Wirksworth Cottages

Wirksworth Cottages

Wirksworth is where traditional Derbyshire is preserved for all to enjoy. Located in the delightful Derbyshire Dales, Wirksworth is one of many of the Peak District’s old mill towns that is still home to a small, local community and beautiful natural surroundings. We are lucky enough to have a selection of holiday cottages in Wirksworth, sleeping upwards of two guests. This part of the Peak District is perhaps best explored on foot, so if you’re looking for a walking holiday, one of our Wirksworth cottages may just be the perfect choice and if you were looking for a stone cottage in particular, then you’ve come to the right place! 

Like many towns and villages in Derbyshire, Wirksworth has been the inspiration behind many literary works. One particularly famous resident was DH Lawrence, who lived and worked here for a time, while George Eliot based their novel, The Mill on the Floss, on the local Haarlem Mills. Today the mill is a popular wedding venue and if you just so happen to be in town to celebrate the nuptials of friends or family, then our Wirksworth Cottages are just a short walk or drive from the mill.  

Wirksworth is also known for its dark skies and in 2011, Aidan Shingler created the town’s StarDisc, a ‘21st Century stone disc and celestial amphitheatre’. The disc reflects the stars of the Northern Hemisphere and is engraved with a beautiful inscription of the Milky Way. The Disc sits atop Stoney Wood and is open 24 hours a day, but of course it truly comes to life at nightfall. Stoney Wood overlooks Ecclesfield Valley, which is a wonderful place to take a walk or two during your Wirksworth stay. Alternatively, you can see the valley in all its glory by rail, by stepping aboard the Ecclesfield Valley Railway that runs from Duffield to Wirksworth.  

To learn all about Wirksworth’s history, head to the town’s fabulous heritage centre, open every day except Mondays and Wednesdays. The centre has various displays outlining the stories of the people and history of Wirksworth. Webster’s is the onsite cafe and sells soups, light lunches, sweet treats and vegetarian options and is also very dog-friendly.  

Perhaps the best way to understand Wirksworth, however, is to visit during a time of traditional celebrations. Each year, the people of Wirksworth host the Wirksworth Arts Festival in September, when over 150 local artists display and sell their work. In June, the town also celebrates the Derbsyhire tradition of Well Dressing, whereby wells and water points are decorated with flower petals in a rather spectacular fashion.  

There are also a number of pubs and shops in the town and nearby Bolehill to the north of the town is home to fantastic panoramic views of the area. 

If you're planning to stay in one of our cottages in Ashbourne, Matlock, Darley Dale, or other gems of the southern peaks, Wirksworth makes for a great trip out. With cottages available throughout the Peak District and Derbyshire, you'll have fond memories wherever you holiday.