irksworth is an ideal centre for those who want to explore the delights of the Peak District.

• Middleton Top on the High Peak Trail is within (uphill) walking distance. It houses the original standing engine used to haul trucks up from the Cromford Canal. The engine is fired up on several weekends in the summer, as is Leawood Pumphouse, used to raise water from the River Derwent to supply the canal.
• Along the river are found some of the earliest cotton mills in the country which together constitute the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site;
• The High Peak and Tissington Trails along the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway offers easy walking and stunning views. You can cycle all the way to Buxton – bikes for hire at Middleton Top Visitors’ Centre.
• Carsington Water – lots to see and do for people of all ages – sailing, bird-watching, wind-surfing, cycling, walking, as well as an excellent cafe/restaurant and children’s playground. Visitors’ Centre open all year.
• Matlock Bath, which has all the attractions of a seaside town in the middle of England, with something for everyone. The Heights of Abraham cable car, Gulliver’s Theme Park and the Mining Museum make it the place for a fun day out.

Within 40 minutes drive:

• Chatsworth – house, gardens, restaurant, shop, children’s farm and playground, is a must for visitors to this area.
• Haddon Hall, Calke Abbey and Kedlestone Hall (all National Trust) are worth a visit, as are Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle, Peveril Castle and Wingfield Manor (all English Heritage).
• Eyam Hall (NT) is the gateway to the beauties of Dovedale as well as being worthwhile in itself, with an excellent cafe/garden restaurant.
• Ashbourne, Leek, Buxton and Bakewell have much to offer for those who go in for more urban tourism.

Further afield:

• The Blue John Mine at Castleton.
• The cities of Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, or even Manchester are day-trippable by car or public transport.