Visit Cromford in the Derwent Valley, a great destination in your exploration of the World Heritage Site. Cromford, a village on the southern edge of the Peak District, is well known through its connection with Sir Richard Arkwright, who established his first water powered cotton spinning mill here in 1771. Set in a valley, carved by the River Derwent, it is surrounded by glorious wooded hills and dramatic cliffs.

Cromford is a charismatic village, with a pretty village pond and delicious surprises around every corner. Here you can discover some of the oldest purpose-built industrial housing in the world, as well as traditional shops and pubs and school, built by the Arkwright family, for the millworkers. Look out for the Old Lock Up which used to be the jailhouse, but is now a contemporary art gallery.

As you wander around the village, you will notice the most distinguished building in architectural style is The Greyhound Inn, now a hotel and restaurant. Built by Richard Arkwright in the 18th century, it provided luxury accommodation for his business associates and important visitors.

In the Market Place, to the side of The Greyhound, you will see the authentic Georgian Shambles. They still contain small shop units for local independents which are well worth exploring.

Why not saunter up Scarthin, to the rear of The Shambles, for a wonderful view of the Greyhound pond? Whilst there, you can also drop into the famous Scarthin Bookshop to browse this treasure trove of books, old and new.

The village has a vibrant community and events diary too. With independent shops, art galleries, pubs and cafes, you’re sure to find something unique here.

Hidden Heritage!

The Bear Pit:

Behind the houses on Cromford Hill, follow a footpath where the Market Place ends and The Hill begins. Here you will happen upon the Bear Pit. No bear has ever been here (that we know of), but it looks the part. It was actually used to control the flow of water to Arkwright’s mills at the bottom of the hill.

Rock House Window:

Richard Arkwright lived in Rock House, which sits on a high cliff across the road from Cromford Mills. Facing the mills is a fine, Venetian window in a small side building. It has been claimed that from here Arkwright could watch the mill at work, if he wished.