Max's guide to Lea Bridge and beyond!
City/town information
Lea Bridge lies in the valley to the west of Holloway and to the southwest of Lea. This small settlement grew around the need for workers houses for the nearby mills. The houses are of Historic importance as the first example of social housing for workers in the growth of the Industrial Revolution.
The former mill building is part of the original mill complex which is now known as John Smedley Mills. It forms part of the Historic Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO world heritage site and is opposite the oldest working Mill in the world.
The village has the historic link to the Nightingale family who developed the Mill and lived at the top of the hill in the family home with their famous daughter Florence. The Woolstore has Florence Nightingale on the deeds.
Just through the woods lies the Cromford canal and High Peak Junction that affords great walks on the flat or incline to the surrounding areas. Wirksworth, Carsington Water, Cromford, Matlock Bath and Matlock are all in hiking distance.
There is an award winning butcher in Holloway just up the hill and Chase Cafe just beyond that for hearty breakfasts, lunches and coffee! There is a small Post Office and store in Church street but unfortunately in Lea, the Jug and Glass pub is temporarily closed.
Lea Bridge
Lea Bridge lies in the valley to the west of Holloway and to the southwest of Lea. This small settlement grew around the need for workers houses for the nearby mills. The houses are of Historic importance as the first example of social housing for workers in the growth of the Industrial Revolution.
The former mill building is part of the original mill complex which is now known as John Smedley Mills. It forms part of the Historic Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO world heritage site and is opposite the oldest working Mill in the world.
The village has the historic link to the Nightingale family who developed the Mill and lived at the top of the hill in the family home with their famous daughter Florence. The Woolstore has Florence Nightingale on the deeds.
Just through the woods lies the Cromford canal and High Peak Junction that affords great walks on the flat or incline to the surrounding areas. Wirksworth, Carsington Water, Cromford, Matlock Bath and Matlock are all in hiking distance.
There is an award winning butcher in Holloway just up the hill and Chase Cafe just beyond that for hearty breakfasts, lunches and coffee! There is a small Post Office and store in Church street but unfortunately in Lea, the Jug and Glass pub is temporarily closed.
Quirky centre of England Town that is on the Derwent River. Feels like you are at the seaside as most of the shops are Fish and Chips or ice cream shops.
Amazing place to see hundreds of motorbikes that descend on the town at the weekend
155 moradores locais recomendam
Matlock Bath
Quirky centre of England Town that is on the Derwent River. Feels like you are at the seaside as most of the shops are Fish and Chips or ice cream shops.
Amazing place to see hundreds of motorbikes that descend on the town at the weekend
Winster
Small, quaint and lovely walks round and through it - England at it's best!
The crooked spire is the outstanding feature. Great photo opportunity.
41 moradores locais recomendam
Chesterfield
The crooked spire is the outstanding feature. Great photo opportunity.
Just perfect for a visit - the best location in the country to play the popular family pursuit of Poohsticks.
20 moradores locais recomendam
Ashford in the Water
Just perfect for a visit - the best location in the country to play the popular family pursuit of Poohsticks.
Buxton Opera House
Water StreetThe home of the spa. Great place to visit
Heart of the Peak District National Park. Lovely small town with visitor centre and loads of tourist shops
Castleton || Hiking Area
Heart of the Peak District National Park. Lovely small town with visitor centre and loads of tourist shops
Sightseeing
High Peak Junction
Cromford HillOn the Cromford Canal near us great place to grab and ice cream or use the loos!
Great place to explore history of the area. Many events throughout the year check on website. Artisan days, antique markets, dog shows, plays etc.
Also lovely cheese shop and cafes
67 moradores locais recomendam
Moinho de Cromford
Mill RoadGreat place to explore history of the area. Many events throughout the year check on website. Artisan days, antique markets, dog shows, plays etc.
Also lovely cheese shop and cafes
Wirksworth Heritage Centre
31 St Johns StInformative museum giving local history
Crich Tramway Village
Great day out for all the family
Wonderful House and miles of walks around it that are free. Amazing deer on the grounds - must see!
