Wirksworth

Wirksworth is a historical market town 4 miles south of Matlock with a population of around 10,000 in Derbyshire, England.

Get in

Travelling to Wirksworth is easy from most directions. There are regular bus services to and from Bakewell, Matlock, Derby, Ashbourne and Sheffield Meadowhall. The town is 11 miles north of Derby, and 4 miles south of Matlock and is located on the B5023 between Duffield and Cromford.

Get around

Wirksworth is a small town and as such, it is easy to get around. However, Bolehill and The Haarlem Mill areas are both around 1.5 miles from the town center and it is advisable to get the 6.1 bus to either destination if you are old or less able to walk. Central Wirksworth is completely walkable, though quite steep in some places.

See

There are several attractions around the town, including St. Mary's Church, Puzzle Gardens - a group of small alleyways and jitties in north-west central Wirksworth - the restored Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, the Star Disc star-gazing site, and a Heritage Centre near the Market Place.

• 🌍 Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Coldwell Street, DE4 4FB, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Operates from Wirksworth station in the east of the town. Trains run to and from Duffield, near Derby, where they connect with main-line services, and there is a half-mile northern extension to Ravenstor and a public footpath to the National Stone Centre.  
• 🌍 National Stone Centre, Porter Lane (Approximately 1 mile/1.6 km north of Wirksworth), ☎ [phone]. an exhibition and study centre in a disused quarry (part of which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest) where you can learn about the different types of rocks and fossils.  
• 🌍 Derbyshire Eco Centre (Approximately 1 mile/1.6 km north of Wirksworth), ☎ [phone]. the county hub for courses and activities focusing on education for sustainable development. The Peak tors include a number of archeological sites. 
• 🌍 Wirksworth Heritage Centre, 31 St John's St, ☎ [phone]. Local history museum, with cafe, gallery and gift shop. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 Star Disc, Green Hill (Pedestrian and disabled access: DE4 4EN; designated parking for Stoney Wood: DE4 4FR). A 21st-century stone circle and celestial amphitheatre created by Aidan Shingler. It spans 12 metres (40 ft). Carved into black granite is a star chart that mirrors the northern hemisphere’s night sky. It is free to visit and open to anyone and everyone, 24hrs a day, all year round. See website for special events. Email via website contact page. (updated Sep 2018)

Do

• 🌍 Carsington Water. Reservoir, activities include: walking, cycling, fly fishing, birdwatching, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. In addition to water sports and a sailing club, there are walking and cycle routes around the reservoir. Cycle hire is available and you can also get refreshments there. 
• 🌍 The Northern Light Cinema, North End, DE4 4FG, ☎ [phone] (box office), e-mail: [e-mail]. Wed - Sun 18:30 - 22:30. Small independent cinema in converted former electrical showroom - "charming, quaint, quirky, friendly, sometimes challenging but always good fun." (updated Mar 2016)

Events

• Wirksworth Festival: 7–23 September 2018. A major celebration of the creative and performing arts. It combines free events, like the Gig on the Roof (a music festival outside the Hope and Anchor pub), and paying events, and includes the popular Art and Architecture Trail. (date needs updating)
• Wirksworth Book Festival. takes place across the first two weeks in April each year. A celebration of books and reading, showcasing local writers and venues throughout the town. 

Buy

• 🌍 Wirksworth Outdoors, 21 St John St, DE4 4DR (B5023), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Wirksworth Outdoors is an independent shop selling outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment. Stocks maps and all types of gear associated with hiking, cycling, running and camping. 
• 🌍 Traid Links, 20 Market Place, DE4 4ET, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Mon - Sat 09.30-17.30; Sun 11.00-16.00. A member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers, selling a range of fair trade food, chocolate, snacks, jewellery, crafts & gifts. (updated Aug 2017)

Eat

• 🌍 Le Mistral Restaurant, 23 Market Place, ☎ [phone]. 

Drink

• 🌍 Royal Oak, 14 North End. 

Sleep

Wirksworth also has a range of campsites, hotels, youth hostels, and bed and breakfasts.

• 🌍 The Old Lock Up, 46 North End, ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 The Old Manor House, Coldwell Street, ☎ [phone]. 
• 🌍 Hoegrange, Hoe Grange, Brassington, ☎ [phone]. 

Go next

Cromford

Matlock and Matlock Bath

Belper

Ashbourne

Bakewell

Stay safe

Wirksworth is located in one of the safest districts in the country. As with all towns, take reasonable precautions at night, especially around the dark alleyways surrounding the town centre.