Join Derwent Valley Tours on an escorted tour around the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. 

Operating on Wednesdays and Thursdays in April, May and June.  (See the schedule below).  Tours are limited to 12 guests in a 16-seater minibus.

Introductory low price £25 per person

Prices held since 2021 and include all admissions.

Book now to avoid disappointment

Our escorted tours start from either Derby at 9.30am, or Matlock at 9.45am.

We are scheduled to arrive back between 5 and 5.30pm.

Derwent Valley Highlights

An escorted tour, taking in the major sites of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Your tour guide will point out the places of interest along the valley and weave the history of ‘The Valley that changed the World’ into your journey.

The tour includes:

  • Visit to the Arkwright Experience and Visitor Centre at Cromford Mills to hear the story of the valley and how it changed the world.
  • A guided tour of Cromford Wharf and the Cromford Canal aqueduct; an unspoilt example of eighteenth-century engineering within an amazing setting.
  • A guided tour of High Peak Junction, visiting the oldest railway workshop in the world to discover unique relics and curiosities of this pioneer railway.
  • A guided tour of Strutt’s North Mill in Belper, where a disastrous fire led to innovation in building technology and the rise of modern skyscrapers.
  • Walking tour of Belper Mills and the adjacent Edwardian River Gardens.
  • Drive through tours of Milford and Darley Abbey to discover the special features of these other early water-powered mill communities.
  • You will have time to buy your lunch at Cromford Mills, or you can bring your own refreshments.

Our Schedule

Note: Further details of our pickup locations in Derby and Matlock can be found here.

Tour No Date Tour Starting from Tickets
1 28th April (Thursday) Derwent Valley Highlights Derby – 9.30am BOOK NOW
2 5th May (Thursday) Derwent Valley Highlights Matlock – 9.45am BOOK NOW
3 12th May (Thursday) Derwent Valley Highlights Derby – 9.30am BOOK NOW
4 19th May (Thursday) Derwent Valley Highlights Matlock – 9.45am BOOK NOW
5 26th May (Thursday) Derwent Valley Highlights Derby – 9.30am BOOK NOW
6 1st June (Wednesday) Derwent Valley Highlights Matlock – 9.45am BOOK NOW
7 9th June (Thursday) Derwent Valley Highlights Derby – 9.30am BOOK NOW
8 16th June (Thursday) Derwent Valley Highlights Matlock – 9.45am BOOK NOW

Important Information

 

CHILDREN

At this stage, the scheduled tours we offer are unsuitable for children under 5 years of age. Children  between 6 – 16 yrs are most welcome onboard but must be accompanied by an adult.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Full booking terms and conditions are available here.

CHANGES TO OUR SCHEDULE

Our programme of tours may need to be varied due to changes in Covid-19 regulations or other circumstances. In all such cases guests will have the option of refunds or re-booking to a later date at no extra cost.

FAQs

What measures are in place to ensure that Derwent Valley Tours meet all COVID requirements?

You must not join the tour if you have either symptoms that might be Covid or have been told to self-isolate.  In these situations you will be entitled to a full refund.

What happens to my booking if I (or another member of my party) am ill on the day?

You must phone 01629 823256 (Option 0) as soon as possible and before the time of the tour departure. Once you have done this, we will either make a refund or reschedule your booking. (Please note lines are open from 9am—5pm.)

What happens if I want to cancel or rearrange my booking?

You may cancel or rearrange up to 24 hours prior to the tour date to receive a full refund. Email info@arkwrightsociety.org or phone 01629 823256 (Option 0). (Please note lines are open from 9am—5pm.)

Do I need to bring any evidence of my booking?

Each Tour Manager will have a list of expected passengers. However, we recommend having your reference number to hand.

What do I need to know about pick-up points?

Each tour has just one pick-up point: Derby leaves from Cathedral Green, while Matlock leaves from the railway and bus station interchange. More details can be found here. Please make yourself known to the Tour Manager, who carries a board with the DVT logo, or find the minibus, which also displays the logo. Please be punctual and look out for the bus. If you have any problems, give us a call and we will advise you.

What happens if I am late arriving at the pick-up point?

Due to the nature of our tours, we cannot wait for guests who arrive late to the pick-up point, as this would impact the other passengers and delay the whole day. We ask that you try to arrive at the pick-up point earlier then required. If you expect to be very late, please call us as soon as possible.

Are there special rates for children?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide this at this current time.

Can I have a special seat due to my health or mobility issues?

If this is the case, please contact us and we will do our best to allocate a suitable seat for you.

Do you cater for wheelchairs?

A folding wheelchair can be carried on the minibus and if one of your party can help you in and out of the vehicle and push it for you, then this is a way for you to enjoy our tours. There may be restrictions at some sites, but we will endeavour to provide you with alternative activities wherever possible.

Are dogs allowed?

We only allow assistance dogs on our tours. Please inform us at the time of booking.

Can you carry luggage?

Due to the size of our vehicles, we are only able to carry small day-sized backpacks. Larger luggage may be carried onboard with prior arrangement. At the moment, some seats are kept spare, so please check at time of booking.

What should I wear and bring?

Please dress according to the season, and bring sun and rain protection. Wear sensible walking shoes. You may also wish to bring drinking water. Having your own pen would help us.

How much walking is involved?

All tours include walking, so they are not suitable for anyone who cannot walk at a normal pace for up to an hour at a time.

Do I need to bring lunch?

We include a stop for lunch on all the tours. You can choose to buy your lunch from one of three cafés on site at Cromford Mills (a selection of light meals and sandwiches), or you can bring you own picnic lunch.

If something goes wrong, who should we contact?

The first point of contact is the Tour Manager or their assistant. If this is not possible, please phone 01629 823256 (Option 0) immediately. (Please note lines are open from 9am—5pm.)