698 moradores locais recomendam
Casa de Chatsworth
Wonderful House and miles of walks around it that are free. Amazing deer on the grounds - must see!
Lovely Walks around the lake for the adventurous and shorter walks starting at the visitors centre - beautiful!
163 moradores locais recomendam
Carsington Water
Lovely Walks around the lake for the adventurous and shorter walks starting at the visitors centre - beautiful!
Family day out - get there by cablecar and walk down for the full adventure. Dog friendly and 2 caverns to visit.
160 moradores locais recomendam
As Alturas de Abraão
Dale RoadFamily day out - get there by cablecar and walk down for the full adventure. Dog friendly and 2 caverns to visit.
National Trust - Hardwick Hall
National Trust treasure!
To walk, jog or bike an amazing place to visit - From Cromford to beyond Ambergate a lovely walk.
Book a trip on Birdswood the canal boat that runs between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction.
41 moradores locais recomendam
Cromford Canal
2 Mill RdTo walk, jog or bike an amazing place to visit - From Cromford to beyond Ambergate a lovely walk.
Book a trip on Birdswood the canal boat that runs between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction.
Lovely Castle and grounds - English Heritage with lots to do and events all year round.
50 moradores locais recomendam
Castelo de Bolsover
Castle StreetLovely Castle and grounds - English Heritage with lots to do and events all year round.
Great area to drive around - lovely small villages. Ashover Cider is fab!
10 moradores locais recomendam
Ashover
Great area to drive around - lovely small villages. Ashover Cider is fab!
Family day out exploring the Lead mining heritage of the area
15 moradores locais recomendam
Peak District Lead Mining Museum
196 S ParadeFamily day out exploring the Lead mining heritage of the area
Loads of things to do with the kids and educational as well
14 moradores locais recomendam
National Stone Centre
Porter LaneLoads of things to do with the kids and educational as well
Can hire bikes here if you are fed up with walking. On the High Peak trail. Easy walking but you can go miles and miles and miles!
6 moradores locais recomendam
Middleton Top Visitor & Cycle Hire Centres
Can hire bikes here if you are fed up with walking. On the High Peak trail. Easy walking but you can go miles and miles and miles!
Great place to walk and explore - fab views over Cromford and Matlock
32 moradores locais recomendam
Black Rocks Car Park
Brickfields CloseGreat place to walk and explore - fab views over Cromford and Matlock
Want to try climbing? Here is the place. If you just like outdoor windswept places don't miss it.
Love going with the kids and dog. Climb, clamber and walk
Harborough Rocks
Want to try climbing? Here is the place. If you just like outdoor windswept places don't miss it.
Love going with the kids and dog. Climb, clamber and walk
Stunning for walks and accessible for all ages - don't miss it!
100 moradores locais recomendam
Dovedale
Stunning for walks and accessible for all ages - don't miss it!
Walk from your door - great for walking with the dog. Explore Leawood Knoll as the deer park joins it then head for Florence's seat (Florence Nightingale was supposed to have sat there to view over the Cromford canal and fields below).
Lots of Raspberries and Blackberries in season and beautiful Rhododendron flowers in spring. You might even spot a slo worm.
Lea Wood
Walk from your door - great for walking with the dog. Explore Leawood Knoll as the deer park joins it then head for Florence's seat (Florence Nightingale was supposed to have sat there to view over the Cromford canal and fields below).
Lots of Raspberries and Blackberries in season and beautiful Rhododendron flowers in spring. You might even spot a slo worm.
Bow Wood
Walking with the dog? Can't beat it. Lots of paths and safe to let the dog run free!
Opens 10-4pm 7 days a week. Absolute bargains to be had.
12 moradores locais recomendam
John Smedley Mill Shop - The World's Finest Knitwear
Opens 10-4pm 7 days a week. Absolute bargains to be had.
You might see Robin Hood! There is a GoApe centre there as well - great fun for all the family.
