The Cable Car System

Since first opening its gates to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has remained one of the Peak District's most popular destinations. Originally the Heights of Abraham was reached on foot and required visitors to scale the steep slopes of Masson Hill. Since 1984 a visit begins with a journey on Britain"s first alpine style cable car system. Rising from the valley floor, the observation cars transport you in comfort and safety and allow stunning views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District.

The Hilltop Park and Views

Situated on the site of historic lead mining the Heights of Abraham originally opened as a Regency style 'Savage Garden'. Today the paths still follow many of the original routes around the 60 acres of Woodland hillside. Now, 200 years on, the planting scheme has matured, providing homes for a range of birds and wildlife.

At almost a thousand feet 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.

The Show Caverns

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. Now, regular guided tours allow you to retrace the footsteps of the Miners underground, and experience the spectacular caverns they left behind.

The Masson Cavern - 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 Rutland Cavern.

Here, young and old alike can head underground to experience a day in the life of a 17th Century lead mining family. Once underground the miners tales are brought to life by a series of animatronics, recreating the atmosphere of life underground.

Eating and Shopping

We have a choice of places to eat and drink 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.

Born to Shop?

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.

Exhibitions

Who Why What is the perfect place to find the answers to all your questions about the history of the estate, and its attractions. Exhibitions as well as audio visual presentations are used to tell stories including the construction of the cable car system.

Those daring enough can also have a go on one of our emergency rescue vehicles which thankfully we haven't had to use yet!

NEW FOR 2008

The Fossil Factory is an exciting new addition to the site which brings to life fun and interesting facts about rocks and fossils and the formation of the Peak District. In addition there is a film presentation about one of the Heights' own showcaves The Great Masson Cavern and perhaps most excitingly it is home to the fossilised remains of a giant Ichthyosaur, alive at the same time as the dinosaurs. At around 3 metres long it is one fossil you won't want to miss.

Heath & Heaven is a stunning exhibition of aerial photography. Shot by world-renowned photographer John Beatty on a single summers day the exhibition is a patchwork of fascinating aerial shots of the surronding Peak District accompanied with words and poems by Si Homfrey.

Play

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.