Carsington

A peaceful little limestone village, just 2.5 miles from Wirksworth and 7 miles from Ashbourne, which has given its name to the nearby reservoir at Carsington Water.

Adjoining scenic nearby Hopton, Carsington was once a centre for lead mining and stayed virtually unchanged for centuries.

The Gell family built Hopton Hall, which hides behind the "crinkle crankle wall", and also the old almshouses. Things changed in 1992 with the opening of the nearby reservoir and new road around the village.

Things to do in Carsington:

• Hopton Hall opens its gardens to the public in February for a spectacular show of snowdrops and has open days for charity in the summer.
• In Carsington village, The Miners Arms is a fine 16th century inn. Nearby Carsington Pastures is a site of archaeological interest.
• At Carsington Water there is a visitor centre with shops, restaurant and adventure playground. There are good waterside footpaths around the reservoir and the area is excellent for wildlife and bird watching. Water sports are available at the centre.