Wirksworth Heritage Centre

Crown Yard
Market Place
Wirksworth
Derbyshire
DE4 4ET


The Story of Wirksworth encompasses the history of the town from prehistoric times to the modern day. The prosperity of the town was built on leadmining which declined in the nineteenth century. Quarrying and the manufacture of tape then became the principal occupations which have only recently died out.

The Heritage and Visitor Centre shows through numerous exhibits and hands on experiences how the town and the surrounding area has grown over the last two thousand years. Come and spend some time re-living the experiences and cstoms of this quaint little town.

Discover the author George Eliot's connection with Wirksworth, one of the settings for her novel, Adam Bede.

Find out why the mills in Wirksworth manufactured miles and miles of red tape.

See the living conditions of the quarryman and listen to his story.

Lead Mining was the principal occupation in the area for over a thousand years. See how the lead ore was extracted from the bowels of the earth and the tools that were use.

If you squeeze into Dream Cave, you can experience the conditions of the mine and meet the long extinct Wooly Rhinocerous.

Enjoy the latest exhibition honouring Ellen MacArthur, a local lass. See how she became the leading yachts-woman in the world.

We have opened a Gallery on the ground floor to enable local artists, sculptors, potters, photogrphers and historians to show their work in temporary exhibitions.

At the end of your visit, do not forget to browse in our Shop to buy local books, souvenirs, cards, pottery, postcards, etc.

 

Opening Times
(2007 times)
Easter to end September:
Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm. Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30am - 4.30pm.

In addition open October Half Term.

Admission Charges
(2007 prices)
Adult £3.00; Senior Citizen £2.00; Child £1.00.

Discounts for pre-booked groups of 20 or more.

Directions
On the B5023. Matlock 5 miles, Ashbourne 9 miles, Bakewell 13 miles and Derby 14 miles.
Show map of Wirksworth Heritage Centre...

Nearby Attractions
National Stone Centre (1 Mile)*
Admission to our dramatic fifty acre site, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, revealing a fossil tropical seascape 330 million years old, is free.
Gullivers Kingdom Matlock Bath (2 Miles)*
From the moment you enter Gulliver's you enter another world where your imagination can roam free. Gulliver's Matlock Bath is nestled in a stunning hillside location where much of the magic comes from the amazing scenery and views.
Heights of Abraham Cable Cars Caverns and Country Park (3 Miles)*
The Heights of Abraham is a unique Hilltop Park set on top of a dramatic limestone gorge, amid great natural Beauty. Access is via a Cable Car ride from the valley floor.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
New Bath Hotel (3 Miles)*
The New Bath Hotel, a Brook Hotel, is a Regency styled hotel which was built in 1802 and is set in 5 acres of grounds, overlooking the breathtaking Derwent Gorge.
Makeney Hall Hotel (6 Miles)*
Set in 6 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and provides breathtaking views across the Amber Valley.
Quality Hotel Ashbourne (8 Miles)*
For sheer beauty and spectacle you would have to go a long way to better the Derbyshire Dales, and the Quality Hotel Ashbourne. All bedrooms are individually styled and comfortable.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Marmadukes Holiday Cottage (< 1 Mile)*
Welcome to The Coach House by Marmadukes, the short break specialists. Originally built for the 18th Century Industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, the Coach House is today a stunning self catering property.
Roystone Grange (6 Miles)*
Set in a peaceful valley in the Peak District National Park, the Old Farmhouse dating from the 18th Century is listed and is full of character.
Cotterill Farm Cottages (9 Miles)*
Five award winning stone cottages on our non-working farm, in a glorious location over looking dales and rolling countryside in the heart of the White Peak area of the Peak District.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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