /
D.Noton
The Park has a 40 hectare ‘serpentine’ lake, more
than 20 miles of cycle routes, about 800 hectares
of woodland and open heathland which is
increasing thanks to a long-term restoration
project. Lowland heathland is under threat
nationally, but at Clumber proactive conserva-
tion management has sustained lizards and
nightjars and seen the return of species such as
the Woodlark.
Clumber's mosaic of water, heath and woodland
is home to a wide variety of animals, birds,
insects and plant life, including more than 200
species of spider and a particularly interesting
selection of dead wood beetles and fungi. For
this reason over 400 hectares of the Park is des-
ignated a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI). Visitors can learn more about the wildlife
at the Conservation Centre which opens on
summer weekends.
The Park attracts about 700,000 visitors a year.
It has a restaurant, plant centre, cycle hire and a
huge range of events from guided walks to open
air concerts. Many events are aimed at families
and children. The Learning and Discovery team
at Clumber offers a wide range of talks and
activities to schools and other groups. The
Sherwood in Clumber exhibition provides a fas-
cinating look at the history of the landscape to
see how the park that was once part of the
ancient forest of Sherwood was developed.
There are also exhibitions on the house and
wider estate and Wartime Clumber.
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Work continues to develop in the Walled
Kitchen Garden. Recent work has included
restoration of the conservatory and western
long range, creation of a rose garden, new soft
fruit planting areas, refurbished toilet facilities
and introduction of a new tracker pack aimed at
younger visitors plus a range of demonstration
style events.
When Clumber House was home to the
Newcastle’s, the Estate would have been run by
a staff of hundreds - thirty gardeners worked in
the Kitchen Garden alone. Today the property
has 36 permanent staff running all aspects of
work at Clumber, from buildings maintenance to
table service. It relies on more than 100 volun-
teers who help with everything from practical
conservation work to historical research, events
and office administration.
Bike riding is a big attraction and bikes are avail-
able for hire at Clumber for all the family. There
are numerous trails around the park ranging
from a trail around the lake suitable for little legs
to demanding off road ones.
Christmas at Clumber © NTPL / John William Brown
Clumber Park is open daily throughout the year
except 25 December and concert days.
Calke Abbey, nr Melbourne
Calke Abbey came to the Trust in 1985, in lieu
of tax to the Government. It opened in 1987
and has become famous as an example of a
country house in decline in the twentieth centu-
ry. It shows the faded finery, peeling wallpaper
and diminished glory of a country home which
saw its prime in previous centuries.
It is a baroque mansion, built between 1701-4
for Sir John Harpur, and set in 600 acres of
parkland. It also has three walled gardens, a
recently restored orangery and extensive out-
buildings.
The unique quality of Calke lies with the family,
the Harpur Crewes, who lived there from the
reign of James I until quite recently. The most
marked characteristics of the family were reclu-
siveness, a passion for collecting and an absorb-
Signpost - page 5

ing fascination with natural history; the house
contains their spectacular natural history collec-
tion today.
Visitors can see the faded splendour of a once
wealthy house that has remained virtually
untouched since the 1920s, when the last
baronet died. Room after room yields up the
possessions of the Harpur Crewes; paintings,
‘antiquities’ and carriages. There are also individ-
ual treasures like the magnificent Chinese Silk
Calke Abbey Saloon © NT / G.Day
Signpost - page 6
Calke Abbey South Front © NT / G.Day
State Bed, made for George I in about 1715 but
only erected in 1985 after it was found still in its
original packing crate by National Trust staff!
Calke Abbey attracts approximately 120,000 vis-
itors each year, while other people visit just to
enjoy the park. The attractive grounds feature a
beautiful walled garden and an interesting collec-
tion of garden buildings including the recently
restored Peach House. Visitors can also explore
the parkland which was designated a National
Nature Reserve in 2004, in recog-
nition of the quality of its wood
pasture.
In its prime, the house alone would
be staffed by about 26 servants.
Today Calke Abbey estate has a
regular and seasonal staff of 50
including gardeners, wardens, shop
and restaurant staff. Approximately
200 volunteers help at Calke Abbey
at different times, carrying out
essential tasks such as room stew-
arding or helping in the gardens.
Facilities at Calke include a large
restaurant serving a variety of local
www.countysignpost.co.uk
food, a Museum Room with changing displays, a
children’s play area, Squirt’s Stables (the old sta-
bles) offering children’s activities and a well
stocked shop with new Calke Pantry area selling
delicious local food and plant sales area. The
Riding School, an area used by the family for
exercising their horses, has recently been
restored into a beautiful open space suitable for
events, exhibitions and weddings. Look out for
the rowing boat perched mysteriously on the
rafters of the riding school. Workmen found it
there when the Riding School was restored and
its reasons for being there remain unknown.
Calke also has a herd of deer roaming the
ancient parklands, where some of the trees are
almost 1000 years old! It also has a unique
Auricula theatre in the garden, the only original
theatre for displays of these small colourful
plants in known existence, and a throwback to
the Victorian craze for collecting and displaying
rare plant species.
The house and garden are open daily except
Thursday and Friday from 28 February to 1
November 2009 (open Good Friday). The park
is open daily dawn till dusk.
Sudbury Hall Garden Elevation © NT / David Slade
Sudbury Hall, Ashbourne
Sudbury Hall came into the National Trust’s care
after it was given to the Treasury in 1967 in part-
payment of duties after the death of the 9th
Lord Vernon.
Sudbury Hall is one of the most individual late
seventeenth century houses, and was built in
1660 for George Vernon. Of all the houses built
in Charles II’s reign, it is one of the most idio-
syncratic: a marriage of old fashioned Jacobean
features particularly on the exterior, whilst inside
are carved stone, wood and plasterwork in the
richly decorated classical style of Wren’s city
churches. The interior decoration includes
wood carvings by Gibbons, mythological deco-
rative ceilings by Laguerre and superb plaster-
work. Sudbury Hall also contains perhaps the
finest staircase of its date in situ in an English
country house.
Visitors can enjoy a series of State Rooms
including the Saloon with its Laguerre ceiling
depicting the Four Seasons, the Drawing Room,
Library, Long Gallery and Queen’s Room. The
Long Gallery and Great Staircase were featured
Signpost - page 7
 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

Museum Shop and also newly added (2009) even now, unsurpassed in
woodland adventure playground. Europe. Bess was the sec-
ond richest woman in
Sudbury Hall is the only National Trust mansion Elizabethan England and
to be fully heated by woodchip fuelled Biomass accumulated her wealth
boilers, installed in 2008 and giving Sudbury an through her marriages and
almost neutral carbon footprint. her famed shrewdness!

Visitors are welcome to walk in the grounds

Sudbury Staircase © NT / A. von Eisendel
in the 1995 BBC production of Pride and
Prejudice. In 1999, the kitchen was used as one
of the locations for the television drama In a
Land of Plenty, broadcast on BBC2 early in
2001. During 2000 this kitchen was redecorated
to its 1930s style. Visitors can also see the Velvet
Bedroom, restored to its 1930s splendour.
Approximately fourteen staff care for the
Hall and Museum. In addition nearly 250
volunteers help with both sides of the
property at different times, carrying out
various essential tasks such as room stew-
arding.
Sudbury Hall and the Museum of
Childhood attract about 110,000 visitors
each year. The house is open daily except
Monday and Tuesday from 14 February to
1 November (open Bank Holiday Mondays
and Good Friday). There is also a restau-
rant and two shops; the Gift Shop and the
which are home to Kestrels, Grey Herons, Grass
Snakes, Dragon Flies, Newts, frogs, toads, Little
and Tawny Owls, and woodpeckers.
Hardwick Hall, nr Chesterfield
Hardwick Hall, described locally as having ‘more
glass than wall’, is an outstanding example of
Elizabethan architecture and one of Britain’s
foremost Elizabethan houses. Today it is cared
for by the National Trust. Hardwick came to the
National Trust in 1959 via the Government, in
lieu of death duties. At that time it was owned by
the Devonshire family.
It was built by ‘Bess of Hardwick’, Countess of
Shrewsbury, between 1590 and 1597. Bess’s ini-
tials, ES, and her coat of arms, decorate the
rooftop. The Hall houses a unique collection of
rich sixteenth and early seventeenth-century tap-
estries and needlework collected by Bess, and,
Hardwick Exterior Elevated © NT / Giraffe Photography
The Hall attracts around
120,000 visitors each year. It
stands in approximately 500
acres of parkland and wood-
land, next to Hardwick Old
Hall, which is owned by the Hardwick Park Farm © NT
National Trust, but managed
by English Heritage.
Walled courtyards enclose fine gardens, an
orchard and a newly restored herb garden, and
the surrounding country park contains rare
breeds of cattle and sheep including
Longhorn Cattle and White faced
woodland sheep.
Visitors can also explore the Hardwick
Park Centre and find out more about
the story of stone and stonemasons at
the Hardwick Stone Centre.
Approximately 200 volunteers help at
the Hall, Estate, Mill and Gardens at
different times, carrying out various
essential tasks such as room stewarding
or helping in the gardens, guided tours
and events.
The property has a range of events
throughout the year, including open
events on the farm.
The Hall is open on Wednesday to
Sunday (Bank Holiday Mondays and
Good Friday) from. It also has a shop
and a restaurant.
Hardwick Stone Centre © NT / A.Tryner

