Exploring hidden Derbyshire

Exploring hidden Derbyshire. One of the most popular activities in Derbyshire and the Peak District is exploring caves and caverns. If you enjoy spectacular rock formations, unusual stones, and beautiful atmospheres this adventure is for you.

Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern, and Treak Cliff Cavern are just a few of the amazing caverns to be found in the Castleton caves.

Amazing stalactites and stalagmites can be found in Treak Cliff Cavern. In Blue John Cavern you will see Blue John, a semi-precious mineral unique to Derbyshire.

There are also great show caverns to explore in the Heights of Abraham, Matlock. The area’s rich mining history is explained by knowledgeable guides who know every nook and cranny of the cavern.

Also in the area is Poole’s Cavern, located close to Wheeldon Trees Cottages in Buxton. This is a fantastic limestone cavern with brilliant crystal stalactites lining the chambers. 

Other Derbyshire underground adventures

Peak District Lead Mining Museum

You have a wonderful opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the lead mining industry in Derbyshire and the family who endured this arduous job to support themselves at the Peak District Lead Mining Museum.

There are several collections to view. You can see books, maps, and photos, as well as artefacts used to transport minerals from below ground to the surface and to remove water from mines.

Temple Mine

There is a terrific combo ticket discount programme to entice you to visit both the Peak District Mining Museum and Temple Mine. The two are connected sites on either side of the road.

You can also have a guided tour of the Temple Mine. This lead and fluorspar mine that was still fully functioning into the 1950s. Alongside the tour you can pan for gold and take what you discover home.

Creswell Crags

An ancient limestone valley called Creswell Crags is peppered with fascinating caverns. Archaeologists have discovered fascinating stone tools and animal bones in caverns that provide proof of the last Ice Age, which occurred over 10,000 years ago. The only known Ice Age rock art in Britain is also found here.

About Wheeldon Trees Cottages – a stunning retreat of 10 luxury properties

Explore our 12 acres of Peak District National Park and the Derbyshire local countryside on foot or jump on our free electric bikes to see further afield.  If you love walking, you can bag a trig by climbing to the top of High Wheeldon directly from your cottage’s front door. If you drive electric, you can make use of our onsite free EV charging facility. In addition, there’s an outdoor play area for children, and our newly refurbished games room features puzzles, pool, air hockey and ping pong. Our honesty shop has essential luxury snacks and the freezer has local artisan ice cream. If you’re working while with us, feel free to use our dedicated workspace. It’s a luxurious office under the trees with the most amazing views. What’s more, it’s free to use and has super-fast wifi and a printer.

To view our cottage availability click here.