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
Boasting a collection of 130+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
Open today: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Featured
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.
Open today: 10:00am - 5:00pm
In The Area
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Featured
Business
Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 130+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
Featured
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.
Business
Black Rocks
This popular walking and climbing area has attractive circuit walks through adjoining woods, provided in cooperation with the Forestry Commission.
Business
Mount Cook Adventure Centre
A not-for-profit activity centre on the edge of the Peak District
Business
Middleton Top Cycle Hire – High Peak Trail
Discover the wonderful High Peak Trail with excellent cycle hire from Middleton Top Visitor Centre
Business
The Old Lock-Up
Unusual and quirky historical and unique guest accomodation. Perfect for a romantic break or for business people wanting to stay somewhere distinctly…
Business
The Farm
Offering totally unique and exclusive self catering accommodation in the stunning Derbyshire Dales, there are four superb separate dwellings set in…
Business
Wirksworth Heritage Centre
A fascinating Derbyshire town on the southern edge of the Peak District, where the geology and landscape have shaped its character and its people for…
Business
Activities at High Peak Trail & Middleton Top…
Discover the fascinating heritage of one of the world's first long-distance railways.
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…
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Carsington Water
Carsington Water has everything you need for a great day out - and best of all most facilities are free!
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Carsington Sports and Leisure Activity Centre
Watersports activities on one of the UK's largest reservoirs, including kayaking and windsurfing.
Our Great Itineraries
Day trip from Sheffield: Explore Matlock Bath,…
Discover some of Derbyshire's most popular towns and villages by bus.
Events in Wirksworth
Events
Songs from turbulent times – with Musicke in the…
A concert of early English and Spanish songs sung to lute, vihuela and baroque guitar, from the period of the Tudors and Stuarts
Events
Bolehill & Steeple Grange Open Gardens
An opportunity to visit some beautiful gardens hidden behind high walls in the village of Bolehill and Steeple Grange, and to admire the views…
Events
Fundraiser Fete at Mount Cook
Join us for our annual fundraiser for the The Helping Hand of Ukraine. 11th June
Trails nearby
The Peak District GeoWalk
The GeoWalk is a must for rock enthusiasts guiding you through the stunning Peak District landscape and rock formations.
High Tor, Giddy Edge and Lovers Walk
A linear walk with superb cliff-top views, from Matlock to Matlock Bath via High Tor.
A Stroll along Cromford Canal
A walk along the old canal tow path on the five mile stretch through the Derwent Valley between Ambergate and Cromford passing through the village of…
Matlock Bath to High Tor and Riber Walk
This walk is a lovely 3 mile circular walk via High Tor, Riber and Starkholmes.
Beauty Spots nearby
Day trip from Sheffield: Explore Matlock Bath,…
Discover some of Derbyshire's most popular towns and villages by bus.
Offers
Special Offer
Stay at Sycamore Farm Barns from £350 for 2 nights
Orchard End Cottage is a cosy rural retreat on an eco-friendly rewilding former farm. with beautiful gardens, fields, and walking all around.
Villages nearby
Carsington
A peaceful little limestone village, which gave its name to the nearby Carsington Water.
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