Derwent House is in the heart of Matlock, next to the River Derwent and Hall Leys Park. Matlock is a small historical spa town and owes much of its status to John Smedley, who built the imposing Smedley's Hydro, now County Hall, and Riber Castle, the mock medieval castle overlooking the town that can be seen from the front garden of Derwent House. The town has a wide range of shops, cafes, antique shops, public houses, restaurants and supermarkets all within walking distance from the house.

Matlock is close to two major cities - Sheffield to the north (19miles) and Derby to the south (16miles) and the large market town of Chesterfield with its crooked spire (9miles). There are excellent transport links with direct trains running to the town from Derby and regular bus services to Sheffield, Chesterfield and Derby. The bus service serves local villages, the Chatsworth estate and many other local attractions.

The area is excellent for walking with many trails and walks easily accessible direct from the area or from surrounding areas, many of which are accessible by public transport.

Derbyshire boasts many attractive villages, such as Bakewell and Castleton, and fine country houses and estates within easy reach from Derwent House. Some of these attractions are: Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall and Old Hall, Bolsover Castle, Crich Tramway Museum, Abraham Heights, Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock Bath and slightly further a field Alton Towers in neighboring Staffordshire.

Some local attractions and useful web links:

Alton Towers offers a torrent of fun at the UK's most famous Theme Park. There's a park full of rides and adventures for kids of all sizes and adrenalin addicted adults, it's an absolute must-do day out!

www.altontowers.com

The Blue John Cavern in the Peak District is a series of limestone caverns considered to be the finest range in Great Britain. The cavern is well illuminated by electric lighting. Blue John is Britain’s rarest mineral discovered at Castleton by the Romans. You can by Blue John jewellery and other gifts in the shops at Castleton. Other cavern as also found within the surrounding area. Speedwell Cavern may also be of interest.

www.bluejohn-cavern.com

Carsington Water is action all the way at this water sports enthusiast centre. Canoes, sailing dinghies and sailboards are available for hire.  Tuition is available.  Cycles are also available for hire.  There is a visitor centre, restaurant, shops and children's indoor and outdoor play areas. 

www.carsingtonwater.com

Chatsworth House is one of Britain’s best loved historic houses and estates known as the 'Palace of the Peak'. The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is set in the magnificent landscape of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park.  The estate has something for everyone - a grand house, garden, world famous gravity fed water fountain, farmyard, adventure playground, gift shops and restaurant. The 1000 acre park, restaurant,  garden centre and farm shop (located at Pilsey) are open all year round. Recently the house featured in the film 'Pride and Prejudice'.

www.chatsworth.org

Crich Tramway Museum, nestling high up in the heart of Derbyshire overlooking the famous Derwent Valley and open almost throughout the year, Crich Tramway Village is a lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway Museum and its world renowned archives.

www.tramway.co.uk/

Gulliver’s Kingdom - from the moment you enter Gulliver’s you enter another world where your imagination can roam free. Gulliver’s Matlock Bath is nestled in a stunning hillside where much of the magic comes from the amazing scenery and views.  The Theme Park has over 35 rides and attractions, from log flumes to cycle monorails and many are suitable for younger children.

www.gulliversfun.co.uk/matlockbath.htm

Haddon Hall is a fortified medieval manor house dating from the 12th  Century and is the home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners. The family have owned it since 1567. Haddon has featured in many films and television programmes, including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre and The Princess Bride. The hall and garden are open April to October.

www.haddonhall.co.uk

Hardwick Hall (National Trust) is one of Britain's greatest and most complete Elizabethan houses with many spectacular Tudor treasures. It was built for 'Bess of Hardwick', the Elizabethan woman who was the second most powerful and wealthy woman after Elizabeth 1st.  The hall has a stunning herb garden and fine historic park with many rare breeds of sheep and cattle. Within the grounds you will find the remains of the Old Hall (English Heritage).

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Kedleston Hall, a National Trust property and was home of the Curzon family.  The magnificent state rooms are home to a stunning collection of paintings and furniture.  The extensive surrounding parkland is notable for its series of lakes and cascades, fishing pavilion and bridge.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ladybower dam - the upper two dams, Howden and Derwent, were constructed between 1901 and 1916 and Ladybower Dam later in 1935. The construction of Ladybower Dam (undertaken by the water authorities) caused considerable controversy because it involved the flooding of two villages; Ashopton and Derwent. However, despite protests the dam went ahead and was finished in 1943, though the reservoir took a further two years to fill. At the time this was the largest reservoir in Britain. Today visitors enjoy walking and cycling around the dams not to mention real ale and good food in the various country pubs.

www.ladybowerfishery.co.uk/

Peak Rail runs a regular Steam and Diesel hauled heritage passenger trains between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley. The service offers an on-train dining service on selected trains, and footplate experience courses, where you can get your hands on the steam engines controls. Special events are held throughout the year.

www.peakrail.co.uk/

Tissington Hall has been the home to the Fitzherbert family for almost 500 years, a Jacobean manor house set in the pretty estate village of Tissington.  The hall is one of the finest and most unchanged examples of Elizabethan architecture in England.  You can see Europe's finest collection of 16th and 17th century tapestries and embroidery. There are tearooms and garden nursery plant sales nearby. 

www.tissington-hall.com/

Red House Stables and Working Carriage Museum - established in 1946, Red House Stables and Working Carriage Museum has one of the finest collections of original horse drawn vehicles and equipment in Britain and regularly supplies carriages for the film industry. 

www.workingcarriages.com/

There is information about other local interests and attractions available in Derwent House and from the tourist information office, which is located in Matlock town centre.