Heights of Abraham
Type:Cave/Cavern Attraction
Matlock Bath
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3NT
About
A unique and special day out. The Heights of Abraham 60 acre woodland estate was first opened to the public in 1787 as a "savage garden" constructed around Masson Hill overlooking the pretty town of Matlock Bath. The cable cars were added in 1984 to bring visitors across the Derwent valley and up to the Hilltop park.
Originally a lead mining site, in the late 1700's as the mining industry became less economical, the miners became cavern guides, and a whole visitor attraction was built around these popular tours. Cavern tours will not be operating during the Outdoor Opening Period. All facilities and acess to the estate are included in your cable car ticket price.
A new self-guided audio tour is available, taking visitors across the Estate to learn more of the 230-year history of this fascinating place by downloading narrations via a mobile phone. (Free wifi is available throughout the site).
Exhibitions will be closed during the Outdoor Opening Period. A small presentation theatre presents a film of the Masson Cavern tour for those who would rather not venture underground. The theatre also screens a short film about the installation of the cable cars. Other facilities include a photography gallery, an exhibition about fossils found in the local area, the Long View Exhibition which explains the evolution of the Heights of Abraham estate over the centuries, and the Victoria Prospect Tower, a look out tower built by the lead miners in the early 19th century.
There are playgrounds and picnic areas for family visitors as well as a Terrace café with undercover and outdoor seating. A licensed bar is located in the Vista Restaurant selling a wide range of wines, beers and spirits as well as local flavoured gins. The Rutland Tavern also sells local beers and ciders, and has a small beer garden. The Vista restaurant is a popular dining area, with table service and a menu of local and traditional dishes. Seating is available outside, inside and on covered terraces overlooking the Derwent Valley. Advanced booking is currently required for the restaurant. Go to the “Dine at the Heights” page for more information.
Live entertainment is presented on selected dates throughout the season. See the website "What's On" pages for the latest information.
ADVANCED ONLINE BOOKING IS CURRENTLY ESSENTIAL via the website www.heightsofabraham.com
Open daily from the 12th of April 2021.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Advanced booking is essential due to limited daily capacity. Book your tickets online at www.heightsofabraham.com.
Ticket Prices for the Outdoor Opening Period have been reduced to reflect the closure of the indoor facilities and caverns.
Adults £14
Children (5 to 15 years) £10
Great value Annual Passes are also available to purchase on the website.
Awards
- Visit England
VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018
- Visit England
VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2019
- Visit Britain
We're Good to Go 2021
- Trip Advisor Awards
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2020
- Visit England
VAQAS Gold 2019
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired
- Facilities for visually impaired
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
- Credit cards accepted (with charge)
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
COVID-19 Response
- 1m distancing in place
- Advance booking essential
- Capacity limit
- Clear signage
- Contactless payment possible
- COVID-19 measures in place
- COVID-19 refund and cancellation policy in place
- COVID-19 risk assessment completed
- COVID-19 staff training completed
- Deep cleaning between visitors
- Eat Out to Help Out
- Face mask essential (not provided)
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Floors clearly marked for social distancing
- Food available during COVID-19 restrictions
- Hand sanitizer available to visitors & staff
- One way system
- Online booking only
- Outside seating
- Queuing system
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Socially distanced spaced seating
- Staff required to regularly wash hands
- Virtual menus
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Languages
- French signs/guides - Please ask at ticket office
- German signs/guides - Please ask at ticket office
- Italian signs/guides - Please ask at ticket office
- Spanish signs/guides - Please ask at ticket office
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for conferencing
Parking
- Parking with charge - Pay and display car park in the village.
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- WiFi or internet access
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
* The Heights of Abraham will be open daily from the 12th of April for a special Outdoor Opening Period.
TripAdvisor

- Travelers Choice 2020
- Excellent1915
- Very Good1323
- Average314
- Poor60
- Terrible23
Recent Reviews:
- Pamela WTrip Type:FamilyVery well organised with regard to Covid 19 restrictionsSaturday, 17th April 2021We visited the Heights of Abraham yesterday. I pre booked on line (early booking is recommended as there were 96 places available when I booked but by the time the transaction was completed there... Read full review
- joe362016Derby, United KingdomEnjoyable day out for us allSunday, 18th April 2021Visited yesterday and was slightly nervous beforehand at the thought of being in a crowd again. However I needn't have worried. It was superbly organised, chair lift spray disinfected. Plenty of... Read full review
- GeorginaGoughSpennymoor, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyBig slides!Thursday, 22nd April 2021We weren't sure what to expect at this place, but we had a great time. The cable cars were a novelty for us and the kids, and then the views at the other side are absolutely stunning. The play areas... Read full review
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Heights of Abraham is located in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales in the village of Matlock Bath. Travelling by car it is situated on the A6, 18 miles north of Derby. It is signposted from M1 junction 28 and A6 approach roads. There are frequent rail services from Nottingham, Derby to Matlock Bath. The cable car is a 3 minute walk from the Station. Bus services are frequent to Matlock Bath.
Public Transport Directions
By Train
We are just a short walk (around 400m) from Matlock Bath station. There are hourly Monday to Saturday train services to Matlock Bath from Derby, Long Eaton, Beeston and Nottingham. On Sundays direct trains operate from Nottingham Beeston, Long Eaton and Derby every two hours.
By Bus
There are frequent bus services to Matlock Bath from all the major surrounding towns and cities. Both services stop very close to our cable car Base Station.
The Transpeak High Peak Buses service running hourly between Derby and Manchester stopping right outside our entrance! Show your Transpeak ticket for a brilliant 20% off our Cable Car! Terms: Present your valid Ticket(s) for the day of your visit or Transpeak travel pass. Offer is valid for full paying Adult, Child and Senior. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
The Sixes 6.1 Trent Barton service running between Derby and Bakewell Use a Zigzag or Mango & SAVE 20%. Terms: Present your valid Zigzag Ticket(s) for the day of your visit or Mango card. Offer is valid for full paying Adult, Child and Senior. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Yourbus 110,111,140 & 141 service running from Matlock, Alfreton, Ripley and Ashbourne. Save 20% with bus ticket or Genie card. Terms: Present your valid Ticket(s) or Genie Card. Offer is valid for full paying Adult, Child and Senior. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
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- The Heights of Abraham