Derbyshire self-catering attractions
Visitors will find a wide range of visitor attractions, entertainment and outdoor activities in the county of Derbyshire. We've included a summary of the most notable below, with details of admission prices and entry times.Outdoor activities
Derby Aero Club and Flying School offers flying training and aircraft hire, which allows visitors to appreciate the impressive countryside from the air. 1/2 hour lessons cost around £70 and there's also a pilot's shop selling aviation related items such as logbooks, pilot guides and books. Paragliding is also provided by Parapente who run lessons, courses and hands-on practical sessions. See the site for more information.
Wildpark Leisure situated just outside Derby, offers paintballing and quadbiking which uses the latest state-of-the-art equipment for both pastimes. Bookings can be made online and prices vary from £50 for all-day paintballing and £55 for 15 miles, go karting. Alternatively, try Formula One Indoor Carting in Burton-on-the-Wolds. They have 200cc karts, an impressive course that includes a flyover with bridge, computer lap timing and podium presentations. Opening times are 12pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday.
Food and drinkThe Orangery Restaurant at Shottle Hall serves contemporary European cuisine, sourced from local suppliers and made from local ingredients. Dishes are kept simple but are no less impressive and feature Derbyshire lamb and spiced monkfish tail. It's open from 10am to 9pm and courses average at about £45 in price. Two-course fixed lunches are between £16 and £20. For modern British food, try Rowley's in Baslow. The one-time country pub has been renovated and converted into a bar and restaurant. The menu is a blend of contemporary and traditional and includes dishes such as steak and black pudding. Children are made welcome with their own menu and course begin in price at around £14.
Ye Olde Gate Inn dates back to the 17th century and is said to have been built from materials salvaged from the stricken Amada fleet. The interior consists of old oak beams, stone-tiled floors and a cast-iron log burner. Beers and ales sold include Marstons Pedigree, Hobgoblin and a selection of guest ales. Visitors will also find an excellent pub menu which specialises in traditional pub fare. The outside garden area is also suitable for families and pets. The George in Alstonefield is an 18th century coaching inn, popular with ramblers and hikers. It's been run by the same family since the 1960s and the interior is classically furnished. It offers an excellent range of beers and guest ales as well a pub menu that changes according to season. The George also has a large beer garden which is well-suited to families and pets.
History and CultureAshby-de-la-Zouch Castle was the setting for the famous jousting scene in the book Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott. It includes a 24 metre high tower that can be climbed by visitors - the views of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside are particularly inspiring. Opening times are 10am to 5pm. Other castles worth seeing are Peveril Castle and Bolsover Castle. Crich Tramway Village in Matlock is also a popular destination and is a well-restored period village which is home to the National Tramway Musuem. Visitors will find exhibitions, vintage tram-rides and a woodland area for picnicking.
