The Ladybower, Howden and Derwent reservoirs dominate the upper Derwent valley in The Peak District National Park. The upper two dams are The Howden and The Derwent and these were constructed in a gothic style and were both finished in 1916. Initially The Derwent Dam and The Howden Dam do look the same, although there are some differences.

The Derwent reservoir was used by the RAF’s Dambusters 617 Squadron to practice their low level flying techniques during 1943, in preparation for delivering Barnes Wallis’ famous bouncing bombs to German dams. The 617 Squadron Dambusters Memorial is located just inside the gatehouse to the Western Tower of The Derwent Dam.

There is a lot of recreational activities available near the Howden and Derwent dams including cycle hire, plenty of footpaths and bridleways, fishing, and walking.The Fairholmes Visitors Centre located very near to The Derwent Dam has information, refreshments and cycle hire. Open all year to the public this area attracts over 2 million visitors a year.

For more information on a cycle route – Ladybower Cycle Circuit – Upper Derwent Valley

Overlooked by Mam Tor and the Norman keep of Peveril Castle, Castleton is a Peak District gem packed with exciting and interesting tourist attractions. There is Peveril Castle itself, the numerous show caverns and a Blue John stone museum, all surrounded by some of the best walking in the country, and with plenty of excellent accommodation as well as shops, cafes and pubs.

Haddon Hall is a fortified medieval manor house dating from the 12 th Century, and is the home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners whose family have owned it since 1567.

Described by Simon Jenkins in 1000 Best houses as “the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages”, this remarkable old house is surrounded by terraced Elizabethan gardens and is set amongst the rolling countryside of the Peak District National Park.

Haddon has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years and its beauty and atmosphere never fails to enchant.

The house is open to visitors from April to October, with a number of special events being staged throughout the season.

Chatsworth House and Gardens in the Derbyshire set in the scenic surrounding of the Peak District.

Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the river Derwent. Home of the Cavendish family since the 1550s, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations.

Chatsworth House has over 30 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, to the family-used chapel, regal State Rooms and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. Chatsworth also houses the Devonshire Collection, one of Europe’s most significant art collections, which is continually added to, encompassing Old Masters to contemporary ceramics and artefacts from Ancient Egypt to cutting edge modern sculpture.

Each year Chatsworth hosts a number of special events including the Horse Trials, Country Fair and Christmas market; and from November the lower floors of the house are transformed for the annual Christmas displays. In addition to the busy events programme, each year Chatsworth also hosts a number of special exhibitions included with admission. In addition to the headline exhibition, every autumn the Chatsworth Garden hosts Sotheby’s Beyond Limits sculpture exhibition, as well as a rolling programme of showcasing Old Master Drawings which continues through the year.

Explore Chatsworth’s 105 acres of stunning gardens, miles of footpaths, extravagant water features, outdoor art exhibitions, surprises at every turn, rose, cottage, sensory and kitchen gardens, and magnificent views of the park.

From hikes across high moorlands and vast gritstone ridges to gentle strolls through historic mill towns and stately homes, the Peak District offers walks for every mood and level of ability…

There are many walks from the door – The Great Ridge Walk, Win Hill, Lose Hill, The Derwent Dams and many more. Many suggested walks can be found in the information books inside our cottages and hut.