During our visit to the Heights of Abraham, we were amazed by the stunning views of Derbyshire. The cable car ride to the top of the hill provides a bird’s eye view of the River Derwent and surrounding countryside, making it a truly unforgettable experience. If you are wondering what is worth seeing in England outside London, I encourage you to read the article below.
We’ve partnered with the Heights of Abraham to present you with this review. However, this does not influence our evaluations. All opinions expressed here are genuine and reflective of our own experiences.
As we explored the Heights of Abraham, we learned that it is home to a network of caves that were once used by lead miners in the 17th and 18th centuries. These caves are now open to the public and offer a glimpse into the area’s industrial past.
The Heights of Abraham is absolutely one of the best places to visit in England. A visit to this attraction is like stepping into a different world, especially while exploring the Great Masson and Great Rutland Caverns. It provides a wonderful day trip option for families looking to enjoy a fun and memorable experience together. Not only is this location perfect for families, but it is also welcoming to furry friends.
This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. As an Amazon Associate, I get a small commission from qualifying purchases.
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How to Get to the Heights of Abraham?
🚆 BY TRAIN
You can get direct trains from Derby to Matlock Bath in 40 minutes. Then, it is just 5 minutes (0,2 mile) walk to Heights of Abraham.
If you are traveling from Sheffield you will need to change a train in Derby to get to Matlock Bath. This train journey from Sheffield takes around 1 hour 5 minutes.
You can also take a 1 hour 12 minutes direct train from Nottingham to Matlock Bath.
🚗💨 BY CAR
When planning your journey to Heights of Abraham, consider driving if you are coming from Birmingham, Leeds, York, Kingston Upon Hull, Manchester, or Liverpool. The duration of the journey can vary depending on your starting point, but typically it should take you anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to reach your destination.
🚗💨 Rent a car at Manchester Airport or Liverpool Airport and head to the Heights of Abraham.
Heights of Abraham Parking
📍 Station Yard Car Park: N Parade, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3NS
Matlock Bath Station car park is the closest parking facility to the Heights of Abraham. This particular car park operates on a pay and display system, which means that visitors must pay for a ticket and display it on their dashboard while parked. You can also pay by phone at Station Yard Car Park. This car park gets full pretty quick, so make sure to arrive earlier.
📍 Temple Walk Car Park: 4 Temple Rd, Matlock DE4 3PG
This car park is conveniently located just a short 12-minute walk away from Heights of Abraham. It also operates on a pay and display system.
📍 Artist Corner Car Park: 146 Dale Rd, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3PS
The short distance of 15-minute walk ensures that visitors can easily access their cars whenever needed without having to travel too far. Drivers can simply pay for their parking ticket and display it on their dashboard before heading off to Heights of Abraham. It is also conveniently located to charming town of Matlock.
Where to Stay Near the Heights of Abraham?
The White Hart Inn, located in Alfreton is just a short 18-minute drive away from the Heights of Abraham. Nestled in the picturesque Derbyshire countryside, this charming inn offers top-notch accommodation that exudes quality.
During our search for hotels near the Heights of Abraham, we stumbled upon an amazing deal at The White Hart Inn in Alfreton. It caught our attention immediately with its attractive discount. However, we made the mistake of not booking it right away, and to our dismay, the price doubled the very next day. It was a missed opportunity that we regretted.
The Canal Inn
While initially considering The White Hart Inn in Alfreton for our stay near the Heights of Abraham, we stumbled upon The Canal Inn – Pub & Kitchen, which turned out to be a hidden gem.
The cozy atmosphere and affordable rates at The Canal Inn made our stay truly enjoyable. The traditional pub setting added a unique touch to our experience, and the comfortable accommodations were just what we needed after a day of exploring Derbyshire.
Staying at a pub accommodation like The Canal Inn – Pub & Kitchen provided us with a glimpse into the local culture and hospitality of England. The friendly staff and charming decor made us feel right at home.
In 2022, the historic Canal Inn underwent a meticulous restoration process to bring back its original charm. The building, which is classified as a grade II listed structure, now boasts six cozy hotel suites that offer a comfortable and inviting stay for guests.
The Canal Inn Brewery
One of the highlights of our stay at the Canal Inn was the convenience of having a pub right downstairs. It was such a treat to be able to easily grab a beer without having to venture far from our room.