112 moradores locais recomendam
Floresta de Sherwood
You might see Robin Hood! There is a GoApe centre there as well - great fun for all the family.
Our own local cinema in funky Wirksworth style. Ver small and independently owned - grab a sofa and watch some brill films.
42 moradores locais recomendam
The Northern Light Cinema
13A North EndOur own local cinema in funky Wirksworth style. Ver small and independently owned - grab a sofa and watch some brill films.
Unique plug hole for water overflow. If you are exploring the Peak District then this is filled with history as well as a great place to walk and view. Watch the Dambusters movie!
114 moradores locais recomendam
Reservatório de Ladybower
Unique plug hole for water overflow. If you are exploring the Peak District then this is filled with history as well as a great place to walk and view. Watch the Dambusters movie!
The Toe Wrestling hub of the world!
Fenny Bentley is a lovely little village and why not stop and see if you can spot a celeb at the pub or have a go with your toe!
I have not yet been there to taste the food or atmosphere but would love your feetback (oops feedback)
Bentley Brook Inn
The Toe Wrestling hub of the world!
Fenny Bentley is a lovely little village and why not stop and see if you can spot a celeb at the pub or have a go with your toe!
I have not yet been there to taste the food or atmosphere but would love your feetback (oops feedback)
In the Hope Valley - just an amazing place to stop at whilst visiting the Peak District. Visitors Centre and lots of Caverns nearby
Hope Valley
In the Hope Valley - just an amazing place to stop at whilst visiting the Peak District. Visitors Centre and lots of Caverns nearby
A real working farm set in stunning countryside only a 40min trip from Lea Bridge. When you visit Buxton or “The Roaches” go the extra mile to this place.
Fab homemade ice cream, country walks from the farm, feed the ducks, geese etc and watch a cow being milked. Lovely folks and tea room has just the best views over the fields.
Bring your cold box and stock up on the ice cream!
16 moradores locais recomendam
Blaze Farm
A real working farm set in stunning countryside only a 40min trip from Lea Bridge. When you visit Buxton or “The Roaches” go the extra mile to this place.
Fab homemade ice cream, country walks from the farm, feed the ducks, geese etc and watch a cow being milked. Lovely folks and tea room has just the best views over the fields.
Bring your cold box and stock up on the ice cream!
Activity centre and great for local learning too.
Just outside Wirksworth in easy reach of the High Peak Trail.
14 moradores locais recomendam
National Stone Centre
Porter LaneActivity centre and great for local learning too.
Just outside Wirksworth in easy reach of the High Peak Trail.
A short walk from the Wool store, just refurbished and home to the Wildlife Trust. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays - lovely and informative at the same time.
Follow the trail in the woods and along the canal for there chainsaw animal carvings - 10 lovely carvings in all.
Aqueduct Cottage
A short walk from the Wool store, just refurbished and home to the Wildlife Trust. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays - lovely and informative at the same time.
Follow the trail in the woods and along the canal for there chainsaw animal carvings - 10 lovely carvings in all.
So close to us and a really great place to walk to and explore - lovely waterfalls.
Lumsdale Waterfall
So close to us and a really great place to walk to and explore - lovely waterfalls.
An absolutely stunning hall 900 years old and one of the most important historic houses in Britain. Virtually untouched for 200 years it is a wonderful place for the family to see and experience a house full of history.
Medieval gardens and park with photo opportunities everywhere.
After your visit watch on of the many films that were made there - not to be missed!
260 moradores locais recomendam
Haddon Hall
An absolutely stunning hall 900 years old and one of the most important historic houses in Britain. Virtually untouched for 200 years it is a wonderful place for the family to see and experience a house full of history.
Medieval gardens and park with photo opportunities everywhere.
After your visit watch on of the many films that were made there - not to be missed!
It is listed on BBC Bitesize as one of the five most remarkable railway stations in the world!
Cromford Railway Station opened in 1849 and is on the Derwent Valley Line connecting Derby and Matlock.
The original station building was designed by G.H. Stokes and features a large spire above the central door. Over time, it became a waiting room and was given Grade II listed status.
