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Situated on the site of historic lead mining the Heights of Abraham originally opened in 1780 as a Regency style “Savage Garden”. Today the paths still follow many of the original routes around the 60 acres of Woodland hillside. 200 years on from when it first opened its gates, the planting scheme has matured into an extensive array of trees, shrubs and flowers, providing homes for a range of birds and wildlife.
At a thousand feet above the valley floor the Heights is home to some of the most stunning views of the Derwent Valley and beyond to Matlock and the wider Peak District. Its hilltop location and the resulting views bring people back time and time again. With every corner turned, the view changes and each day brings something new to look at.
It is said that the mining of this area began in Roman times, reaching its heyday in the 17th Century. The miners are now long gone but in emptying the ground of the rich mineral deposits, they left behind a large network of naturally formed caverns and passageways dating back millions of years. Nowadays regular guided tours allow you to retrace the footsteps of the Miners underground, and experience the spectacular caverns they left behind.
NEW FOR 2008 - Experience first hand our spectacular cavern system as it winds its way deep underground and into the hillside. With the help of a state of the art lighting installation your guide will take you on a fascinating journey. From the light of a single miners candle to the whole chamber being flooded with changing colours you will hear all about the caverns million year history. The tour will last about 30 minutes before you finally exit onto the hillside above.
We have a choice of places to eat and drink, providing an array of mouth-watering goods to suit all tastes and budgets. Using local produce and suppliers, our team work hard to provide a wide range of freshly made produce from a light snack in the coffee shop to a full meal in the bar.
The Terrace Coffee Shop is open every day of the season and is the perfect spot to sit with a cup of coffee or take a light lunch with friends. The Summit Bar is open on busier days and holidays and offers a relaxed table service for those who may wish to take longer over their food.
Both venues have floor to ceiling panoramic windows to make the most of stunning views down the Derwent Valley; these open onto their own terraces and allow for some al fresco dining when the weather permits.
Whether you are looking for a souvenir of your day or that perfect present, the range of goods available from the retail outlets on the estate means that no one has to go home empty handed. Each of the shops has its own personality, highlighting the natural themes running through estate with a range of original gifts to reflect.
The High Falls Rock Shop is home to a carefully selected supply of rock themed gifts ranging from some spectacular pieces of decorative stone, through a wide range of jewellery, to fascinating fossils and samples of local minerals.
In the Treetops gift shop nature prevails – gifts and pottery, kites and flying toys, walking sticks and torches, birdhouses and soft toys; all and more can be found here.
Don’t forget our selection of contemporary art. We are home to a wide number of pieces from some of the country’s most interesting and appealing artists. From the bright and bold pastel work of Doug Hyde to the colourful cityscapes of Henderson Cisz, all our pieces are for sale and make a talking point in any home.
Some may say that there is already plenty to see and do here at the Heights but should any children have any energy left they may wish to test their wits on the Explorers Challenge or take the plunge down our giant slide.