Here’s a rich tapestry of things to do around Ambergate, Derbyshire. From nature trails and riverside walks to historic sites, family-friendly attractions, cycling experiences, and cultural excursions—this guide spans the region’s best, all easily accessible from your base.
🌿 Nature & Outdoor Exploration
1. Shining Cliff Woods & Betty Kenny Tree
- Wander ancient woodland trails just west of Ambergate. The woods are designated as an SSSI, full of bluebells in spring.
- Discover the legendary “Betty Kenny Yew,” believed to inspire the “Rock‑a‑bye Baby” rhyme en.wikipedia.org+14en.wikipedia.org+14gps-routes.co.uk+14.
- Numerous waymarked routes (like the “Ambergate Betty Kenny Walk”) of 4 miles offer easy forest exploration visitpeakdistrict.com.
2. Cromford Canal & Derwent Valley Walk
- Walk or cycle along a peaceful section of the Cromford Canal between Ambergate and Cromford (~5 mi loop), passing historic locks and aqueducts en.wikipedia.org+6gps-routes.co.uk+6walkmidlands.co.uk+6.
- This canal corridor is part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, packed with industrial heritage points greatbritishlife.co.uk+7countrycottagesonline.com+7walkmidlands.co.uk+7.
3. Carsington Water
- England’s 9th-largest reservoir is ideal for walking, cycling, and water sports (sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, fly-fishing) en.wikipedia.org.
- On-site facilities include cafes, visitor centre, bird hides, and equipment hire.
4. Peak District National Park Trails
- Trips into White Peak and Dark Peak regions cover led limestone dales, moorland routes, cirques, and dramatic high tops en.wikipedia.orgthetimes.co.uk+1thetimes.co.uk+1.
- Highlights include Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Chrome Hill, Three Shires Head, Panniers Pool, Errwood Hall ruins, Nine Ladies stone circle, and Robin Hood’s Stride theguardian.com+3landscapebritain.co.uk+3picturesofengland.com+3.
🚲 Cycling & Guided Tours
5. EBike Tours from Ambergate Hub
- Depart from the Great British Car Journey’s centre, explore Derwent Valley, Shining Cliff Woods, Crich Chase on guided or self‑guided e‑bike tours walkmidlands.co.uk+13greatbritishcarjourney.com+13trek.zone+13.
6. Ambergate–Wirksworth Loop
- A 19 mi circular ride climbing through Alderwasley Moor and Crich, descending into Wirksworth with cafe stops. Moderate terrain for confident riders gps-routes.co.uk+2peakepedals.net+2gps-routes.co.uk+2.
7. National & Regional Cycle Routes
- Nearby NCN Route 68 (Pennine Cycleway) or Route 54 offer longer rides; quieter lanes and scenic circuits in Amber Valley .
- Trails along canal towpaths are ideal for family-friendly cycling.
🚂 Heritage & Industrial History
8. Great British Car Journey
- A fascinating, interactive museum home to over 130 historic British vehicles. Includes hands-on “Drive Dad’s Car” experiences en.wikipedia.org+1peakedgehotel.co.uk+1.
9. Toadmoor Tunnel
- A Grade II-listed 1840 railway tunnel on the North Midland Railway, part of the Derwent Valley Mills heritage countrycottagesonline.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2walkmidlands.co.uk+2.
10. Fritchley Tunnel
- The world’s oldest surviving railway tunnel on the Butterley Gangroad, located in nearby Fritchley greatbritishlife.co.uk+7en.wikipedia.org+7en.wikipedia.org+7.
11. Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO Site
- Explore nearby Cromford, Belper, Darley Abbey—museums, guided walks, textile heritage, and canal features picturesofengland.com+6countrycottagesonline.com+6trek.zone+6.
🏛️ Cultural & Historic Sites
12. Oakhurst House Ruins
- Hidden in Shining Cliff Woods, a Jacobean Arts & Crafts country house built in the 1840s. A scenic ruin for history fans visitpeakdistrict.com+7en.wikipedia.org+7en.wikipedia.org+7.
13. Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
- A hilltop park reached via a vintage cable car, featuring cavern tours, a treetop visitor centre, and woodland walking paths .
14. Crich Tramway Village
- Historic trams and immersive heritage exhibits in Crich, offering nostalgic rides through a recreated period village peakepedals.net.
15. Denby Pottery Village
- Discover pottery-making demonstrations, factory tours, shops, and cafés in Denby .
16. Duffield’s Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
- A scenic heritage railway running through the valley to Wirksworth; ideal for round trips or combining rides with a train journey peakepedals.net+3thetimes.co.uk+3bolehillfarm.co.uk+3.
17. Market Town Belper
- Visit River Gardens, historic mills, Strutt’s North Mill museum, farmers’ markets; guided canalside heritage walks countrycottagesonline.com.
🧒 Family-Friendly Activities
18. Gulliver’s Kingdom & Matlock Farm Park
- Theme‑park rides and animal interactions near Matlock Bath, great for younger visitors peakedgehotel.co.uk+4countrycottagesonline.com+4visitderby.co.uk+4.
19. Shipley Country Park
- Lakeside nature trails and woodland walks for kids in Shipley, a short drive away .
🛍️ Pubs, Cafés & Markets
- The Hurt Arms in Ambergate: Historic pub with outdoor seating overlooking Ambergate cricket green and canal en.wikipedia.org+14gps-routes.co.uk+14trek.zone+14.
- Belper Farmers’ Market and artisan shopping in Belper’s Riverside Gardens & local boutiques visitambervalley.com.
- Alfreton Indoor Market: Local produce, crafts, antiques tripadvisor.com+5visitambervalley.com+5visitpeakdistrict.com+5.
🧘 Relaxation & Leisure
- Riverside serenity: Stroll along River Amber and Derwent.
- Wildlife spotting: water voles, birds around canal sections in nature reserves greatbritishlife.co.uk+6gps-routes.co.uk+6gps-routes.co.uk+6.
- Seasonal events: Ambergate Carnival (July), village sports day, dog show visitambervalley.com+14countrycottagesonline.com+14trek.zone+14; Autumn walking festivals.
🗺️ Summary Table
| Category | Activities |
| Nature & Walks | Shining Cliff Woods, Cromford Canal, Peak District trails |
| Cycling | Ebike tours, loop rides, canal paths |
| Heritage | Car museum, rail tunnels, textile mills |
| Culture | Tramway village, pottery, heritage railway |
| Family | Theme parks, farm visits, country park |
| Food & Market | Historic pubs, markets, cafes |
| Events & Leisure | Carnival, festivals, wildlife watching |
🚄 Getting There & Tips
Public transport: Ambergate rail station offers routes to Derby and Matlock. Heritage railways connect Duffield–Wirksworth and Cromford. Bus links serve Matlock Bath, Buxton, Bakewell visitambervalley.comthetimes.co.uk+11greatbritishcarjourney.com+11trek.zone+11thesun.co.uk+5trek.zone+5en.wikipedia.org+5landscapebritain.co.uk+6walkmidlands.co.uk+6greatbritishlife.co.uk+6.
Best seasons:
- Spring: Bluebells in the woods
- Summer: Canal boating, water sports
- Autumn: Walking festivals, color changes
- Winter: Crisp country strolls, cosy pubs
Pro suggestions:
- Wear sturdy footwear for woodland paths
- Book tram and cable-car tickets early in holidays
- Check opening times—some sites are seasonal
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching at Carsington and canal reserves
Final Thoughts
Ambergate sits at the sweet spot between scenic countryside, industrial heritage, cycling routes, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for active adventures, soulful walks, historical discovery, or simply peaceful river-side relaxation, this area delivers. From canal-side amblings to Peak District panoramas and hidden woodland gems, there’s something for everyone—all accessible, charming, and deeply rooted in Derbyshire culture.
Let me know if you’d like a customized itinerary, route maps, or event dates—I’m happy to help!