As traffic on the line reduced, the southbound line and platform were taken out of service – which led to a moment of music history.
Graphic designer Brian Cannon had worked with the band Oasis since their first release and was asked to concept artwork ideas for their 1995 single Some Might Say – with the instruction from Noel Gallagher to represent the song’s lyrics in the image.
Cannon had the idea to base it at a disused railway station to reflect the line ‘Standing at the station, in need of education in the rain’ and had Cromford station recommended to him. His idea was, that if you were stood at a disused station, you needed educating. The track went on to become the band’s first ever number one single.
Cromford Station Cromford Bridge
It is listed on BBC Bitesize as one of the five most remarkable railway stations in the world!
Cromford Railway Station opened in 1849 and is on the Derwent Valley Line connecting Derby and Matlock.
The original station building was designed by G.H. Stokes and features a large spire above the central door. Over time, it became a waiting room and was given Grade II listed status.
As traffic on the line reduced, the southbound line and platform were taken out of service – which led to a moment of music history.
Graphic designer Brian Cannon had worked with the band Oasis since their first release and was asked to concept artwork ideas for their 1995 single Some Might Say – with the instruction from Noel Gallagher to represent the song’s lyrics in the image.
Cannon had the idea to base it at a disused railway station to reflect the line ‘Standing at the station, in need of education in the rain’ and had Cromford station recommended to him. His idea was, that if you were stood at a disused station, you needed educating. The track went on to become the band’s first ever number one single.
Food
Brilliant for fresh bread. Nice place for coffee and cake or lunch - in the heart of Crich.
17 moradores locais recomendam
The Loaf
Brilliant for fresh bread. Nice place for coffee and cake or lunch - in the heart of Crich.
Best fresh meat and wonderful ready meals made on the premises. Sells cheeses, veggies, milk and bread - a very convenient asset to our village at the top of the hill in Holloway.
Robin Maycock Butchers
Leashaw RoadBest fresh meat and wonderful ready meals made on the premises. Sells cheeses, veggies, milk and bread - a very convenient asset to our village at the top of the hill in Holloway.
Budgens
For all your holiday needs just a few miles away. Open 7 days a week
Zero waste, great taste! If you need some yummy grains, bread, cereals etc the place to go.
Skopa The Zero Waste Place Wirksworth
Zero waste, great taste! If you need some yummy grains, bread, cereals etc the place to go.
Supermarket near Lea Bridge.
Usually the cheapest place to get petrol.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Co-op Food & Grocery Store, Wirksworth, Derby
Harrison DriveSupermarket near Lea Bridge.
Usually the cheapest place to get petrol.
Food scene
At the top of the hill in Holloway a short hike from the Wool Store. Great Breakfasts, lunches and a place to chill overlooking the valley
Chase Cafe
At the top of the hill in Holloway a short hike from the Wool Store. Great Breakfasts, lunches and a place to chill overlooking the valley
If you like pizza you really can't beat this place!
It will not be everyones place to eat as it is rather quirky, a few tables, cash only and bring your own bottles. The owner is a little eccentric which adds to the experience but don't let this put you off. Call to check it is open as it is open on an ad hoc basis.
Gino's
1 St Mary's GateIf you like pizza you really can't beat this place!
It will not be everyones place to eat as it is rather quirky, a few tables, cash only and bring your own bottles. The owner is a little eccentric which adds to the experience but don't let this put you off. Call to check it is open as it is open on an ad hoc basis.
Breakfast, Lunch and afternoon tea ready for you and the family as there is lots of space outside for the kids and small play area. Right by the Cromford Canal in Whatstandwell a nice cuppa before walking the few miles back on the canal to the Wool Store.
7 moradores locais recomendam
The Family Tree
Derby RoadBreakfast, Lunch and afternoon tea ready for you and the family as there is lots of space outside for the kids and small play area. Right by the Cromford Canal in Whatstandwell a nice cuppa before walking the few miles back on the canal to the Wool Store.