Signpost - page 8 Signpost - page 9


Kedleston Hall, nr Derby
Kedleston was gifted to the Trust by the Curzon
family in 1986 by Francis, 3rd Viscount
Scarsdale. The Hall is a fine example of a neo-
classical mansion, designed by the famous archi-
tect Robert Adam as his first major commission.
It was built between 1759 - 65 for the Curzon
family, who have lived in the area since the 12th
century, and was designed for lavish entertaining
and as a showpiece to house the 1st Lord
Scarsdale’s art and sculpture collection. The Hall
has the most complete and least-altered
sequence of Robert Adam interiors in England
on the state floor where a series of magnificent
state rooms retain their great collections of
paintings and original furniture.
On the ground floor, where some alterations
took place in the early 20th century, the Eastern
Museum houses a fascinating range of objects
collected by Lord Curzon during his travels in
Asia and whilst Viceroy of India (1899-1905). A
virtual tour of the state floor, for visitors who
are unable to ascend the staircase, is housed in
the adjacent Smoking Room, along with chang-
ing displays of objects and information.
Signpost - page 10
Kedleston south front © NT / M Byron-Peach
The landscape setting of the house is unique in
being formed largely to Adam’s designs at the
same time as the building of the house. Adam
created a pleasure ground of trees and shrubs to
complement the Hall including an orangery,
summer house and statuary. This was designed
to blend seamlessly with the surrounding park-
land which includes five lakes, three lodges, a
three arched bridge and cascades, and a fishing
pavilion flanked by a pair of boathouses. There
are four marked walks around the park which
Kedleston © NTPL
www.countysignpost.co.uk
provides a habitat for a variety of flora and
fauna including veteran trees, rare beetles, fungi,
bats, stoats, owls, birds of prey and waterfowl.
Kedleston attracts approximately 100,000 visi-
tors annually who are welcomed at Visitor
Reception in the main car park. Inside the Hall
a further welcome is received from Kedleston’s
18th century Housekeeper, Mrs Garnett (1pm,
2pm, 3pm on most open days).
Approximately 20 regular staff and 30 seasonal
staff (including gardeners, housekeepers, war-
dens, visitor services, shop and restaurant staff)
help to care for Kedleston and open it to the
public. Approximately 200 volunteers also assist
at the Hall, carrying out various essential roles
such as room stewarding, guided tours, assisting
with events, maintaining Kedlestons archives or
helping in the gardens and park.
Kedleston Hall was used extensively as a loca-
tion for the 2008 Oscar winning film ‘The
Duchess’ starring Keira Knightley and Ralph
Fiennes.
The Hall, Restaurant and Shop are open daily
except Thursday and Friday from the 28
February to 1 November (open Good Friday).
The Restaurant and Shop also open on
Thursdays and Fridays during the school sum-
mer holiday, and on every weekend throughout
the winter months.The garden is open daily
from 28 February to 1 November, while the park
is open on most days throughout the year. A
variety of events take place at Kedleston
throughout the year and an events leaflet is avail-
able.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Kedleston lake and bridge © NT / M Kennedy
Signpost - page 11
 English Heritage www.countysignpost.co.uk

Finally he constructed the cavernous Riding Hardwick Old Hall

House with its magnificent roof, perhaps the
finest surviving indoor riding school in Britain:
here he indulged his passion for training ‘great
horses’. There is also a Discovery Centre in the
Stables, with audio-visual displays.
The castle battlements and the Venus Garden
are in the process of being restored, and the
fountain, with 23 new statues, plays again for the
first time in centuries. A series of ‘Caesar paint-
ings’ depicting Roman Emperors and Empresses
has also recently returned to Bolsover. These
were commissioned by William Cavendish and
copied from originals by the great Venetian artist
Titian - which have since been destroyed - mak-
ing the Bolsover versions uniquely important.
Castle Street, Bolsover S44 6PR
Telephone 01246 822844
www.english-heritage.org.uk
The remodelled family home of Bess of
Hardwick, one of the richest and most remark-
able women of Elizabethan England, stands
beside the New Hall she raised later in the 1590s.
Though the Old Hall is now roofless, visitors
can still ascend four floors to view surviving
decorative plasterwork, as well as the kitchen and
service rooms. An audio tour tells Bess’s story.
A recent exhibition in the West Lodge described
Bess’s adventures in architecture, telling how she
transformed her birthplace from a medieval
manor house into a luxurious Elizabethan man-
sion: it operated alongside the New Hall as
household accommodation for two centuries.
New graphic panels focus on the rich interiors
Bess created, and a wonderful new audio tour
helps to bring the colourful history of this fasci-
nating site to life.
Doe Lea, nr Chesterfield
Telephone 01246 850431
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Bolsover Castle Bolsover Castle - © English Heritage

‘By an unlikely miracle,’ wrote the architectural
historian Mark Girouard, ‘the keep at Bolsover
has survived into this century as an almost
untouched expression in stone of the lost world
of Elizabethan chivalry and romance.’
Dominating the countryside from its hilltop,
Bolsover occupies the site of a medieval castle
built by the Peverel family shortly after the
Norman Conquest. Sir Charles Cavendish
bought the old castle in 1612 and began work on
his ‘Little Castle’ project. Despite its embattled
appearance, his creation was not designed for
defence, but for elegant living.
Sir Charles intended the house as a retreat from
the world to an imaginary golden age of chival-
ry and pleasure. His son William, later Duke of
Newcastle, inherited the Little Castle in 1616 and
set about its completion, assisted by the architect
John Smythson. An extraordinary survival, the
exquisitely carved fireplaces and recently con-
served murals and painted panelling of its interi-
ors take the visitor on an allegorical journey
from earthly concerns to heavenly (and erotic)
delights.
William also added the vast and stately rooms of
the Terrace Range, now a dramatic roofless shell.
To show off his achievement, in 1634 he invited
the Stuart court to ‘Love’s Welcome to
Bolsover’, a masque specially written by Ben
Jonson for performance in the Fountain
Garden.

Hardwick Old Hall - © English Heritage

Signpost - page 12 Signpost - page 13
 County Signpost

Wingfield Manor

Wingfield Manor- © English Heritage

The vast and immensely impressive ruins of a
palatial medieval manor house arranged round a
pair of courtyards, with a huge undercrofted
Great Hall and a defensible High Tower 22
metres (72 feet) tall. This monument to late
medieval ‘conspicuous consumption’ was built
in the 1440s for the wealthy Ralph, Lord
Cromwell, Treasurer of England.

Access will be by guided tours only

Garner Lane, South Wingfield

Telephone 01246 856456
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Signpost - page 14
 County Signpost
MELBOURNE HALL
Melbourne Hall is a delightful house full of
history. Originally a rectory for the Norman
Parish Church, it became the home of Sir John
Coke in 1628. It has been inherited by subse-
quent members of the family to the present day
and is now home to Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr
and their family.
Melbourne Hall as it stands today shows what
Sir John’ s descendants have made of it. The
family surname has changed three times due to
inheritance via the female line, the full history
will be told within the tour, as well as being fully
documented in the souvenir guide.
Signpost - page 16
www.countysignpost.co.uk
There are various statues along the walkways
and also the spectacular wrought-iron birdcage
by Bakewell.
The Gardens are open from April - September
1.30pm - 5.30pm Wednesdays, Saturdays,
Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays (additional
open days possible in August).The Hall is open
from August 1st - 31st, (but not the first three
Mondays), from 2 pm, last entry at 4.15pm.
Excellent food can be enjoyed in the Melbourne
Hall Tearooms
Browse round the Visitors Centre, open most
days throughout the year, where the Gift Shop
The ‘Birdcage’ - wrought iron arbour
and Estate Workshops provide a fine selection
of unique gift ideas.
Telephone: 01332 862502
Enjoy a photographic introduction to www.melbournehall.com
Melbourne Hall Gardens by visiting ‘Up the
Garden Path’ display in the Visitor Centre.
Take a tram ride
through time
Gardens
Pottery Tours
FACT Fun for all ages.
ORY
SH OP Find out about
Melbourne Hall Gardens are the place to visit if
Denby, then Paint
you are seeking a relaxing thoughtful stroll.
a Plate and make a
NEW FOR 2011 clay souvenir.
Stone Workshop
Discovery Centre Free Cookery Demonstrations
Opening Summer
The Gardens were planned by Rt. Hon. Thomas
Daily - lasting 30 minutes
Shopping Save up to 60% off RRP on
Coke in the early part of the 18th century. The
seconds in the Denby Factory Shop and discover
colourful and tranquil garden has been imagina-
‘only at Denby’ bargains. Visit our Home Store, Cookery, Garden
and Gift Shops.
tively updated with some new planting by Lady
Discover a world from a bygone age, where beautifully
MUSEUM BOURNE’S RESTAURANT PLAY AREA PICNIC AREAS
restored vintage trams transport you from the historic
Ralph Kerr.
Open: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm Sun 10am-5pm
village out into the Derbyshire countryside.
SEE
FREE Centre Entry & Parking
WEBSITE
Derby Road, (B6179) Denby, Derbyshire DE5 8NX.
Plus… FOR
The gardens are designed with paths allowing
JUST 10 MILES FROM J28 M1 OFFERS &
Call: 01773 740799 Email: visitor.centre@denby.co.uk EVENTS
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easy access, and intersected by streams that flow
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through the grounds underneath miniature
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bridges and through the lush flower beds.
Crich, Matlock, Derby, DE4 5DP
Pay once for a year’s FREE entry*
* Excludes certain events
Signpost - page 17
 County Signpost
ROYAL CROWN DERBY
Boasting a rich history and heritage dating back
over 250 years, a visit to Royal Crown Derby
today is a walk through a unique manufacturing
history, where the visitor can see the skills learnt
over the centuries, passed down through succes-
sive generations of craftsmen. These skills com-
bine with the creativity of an excellent design
team of artists and sculptors to create top
quality giftware and tableware.
Fine bone china specialist Royal Crown Derby
has unveiled an exclusive Titanic exhibition,
which was opened by The Prince of Wales and
The Duchess of Cornwall. The exhibition, in
collaboration with White Star Memories,
brought together a unique collection of never
seen before Titanic artefacts and historical
pieces from Royal Crown Derby’s Titanic
archives. The one-off 100th anniversary exhibi-
tion underlines Royal Crown Derby’s fascinating
heritage, which saw the Derby factory produce
fine china for the First Class á la carte restaurant.
Organised to commemorate the 100th anniver-
sary of the launch of the R M S T i t a n i c , t h e
H i s t o r y o n a P l a t e e x h i b i t i o n was launched by
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of
Cornwall on Friday 18th February at Royal
Crown Derby’s Visitor Centre.
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www.countysignpost.co.uk
A loyal and enthusiastic collectors club mem-
bership eagerly await new introductions every
year, especially the annual complimentary join-
ing gift and collector’s guild exclusive. Signing
Royal Crown Derby has launched its Royal events with key designers is one of the regular
Commemorative Collection for the celebration special events that take place at the Visitor
of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Centre and also at selected retailers.
wedding. Manufactured exclusively at the Derby
factory and hand finished with 22ct gold, the The Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre is
new Royal Wedding collection includes an array open for tours - Tuesday – Thursday 11.30
of limited edition collectable pieces to mark the and 1.30pm (Booking advisable. Telephone
eagerly awaited national occasion. for booking information ).
Royal Crown Derby fine bone china, is the only The Visitor Centre shop (open Monday -
branded bone china to be manufactured Saturday 10am - 5pm) is a Mecca for collectors
exclusively in England. carrying the current product range including
exclusives and limited editions.
Seconds quality, discontinued items and spe-
cial offers ensure there are always bargains to
be had.
You can finish your visit with tea, home-made
cakes and light lunches in the excellent café.
Royal Crown Derby paperweights, a range of
Telephone 01332 712800 / 712833
decorative animals and birds, are one of the
www.royalcrownderby.co.uk
most successful quality collectables on the
market.
All processes from design to decoration take
place at the Derby factory. Each piece is an
example of English craftsmanship at its best.
The ‘manufacturing’ is more a combination of
original artistry - from painter to computer
designer to shape-maker/sculptor and with
highly skilled, and experienced staff hand
painting the china.
The factory tour is well worth the time as it
really impresses upon the visitor the skills and
processes involved in making Royal Crown
Derby fine bone china.
Signpost - page 19
 County Signpost
To own a piece of knitwear is to part of an
exclusive club. Designed to perfection and
understated in its beauty, a John Smedley is an
item to cherish. This forthcoming collection per-
fectly symbolises the innovation that has existed
at John Smedley since its origins in 1784.
The original designers at John Smedley were
actually engineers and mathematicians. In true
British style, they built things to last. They estab-
lished the mathematical formulas and machinery
to create the knitted shapes that John Smedley
has built its reputation around. They provided
the dedication to quality and solid foundation
for the materials that are still used to this day.
Signpost - page 20
www.countysignpost.co.uk
The Spring/Summer 2011 collection for
example, offers a new variety of bright, soft and
neutral colours. Women’s wear will see merino
jersey wear in refreshing spring colours ideal for
layering garments and these will appear along-
side cool crepe and mercerised cottons for
hotter temperatures. Menswear is explored
through the personality of the ‘globe-trotter’,
these are pieces which capture the spirit, vibran-
cy and escapism of travelling the world.
Enlivened by fresh new colours, global influ-
ences and key highlight pieces, this range can be
a riot of colour, a sea of calm neutrality, or a
In those days, much of the fabric development combination of both.
was done by skilled workers, who created
patterns by hand. Now, of course, garment
calculations and patterns are constructed on
computers and John Smedley operates the most
innovative, mainly automated, machinery. But
the essence of that original design ethos, one
based on quality, durability, innovation and pure
comfort – steadfastly remains core to the John
Smedley brand.
A winner of countless design and export awards
in recent years, John Smedley believes that its
continual resonance with the discerning cus-
tomer is the result of a unique combination of
both provenance and design innovation.
There will always be the classics – the three but-
ton polo shirt, the high v-neck pullover and the
roll collar sweater – but every new season gener-
ates a new, contemporary look for John Smedley
knitwear.
John Smedley knitwear is available in the company’s flagship store in Brook Street,
London, as well as premier department stores and independent boutiques around the
world. It can also be purchased online at www.johnsmedley.com.
Telephone 01629 534571
Email : enquiries@johnsmedley.com
www.johnsmedley.com
Signpost - page 21
 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

