The Heart of England

The area is famous for its wonderful scenery and country walks. The ultimate in “year round” appeal, the Peak District offers moorland countryside, picturesque villages, grand gardens and magnificent scenery. Britain’s first National Park, today the boundary of the Peak District National Park touches upon six counties and encloses 555 square miles of open moorland, flowing rivers, rolling valleys and wooded dales. It is a perfect destination for walkers and climbers. From a gentle stroll to a full-scale hike, the Peak District has a walk to suit everybody. For a day of history and elegance there is the beautiful Chatsworth House, where Capability Brown designed and landscaped the beautiful gardens in the 1760s. A visit to the lovely spa town of Buxton, home to St Anne’s Well, a public drinking fountain and source of the famous mineral water, is also recommended. 

The Peak District’s many hospitable and picturesque villages such as Ashbourne, Bakewell and Matlock Bath still practice a range of ancient customs and traditions, including the ‘Well Dressings’ festival in the summertime. Below ground, a world of caverns and caves are waiting to be explored by cavers and pot-holers but also by the casual visitor with guided trips around the amazing and quite spectacular caverns and disused marble and stone mines-visit Peak Cavern or Blue John cavern, or join a magical boat tour of Speedwell’s flooded passages.

South Wingfield

The quiet village of South Wingfield is only 1 mile from Crich and 2 miles from Alfreton. It has 2 public houses - The Bluebell and The Old Yew Tree Inn, both only a short step away. Crich has a post office, a general store, a bakers, hairdresser, butcher & chemist as well as the National Tramway Museum. Alfreton is a larger town with banks and a wider selections of shops. 

From The Old Creamery immediate access can be enjoyed to several walks and a wide network of public footpaths across rolling Derbyshire countryside and bluebell woodland. The imposing ruins of Wingfield Manor, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned can be seen from one of these local walks. The drive to Chatsworth House crosses the scenic “White Peak” and is a beautiful open road trip for the motor enthusiast.

Within a 10 mile radius there are many family activities including Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park, The Heights of Abraham and Hall Leys Park, which has many recreational activities such as mini golf, bowls, tennis, a boating lake, a miniature railway and a children’s play area. Matlock and Matlock Bath offer a range of activities such as climbing and canoeing and golf, shooting and horse riding are also available locally. 

For more information the local Tourist Information has lots more ideas.