Top county attractions ready to be unlocked for you to enjoy again
FROM Monday outdoor attractions and tourist destinations throughout Derbyshire will be opening their doors again.
And to get you ready for those first trips out in a while we’ve listed some of the county’s best tourism hotspots and the rules the public needs to be aware of when they reopen.
After months locked down with only parks as the only option for most, suddenly the big day when tourist spots and other outdoor attractions are reopening, albeit on a limited basis, is just around the corner.
From Monday the “rule of six” is back, meaning six or fewer people, from two different households may meet up outdoors provided they observe social distancing rules.
Monday is also the day when the “stay at home” rule is being relaxed, so people can travel further afield, although we are urged to “stay local” wherever possible. As a result, a whole host of places of natural beauty, country parks and walking and cycle trails are available again.
But while the law around groups has changed, most places have their own restrictions to be aware of and most require visitors to book in advance in order to control numbers ahead of an expected influx over the Easter weekend.
We’ve looked at the rules for some of Derbyshire’s most popular spots so you can plan ahead. But sadly the weather is out of our control.
While all of these places will be open from Monday, other tourist spots, such as Crich Tramway Village, the Heights of Abraham, and Matlock Farm Park will be opening slightly later, on Monday April 12, as a further layer of restrictions is lifted.
BOLSOVER CASTLE
A giant of 17th Century architecture built over early medieval ruins, Bolsover Castle attracts visitors from all over Britain.
People come as much for the splendour of the building itself as for the walks around its magical grounds.
And with features such as the Little Castle and the Riding House, the English Heritage site has been constantly kept updated to keep visitors enthralled.
What you need to know: The house will stay closed until after March 29, but the grounds will be open from Monday.
Social distancing will be expected and visitors must book in advance through the English Heritage website.
CHATSWORTH HOUSE
One of Britain’s finest country house estates, Chatsworth’s grand visage stands proudly in unspoilt land between Bakewell and Chesterfield.
The extensive gardens boast a huge array of plant life and waterworks, and are rich with stone sculptures and hidden architectural features.
What you need to know: Chatsworth House will remain closed, however the grounds and gardens are already open to the public.
You must book your ticket for a garden pass in advance, and stick to strict time slots.
PEVERIL CASTLE
Not only is Peveril Castle one of Derbyshire’s most beautiful and rustic visitor attractions, but dating back to 1176, it is also one of the oldest.
As a splendid example of a Norman fort, mentioned in the Domesday Book, the castle also provides for some of the best vistas in the region.
What you need to know: Visitor numbers are restricted so booking is essential, and only the castle grounds will be open to visitors.
CALKE ABBEY
A Baroque mansion dating from the early 1700s, built on a former 12th Century priory, Calke Abbey has a magnetic draw for history buffs and those looking to walk in the grounds
of this unique Derbyshire attraction.
What you need to know: In line with most National Trust sites, Calke Abbey is currently open for visitors to the grounds and gardens, and that will remain the same from Monday.
Visitors must book in advance.
DOVEDALE
An enchanting stretch of waterway through the Dove Valley, rich with stunning trails for walks, bike rides, nature rambles, and a whole host of outdoor activities for families and individuals.
What you need to know: While the public pathways and stretches of land around the valley will be fully open, provided people are in groups of no more than six, visitors should be aware many restrictions will still be in place after March 29 and should research individual location and attractions before they set off.
RENISHAW HALL & GARDENS
The family home of the Sitwells dating back 400 years, Renishaw is famed for its award-winning gardens as much as its unique architectural identity.
In normal times, Renishaw offers tours around the house, as well as the opportunity to stroll around the many features of the estate, which includes garden, lakes, arable land and vineyard.
What you need to know: The Sitwells have brought in various restrictions over lockdown, including closing off access to the house and only allowing visitors to the gardens in limited numbers within set times.
You must book in advance to visit the gardens.
HARDWICK HALL
A jewel of Elizabethan architecture, Hardwick Hall was built in the late 1500s by ‘Bess of Hardwick.’
Hardwick attracts thousands of tourists each year, drawn in by the magnificent 16th architecture of the house itself, or the gardener’s paradise found in the grounds.
What you need to know: The house remains closed save for limited use of the restaurant and toilets.
Visitors can walk around the gardens but must book in advance.
PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
One of Britain’s wildest and most enchanting natural landscapes is right on our doorstep.
And with the ‘stay at home’ rule lifted, people can head to the beloved Peak District for long walks again.
What you need to know: Visits will be permitted for people in groups of six or fewer. Visitors should be aware of restrictions in place in certain areas, and maintain social distancing at all times.
DERWENT RESERVOIRS, UPPER DERWENT VALLEY
When a group of WWII flight experts chose the Derwent Reservoir as the site to test a new secret bomber technique, the legend of the “Dam Busters” was born.
In less bellicose times the Derwent Dam still stands, as does the beautiful Derwent Reservoir.
Thousands come to visit the site, and stunning Ladybower reservoir downstream, each year. .
What you need to know: No bookings are needed to visit the reservoirs or walking trails, but social distancing measures are still in place.
DERBYSHIRE’S 300 PARKS
From the beloved Darley Park, to the Green Flag Award-winning Alvaston Park, the county is rich with beautiful outdoor spaces to visit.
What you need to know: From Monday groups of six or fewer, from two households, will be able to meet up to enjoy these wonderful spaces together once again.