THE HEIGHTS OF presentation showing how the Heights’ own … and there is still more included in the price of

ABRAHAM
show caverns were formed, and the chance to
get up close to the fossilized remains of our
giant Ichthyosaur, which was over 3 metres long
and alive at the same time as the Dinosaurs... not
be missed!
The “Heath & Heaven” Exhibition is a patch-
work of stunning aerial shots taken of the sur-
rounding Peak District on a single summer’s day
by world-renowned photographer John Beatty,
and accompanied with words and poems by Si
Homfrey.
your cable car ticket!
Wander the woodland trails, climb the Victoria
Prospect Tower, not forgetting the Shops, Play
Areas, Picnic Spots including the Amphitheatre
built from natural materials which blend into the
hillside, Summit Bar and Terrace Café - all with
stunning views in acres of beautiful wooded
landscape.
Telephone 01629 582365
www.heightsofabraham.com

Those of an inquisitive mind should make sure

they visit our ‘Who Why What?’ story where,
through the use of exhibitions and film, you will
find answers to all your questions about the
Heights of Abraham and the construction of
the cable cars... you can even test your nerve on
one of the cable car emergency vehicles!

You may be an old friend or this could be the
very first time you have heard of us but one
thing for sure is that the Heights of Abraham
Cable Cars, Caverns and Hilltop Park is an excit-
ing venue for individuals, families, groups and
parties alike.
People are always surprised how much there is to
do here. In recent times, the Heights has become
rightly famous for its landmark cable car system
- the first of its kind in the whole of the British
Isles, but there is lots more to your visit than a
cable car ride, and for visitors who only have a
day here, the Heights is one place where you can
get a real flavour of the true Peak District. Set
high on top of a limestone gorge, with the river
Derwent at its feet, the estate is surrounded by
some of the area’s most beautiful scenery.
After taking the cable car ride to the Summit vis-
itors can experience the unique blend of two
spectacular underground caverns; from the light
of a single miner’s candle in the Great Masson
Cavern, to the whole chamber being awash with
colour, you can now experience firsthand the
magnitude of this cavern as it has never been
seen before. Further down the hillside the Great
Rutland Cavern tells the story of a day in the life
of a 17th century lead miner. 2010 is the 200th
anniversary of the Great Rutland Cavern being
open to the public for the first time in 1810.
All this is included in the price of your cable car
ticket … and there is more!
Our Fossil Factory brings to life fun and inter-
esting facts about rocks, fossils and the forma-
tion of the Peak District. There is also a film

Signpost - page 22 Signpost - page 23

 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

MOORCROFT HERITAGE was a hundred years ago. Designs are

VISITOR CENTRE
applied by Tubelining or Slip trailing as
it is sometimes called, a process by
which the raised outline is applied to
the pot in the form of a fine extrusion
of liquified clay or slip squeezed
Shop and Bottle Oven through bag held in the hand. The
Steeped in history, massive yet gracious, the colours are based on metallic oxides,
Moorcroft Bottle Oven stands in the centre of and are applied entirely by hand, with
the factory shop. Although its final commercial one colour gently washed over another
firing took place in 1962, the bottle oven is now to enable them to blend together at
one of the few remaining in Stoke-on-Trent. As high temperatures, firstly with the clay
a Grade Two listed building, shop visitors have pot then the transparent glaze. It is a
Designer the opportunity to step inside, and there experi- second firing which produces the bril-
Emma Bossons ence the mood of a bygone age. liance and depth of colour which has
FRSA become the unique hallmark of
Described as the world’s best-kept Moorcroft Moorcroft Pottery.
secret, the shop offers a comprehensive collec-
tion of pottery and table lamps. Opening Hours
Monday to Friday - 10am to 5pm
Moorcroft pottery, is displayed to breath-taking Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm
Up Up and Away effect on oak stands. On hand will be (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)
65/9 (23cms) Moorcroft’s highly knowledgeable and friendly Car Park and Admission are Free.
Coach Parties are Welcome.
Limited Edition of (200) sales advisors. You can browse at your leisure
Blue Heaven 769/6 (15cms) Closed Sunday. Closed Christmas to New
without obligation. Year

Factory Tour Every piece of Moorcroft is individual and made Telephone 01782 820515
entirely by hand. The method of production of www.moorcroft.co.uk
Moonlight Flight heritagevisitorcentre@moorcroft.co.uk
101/14" (36cms)
Why not book a factory tour and witness the highly Moorcroft pottery originated by William
skilled craftsmen at work. The method of making Moorcroft is almost exactly the same today as it
Museum
Limited Edition of (100)
Moorcroft has remained virtually unchanged for over
The Moorcroft Museum enables the visitor to 100 years.
look back in time: you can let your imagination
Today, Moorcroft is as alive and vibrant as it has
run wild and absorb the fascinating history of
been at any time in its long and colourful histo-
this unique company and its hand-crafted pot-
ry. Old pieces now fetch substantial sums in the
tery. The Moorcroft Museum display sparkles in
major salesrooms of the world while many
cabinets made by Liberty of London in 1924,
pieces sold less than five years ago have more
enabling the visitor to look at past examples of
than doubled in value.
the very first pieces designed by William
Christies the international auctioneers, hold two
Moorcroft at the end of the 19th century. You
specialist Moorcroft sales each year. Another
move forward into the fascinating renaissance of
remarkable fact is that for a hundred years
Moorcroft’s art ten years ago, before passing
Moorcroft employed only four full-time design-
through the millennium to the present day.
ers. This changed in early 1997 when the
Themed exhibitions relating to Moorcroft’s his-
Moorcroft Design Studio was formed. The
tory are an ever-changing feature of this vibrant
Design Studio now comprises of no less than
and colourful Museum display.
nine designers with Rachel Bishop at the head.

Signpost - page 24 Signpost - page 25

 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

DENBY VISITOR Watch a free Cookery Demonstration in the Events

CENTRE 2011
Kitchen Theatre (normally daily at 12.30 and There are events almost every month at Denby
2.30pm). The demonstrations last around half including Food and Gift Fayres (27th-29th Aug
an hour. There’s a tasting session and a free and 2nd-4th Dec), and family activities such as
recipe to take away. Family Fun Weekend (25th and 26th June) and
Pottery Beach (Jul 18th – Sept 11th). Events are
free to enter. For more details go to
Denby Visitor Centre can be found next to the www.denbyvisitorcentre.co.uk.
pottery in a peaceful sun-trap of a cobbled Or call 01773 740 799.
courtyard surrounded by shops. It’s open daily
throughout the year, welcoming visitors from Denby Visitor Centre is just off the A38 north
all over the world. of Derby and a couple of miles south of Ripley.
Open daily throughout the year (Monday to
Made in England Saturday 9.30am – 5pm and Sundays 10am –
5pm) and closed 25th and 26th December.
Centre entry and parking are free and there is an
Denby is the home of the famous
outdoor play area for children.
Derbyshire Stoneware Pottery made
for over 200 years using locally
sourced clay and traditional skills
passed down through generations.
Today patterns such as Halo are Shopping
made using hand applied glazes cele-
The largest of all the Denby Factory Shops is
brating the individuality, style and
here – packed full of bargains, many coming
very best of English Craftsmanship.
Visitors to Denby can watch the pot-
Pottery Tours direct from the factory and exclusive to this
Tours are available every day through the main shop. There’s a selection of other award win-
tery being made in the working facto-
season (Feb – Nov). For families with young ning shops too including the contemporary
ry in small groups with conducted by
children, the Craftoom Tour is the best choice Denby Home Store plus the cookery, garden and
an experienced guide.
(daily 11am – 3pm). This has plenty of hands on gift emporia.
interaction and includes making a clay souvenir
to take home, and having a go at painting in Pottery Beach

glaze onto a Denby plate. For a more in depth

look at the working factory, choose the Factory
Tour (available Monday to Thursday at 10.30 Denby Pottery can be found
and 1pm). This tour lasts around 90 minutes and 8 miles north of Derby just off the A38.
also finishes with the opportunity to make a frog Telephone: 01773 740 799
and paint a plate. Email: visitor.centre@denby.co.uk
www.denbyvisitorcentre.co.uk
Denby, Derbyshire DE5 8NX

Bourne’s Restaurant – named after the

Pottery’s founding family Bourne’s is open daily
for Derbyshire inspired meals, snacks and
Halo by Denby drinks.