The Canal Inn takes pride in its own little brewery, which allowed us to sample some truly exceptional local beers like the refreshing Waterwheel or the rich and flavorful Brickyard. It was a delightful experience to savor these unique brews that perfectly captured the essence of the region.
Breakfast at the Canal Inn
The inclusion of breakfast at The Canal Inn, even though it was not advertised, was a pleasant surprise that added value to our stay. Delicious full English breakfast and freshly brewed americano coffee were a delightful way to start our day of exploring Derbyshire.
The proximity of the Canal Inn to the Heights of Abraham (only 15-minutes drive) made it a convenient choice for us, allowing us to easily access the attractions in the area.
Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath
For those looking to stay closer to Matlock Bath and be within walking distance of the Heights of Abraham (20 minutes walk), Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath is a fantastic option too.
The convenience of being just a short walk away from the popular tourist spot, combined with the affordable rates, makes Explorers Retreat a top choice for many travelers. Its picturesque surroundings and comfortable accommodations at Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath ensure a memorable stay in the heart of Derbyshire.
Heights of Abraham Tickets
With your Cable Car ticket to the Heights of Abraham, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the entire Estate and enjoy all the amazing attractions it has to offer. Not only will you have access to two fascinating guided cavern tours, but you’ll also have the chance to explore exhibitions, stroll through beautiful gardens, take peaceful woodland walks, and even follow a captivating sculpture trail. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll be truly immersed in the wonders of Heights of Abraham.
Although the ticket price may initially seem a little steep, rest assured that what you’ll experience during your visit is absolutely worth every penny. The value you’ll receive in return for your ticket is truly exceptional. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s always a good idea to check the official website of Heights of Abraham for the latest ticket prices. Additionally, purchasing your tickets online can help you save a bit of money, making your visit even more worthwhile.
Heights of Abraham Cable Car
I am thrilled to explain how the cable cars operate at the Heights of Abraham. Each of the 12 cars is securely fastened to the cable using massive metal bolts. The cable itself forms a continuous loop and is kept taut by large rollers. It’s fascinating to think about the engineering behind this system that allows it to smoothly travel up and down the hill.
The cable that the cars run on is 1,136 meters long, which is approximately 2/3 of a mile. Despite its seemingly small diameter of 40.2mm, the cable is incredibly strong, capable of supporting up to 120 metric tonnes.
As you ride from the base station to the hilltop, you cover a distance of around 1/3 of a mile. It’s amazing to consider the precision and durability of the cable that makes this journey possible.
The movement of the cable cars is powered by a robust 360 horse power electric motor located at the Base Station. The cars slow down periodically to allow passengers to embark and disembark. Sometimes, they come to a complete stop to accommodate individuals with pushchairs or wheelchairs.
One of the things that truly amazed me was the fact that they gave us the freedom to be inside the cable car all by ourselves, without having to share it with other tourists. It made the whole experience feel so much more personal and intimate. Just imagine, being able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Derwent Valley and Masson Hill without any distractions. It was like having our own private cabin in the sky!
Heights of Abraham Caves
When we reached the top station at the Heights of Abraham, we laid our eyes on the enormous map of the estate right in front of us. As a first-time visitors to the Heights of Abraham, we were grateful for the friendly staff member to guide us through the maze of trails and attractions, pointing out the must-see spots and sharing insider tips.
One of the staff’s brilliant suggestions was to start our exploration by descending into the Great Rutland Cavern. It turned out to be an incredible idea, because we were the only ones on our tour to this cave.
Great Rutland Cavern
As we ventured into the Great Rutland Cavern at the Heights of Abraham, the cheerful tour guide began to speak about our underground journey. He mentioned that we would be underground in the next few minutes, emphasizing the unique experience we were about to have. Comparing the hill to a cake, he explained that just like a cake has layers of sponge, cream, and sponge, the hill consisted of layers of rock, clay, and rock within the clay.
The guide pointed out that as we walked in, we were outside the clay layer, so the floor would be wet. However, once we passed under the clay layer, it would be dry. This fantastic tour was set to last for 25 minutes.
