Visit Cromford in the Derwent Valley

This is a place of natural beauty and calm, where pioneering industrial buildings nestle in a dramatic landscape – its river and resources were once harnessed to create mills, railways, canals and new communities. Industries have come and gone, but their structures remain as testimony to the visions of Arkwright and his 18th century contemporaries who led the world with their innovations.

It is a place of contrasts – of dramatic river gorge and wider valley, of natural light and factory darkness, of owner’s mansions and mill workers’ cottages, of old and new ways of labour, and of the different lives of master and worker. Where ancient industries flourished, new ideas and technologies now thrive, alongside 21st century makers and creators.

Quietly, nature has reclaimed its presence amongst the iron and stone – providing havens for wildlife and for generations of people to find peace and tranquillity amongst the imprints of the past.

Cromford Village is a great place to start your exploration of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. With the pretty village pond, some of the oldest purpose-built industrial housing in the world, traditional shops and pubs built by the Arkwright family for the mill workers all surrounded by glorious wooded hills and dramatic cliffs.

Just across the A6 you’ll find Arkwright’s Cromford Mills. With  daily guided tours and a packed programme of activities, events and exhibitions and independent shops and cafes you’ll have plenty to keep you absorbed all year round.

Towering over the mill yard is Scarthin Rock, from where you can get a a marvellous view of the surrounding area.

Beyond the mill walls there’s a sculpture trail and picnic area by the River Derwent and St Mary’s Church, founded by Sir Richard Arkwright where some of the Arkwright family are buried in it’s small cemetery behind the church.

You can follow the riverside walk for a scenic shortcut to Sir Richard Arkwright’s showcase Masson Mills, set between the A6 and the mighty River Derwent now home to a fantastic working textile museum and visitor centre.

On the way you’ll get a view of Willersley Castle, built for Sir Richard Arkwright. Unfortunately he died before he could move in, but it became home to his son, Richard Arkwright Junior, said to be the richest commoner in Europe.

The Cromford Canal begins across the road from Cromford Mills with a a fascinating group of buildings including the Gothic Warehouse and Wheatcroft’s Wharf Cafe. Wander along the canal, or take a boat trip on the historic canal boat, Birdswood, watching out for its wonderful wildlife in this Site of Special Scientific Interest.

About a mile along the canal, you will come across High Peak Junction Workshops. Imagine the noise and bustle of a bygone age in some of the oldest surviving railway workshops in the world. Just past the Wharf Shed discover another hidden gem, the impressive Leawood Pumphouse.

Further along, a magnificent view of the River Derwent appears as you cross over it on the aqueduct. From there, you will notice Aqueduct Cottage, where the lengthman once lived. The lengthman looked after this length of canal.

At the cottage, the canal divides, so you can either follow the canal onto Whatstandwell and Ambergate. Or you can follow the Nightingale Arm to Lea Mills. Here you will discover John Smedley’s, Britain’s oldest working textile mill, still owned by his descendants. Pop into the factory shop to browse for bargains of its high quality knitwear, usually sold in its fashionable Jermyn Street store in London. Notice the little row of millworkers’ houses, which have recently been beautifully restored.

Following Mill Road back towards Cromford Mill, you should take a diversion to see the quaintest Railway Station imaginable. If you’re a fan of Oasis, you might recognise the beautiful station house at Cromford Railway Station, used as the cover for their single ‘Some Might Say’.

There’s more information on our ‘Getting there’ how to get here and ‘access for all’ pages to help you plan your visit.

With so much to do and see, you are sure to have a fantastic time when you visit Cromford, whatever the time of year.