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 County Signpost
DE BRADELEI STORES
– BELPER
De Bradelei Stores are housed in a beautiful, his-
toric building with a central courtyard, surround-
ed by its various shops.
The buildings history began in the late 18th cen-
tury when hosiery and knitwear were one of the
major industries in the area. The mill was later
taken over by George Brettle, whose famous
brand continues to this day.
De Bradelei Stores, a family based business took
over the building in 1994 to run it as a fashion
outlet catering for all the family. It is a unique
shopping venue, where customers can browse in
peace, miles from the hustle and bustle of the
High Street.
Leading classic brands such as Windsmoor,
Planet, Precis Petite and Jacques Vert, Alex &
Co, Kaliko, Ann Harvey, Minuet Petite, Eastex
Signpost - page 28
www.countysignpost.co.uk
and Dash offer up to 70% discount every day of
the year! Everyone loves a bargain and the
excellent discounts definitely leave you with the
feel good factor!
Other brands for the young at heart include
Joules, Esprit, Seasalt, Weirdfish, Great Plains
and Jackpot – all stunning labels that offer every-
thing from great workwear, versatile layers for
country walks or party and occasionwear.
De Bradelei’s Pavers shoe department has some-
thing for everyone, from walking boots to party
shoes – all with great discounts that ensure very
affordable prices.
The shoe department runs adjacent to an exten-
sive Menswear department, where a large range
of styles and offers suitable for all ages and
pockets can be found.
Great accessories including bags, jewellery, gift-
ware, scarves and toiletries are situated through-
out the store.
Having finished your shopping you can refresh
yourselves with some delicious home cooked
food in De Bradelei’s Chevin Coffee Shop. All
the food is cooked on the premises by staff who
really care about the quality and service they
offer. Soups, salads, quiches and pastas plus
great scones and cakes that entice customers
back again and again.
All in all this family based business offers some-
thing for everyone at affordable prices, so make
sure you add it to your holiday ‘to visit’ list!
Telephone 01773 882442
www.debradelei.com
Signpost - page 29
 County Signpost
HEANOR ANTIQUES
& COLLECTOR CENTRE
The Heanor Antiques Centre is the largest
antiques centre in the county. The centre has
been a family run business since the building was
acquired and renovated in 1998. It started with
just 35 dealers present, displaying their collec-
tions over approximately 8000 square feet, and
has now grown to cover about 200 dealers and
15 000 square feet of display space.
Signpost - page 30
www.countysignpost.co.uk
OPENING TIMES: 10:30am to 4:30pm every
day of the week and year (except Christmas day
and Boxing day)
Telephone. 01773 531181
www.heanorantiquescentre.co.uk
Heanor Craft Centre
The Craft Centre and Art Gallery benefit from a
newly extended Stylish Cafe. The Cafe at Heanor
Antiques and Craft centre started as a small
garage conversion next to the car park: It is now
a 80 seat Modernistic designed cafe on the third
floor with outside seating and views across D. H.
Lawrence’s birth place. Openly daily, with a
Heanor
Heanor Art Gallery
large selection of food
You will find an Aladdin’s Cave spread over four
floors, with a great range of goods on offer in
Antiques
the display cases, (from books at 50p, toys, post-
cards, stamps, fine China, silverware, glass and
memorabilia, to Grandfather Clocks at £4,000).
The range of antiques and collectibles on display
reflects the origins of the dealers - they come
from all over the UK, Ireland and even as far
afield as Japan.
“a treasure trove of antiques over 4 floors, ranging from small pieces of
A major new feature on site is the Heanor Craft
Centre, which caters for almost everyone. All jewellery to large items of furniture. Antiques supplied by our
local handmade crafts are made by 100+ craft 150 individual traders.”
dealers. The Craft Centre is on two floors and
crafts are divided in to 80 small units, with an
Art Gallery displaying traditional and modern Hunters Rest coffee shop serving lights meals daily.
art.
1-3 Ilkeston Road, Heanor DE75 7AG
Below are some examples of art available to buy
in the Gallery. They are all originals - no limited
Telephone 01773 531181
editions or prints. Some of the artists are local www.heanorantiquescentre.co.uk e-mail sales@heanorantiquescentre.co.uk
prize winners.
Signpost - page 31
 County Signpost
MASSON MILLS
SHOPPING VILLAGE
On the banks of the River Derwent lies Masson
Mill. Built in 1783 by Sir Richard Arkwright, the
Father of the Factory System, Masson Mill was
his showpiece. A magnificent traditional timber-
framed structure of red brick with a Georgian
façade.
Nowadays Masson Mill is renowned for its
‘Mega’ shopping experience over five floors
that’s second to none.
Re-opened in 1999 and employing over 70 staff,
the Shopping village, Museum and Conference
centre hosts nearly 400,000 visitors a year and is
a shopping location like no other. Built in beau-
tiful red brick by Sir Richard Arkwright in
1783, the refurbished Mill is located in stunning
surroundings and looks directly over the banks
of the River Derwent at Matlock Bath.
Masson Mills really is a unique shopping experi-
ence presenting 50 different retail concepts set
all under one roof. With great names like The
Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Ponden Home, The
Golf Company, Pavers shoes, Hornby trains,
Signpost - page 32
Julian Graves, Wolsey, Roman Originals, Klass
and Antler our customers are never short of
choice.
On level 1 of Masson Mills, there is the Derwent
restaurant with views over the river. With ample
seating for 180 guests, large comfort area, ice
cream bar and smoothie range where better to
relax before, during or after sampling our
unique shopping experience.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday
10am – 5:30pm Sunday 11am – 5pm
Parking for over 200 cars
Directions:
It couldn’t be easier to find, just follow the A6 to
Matlock Bath, you’ll find Masson Mill just 1 mile
South on the A6. Coaches welcome.
Telephone 01629 760208
www.massonmills-shoppingvillage.co.uk
 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk
TREAK CLIFF CAVERN
The first record of Blue John Stone being
worked for on Treak Cliff, near Castleton is
1709. Two of the larger mines on the Castleton
facing slope of the hill were called Miller’s Mine,
which was lower down, and Cliff Side Mine
higher up. Both mines eventually joined up at
sometime over the intervening years to become
Treak Cliff Cavern.
Whilst mining in 1926 on a large scale for Blue
John Stone the miners discovered an ancient
water inlet passage going deeper into the hill.
The miners explored found some of the finest
stalactites and stalagmites in Britain. This
changed the nature of the mining operation,
which was already in decline after the First
World War. The miners turned their attention
instead to installing footpaths, steps and lights to
allow easy access for visitors to see the forma-
tions. A large diesel generator outside the
entrance to the old Cliffside Mine, now the show
cave exit, powered electric lighting.
Treak Cliff Cavern, the Wonder Cave of
Castleton opened to the public at Easter in 1935.
2010 saw 75 years of operating as a Visitor
Attraction, but over 300 years as a working Blue
John mine. Illumination for the show cave has
always been by electric light from the beginning,
the mains electricity arrived on site in 1948,
which then allowed developments at the
entrance area such as the café and gift shop, and
a workshop for turning Blue John Stone items.
Previously the stone was taken away from the
mine, down the hill using the little railway (still in
use) to workshops in Castleton, Bakewell etc
Because of the difficult location of the ‘new’
show cave, a big marketing ploy, better than any
signage, was the arrangement across the hillside
of the words ‘wonder cave’ in 10ft high letters
made of large gravel stones painted white. This
was highly visible from miles away. The old sepia
picture shows the remaining word ‘cave’ on the
hillside. When the Second World War began the
word ‘wonder’ was taken off to reduce the
Christmas in the Cavern
chance of enemy aircraft pilots being able to
locate themselves between Manchester and
Signpost - page 34
Sheffield, both major wartime targets. When the
Peak District National Park was created the large
letters no longer complied with legislation, and
the grass was allowed to grow over.
Today visitors can take the 40 minute guided
tour to see the wonderful formations under-
ground and lots of Blue John Stone, now pro-
tected on the visitor route by voluntary agree-
ment with Natural England. Mining for the
stone goes on in the winter months to supply the
gift shop with stone for jewellery etc. An even
larger range is available at Castleton Gift Shop in
the village, where there is a display of antique
Blue John Stone artefacts. The desire for these
large ornaments started the whole Blue John
Stone industry over 300 years ago, an industry
which still continues to this day.
There are a number of events held throughout
the year, including : an Easter Egg Hunt on
Easter Saturday and Sunday (23th & 24th April),
and Carols By Candlelight held at weekends
leading up to Christmas. Also you can polish
your own Blue John Stone (selected dates
throughout the year), you can even book the
cavern to celebrate your birthday under-
ground!
Castleton Gift Shop
Castleton Gift Shop opened in 1949 and gives
visitors a wide choice of jewellery and Blue John
ornaments made at Treak Cliff Cavern.
The shop is located on the main street in
Castleton and is open every day except
Christmas Day.
Jewellery can also be seen and purchased
through the website www.bluejohnstone.com
For any further information about Treak Cliff
Cavern and Castleton Gift Shop please contact
by any of the following :
Telephone : 01433 620571
Email : treakcliff@bluejohnstone.com
Signpost - page 35
 Gresley A4-60009
A4-60007

County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

BARROW HILL ROUNDHOUSE

Photographs by Ken Horan. Designed and printed by www.burgessdesignandprint.com Retford T: 01777 860579
Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th

R4th CENTRE
October – Steam Gala
In the tradition of previous steam events at the

AILWAY
Roundhouse, this promises to be an extra-special
event of nationwide importance. An impressive
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 5th APRIL 2009 line up of steam locomotives is guaranteed.

Sunday 11th and Sunday 18th December –

Santa Steam Trains

The must-do event of the year for all Father

Christmas fans - a great family favourite. An
opportunity to meet the man himself, travel on a
steam train, enjoy music by a local brass band
and indulge in a mince pie or two.

Telephone: 01246 472450

Website: www.barrowhill.org

Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre is steam locomotive “Tornado” for a special one-
PLUS a supporting cast of:
Britain’s last surviving operational railway off Open Day and the year was rounded off
Roundhouse. with the traditional family favourite Santa Steam
ADMISSION PRICES TICKETS CAN NOW BE

Trains.
(04 - 63601 (N7 - 69621 PRE-BOOKED / ON THE GATE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

The1F
site -is 41708
home to over sixty Steam, Diesel and
with a cheque made payable
(MR (J17 - 8217
as numerous- 2000 Events for 2011£12.00
Adults £13.50 £15.00 to Barrow Hill Limited with
Electric5locomotives,
- 45110as well
OAP £13.50 an enclosed SAE.
(Black (Peckett
wagons and coaches.
PLEASE INDICATE THE
Friday 13th and Saturday 14th£37.00
May – WHEN BOOKING.
Children £6.00 £7.00 DAY YOU REQUIRE

“Rail Ale” Festival

(GCR ‘Director’ - 506 “Butler Henderson” Families* £33.00
2010 saw further improvements to the Celebrating its tenth birthday, this year’s “Rail
*Family tickets include 2

SIX Roundhouse’s facilities as part of the

BEongoing
Admission - 10am until 4.30pm adults and 2 children.

