The Heights of Abraham

Towering above the pretty village of Matlock Bath, in the Derwent Valley, is The Heights of Abraham, one of Britain’s top visitor attractions. The estate has been welcoming tourists for over two centuries, but it wasn’t until 1984 when an ambitious plan to install a cable car transport system was realized, that visitors could literally take off to The Heights.

Today it’s the award-winning 60-acre estate and the facilities at the summit that makes a trip to the Heights a “must-see” for anyone touring Derbyshire. Awarded “Gold” for its visitor experience and customer care by Visit England earlier this year, the Heights offers a wonderful vantage point, inspirational scenery, underground tours through illuminated show caverns, galleries, exhibitions and, high above the valley in the Visitor Centre, a unique dining experience at the Vista Restaurant and Bar.

A short distance away and nestled into the hillside is the Woodland Adventure play area. Further along the zig-zag path is the Victoria Prospect Tower and by following paths down the hill through the forest garden, is the entrance to the Great Rutland Cavern. Picnic spots are dotted around the grounds providing more scope to explore the estate or simply to relax in natural surroundings.

Admission to all the attractions is free once you have purchased your cable car tickets from the riverside Cable Car station.