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 150+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
Open today: 9:30am - 4:00pm
In The Area
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Featured
Business
Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 150+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
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
Mount Cook Adventure Centre
A not-for-profit activity centre on the edge of the Peak District
Alport Heights
A popular picnic site and local landmark with extensive views of the Derwent and Ecclesbourne Valleys.
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 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
Middleton Top Cycle Hire – High Peak Trail
Discover the wonderful High Peak Trail with excellent cycle hire from Middleton Top Visitor Centre
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
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.
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.
Experiences in Wirksworth
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Dining Experiences
Indulge in a lavish dining experience on board the Derbyshire Countryman Steam Trail
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Footplate Experiences
We have an exciting range of steam and diesel footplate experiences, with a range to suit all budgets.
Events in Wirksworth
Events
Discover Time at Crich Tramway Village
12 days of fun and fascinating school holiday activities for families.
Events
Tramlight at Crich Tramway Village
The Tramway Village turns magical by Tramlight as the darkness falls and you can take tram rides in the dark
Trails nearby
Walks from train stations Cromford to Matlock
Discover the Derwent Valley by train and foot. Catch the train to Cromford and discover the valley on this beautiful walk all the way to Matlock.
Matlock to Darley Bridge and Oker via White Peak…
This lovely 8.2 km (5.1 miles) walk starts and ends in the centre of bustling Matlock, yet very quickly takes you out into the surrounding peaceful…
The White Peak Loop
An incredible circular route of just over 42 miles that runs through the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire & the Peak District.
Matlock to Bonsall Walk
This beautiful 4.3 mile route from the bus stop takes you out across open countryside on field paths to the pretty village of Bonsall, offering…
Beauty Spots nearby
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.
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.
Day trip from Sheffield: Explore Matlock Bath,…
Discover some of Derbyshire's most popular towns and villages by bus.
Offers
Special Offer
Free return admission for 12 months on full…
Take a tram ride through time at Crich Tramway Village, home of The National Tramway Museum - an ideal destination for all ages.
Villages nearby
Carsington
A peaceful little limestone village, which gave its name to the nearby Carsington Water.
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