Ale” Festival promises to be even more spectac-

LOCOMOTIVES WILL IN STEAM
investment in the site’s infrastructure. 2011 will ular than ever. Over 150 beers, as well as an
see the STANDS,
TRADE completion of the renovationRIDES,
TRAIN of the extensive range of ciders and fruit wines, will be
GOOD FOOD AND MORE . . .
site’s latestINFORMATION
FOR FURTHER addition – a Midland Railway
PLEASE signal on
CONTACT:
offer in addition to live music, steam train
BARROW HILL ROUNDHOUSE RAILWAY CENTRE
box. 2010
Campbell was Barrow
Drive, also another record-breaking
Hill, Chesterfield, year S43 2PR Tel: 01246 472450 www.barrowhill.org
Derbyshire
rides and a wide variety of food stalls.
for events.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September –
Review of 2010 “Model Rail Live” – in association with
The first event of 2010, in May, was the “Rail “Model Rail” Magazine
Ale” beer festival which attracted over 3,500 Returning for a second year after a triumphant
people in two days. September saw the first stag- debut in 2010, this event will feature an even
ing of a new event for the Roundhouse – more extensive range of model layouts encom-
“Model Rail Live” – encompassing all gauges of passing all gauges of models. Standard gauge
models right up to full-size steam and diesel steam and diesel locomotives will also be on
locomotives. More than 5,000 people visited show and hauling passenger trains for visitors. Leander at Barrow Hill Steam Gala
this event. October saw the return of new build

Signpost - page 36 Signpost - page 37

 County Signpost
THE MIDLAND
RAILWAY - BUTTERLEY
Class 3F No.16410 hauls the vintage train through the
country park at the Midland Railway Centre
The Midland Railway Butterley owes its incep-
tion to Derby Museum who in the late 1960s
publicised a plan to endeavour to have a working
museum to the history and development of the
Midland Railway who ever since its formation in
1844 had had its headquarters in the town. The
industrial prosperity and growth of Derby was
principally attributed to the advent and expan-
sion of the railway and even today Derby still
retains its railway importance and probably more
so in the future with other proposed rail indus-
try developments.
Access to the line was secured in the early 1970s
and since that date the railway has grown and a
major museum complex on the site of a former
Signpost - page 38
colliery and waste tip at
Swanwick has been devel-
oped with ancillary facilities
and exhibits set up. The
main museum site at
Swanwick now boasts a
major museum building,
workshops, locomotives and
rolling stock display, Princess
Royal Class Locomotive
Trust’s West Shed, Golden
Valley Light Railway,
Historical Model Railway
Society headquarters, minia-
ture and model railways as
well as public amenities. In
all there are 35 affiliated
groups on the main museum
site at Swanwick.
In supporting the museum
there are regular timetabled
services both steam, and
diesel hauled with many special events held dur-
ing each year for which a special timetable leaflet
is produced containing all the details. The
Midland Railway Butterley is one of the UK’s
heritage railways and yet is more than just a rail-
way and well worth a visit.
Further information is available from the
Midland Railway Butterley, Butterley station,
Ripley., Derbyshire DE5 3QZ or Visitor
Information Line 01773-570140 or by email to
midland.railway@btconnect.com
www.countysignpost.co.uk
THE CHASEWATER
RAILWAY A narrow gauge railway is nearing completion at
Brownhills West, and a model railway is a proven
attraction for youngsters and others not so
young. There are also special events and attrac-
tions throughout the year, including the popular
Gala Days and Santa's regular visits in
December. Mid-week services are run during the
school holidays, and special charter trains can be
arranged for schools and parties and for corpo-
rate events.
The Chasewater Railway offers the family a great
day out, with a return trip in heritage trains of
The Chasewater Railway, a registered charity,
nearly four miles through the attractions of the
operates as the "Colliery Railway" to reflect its
Chasewater Country Park, across the former
origins, and prefers to regard itself as a commu-
Cannock Chase Colliery lines. Setting out from
nity organisation, being managed and run entire-
the Railway's principal station, Brownhills West,
ly by volunteers and supported strongly by local,
the trains calls at Norton Lakeside Halt and
loyal residents. The Railway's value-for-money
Chasewater Heaths Station before arriving at
train fares remain unchanged since 2008 and will
Chasetown (Church Street) Platform.
not be further reviewed until 2012 - four years
without any increase. All tickets offer unlimited
Most trains are hauled by vintage steam locomo-
travel on the day of issue - Adults £3.45,
tives, while a variety of other vintage carriages
Children (under 16) £2.45, Family (2 adults and
and steam and diesel locomotives can be viewed
up to 4 children) £8.45. Membership fees are
in the award-winning Heritage Centre. The fasci-
similarly modest and, again, will remain
nating museum is home to many relics from the
unchanged until 2012. Membership includes free
area, including items from the mining industry
travel on all published public trains.
which the Railway was originally provided to
serve by transporting coal from the local col-
lieries to destinations throughout the land.
Gift and model shops in the main stations offer
everything from small souvenirs to model trains
and quality presents. For refreshments, the
"Shunters Cabin Tea Room" at Brownhills West
(open on days when trains are running), and the
"Station Cafe" at Chasewater Heaths (open 7
days a week), provide an extensive range of
snacks and meals.
Telephone 01543 452 623
www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk
Signpost - page 39
 County Signpost
CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE
The authentic Village scene will transport visi-
tors to a bygone age, with its cobbled streets,
period shops and catering outlets, historic build-
ings and even their very own working pub.
Spend time watching the expert craftsmen lov-
ingly restore our vintage trams in the workshop
gallery and wonder around the tram Exhibition
Hall to soak up the sites and sounds of Britain
as the tram developed over the century. Take
time to walk around the depot to see the world
class tram collection and find a tram from your
city, maybe even one that you have ridden on!
Take a stroll along the woodland walk and con-
servations area to spot the local wildlife in its
natural habitat, or go in search of mythical crea-
tures hiding in the trees on the sculpture trail.
Allow the children to let off steam in the indoor
soft play area or the outdoor adventure play-
ground.
Why not visit for one of the themed events. The
ever popular annual 1940s event held on April
the 24th and 25th and August the 13th and
14th, gives you a taste of war time Britain, with
Anti-blast netting covering windows and trams
ready for war. Receive your ration book and
identity card on arrival and join in the unique
atmosphere with wartime music and street re-
enactments, but watch out for spies! Reduced
entry for anyone in 1940s dress.
Signpost - page 40
Or if you prefer, be exported back to Edwardian
Britain (9th & 10th July) and unique opportuni-
ty to ride on our horse drawn tram and see the
suffragettes storm the streets in protest for the
right for women to vote. See the website for
more details of this event and many others -
including:
•Morris Minor Day
•Classic Motorbike Day
•Beside the Seaside
•1950s Weekend
•Mini Meet
•Emergency Vehicles Day
•Starlight Haloween
•Santa Specials
With unlimited tram rides though the village on
the beautifully restored trams, and breathtaking
views of the Derwent Valley, Crich Tramway
Village offers the perfect day out for people of
all ages.
www.countysignpost.co.uk
£1 million Lottery Grant for
Tramway Learning Centre
Crich Tramway Village, home of the National
Tramway Museum, has been awarded funding
for a £1 million project to create an Exhibition
and Learning Centre (due to open Summer
2011) in a currently disused stone workshop that
once served George Stephenson’s Railway.
Approximately £900,000 of the money will
come from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF),
with the balance coming from the Museum’s
own resources.
Glynn Wilton, Museum Curator said, “The new
Stone Workshop Exhibition and Learning
Centre will not only preserve a unique, histori-
cally important building but it will also create a
visitor hub and exhibition space and provide a
valuable new learning facility.”
Built in 1841, the two-storey building stands in
the heart of the Tramway Museum site. It was
originally used as a smithy and wagon works for
Stephenson’s one-metre gauge mineral railway to
transport limestone from what was then Crich
Cliff Quarry to kilns at Ambergate.
The newly restored building will link to the exist-
ing Workshop Viewing Gallery via an enclosed
walkway to provide a much needed visitor ‘wel-
come’ and exhibition space at the heart of Crich
Tramway Village which will tell the story of the
earliest tramways and link the site at Crich to
George Stephenson and his mineral railway.
Crich Tramway Village is situated near Matlock,
Derbyshire, eight miles from M1 junction 28.
Admission prices for 2011: Adult £12. Senior
£9.50. Child (4-15) £7. (Event admission prices
may vary).
Telephone: 01773 854321
Enquiry@tramway.co.uk
www.tramway.co.uk
Signpost - page 41
 County Signpost
THE GREAT CENTRAL
RAILWAY (NOTTINGHAM)
The Nottingham Transport Heritage
Centre is set within the confines of
Rushcliffe Country Park in the South
of Nottinghamshire just outside the
village of Ruddington.
Home to standard gauge steam &
diesel trains, classic buses, model rail-
way and a superb miniature railway in
the Heritage Centre and an adventure
playground, Wildlife Lake and an
extensive network of footpaths in the
Country Park there are attractions for
all the family.
Steam Trains run regularly every
Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays on the 8
mile round trip to Rushcliffe Halt on the Great
Central main line once used by the express trains
from Nottingham Victoria to London
Marylebone.
Signpost - page 42
County Signpost
Melbourne Hall
Gardens & Visitors Centre
Situated 7 miles south of Derby.
Telephone 01332 862502
www.melbournehall.com
Each month you can also ride the whole 9 mile
length of our line to Loughborough Junction.
Travelling behind a Heritage Diesel Locomotive
you can view the countryside and wildlife of
South Nottinghamshire down to the Soar Valley
in Leicestershire.
The Centre is open from 10:45 until 5:00 from
Easter through to October. With transport
events in May and August, Miniature and Model
Railway events through the season and Santa
Specials in December there is always something
happening to make a visit worthwhile.
The Heritage Centre is signposted off the A60
Nottingham to Loughborough Road in
Ruddington just south of the traffic lights.
Telephone
0115 9405705
www.nthc.co.uk
Signpost - page 43
 County Signpost
BELPER’S PAST GLORIES
CAN STILL BE SEEN
There’s layer upon layer of fascinating heritage
to be discovered in Belper, the ideal place to
spend a day whether you’re based in the Peak
District or Derby City. From a small cluster of
houses around an ancient deer park, to a grow-
ing village of hardworking nail-makers, the town
then flourished in the late 18th and throughout
the 19th century, as the world’s first Mill Town.
It’s the transformation by the pioneering Strutt
family that has ensured Belper now sits at the
heart of the 15 mile long Derwent Valley Mills
World Heritage Site, which stretches along the
river valley from Matlock Bath to Derby. But
there’s so much more to be uncovered when you
visit the town today.
The best place to start is the oldest surviving mill
in Belper, Strutt’s North Mill. It houses an
award-winning independent museum and visitor
information centre.
When William Strutt built the North Mill in
1804, he used cast iron instead of timber for the
internal structure – a major step towards the
modern-day skyscraper!
Signpost - page 44
The Belper mill complex began with the world’s
second water-powered cotton-spinning mill built
by Jedediah Strutt and his sons, following a part-
nership with Richard Arkwright at Cromford.
Nearby, visitors can still see the horseshoe weir
built to create a head of water and mill pond that
is now used for public boating from the
Edwardian River Gardens. Created by George
Herbert Strutt, a descendent of mill pioneer
Jedediah, over a century ago, the gardens are an
attractive setting for Sunday concerts from June
to September, and have just been extensively
renovated. The East and North Mills from Belper’s River Gardens.
The Strutt family provided a complete commu-
nity for their workers. Much of this 18th and
Bakewell’s Old House Museum
19th century development still exists today.
Guided walks at 2pm on the first Sunday of the
month and walk leaflets at other times are avail-
able from the visitor centre in Strutt’s North
Cunningham Place, Bakewell, DE45 1DD
Mill. 01629 813642
Opening times - Open daily from
For more about Belper visit Strutt’s North Mill – 1st April - 5th November - 11am - 4pm
this now also has a touch-screen Tourist
Information Point with ideas and information Group / school visits by appointment.
about visiting the Peak District and Derbyshire.
Contact Anita for further information.
While you are at the mill you can enjoy a guided
tour to learn about the lives of the mill workers,
the development of cotton spinning in Belper
and a Strutt invention which transformed the
hosiery industry. Price freeze for 2011
Adults £3 - Child £1.50 -
Admission is: Adults £3, concession £2.50,
under 5's FREE
Children (7 to 16) £2, family (2 adults with chil-
dren) £8.50. Group rates are available.
bakewellmuseum@googlemail.com
Ring 01773 880474 for more details on how to
have a great day out in Belper!
www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk
www.belpernorthmill.org.uk Signpost - page 45
 County Signpost
BAKEWELL’S
OLD HOUSE MUSEUM
Twice voted Derbyshire Museum of the Year,
the Old House Museum nestles away behind
Bakewell’s historic church and is the town’s best
kept secret.
The building tells the history of the last five
hundred years in its structure and exhibits.
Beginning life as a Tudor tax collector’s house,
the Old House was enlarged in Elizabethan
times to become a residence of the Gell family.
In 1777 Richard Arkwright built Lumford cot-
ton mill nearby and needed housing for his mill
workers. He converted the Old House into six
cottages. Arkwright’s mill was then a major
employer in Bakewell.
Signpost - page 46
The building eventually fell into disrepair and in
the 1950’s was destined for demolition. A local
builder recognised its historic features. He
unearthed the great Tudor fireplace hidden
behind a false wall, stripped plaster off a Tudor
wattle and daub wall and even found a Tudor
cupboard plastered over to create a partition.
The Bakewell and district Historical Society was
formed to save the building and use it as a muse-
um. A rare Tudor toilet was later discovered.
With beamed ceilings and the great fireplace, this
enchanting building now provides an atmos-
pheric setting for a large collection of fascinat-
ing items. There are specialist displays of toys,
costumes, lace, farm tools and wartime relics
with information on local history. In 2011 the
costume display features historic eveningwear.
A new purpose built gallery houses items from
Bakewell’s industrial past. The blacksmith’s
forge, wheelwright and cobbler share this space
with the history of Arkwright’s mill, which was
more recently the DP Battery works.
Part of the great waterwheel from Lumford mill,
is situated in the new courtyard and a sculptural
interpretation stands testament to a proud peri-
od of our engineering history.
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the courtyard
which is ideal for your picnic lunch.
There are also a number of courtyard and house
events throughout the season.
With costumes to try on, a quiz sheet to do and
a dolls house to play with, the Old House
appeals to adults and children of all ages.
Adult groups are welcomed daytime or evening
for guided or behind the scenes tours. A variety
of delicious catering can be booked in advance.
School, youth groups are also welcome for a
guided tour or a costumed, Victorian washday
experience and other National Curriculum
linked activities.
Blue badge holders are welcome to park on the
museum forecourt. The museum has uneven
floors on varying levels, which may prove diffi-
cult to less abled visitors.
Bakewell’s Old House Museum is open from 1st
April (or Good Friday if earlier) until 5th
November. Ticket prices remain at Adults £3,
Child £1.50.
For further information or to book a guided tour
please contact Anita Spencer on 01629 813642
e-mail bakewellmuseum@googlemail.com or
visit the website:www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk
Signpost - page 47
 County Signpost
THE DERWENT VALLEY MILLS
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Stretching 15 miles down the river valley from
Matlock Bath to Derby, the Derwent Valley Mills
World Heritage Site contains a fascinating series
of historic mill complexes, including some of
the world’s first ‘modern’ factories.
In the 18th century, the Derwent Valley saw
these new types of building erected to house
ground-breaking technology for water-powered
manufacturing. To attract and retain a workforce,
the mill owners provided housing and other
facilities such as schools and places of worship,
which resulted in the creation of the first mod-
ern industrial communities.
Signpost - page 48
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Middleton Top
Cycle Hire
Middleton by Wirksworth
Quality bikes at
The fact that the further development of cotton
reasonable prices on
mill technology happened in Lancashire rather
one of Derbyshire’s
than Derbyshire resulted in the Derwent Valley
best trails.
avoiding urbanisation, so the visitor can enjoy
visiting the remarkable early industrial commu-
nities in an unspoilt landscape setting.
Each mill has its own story to tell. Theirs is the
story of pioneering engineers and entrepreneurs
who made Britain a world leader.
The first stages of the factory system were set in
A great way to explore Derbyshire
Tel: 01629 823204
motion when the Lombe brothers set up a silk
mill in Derby in 1721.
Built between 1771 and 1791 Richard
Arkwright’s Mills at Cromford included the
world’s first successful water powered cotton
spinning mill - a true blueprint for factory pro-
duction.
Arkwright’s 1783 showpiece Masson Mills are
the finest surviving and best preserved example
of an Arkwright cotton spinning mill.
William Strutt’s pioneering North Mill of 1804
THE SMARTER WAY TO SHOP
was a prototype skyscraper - one of the earliest
iron-framed buildings in the world. Womenswear
With the heart of the textile industry moving Lingerie
away in the early 19th century, the surrounding
mill settlements are well preserved for posterity. Shoes
The mills, their millponds, weirs and watercours-
es and the mill workers’ cottages (the first indus- Menswear
trial housing estates) in the mill settlements have
a character and charm all of their own. Outdoorwear
www.derwentvalleymills.org OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat 9.30-6.00
Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30-4.30
FIND US AT Chapel Street, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 1AR
T. 01773 882442 www.debradelei.com
Signpost - page 49
THE HIDDEN WINDMILL www.countysignpost.co.uk

