Fancy fireplaces, painted ceilings, and an enclosed garden await those traveling to Bolsover Castle. An indoor riding school complements the grounds, turned into a Discovery Centre for visitor exploration. The Centre has an audio tour of the arena and an interactive castle model to view. The Little Castle on the grounds is notorious for its erotic paintings on display, with some of the art restored in the 1970's decade. The scenery provides the perfect spot for a memorable family picnic.
2. Peveril Castle - Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire , S33 8WQ? - Tel No: 01433 620613?
Built by a knight of William The Conqueror's crew, Peveril Castle stands upon a cliff top that provides sweeping views of the Castleton setting below. Falling out of use during the Tudor era, there are presently still enough remains on the property to showcase what the castle looked like at the peak of its existence. Walk around the old gatehouse, the main courtyard, and see the sights in the preserved keep building used as a courthouse in the 17th century.
Located in the center of the city, Derby Cathedral opens its doors to all individuals who wish to worship within its great walls. Home to the seat of the Bishop of Derby, the Cathedral is also the site for new priest and deacon ordinations as well as other holy occasions. Visit the area's coffee house, the 212 foot tall cathedral tower, or say hello to the falcons that have recently nested in the tower to lay and hatch their eggs.
4. Kedleston Hall - Kedleston, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 5JH - Tel No: 01332 842191
A mansion built in the Palladian style by famed architect Robert Adam, this former home to the Curzon family also features grandiose interior staterooms with much of the original furniture. An assortment of sculptures decorates the outdoor gardens that come complete with a summer house, orangery, and a bed of roses accompanied by other kinds of shrubbery and flowers. The restored Fishing Room, Boat Houses, and the five different lakes also help cover the 820 acres that is Kedleston Hall.
England's only specimens of rock art drawn during the Ice Age are contained within the depths of Creswell Crags. Blanketed in a landscape of limestone, the cave laden area pays homage to the remains of this historic period. Stone tools and animal fossils inside the caves give added hints to what life was like between 10,000 and 50,000 years ago. Tourists can take short walks or an all day hike on any of the trails to further explore the scenery.
Widespread gardens and a beautiful church are two of the more prominent characteristics of this house where time has seemingly stood still. Former home to the eccentric Harpur family, the estate has been minimally restored to show its touring audience a striking country home in a state of disrepair. Upon exiting the house, take a walk through any of the majestic walled gardens. Relax in the small peaceful flower garden or explore the heating systems throughout the property's many greenhouses.
7. Peak District Mining Museum - The Pavilion, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3NR - Tel No: 01629 583834
Experience firsthand the days of hardship a lead miner endured over 2,000 years ago. Crawl through the winding maze of tunnels and mine shafts that twist and turn their way into the confined corners and spaces where a miner spent his many long hours on the job. Discover the climbing shafts, go through the hazard tunnel, sit back and enjoy a slide show, and examine the rag and chain pump or the rocks and minerals that are readily on display.