Cardale Fish Bar
Market PlaceBest Fish and Chips in the area by far!
Very large portions at good price.
The birthplace of the Bakewell Tart.
Actually it was the Bakewell pudding that is really the speciality and so, so yummy! Great bakery as well as lunch. Always very busy.
35 moradores locais recomendam
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
The SquareThe birthplace of the Bakewell Tart.
Actually it was the Bakewell pudding that is really the speciality and so, so yummy! Great bakery as well as lunch. Always very busy.
Great for Bread and cakes - lovely place to hang out for coffee as well. In the heart of Crich not far for that treat!
17 moradores locais recomendam
The Loaf
Great for Bread and cakes - lovely place to hang out for coffee as well. In the heart of Crich not far for that treat!
At the end of the Cromford canal and a lovely walk from our house, you can take a break her before going to see the shops in the Cromford Mill.
Also home to the repair and refurbish shop across the canal - worth a visit.
Wheatcroft’s Wharf
At the end of the Cromford canal and a lovely walk from our house, you can take a break her before going to see the shops in the Cromford Mill.
Also home to the repair and refurbish shop across the canal - worth a visit.
My favourite pubs
A modern pub with loads of food options. Plenty of indoor and outdoor space. Very popular.
Tansley
12 moradores locais recomendam
The Gate Inn
The KnollA modern pub with loads of food options. Plenty of indoor and outdoor space. Very popular.
Tansley
Great pub, great little village, good food, fireplace. Just in Cromford not too far to go for that pint!
Scarthin
14 moradores locais recomendam
The Boat Inn
ScarthinGreat pub, great little village, good food, fireplace. Just in Cromford not too far to go for that pint!
Scarthin
Absolutely fab place. Great food, large portions, lots of atmosphere over several different levels in the old, quirky pub. Multiple fireplaces and lots of outdoor seating as well. Dog friendly.
One of my favourite places to eat!
8 moradores locais recomendam
The Plough Inn
Matlock RoadAbsolutely fab place. Great food, large portions, lots of atmosphere over several different levels in the old, quirky pub. Multiple fireplaces and lots of outdoor seating as well. Dog friendly.
One of my favourite places to eat!
A fantastic quirky pub with amazing restaurant attached. Love the vibes of all eras - very unique and everyone welcome including your faithful hound!
Not to be missed!
The Red Lion Hotel, Feather Star Alehouse, Umami Restaurant & Haarlem Gallery
Market PlaceA fantastic quirky pub with amazing restaurant attached. Love the vibes of all eras - very unique and everyone welcome including your faithful hound!
Not to be missed!
Good food, great fireplace, great choice for families in the heart of Wirksworth.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Hope & Anchor
Saint Johns StreetGood food, great fireplace, great choice for families in the heart of Wirksworth.
A real pub! Old fashioned and for locals. Don't really want you to know about this place as it is so special.
My top pick for a pub - some food in evening. Dogs welcome. Lovely countryside drive but narrow lanes.
Main Street, Kirk Ireton, Ashbourne DE6 3JP
6 moradores locais recomendam
The Barley Mow Inn
Main StreetA real pub! Old fashioned and for locals. Don't really want you to know about this place as it is so special.
My top pick for a pub - some food in evening. Dogs welcome. Lovely countryside drive but narrow lanes.
Main Street, Kirk Ireton, Ashbourne DE6 3JP
Lovely village setting and great views from the garden. Good pub food and great atmosphere.
Ashover
6 moradores locais recomendam
The Old Poets Corner.
1 Butts RdLovely village setting and great views from the garden. Good pub food and great atmosphere.
Ashover
Prince of Wales - Baslow.
Lovely pub in village near Bakewell - very good food but be sure to book.
Church Lane, Barlow, Bakewell DE45 1RY
27 moradores locais recomendam
Rowley's Village Pub
Church LanePrince of Wales - Baslow.
Lovely pub in village near Bakewell - very good food but be sure to book.
Church Lane, Barlow, Bakewell DE45 1RY