Holiday Cottage near Carsington, Derbyshire

Godfrey Hole Cottage - Things to do

The tiny hamlet of Godfrey Hole was built on the old London to Manchester turnpike and reputedly gained its name from ‘Sir Godfrey’, a notorious local highway man who once holed up in the neighbouring cave! It lies close to many interesting Derbyshire towns and villages and there are plenty of good walking opportunities nearby.

Nearest pub 1 mile Shop 1 mile Garage 1.5 miles Station Cromford 4 miles

Matlock 5 miles Ashbourne 8 miles Bakewell 12 miles Derby 14 miles.

Outdoor activities
Just down the valley lies Carsington Water offering a great choice of outdoor activities including sailing, windsurfing, fishing and canoeing. Walkers and cyclists are well catered for with an 8 mile track circling the reservoir and the High Peak and Tissington Trails nearby (cycle hire available).

Wirksworth
The historic market town of Wirksworth is a mile down the hill with its cafes, pubs and antique shops. The narrow alleyways and distinctive architecture make it well worth exploring on foot. It was once the centre of Derbyshire’s lead mining industry. Visit the Wirksworth Heritage Centre to learn more about its fascinating history. There is a local market every Tuesday and a farmers’ market the first Saturday of the month. Annual events include Wirksworth well dressings in May and the Arts Festival in September.

Local attractions
The region boasts an impressive industrial past. The nearby village of Cromford forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Stately homes such as Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Hardwick Hall are all within easy reach. Other local attractions include the National Stone Centre, Crich Tramway Museum, Caudwell’s Mill and Craft Centre; Red House Stables and Carriage Museum; The Buxton Opera House

For children
For children there is ‘Gulliver’s Kingdom’ theme park and ‘The Heights of Abraham’ cable car ride at Matlock Bath; Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground; The National Trust Museum of Childhood at Sudbury Hall; Carsington Water Visitors Centre and playground. Alton Towers is around 45 minutes drive.

Eating out
The area offers a great choice of options for eating out from country pubs to stylish restaurants. These include ‘Le Mistral’ bistro and ‘Peli Deli’ in Wirksworth; the highly recommended ‘Matlock Bath Balti’; ‘Thailand No. 1’ in Matlock; ‘The Dining Room’ and ‘The Bridge’ in Ashbourne and Bakewell’s delicious Italian restaurant ‘Felicini’. ‘Robinson’s Fish and Chips’ in Cromford is ever popular!