A Trip to Cromford
Cromford is a lovely village on the edge of the Peak District in the Derwent Valley, best known for its connection with the renowned industrialist Richard Arkwright, who built Cromford Mills in 1771. The village is a peaceful, pretty place to wander with interesting independent shops and wonderful places to eat and drink. Many of the buildings date from the late 18th century and were constructed to house mill workers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cromford Mills is free to enter and offers loads to see, including the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill, with a courtyard of independent shops and a café surrounded by historic mill buildings. The beautiful Cromford Canal, constructed in the 1790s, offers towpath walks to Ambergate via High Peak Junction, with narrowboat trips available on the restored Birdswood. Cromford is a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty in the Peak District.
The lovely village of Cromford lies on the edge of the Peak District in the Derwent Valley between Matlock and Wirksworth in Derbyshire. It is perhaps best known for its connection with the renowned industrialist Richard Arkwright, who built Cromford Mills in 1771.
It’s a peaceful, pretty place to wander, with interesting independent shops and some wonderful places to eat and drink. Many of the buildings seen in the village today date from the late 18th Century and were constructed on the instruction of Richard Arkwright to house mill workers.
Whilst here, don’t miss a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cromford Mills, built by Richard Arkwright in 1771. It’s free to enter and there’s loads to see here, including the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. You can explore the history of the area and discover the captivating story of how the Derwent Valley changed the world in the 18th Century. As well as that, there’s a lovely courtyard of independent shops and a café, all surrounded by historic mill buildings.
Also take the time to wander along the beautiful Cromford Canal, constructed in the early 1790s to provide transport for the mills. You can walk along the towpath (which starts just opposite Cromford Mills) to Ambergate via High Peak Junction. And for those who like to travel in more style there are narrowboat trips available on the restored narrowboat Birdswood.
Find out more
To find out more, please click the button below:
How do I get there?
Cromford is located south of Matlock on the A5012. It is well signposted from the A6.
what3words address ///lifeboats.fled.elephant
Cromford Mills Car Parking ///smiling.graph.riper
If the industrial heritage and beautiful setting of Cromford have interested you, the Peak District has many more fascinating villages and attractions to explore. Matlock Bath is a fascinating tourist destination with its riverside gardens and family attractions. The Heights of Abraham offers a thrilling cable car ride with show caverns, while Crich Tramway Village offers a journey through a hundred years of tramway development. Peak Rail provides heritage steam and diesel railway experiences. For more family ideas, visit our Family Attractions Guide.