Chesterfield Events 2011

E a s t e r M o n d a y M a r k e t a n d T a b l e T o p S a l e – Monday 25 April

M a y D a y R a l l y a n d M a r k e t – Monday 2 May

S p r i n g B a n k H o l i d a y M a r k e t a n d T a b l e T o p S a l e – Monday 30 May

M e d i e v a l M a r k e t – Tuesday 26 July

A u g u s t B a n k H o l i d a y M a r k e t a n d T a b l e T o p S a l e – Monday 29 August

© Heage Windmill C h e s t e r f i e l d D a y o f D a n c e - Saturday 10 September

Tucked neatly into a dip in the surrounding hills, training will be given in all cases and prior
Heage Windmill sits dominantly on the edge of experience is not required. For more details visit C h e s t e r f i e l d W e l l D r e s s i n g – Saturday 10 to Saturday 17 September
a ridge at the lower end of the Peak District, the website or contact Lynn Allen on 01773
almost hidden from sight from those not sharing 715177. C h e s t e r f i e l d M a r k e t F e s t i v a l – Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 October
her secret. Built in 1797, she (windmills are
always ‘she’) was restored in 2002 back to full Traditional flour is regularly milled (providing
working order, aided by significant grants and the wind blows) and is sold at the mill shop and
much hard work on the part of volunteers over at Farmers Markets at Belper and Bakewell.
many years. With a squat stone tower, shining
Visit
Visit Chesterfield
Chesterfield Market
Market
white cap and six sails, turning gently in the
breeze, she is the only working windmill in Throughout the year special events are held
Derbyshire and one of only four working there, such as the well dressing, car and tractor GGeneral
eneral Market
Market
windmills with more than four sails anywhere in rallies etc . (For more information see the web Monday,
Monday, FFriday,
riday, SSaturday,
aturday, 99am
am - 4pm
4pm
the country! site.)

Situated about a couple of miles north east of The windmill is open every Saturday and Sunday FFlea
lea Market
Market
Belper, Heage windmill is run as a charitable from 11-00am to 4 pm from April until the end
venture and is manned and operated by a team of October, and at Bank holidays. Visitors are TThursday,
hursday, 9am
9am - 4pm
4pm
of dedicated volunteers , any surplus income is shown round the mill by guides in period
used to maintain the windmill. A ‘virtual reality’ costume and adequate parking and disabled
display makes the upper floor viewable for those toilet facilities are available. FFarmers’
armers’ M
Market
arket
unable to climb the step stairs. 2nd Thursday,
2nd Thursday, 9am
9am - 4pm
4pm
The formal opening will however be on Easter
The Grade2* windmill at Heage enters its 10th Saturday, 23rd April, at 12-00 and they have been Last Sunday
Last Sunday (exc
(exc Dec),
Dec), 10am
10am - 2pm
2pm
season since restoration in 2002 and is manned, fortunate to obtain the services of Dame Ellen
and operated, entirely by volunteers. It does not McArthur to perform this task, perhaps a case of
receive any external financial support. As the bringing master of the wind to a windmill? Market
Market HHall
all
new season approaches they are looking for a Monday to
Monday to Saturday,
Saturday, 99am
am - 55pm
pm
few new volunteers to join the existing team of Light refreshments are on sale in the mill shop.
dedicated (and friendly) workers. Parties are received by prior arrangement. ((early
early cclosing Wednesday)
losing W ednesday)
There is always something at the mill which can Telephone 01773 853579
be done by anyone, including maintenance, shop www.heagewindmill.co.uk Tel:
Tel: 01246 345777/8 Email: tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk www.visitchesterfield.info
worker, guides and millers and appropriate

