Whether you are a recent history graduate, or just someone who is absolutely obsessed with history and antiquity, this is the right place for you. There is such a wealth of interesting historic houses and museums to visit in the area. We have compiled a list of just a few of our favorite historic houses and museums. We tried to add some variety to the mix, but of course, any good guide will provide you with all the places we have left out!
Croxall Road, Alrewas, DE13 7AR
The National Memorial Arboretum provides a living and lasting focus for Remembrance for those who have lost their lives or suffered in the service of their country. There are 150 acres of wooded parkland and a new memorial to the 16,000 members of the forces who have lost their lives since the Second World War. The memorial was opened by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in November 2007
‘The greatest private palace in England’ (The Independent), a visit here could last more than one day. It has a fabulous house, gardens, grounds, farmyard and the renowned farm shop all are open to visitors. The house has over 30 rooms open to the public and the garden has over 100 acres including the famous water features. Plus don’t forget the Farmyard and Adventure Playground for the smaller ones. Lovely shops and Cafes, and Restaurants.
Discover the splendor of Hardwick Hall, a magnificent house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1590s to showcase her immense wealth from four marriages. Owned by the National Trust, this stunning estate offers a fantastic day out and can be combined with a visit to the nearby Hardwick Old Hall.
Cheddleton Flint Mill originates from the 18th century and uses two working watermills for grinding flint. South Mill was modified in the 19th century and now contains displays describing its relation to the pottery industry.
Bakewell, DE45 1LA (on the A6 between Rowsley and Bakewell)
A wonderful old house, used regularly in the filming of period dramas and films. It has been on the same site since the Domesday Book. One of the very few houses with intact Tudor and Elizabethan interior decor, it really is a step back in time (one of the reasons so many of those films are produced here!). For garden lovers, the walled grounds have been designed by a Chelsea Gold Medalist designer, Arne Maynard.
The Etruria Industrial Museum in Stoke-on-Trent centres around Jesse Shirley’s Bone and Flint Mill, the world’s only operational steam-powered potter’s mill. Highlights include the 1820s “Princess” beam engine, exhibits on bone and flint grinding for pottery, and special steam weekends. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the industrial processes that made Stoke-on-Trent a ceramics hub.
Award-winning preserved Victorian pottery factory complete with bottle ovens. Explore a maze of passageways and workshops. Skilled pottery demonstrations daily. Opportunity to throw a pot, make china flowers and decorate pottery to take home. Also, Flushed with Pride – the story of the toilet, tile gallery and 1890s doctor’s surgery.
Quarry Bank Mill is a historic cotton mill in Wilmslow where you can see original machinery in action. Visit the Apprentice House to learn about the lives and treatments of child workers, explore the working steam and water-powered mills, and buy cotton still produced on-site. It’s a fascinating glimpse into our industrial past.
Lyme Park is a beautiful National Trust property located in Disley, Cheshire, which is renowned for its stunning architecture, expansive gardens, and historical significance. It gained particular fame as a filming location for the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” in which the iconic scene of Mr. Darcy (played by Colin Firth) emerging from a lake was filmed. The estate offers visitors a chance to explore its grand house, picturesque parkland, and delightful gardens, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and fans of classic literature.
Crich, Matlock
Take a trip on a tram, visit the museum or the adventure playground for the children. Even on a wet day there is plenty to see
Mill Lane, Cromford, Derwent Valley, DE4 3RQ
Another industrial museum, site of the worlds first water pweres cotton spinning mill, part of the Derwent Valley Mills – aWorld Heritage Site. There are a number of industrial heritage attractions in this area including;
Masson Mills DE4 3PY – the finest surviving example of an Arkwright cotton spinning mill.
Cromford – the village built for for mill workers in 1776
Willersley Castle DE4 5JH – Sir Richard Arkwright’s home
Cromford Mills DE4 3RQ – The birthplace of the factory system
Leawood Pumphouse, Cromford – Steam pumping engine, lifting 4 tonnes of water in each stroke
John Smedley Mill and Factory Shop DE4 5AG – still operational and making luxury knitwear
Strutt’s North Mill DE56 1YD – Follow cotton manufacture from plant to thread
Derby Musuem and Gallery, DE1 1BS – A wide variety of exhibits
Terrace Road, Buxton, SK17 6DA
The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BS
Cunningham Place, North Church Street, Bakewell, DE45 1DD
Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, S80 3LH
A bit of a drive from any of our Party Hosues, but if you are interested in prehistoric times and dinasours it could be worth the trip!
Beacon Street, Lichfield
This is a grade 1 listed house and a museum dedicated to Erasmus Darwin. He was not only the grandfather of Charles Darwin, but also a famous physician and founder of of the Lunar Society, a talented scientist and a poet! It is also situated close to Lichfield Cathedral and the other buildings in this historic small city centre
Breadmaker Street, Lichfield
Another reason to visit Lichfield! Dr Johnson literary achievements can be rediscovered as well as the 5 floors of Georgian house to explore.
off Campbell Drive, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, S43 2PR
This was built as a maintenence centre for steam trains in 1870. There are lots of trains to view here but also see how train engines can be turned around on a traditional circular turn table
Ticknell Near Melbourne, DE73 1LE
A fascinating National Trust property that has been left as it was found – full of treasures.
Discover a unique day out at the National Stone Centre, located on Porter Lane in Wirksworth, DE4 4LS. Explore the fascinating world of stone and its crucial role in heritage. Set within a dramatic 50-acre geological site, the centre offers engaging trails for children and informative insights into the importance of stone throughout history.
The Pavilion, Matlock Bath, DE4 3NR
Explore the world of mining in previous generations of Peak District miners
Chesterfield Road, Nether Heage
