Wirksworth

Travelling to Wirksworth is easy from most directions. There are regular bus services to and from Bakewell, Matlock, Derby, Ashbourne and Sheffield Meadowhall. The town is 11 miles north of Derby, and 4 miles south of Matlock and is located on the B5023 between Duffield and Cromford.

Wirksworth is a small town and as such, it is easy to get around. However, Bolehill and The Haarlem Mill areas are both around 1.5 miles from the town center and it is advisable to get the 6.1 bus to either destination if you are old or less able to walk. Central Wirksworth is completely walkable, though quite steep in some places.

There are several attractions around the town, including St. Mary's Church, Puzzle Gardens - a group of small alleyways and jitties in north-west central Wirksworth - the restored Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, the Star Disc star-gazing site, and a Heritage Centre near the Market Place.

• Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

  phone: +44 1629 823076
  address: Coldwell Street, DE4 4FB
  Operates from Wirksworth station in the east of the town. Trains run to and from Duffield, near Derby, where they connect with main-line services, and there is a half-mile northern extension to Ravenstor and a public footpath to the National Stone Centre.

• National Stone Centre

  phone: +44 1629 824833
  address: Porter Lane
  an exhibition and study centre in a disused quarry (part of which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest) where you can learn about the different types of rocks and fossils.

• Derbyshire Eco Centre

  phone: +44 1629 533038
  the county hub for courses and activities focusing on education for sustainable development. The Peak tors include a number of archeological sites.

• Wirksworth Heritage Centre

  phone: +44 1629 825225
  address: 31 St John's St
  Local history museum, with cafe, gallery and gift shop.

• Star Disc

  address: Green Hill
  A 21st-century stone circle and celestial amphitheatre created by Aidan Shingler. It spans 12 metres (40 ft). Carved into black granite is a star chart that mirrors the northern hemisphere’s night sky. It is free to visit and open to anyone and everyone, 24hrs a day, all year round. See website for special events. Email via website contact page.

• Carsington WaterReservoir, activities include: walking, cycling, fly fishing, birdwatching, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. In addition to water sports and a sailing club, there are walking and cycle routes around the reservoir. Cycle hire is available and you can also get refreshments there.

• The Northern Light Cinema

  phone: +44 1629 337513 (box office)
  address: North End, DE4 4FG
  Small independent cinema in converted former electrical showroom - "charming, quaint, quirky, friendly, sometimes challenging but always good fun."

Events

• • Wirksworth Book Festivaltakes place across the first two weeks in April each year. A celebration of books and reading, showcasing local writers and venues throughout the town.

  
  

• Wirksworth Outdoors

  phone: +44 1629 826286
  address: 21 St John St, DE4 4DR
  Wirksworth Outdoors is an independent shop selling outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment. Stocks maps and all types of gear associated with hiking, cycling, running and camping.

• Traid Links

  phone: +44 1629 824393
  address: 20 Market Place, DE4 4ET
  A member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers, selling a range of fair trade food, chocolate, snacks, jewellery, crafts & gifts.

• Le Mistral Restaurant

  phone: +44 1629 824840
  address: 23 Market Place

• Royal Oak

  address: 14 North End

Wirksworth also has a range of campsites, hotels, youth hostels, and bed and breakfasts.

• The Old Lock Up

  phone: +44 1629 826272
  address: 46 North End

• The Old Manor House

  phone: +44 1629 822502
  address: Coldwell Street

• Hoegrange

  phone: +44 1629 540262
  address: Hoe Grange, Brassington

Cromford
Matlock and Matlock Bath
Belper
Ashbourne
Bakewell

Wirksworth is located in one of the safest districts in the country. As with all towns, take reasonable precautions at night, especially around the dark alleyways surrounding the town centre.