Signpost - page 50 Signpost - page 51


CHESTERFIELD
Whatever the time of year,
there is always a reason to visit
Chesterfield!
Crooked Spire Church, Chesterfield
Chesterfield is home to one of the country’s
largest open-air markets. The bustling market
stalls sell everything from shirts to shoes and
from cutlery to carpets. Markets are held every
week on Monday, Friday and Saturday with a
Flea Market every Thursday. There is also a
Farmers’ Market on the second Thursday of
every month and last Sunday of every month
(excluding December). Throughout the year
there are special events centred around the mar-
ket such as the Medieval Market on 26 July and
a Christmas Market in November.
Signpost - page 52
Garden of Light
three day Festival the town is host
to a programme of entertainment
including classical concerts in the
‘Crooked Spire’ Church, perform-
ances at the Winding Wheel and
Pomegranate Theatre, a CAMRA
As well as visiting the market, take a tour up the
Beer Festival in the Market Hall
famous ‘Crooked Spire’ of the Parish Church.
No one is quite sure how and why the 228-foot
and the Garden of Light in
high tower leans 9 feet 5 from its true centre, but
Queen’s Park. The town’s
Victorian Park will be trans-
enjoy the many extraordinary stories that are
formed with a rainbow of lights Enjoy the Chesterfield area on foot from 14 – 22
told on the tour. The Church is open through-
which shimmer and move amongst trees and May, discovering the pretty village of Ashover,
out the year from Monday to Saturday.
plants, dip into the lake and reflect ripples onto exploring the beautiful bluebell woods round
the leaves above. There will also be a pro- Linacre Reservoirs or walking along the
A visit to Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery
gramme of entertainment for all three nights at Chesterfield Canal, followed by a a trip on the
will tell the story of Chesterfield from its begin-
the Garden of Light including a traditional fun John Varley narrow boat. The Festival will offer
nings as a Roman fort to the building of the
fair and firework displays. something for everyone including a trip into
‘Crooked Spire’ Church and it’s growth as a
Chesterfield’s twilight zone on the ‘Tales of
Market town. Admission to the Museum, which
Just 3 miles north of Chesterfield is Revolution Murder and the Macabre’ walk, to the 34-mile
is open Monday to Saturday (closed Wednesday)
House, taking its name from the Revolution of long Chesterfield Round Walk.
10am – 4pm, is free of charge.
1688. It was here that three local nobleman: the
Earl of Devonshire (from nearby Chatsworth), For more information please contact:
One way to find out more about Chesterfield is
the Earl of Danby and Mr John D’Arcy met to
to go on the audio trail, which guides visitors
begin planning their part in events which led to Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre
around Chesterfield and helps them to find out
the overthrow of King James II in favour of Rykneld Square
more about the town’s history. The hour and a
William and Mary of Orange. The ground floor Chesterfield
half trail highlights 30 sites of interest and will
of the cottage has a display of 17th Century S40 1SB
provide all sorts of fascinating information. Did
furniture and upstairs is home to a changing Tel: 01246 345777/8
you know there are 32 tons of lead tiles on the
programme of exhibitions. Email: tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk
Crooked Spire? Why is George Stephenson’s
Website: www.visitchesterfield.info
statue outside Chesterfield Railway Station? This
audio trail will give you the answers to these
questions and many more. Pick up a trail from
Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre.
The ancient Derbyshire tradition of Well
Dressing, the art of decorating springs and wells
with pictures made of growing things, can also
be admired in Chesterfield. This custom origi-
nally took place in Chesterfield as far back as
1868 and you can see this ancient craft being
demonstrated and displayed on 5 - 17
September. The finished dressing can be viewed
at the pump in the Market Place.
The 8th Chesterfield Arts and Market Festival
will be held on 27 - 29 October. During this
Walking Festival
Signpost - page 53
 County Signpost
BAKEWELL FARMERS
MARKET
It was a happy birthday for Bakewell Farmers'
Market on Saturday (24 July) as the multi-award
winning event celebrated its 10th anniversary in
style.
Operated by Derbyshire Dales District
Council, the UK’s second biggest farmers’
market welcomed its half-millionth visitor
since the year 2000 as 4,200 people poured into
Bakewell’s Agricultural Business Centre (ABC).
Amanda Lamb (pictured), presenter of a brand
new primetime TV show, was part of the cele-
brations.
She presented an episode of Street Market
Chefs, a series of ten programmes for FIVE,
from the ABC. Produced in conjunction with
the Food Standards Agency, the programme
celebrates all the best things about fresh, local
produce in markets across the country.
Signpost - page 54
www.countysignpost.co.uk
NATIONAL FOREST
WALKING FESTIVAL
Two local chefs – Simon Bradley and Todd
Carroll - took part in a friendly cook-off using Footsteps in the Forest Walks are led by local enthusiasts keen to show
ingredients available at Bakewell Farmers' visitors around the area, and there really is some-
Market. The Bakewell episode is due to be thing for everyone whatever your interests and
21 May to 1 June 2011 sees the welcome return abilities. Learn fascinating facts about the
broadcast this autumn.
of the National Forest Walking Festival. 59 wildlife, history and heritage of this beautiful
short, medium and long walks across the varied area. And why not enter the photographic
And regular stall holder Angie Cooper, of the
landscape of The National Forest and surround- competition?
Pudding Room near Carsington Water, helped
ing areas make it easy to discover woodlands and
Derbyshire Dales District Council celebrate
reservoirs, canals, beautiful rural landscapes and Request more information by contacting
the big day by baking a special birthday cake.
historic towns and villages. Swadlincote TIC on 01283 222848 or visiting
Only Winchester boasts more stallholders www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk
than Bakewell’s 75, and Derbyshire Dales
District Council Leader Councillor Lewis Rose
OBE said: “Saturday was another big day in a
continuing success story for Bakewell
Farmers’ Market – a monthly event that is bril-
liant for the town, local people and local
traders.”
TV presenter Amanda Lamb congratulates Derbyshire
Signpost - page 55
Footsteps in the Forest: the National Forest
Dales District Council at the 10th anniversary display
Walking Festival © K Mason
 County Signpost

THE NATIONAL FOREST AND

SOUTH DERBYSHIRE

Autumn: UK Festival of Fireworks at Catton Hall

Summer days are perfect for gentle walks and
summer-time strolls through beautiful country
parks, stunning wildlife, swathes of young &
mature woodland, wildflower meadows,
sparkling lakes & bubbling brooks all found in
the rolling rural landscape. With Open Gardens
to explore, the magic of open air concerts and
performances, carnivals, and a host of events &
sports to experience – you will build a wonder-
ful store of memories here.
Autumn brings fiery reds and golds and the wel-
Spring: Bluebells in Calke Park © H Humphreys come crunch of leaves underfoot as you marvel
at nature’s spectacular displays of extravagant
If you are looking for somewhere to visit all year colour all around! Rosliston Forestry Centre and
round, that is bursting with places to visit and Bluebell Arboretum are favourites, while those
bound to find favour with young and old alike
whatever their interests, read on….
grand old oaks in Calke Abbey’s ancient park
have seen around a thousand Autumns and sure
ly could tell many a tale!
Winter is a wonderful time, especially when the
countryside is clothed in a sparkling white coat
of snow and the trees glisten with a glorious del-
icate coating of frost – marvellous! Or seek out
rivers and canals on which ducks waddle
unsteadily over the white slippery ice. This is
also the time of year for festive get-togethers,
Christmas lights sparkling, fireworks exploding
overhead, and New Year resolutions – why not
detox at one of our health spas, or enjoy some
relaxing yet exhilarating walking or cycling in our
fabulous free outdoor gym?!

Spring is the time to blow away those winter

cobwebs. Why not savour a sea of snowdrops
or a blanket of fragrant bluebells carpeting the
floor of woodlands bursting with the green
shoots of new life and colourful blossom – an
unforgettable experience! Search out the new
arrivals, such as lambing time at Calke Abbey or
chicks at Foremark and Staunton Harold reser-
voirs – great for kids of all ages! Late Spring is
also the time to enjoy the National Forest
Walking Festival.
Summer: Elvaston Steam © K Mason

