Peak Rail and Derwent Valley Line trains at Matlock Station

Taking the cable car up to the Heights of Abraham

A scenic trip through the historic landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Discover views of the valley’s diverse woodland, lush meadows, scenic hillsides and the meandering River Derwent. At Matlock Bath, the Victorians were left in awe by the sheer cliff face of High Tor which can now be viewed from above, by Cable Car.

Enjoy the valley on foot via the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, the scenic station to station walks or the picturesque Cromford Canal which runs parallel to the railway between Ambergate and Cromford.

Highlights

From the train take a cable car to the Heights of Abraham

Oasis 'Some Might Say' single cover was photographed at Cromford Station

Having a day out in the Derwent Valley with the family? Make sure you download your free Activity Book here

Find out more

Local line website

Things to see along the Derwent Valley Railway Line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yny8sUhYCqU

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

You can park at Derby Station DE1 2RU, midway at Ambergate Station DE56 2EN or at Matlock Station DE4 3NA.

Derby is on the Midland Mainline with direct train services from London St Pancras International.

Trains from London St Pancras International run twice an hour to Derby throughout the day meaning you can be enjoying a trip on the Derwent Valley Line in just 2 hours from leaving London.

Frequent train services operate from Birmingham and from many other places throughout the country. Look up times.

BY COACH/BUS

National Express coaches from many parts of the country serve Derby. A number of local bus services provide links from the Derwent Valley to surrounding towns and villages. See www.derbysbus.info.

Route

Nottingham - Derby - Matlock

Cost

£7.70 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

34 min

Distance

17 miles | 27 km

Time from London

2:15 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take the train from London St Pancras International to Derby. Trains are frequent and take approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Look up times.

Alternatively take the short 35 minute journey from Birmingham New Street direct to Derby Station to start your adventure along the Derwent Valley Line.

Having a day out with the family? Make sure you download the Derwent Valley Line Activity Book, produced especially for families. Explore the wonderful history, wildlife and landscape of the Derwent Valley as you journey between Nottingham, Derby and Matlock by rail.

Throughout the Activity Book, Perri the Peregrine (named after the Peregrine Falcons that nest in the at Derby Cathedral and on Belper Mill) invites children to ‘spot things and do stuff’ with lots of quizzes and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Click here to download your free activity book here...

There are lots of places to stay in Derwent Valley, from hotels and B&B's to glamping and self-catering cottages. Visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com for more information.

Matlock is a hub for onward travel to Bakewell and the Peak District National Park, with stunning landscapes and fabulous stately homes including Chatsworth and Haddon Hall.

Rail travellers can enjoy 20% discounted entry to the Heights of Abraham.

Discover more things to do along the Derwent Valley line on their website here.