Before delving further into the mine, the guide warned us to watch our heads due to the low ceiling heights. He also mentioned that it might be a bit damp and chilly, with temperatures around six degrees Celsius. Additionally, he advised against whistling down the mine, explaining that every mine, had its own spirit known as the Knockers.
Formation of the Great Rutland Cavern
The guide mentioned that the formations in the cave were created by water erosion over millions of years, resulting in the unique shapes we were seeing. He explained that the clay layer we were observing was formed when the land was still under the sea, and how volcanic activity about 180 millions of years ago pushed the land up to the surface.
The guide encouraged us to touch the rock formations that were really smooth due to years of erosion. His enthusiasm was evident as he shared his knowledge about the history and formation of the cave.
Rocks at Great Rutland Cavern
During our tour with a guide at Great Rutland Cavern, we had the opportunity to explore and learn about the different types of rocks found in the cave. One of the rocks that caught our attention was the calcite. Our guide explained that calcite is used in various modern applications. One of its unique properties is its translucency, allowing light to pass through.
This was particularly interesting because in ancient times, people would use polished calcite to observe the movement of the sun. They could determine the time of day, even when the sun was hidden behind clouds. This knowledge was crucial also for navigation, and it helped the Vikings sail across vast distances.
As we continued our tour, our guide pointed out another fascinating rock formation that resembled a snail. Additionally, he informed us that any rocks with a reddish or brownish hue were likely stained by iron ore. This iron pyrite was also responsible for the glistening effect seen in some rocks, which were often mistaken for gold.
In fact, people used to refer to these rocks as “fools gold” due to their resemblance to the precious metal. On the other hand, rocks that appeared black and reflected light were identified as zinc. In the past, zinc was known as Calamine, and it was a remedy applied to a baby’s chest to alleviate symptoms of chickenpox.
Throughout the tour, we were able to observe the marks left by the miners who had worked in the Great Rutland Cavern in the past. It was fascinating to see the physical traces of the miners’ hard work and imagine the challenges they faced in extracting the rocks from the cave.
Working at Great Rutland Cavern in the Past
As we walked through the tunnel that took 14 years to dig, two inches a day, it was hard to fathom the amount of effort that went into creating this space for tourists. Despite the dangers of working with lead, the miners lived relatively long lives, reaching 50 or 60 years old. It was shocking to learn that children as young as six or seven were also part of the workforce, navigating the narrow passageways to collect lead.
Some of the women were tasked with winching down heavy wooden buckets filled with lead, a physically demanding job that required immense strength. The process of smelting the lead involved intense heat and poisonous gases, posing serious health risks to the workers. Despite being pregnant or carrying a baby on their back, the women worked long hours. Many of them did not live past the age of 30 or 35.
Why there was such a demand for lead?
Our guide informed us that the price of lead was quite good, especially considering the events that took place in London on September, 1666. This was the time when the great fire of London occurred, which started in a baker’s store at Pudding Lane and quickly spread throughout the city.
As a result of the devastating fire, London had to be rebuilt, and one of the measures taken was to replace the wooden roofs with lead roofs. A significant amount of lead was required for this massive undertaking, and much of it came from the mines, including the Great Rutland Cavern.
One interesting fact he mentioned was also that lead was a crucial resource for ammunition, making the mining industry a profitable one. It was intriguing to learn about the significance of lead in various industries and how it contributed to the local economy.
Tools that were used at the Great Rutland Cavern
The tour guide also explained how miners used various tools and techniques to extract lead from the rocks, showcasing the plug and feather method that has been in place for hundreds of years. Additionally, the guide described the process of heating rocks with fire and then cooling them with water to extract the lead.
As we delved deeper into the cavern, the guide highlighted the presence of copper in the rocks, pointing out a distinct bluey grey line that indicated the mineral’s presence. We were able to not only to see various minerals but also witness firsthand the tools and techniques that were once used by miners in the Great Rutland Cavern.
Workers had to meticulously sieve through the rock, searching for any traces of lead. As they sieved the rock, tiny particles would become airborne, creating a thick spray that filled the air. Breathing in this spray was extremely harmful and those who worked in the cavern were lucky to live past the age of 40. Apparently, there were around 50 pubs in close proximity, providing the workers with a much-needed escape from their grueling reality.