Signpost - page 56 Calke Abbey nestles in the snow © K.Mason Signpost - page 57
 County Signpost
All year round there is so much to see and do
that you will be spoilt for choice whatever the
weather.
The National Forest is an incredible display of
man’s ingenuity in creating fantastic new envi-
ronments and venues in which to enjoy a grow-
ing range of activities and events. Linking the
ancient Forests of Charnwood and Needwood,
almost 8 million trees have been planted in this
‘forest in the making’ and new woodlands con-
tinue to be created. Over 90% of trees are
native broadleaf and are maturing well, blending
in with existing established woodland to create
habitats for wildlife and a landscape for visitors
and locals to relax in and enjoy. More than 400
woodlands have been created and hundreds of
miles of new footpaths and pretty bridleways
opened, making this a special place you will want
to keep coming back to, just to see how much it
has changed and matured!
Why not get to the heart of the Forest by learn-
ing ancient woodland crafts such as pole lathe
turning and willow weaving? Or for budding
Ray Mears, the 3 survival schools show you the
principles of friction fire lighting, preparing wild
food, building shelters and more – these courses
are friendly and fun rather than an endurance
challenge!
You could craft a traditional longbow and then
learn how to shoot it at the award-winning
Swarkestone & the mighty River Trent © C.Beech
Signpost - page 58
Rosliston Forestry Centre – a fantastic experi-
ence… Here too you will find 154 acres of
walks and cycle trails, play areas, laser combat,
craft shops, a restaurant, birds of prey displays,
and the Glade in the Forest outdoor arena
where events are held throughout the year. At
the other end of Rosliston, Beehive Farm
includes peaceful fishing lakes, and a rare breed
animal farm.
New for 2011, the National Forest Cycle
Centre will open in the Spring. This family
focused centre near Moira will have 8 miles of
circular, gentle off-road trails, cycle hire and a
café. Cycle hire is also available at Rosliston
Forestry Centre.
This wonderful area is about much more than
trees. There is a wealth of waterways where you
can participate in a wide range of activities from
sailing and angling to windsurfing and barge
trips. Stunning reservoirs such as Staunton
Harold and Foremark are also important habi-
tats for an increasing number of birds and other
wildlife. Visit the inland canal port of Shardlow
on the Trent and Mersey Canal, one of only two
such remaining ports in England: the Heritage
Centre offers a fascinating insight into the work-
ings of the port. Further west the 585-berth
Mercia Marina at Willington is the UK’s largest
all new canal-based marina.
South Derbyshire is also rich in history. Calke
Abbey gradually slipped from finery to faded
glory as the aristocratic owners became ever
more reclusive and eccentric, the estate planted
to ensure there were no public views of the
house! In 1985 Calke passed to the National
Trust in a very dilapidated condition. Now a
‘must see’, Calke is one of the most unusual
English country houses you will ever visit, pre-
served as an estate in decline. The 600 acres of
beautiful parkland boast an eighteenth century
stable block, Gothic-style church and walled
gardens.
In contrast to hidden Calke, Melbourne knows
all about travel and tourism. Victorian Prime
Minister Viscount Melbourne gave his name to
the Australian city, and famed travel agent
Thomas Cook (the “father of modern tourism”)
was born here in 1808. Explore a beautiful
Georgian town with traditional shops, pubs and
restaurants, discover Melbourne Hall with fab-
ulous formal gardens and a visitor centre in a
picturesque poolside setting, and explore the lav-
ish parish church often described as a ‘miniature
Norman cathedral’. Melbourne Festival is held
each September, attracting internationally
acclaimed artists.
Repton was an historic capital of Mercia and
the site of a fierce battle between Saxons and
marauding Viking invaders, while
Swarkestone’s historic ¾ mile long medieval
causeway, is where in 1745 Bonnie Prince
Charlie turned for home: pipers still ‘invade’ in
December!
The main town of South Derbyshire,
Swadlincote is much more recent, founded on
the coal and clay industries, and famous for salt-
glazed pipes which were exported worldwide.
Cairo, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City all stand
on Swadlincote sewage pipes! Don’t miss
Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, housed in a 19th
century pottery where the first rim-flushing toi-
let was made, which tells the story of the local
Melbourne Hall & Gardens © Louise Galdes
Pottery Industry; exhibitions and events are held
throughout the year. Swadlincote Ski and
Snowboard Centre isn’t just for skiers and
boarders, it also has an exciting alpine Toboggan
run, and you can hire Snow-tubes to hurtle
down the slope on – brilliant fun! And the best
thing is that you can do it all year round!
Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre
Friendly staff are happy to provide further
details of places to visit, local accommodation,
activities and transport, and the many other
attractions and events in the area.
Why not make a weekend of it? There are com-
fortable hotels, friendly guesthouses and cosy
village pubs. If you prefer self-catering, please
ask about cottages and apartments, or try a log
cabin – perfect for a stay in The National Forest!
There is a new Youth Hostel too, or get back to
nature on one of our camping and caravan sites.
A wide range of books, maps and postcards are
on sale to help you make the most of your visit,
as well as gifts and souvenirs to take home as a
momento.
Open six days a week except Bank Holidays, and
closed Sundays, the TIC is located in Sharpe’s
Pottery Museum, Swadlinote. A 24-hour touch
screen kiosk provides information on accommo-
dation, places to visit and events when the TIC
is closed. See our advert on page 43.
Signpost - page 59
 County Signpost
DERWENT VALLEY
HERITAGE WAY
View across Derwent Valley
Discover the beauty, splendour and heritage of
Derbyshire’s River Derwent by following the
Derwent Valley Heritage Way. This is a 55 mile
walk along the Derwent Valley from Ladybower
Reservoir in the Peak District National Park via
Chatsworth. Then on through the Derwent
Valley Mills World Heritage Site down to
Shardlow, where the Derwent flows into the
River Trent.
The way-marked Heritage Way can be enjoyed
either as a long distance walk or as a series of
shorter walks, giving you the opportunity to
explore the valley’s rich heritage and numerous
visitor attractions.
Following the path of the river, there are climbs
and descents as the route follows field and
woodland paths, tracks and some sections of
pavement and road.
There is a wide choice of accommodation in the
area if you choose to stay for a while and take a
walking break and explore the valley from end to
end.
Signpost - page 60
Why not spend some time in Belper and discov-
er Strutt’s North Mill to unwind the story of cot-
ton spinning. Home to the Derwent Valley
Visitor Centre, this gives you the perfect oppor-
tunity to learn more about this UNESCO World
Heritage Site and the valley’s history. The muse-
um is housed in one of the most important
industrial buildings in the world as the ‘fire
proof ’ building which influenced the construc-
tion of skyscrapers.
For more information on the Heritage Way
Strutt’s North Mill at Belper (01773 880474), or
view www.nationalheritagecorridor.org.uk
The Derwent Valley Heritage Way Guide is avail-
able to purchase from Matlock Tourist
Information Centre. Tel: 01629 583388.
River at Belper, Derwent Valley Heritage
Way
www.countysignpost.co.uk
AUTUMN FOOTPRINTS
know on how to make the most of countryside
and will cover basics such as shelter, fire and
food.
Have you ever wondered what the green stuff in
your garden tasted like but were too afraid to
try? Then join this walk, which takes us around
the Country Park where wild food in abundance
will tempt your taste buds.
Email tourism@ambervalley.gov.uk with your
The Amber Valley and name and postal address or telephone 08456 058
058 to request a copy of the programme – avail-
Erewash Walking Festival
able from July 2011.
Set in the picturesque heart of Derbyshire, the
Autumn Footprints Festival offers a great choice Booking line opens Monday 4 July 2011. All
of more than 30 free guided walks over 16 days. tickets for the Autumn Footprints Walking
Festival can be booked through Call Derbyshire
The Walking Festival, which runs from telephone 08456 058 058. Lines are open Mon
September 10th – 25th 2011, is very popular – Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9.15am – 4pm.
with both novice and experienced walkers want-
ing to enjoy the beautiful colours of autumn Visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/avwf for
amid areas known for their natural beauty, further information and additional walks.
superb scenery, industrial heritage and attractive
towns and villages.
Led by knowledgeable local volunteers and staff
keen to show off their patch, the wide variety of
walks explore local heritage, natural history and
wildlife – taking walkers alongside rivers and
canals, as well as through open countryside,
towns and villages.
Learn how to read a compass and OS map on
“Map Reading for Beginners” so that you can
make the most of future walks and avoid getting
lost, or try a gentle introduction to Nordic
Walking to improve your fitness. The Bush craft
Introduction Walk – teaches you all you need to Crich Stand footpath © Michael Fleming
Signpost - page 61
 LEA GARDENS
Lea Gardens nestle in a south-west-facing slope,
on the northern edge of the Amber valley, look-
ing across to one of the 1,000-foot (305m) peaks
of the Pennine chain.
Lea Gardens is a unique collection of highly
acclaimed rhododendrons, azaleas kalmias and
other plants collected from the far corners of
the world.
The Gardens are sited on the remains of a
medieval millstone quarry and cover an area of
approximately 4 acres (1.6ha) on a wooded hill-
side. The excellent rock Garden contain a huge
variety of alpines with acers, dwarf conifers,
heathers and spring bulbs.
Signpost - page 62
H i gh P ea k T r ai l , M id d le to n
Top
Bird life has been encouraged in quiet woodland
walks below the main gardens. This area, plant-
ed with ornamental trees and specie rhododen-
drons, contains many assorted bird-boxes donat-
ed by friends of Lea Gardens. The colours,
scents and natural bird life can best be appreci-
ated on a quiet weekday.
Telephone 01629 534380
www.leagarden.co.uk
www.countysignpost.co.uk
MIDDLETON TOP
Running for 17.5 miles through the southern Pennines;
the High Peak Trail is a delightful way of exploring the
Derbyshire Dales. This traffic-free route is ideal for
walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Starting in the
Derwent Valley just south of Cromford, now part of
a World Heritage Site because of the wealth of its
industrial archaeology, the trail quickly climbs the val-
ley side and within a few miles is on the limestone
plateaux of the “White Peak”. From here on it is flat!
The trail is in fact one of the oldest standard gauge
railways in the world, so old in fact that some of its
features are those of canals. Long inclines were used to
climb up the valley sides instead of flights of locks but
once on the level the line hugged the contours giving
curves that would not be found on later lines. The line
even linked two canals, the Cromford and Peak Forest
and for the first thirty years of its life was part of the
canal system rather than the railway system.
Nowadays you can appreciate the skill and ingenuity of
the men who built the line as you walk along the track
or enjoy your picnic at one of the many picnic sites. At
High Peak Junction you can explore the site and the
original railway workshops using the audio tour. If you
time your visit you may also be able to see in operation
the magnificent Leawood Pumphouse built in the
middle of the 19th century to top up the
canal from the River Derwent. If engineer-
ing is your interest, then you must also visit
the winding engine at Middleton Top. Built
around 1830 this is the last of 9 engines
built to haul wagons up the inclines. This
engine is open on the first weekend of the
month throughout the summer.
Possibly the best way to explore the trail is
on a bike and these can be hired at either
end of the trail at Middleton Top and
Parsley Hay. If you are feeling particularly
energetic from Parsley Hay you can join the
Tissington Trail, another old railway, which
gives you another 13 miles to go at!
Middleton Top Visitor Centre has long been
a Mecca for the recreational cyclist. One of the earliest
cycle hire centres in the country, starts an ideal flat and
safe route for families and children - with new bikes
arriving for the 2010 season - with access to miles of
traffic-free routes through the best scenery the White
Peak has to offer you might have thought it couldn’t
get better, but it has.
The cycle route of the Pennine Bridleway starts at
Middleton and provides a challenging route for the
more adventurous cyclist.
Middleton and the trail is not just about cycling how-
ever, and the trail offers something for everyone with
industrial heritage, beautiful scenery and walks to suit
everyone wither you want a short stroll or a challeng-
ing hike.
Telephone 01629 823204
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Penninebridleway
Signpost - page 63
 SHIPLEY COUNTRY
PARK
building, guided nature and heritage walks,
children’s nature trails, arty activities, map
reading courses and much more. The annual
Autumn Footprints - Amber Valley & Erewash
Walking Festival takes place in September and
includes guided walks and walk related events
throughout the park.

The Shipley estate was developed during the

18th century as a country estate and coal mining
area by the influential Miller Mundy family.
Following the restoration of the old coal mines
and opencast quarries, the area was opened as a
country park in 1976 by Derbyshire County
Council and is now well established as a green
space for all to enjoy. Entry to Shipley Country
Park is free of charge. Parking £1.00.

Open all year.

Slack Lane, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7GX

Tel: 01773 719961 www.derbyshire.gov.uk

Located near to Heanor, Shipley Country Park
offers over 700 acres of attractive landscape
with leafy pathways, tranquil lakes, large wood-
lands and wildlife meadows. You can walk or
ride on 18 miles of footpaths and bridleways
through the park. Whatever the season, there is
always lots to see and do in the park such as bird
watching, angling, walking, cycling, horse-riding,
kite flying, jogging, wayfaring, photography,
picnicking and exploring the park.

Shipley Country Park achieved Green Flag

Award status in July 2008. The Green Flag
Award is the national standard for parks and
green spaces in England and Wales. A wide
range of events take place including bird box

Signpost - page 64