Location
Welcome to Wirksworth
With a thriving arts community, Wirksworth is a magnet for lovers of history and heritage.
Things to do in Wirksworth
With its imposing stone buildings and intricate network of narrow lanes, yards and alleys, Wirksworth is one of Derbyshire's prettiest market towns.
Its fortunes were built on lead mining, quarrying and textiles - introduced by industrial pioneer Sir Richard Arkwright at Haarlem Mill, considered by some to be the mill in George Eliot's novel The Mill on the Floss. Eliot is also thought to have based the fictional town of Snowfield in another novel, Adam Bede, on Wirksworth, and even DH Lawrence lived and wrote here.
Visitors to Wirksworth are spoilt for choice for things to see and do. The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway operates services from Wirksworth to Duffield running through one of Derbyshire’s most lovely and unspoilt valleys. The spectacular Wirksworth StarDisc – a 21st century stone circle star chart – sits high above the town and illuminates the constellations at night. The National Stone Centre and Mount Cook Adventure Centre lie on the edge of Wirksworth, and in the town itself St. Mary’s Church – one of the finest in the county – is well worth a visit.
A new award-winning Heritage Centre tells the fascinating stories of Wirksworth and its people, and regular guided walks around the town also leave from here. Like many of the Peak District and Derbyshire's market towns, Wirksworth is perhaps best explored on foot.
Local traditions include Well Dressing, the ancient ceremony of 'Church Clypping', the annual carnival and well-known Wirksworth Arts Festival each September. This is the time to experience the buzz of street theatre, music, family events and the famous Art & Architectural Trail when more than 150 artists throw open their doors for visitors to browse and buy original and affordable art – also a chance to take a look inside some of the most historical and quirky homes and buildings in Derbyshire!
In recent years, Wirksworth has gained popularity for its unique and quirky annual Wirksworth Wizarding Day, usually held at the end of October, when visitors can enjoy Harry Potter-themed entertainment and activity.
Featured Businesses
Featured
Business
Great British Car Journey
Step back in time at Great British Car Journey, an award-winning interactive attraction in Derbyshire. Explore over 150 iconic British cars, uncover…
Open today: 9:30am - 4:00pm
In The Area
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Featured
Business
Great British Car Journey
Step back in time at Great British Car Journey, an award-winning interactive attraction in Derbyshire. Explore over 150 iconic British cars, uncover…
Business
Hopton Hall Holiday Cottages
Cottages enjoy shared use of facilites including an indoor heated swimming pool. An area of woodland for visitors, paddock with play area and BBQ.
Alport Heights
A popular picnic site and local landmark with extensive views of the Derwent and Ecclesbourne Valleys.
Carsington Water
Carsington Water has everything you need for a great day out - and best of all most facilities are free!
Business
The National Stone Centre
Telling the story of stone; the National Stone Centre (NSC) is a 40 acre site on the edge of the Peak District featuring 330 million year old…
Business
Weathericks and Bradstone
Two charming 5-star cottages set in beautiful countryside with spectacular views over Carsington Water on the edge of the Peak District National…
Black Rocks
This popular walking and climbing area has attractive circuit walks through adjoining woods, provided in cooperation with the Forestry Commission.
Business
Stainsborough Hall
Stainsborough Hall and its five independent holiday cottages provides a beautiful base for an idyllic, pet-friendly, country getaway for the whole…
Business
St Mary's Church, Wirksworth
St. Mary’s is the parish church for Wirksworth, a market town of about 5000 people.
Business
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is a 9 mile heritage railway running both steam and diesel hauled trains.
Business
Teamplay Outdoor Activities
We offer outdoor activities in a natural woodland setting in the heart of Derbyshire for family days out, stag & hen parties, birthday parties and…
Our Great Itineraries
Day trip from Sheffield: Explore Matlock Bath,…
Discover some of Derbyshire's most popular towns and villages by bus.
Find your Centre with the ultimate wellness break
At the centre of wellness, culture and the great outdoors, this 2-day itinerary provides a taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire for those who…
Walk The White Peak Loop in 4 days
A long distance walking challenge of just over 42 miles that runs through the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire & the Peak District.
Experiences in Wirksworth
Experiences
Guided Tour of a Lead Mine with Lithosphere…
Guided underground tours of historic Peak District lead mines near Matlock and Bakewell, combining mining history with geology. From £55 per person.
Prices from £40
Experiences
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Dining Experiences
Indulge in a lavish dining experience on board the Derbyshire Countryman Steam Trail
Experiences
Navigation Training with Lithosphere Expeditions
Map and compass navigation courses in the Peak District hills, taught by a qualified Mountain Leader. NNAS-accredited, all abilities welcome. From…
Prices from £40
Events in Wirksworth
Events
ArtStand Autumn Art Fair
Our popular annual fair, with the brilliant selection of artists you’ve come to expect!
Events
Tramlight at the National Tramway Museum
The Tramway Village turns magical by Tramlight as the darkness falls and you can take tram rides in the dark
Trails nearby
Trail
Matlock Cycle Routes - Stanton Moor circular
Testing climbs and superb views over the Wye Valley.
Beauty Spots nearby
Day trip from Sheffield: Explore Matlock Bath,…
Discover some of Derbyshire's most popular towns and villages by bus.
Cycle The White Peak Loop in 2 days
A long distance cycling challenge of just over 42 miles that runs through the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire & the Peak District.
Walk The White Peak Loop in 4 days
A long distance walking challenge of just over 42 miles that runs through the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire & the Peak District.
Find your Centre with the ultimate wellness break
At the centre of wellness, culture and the great outdoors, this 2-day itinerary provides a taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire for those who…
Villages nearby
Carsington
A peaceful little limestone village, which gave its name to the nearby Carsington Water.
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