Sparkling Minerals at the Great Rutland Cavern
Our tour guide led us through the old grotto, pointing out the various minerals present in the zinc formations. The floor sparkled with quartz, creating a stunning sight. As we ventured deeper into the cavern, we could see holes and iron pyrite glistening in the torchlight. The guide even offered to switch off the lights to show us the natural daylight streaming in from a mine shaft at the top of the hill.
He recounted how they used to host weddings and musical events in the cavern due to its excellent acoustics. This reminded me of the caves in Mallorca that we have visited few years earlier. The guide’s passion for the cavern was evident as he spoke about the beauty of the place and the joy he felt in sharing it with us.
Letters Inside the Great Rutland Cavern
As we were lucky to have private tour, the guide made sure to take the time to show us something special that many visitors don’t see when it is too busy. He drew our attention to some letters etched on the walls. These letters were likely put there using the soot from candles, a practice that was common in the past.
Great Rutland Cavern Sculptures
During our visit to the Great Rutland Cavern, something caught my attention at the end of the tour. I could hear the soothing sound of water flowing nearby. Curiosity got the better of me, so I approached our knowledgeable guide and asked about the source of the sound.
He quickly checked the time and informed us that we still had some time left. Since there were only two of us in the group, he kindly offered to show us where the water originates from. With excitement, we followed our guide as he led us closer to the magnificent sculptures within the cavern.
It was a unique experience to witness the hidden beauty of the water within the cavern, a sight that most other tourists might miss. Being able to explore the Great Rutland Cavern before the arrival of other visitors was truly a privilege.
Great Masson Cavern
Exploring the Great Masson Cavern is completely different experience than visit to Great Rutland cave. There are 159 upward steps and before embarking on the cave tour, it was recommended that visitors be fit and mobile, with no cardiac or respiratory problems.
Wearing sensible footwear was also advised to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. For those who may not be able to physically explore the cave, there was the option to watch a film of the tour in the High Film Theatre, allowing everyone to experience the wonder of Masson Cavern in their own way.
The Great Masson Cavern offers captivating tours that allow visitors to explore the underground wonder for approximately 35 minutes. One of the most enchanting aspects of that tour is the mesmerizing illumination that fills the cave.
The cave’s atmosphere is bathed in a warm, radiant red, creating an otherworldly ambiance. As you continue your exploration, the hues gradually transition to a serene and tranquil green, evoking a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.
Victoria Prospect Tower
During your visit to Heights of Abraham you can also experience the thrill of ascending the spiral staircase of the iconic Victoria Prospect Tower. This magnificent structure was constructed in 1844 to commemorate the reign of Her Majesty. As you make your way up, each step brings you closer to the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic vistas that await you at the top of the tower.
Woodland Adventure Play Area
For a thrilling family activity, head over to Woodland Adventure Play Area. With tower play and swing, children of all ages can have a fantastic time during their visit to the Heights of Abraham.
Moreover, the sculptures near the Woodland Adventure Play area serve as more than just decorative pieces – they are a testament to the rich history and culture of the area. Each sculpture tells a unique story, inviting visitors to pause and contemplate the history of Masson Hill and the people who have walked these grounds before.
Masson Pavilion Exhibition Hall
The exquisite reproductions of Georgian, Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian clothing will give you a glimpse into the past at the Heights of Abraham. These costumes were worn by guests who visited the Heights of Abraham between 1787 and 1910. It is a great example how fashion has evolved over the centuries.
Panoramic Views of High Tor
It’s truly amazing to think that this place was once submerged underwater. This fascinating history dates back to the Carboniferous period, around 354-290 million years ago. Brachiopods, crinoids, and other ancient creatures inhabited the shallow tropical sea, leaving behind their remains which gradually formed layers of sediment. These layers eventually solidified into the Carboniferous limestone that we see in Derbyshire today, with clear layering visible on the cliff face of High Tor.
The Vista Restaurant
I absolutely love The Vista Restaurant & Bar! The modern design of the place is so inviting, and I can’t get enough of the balconies that offer breathtaking views of the Derwent Valley. It’s truly a unique experience to dine or have a drink while taking in the stunning scenery that stretches out for many miles.
Overall, I believe that a visit to the Heights of Abraham in Derbyshire is a worthwhile experience. Not only you will have the chance to appreciate the beauty of the area from a unique vantage point, but you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history and geology of the region.
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