Heights of Abraham Welcome to one of the Peak District’s oldest and most popular days out, an attraction where stunning natural beauty is matched by human achievement and the historic blends seamlessly with the futuristic.
Since first opening to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has remained one of the Peak District’s most appealing destinations. Visitors have travelled from all over the world to experience its unique blend of spectacular Underground Caverns, Exhibitions, Shops, Play Areas, Picnic Spots, Café and Summit Bar all with stunning views in acres of beautiful woodland. In recent times however, the Heights has become rightly famous for its landmark Cable Car system - the first of its kind in the whole of the British Isles.
Added attractions are the “Heath & Heaven” and “Fossil Factory” displays, plus state of the art lighting in the Great Masson Cavern which reveals its magnitude as it has never been seen before. Not forgetting John the Miner who tells the story of a day in the life of a 17th Century Lead Miner in the Great Rutland Cavern.
NEW for 2011 An eciting addition to the play areas is the WODLAND ADVENTURE play area. An exciting mix of slides,climbs and walkways with a fun Eagle nest swing!
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What to see and do
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
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 John the miner, recreating the atmosphere of life underground.
Eating and Shopping
Terrace Coffee shop and Summit bar, The Tavern, Treetops and High Falls gift shops all offer something for everyone for more details CLICK HERE
Exhibitions:
Who Why What
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!
The Fossil Factory
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
A stunning exhibition of aerial photography. Shot by world-renowned photographer John Beatty on a single summer's 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 of Abraham 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.
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Current reviews for Heights of Abraham
Review title : A fun day out for the whole family, added by : Lisa (01/06/2011)
Event reviewed : 30 May - 5 June: Spring Bank Holiday Activities
"We visited the Heights of Abraham on a very wet Bank Holiday Monday and, as I hadn't been for at least 30 years, we were all looking forward to seeing what was on offer.
We were 2 families with 3 children under 6 and, right from the start when we boarded the cable car, we really felt that we were at the start of an adventure.
We parked in the station carpark which was busy but very conveniently located and just a short walk away from the main entrance to the attraction (the Heights of Abraham is perfect if you are travelling by train). We all loved the cable car ride, our son was especially excited when it stopped halfway up the hill and it gave us a fantastic view of the surrounding area and river below.
Our first stop was the outdoor playground which, despite the rain, kept the kids amused and gave them the chance to get rid of some energy. We eventually managed to drag them away and queued up for the tour of the Masson Cavern. The tour, which took about 30 minutes, was led by a very knowledgeable guide, who kept everyone entertained and informed - not easy with a 2 year old who wanted to run off into every dark corner! Yes, there are steps (the last section totals 80) but they were all manageable and no-one was in a rush, so no problems there.
Next was a visit to the Mythical Village, where the kids had a fantastic time messing around with clay, seeds, sticks and all other bits of stuff foraged from the woods to make creatures. They were so proud of their beasties that it was quite tricky to persuade the kids to leave them in the little village but we promised to come back and visit them later in the year to see how nature had changed things.
Time for lunch and we had a very enjoyable time in the Terrace Coffee Shop, which served a wide variety of food and drink at very reasonable prices and much better than the usual fast food you are offered in these kind of attractions. There is also a bar upstairs, which serves meals and drinks, if you feel in need of sustinence!
Unfortunately, after a quick play in the Woodland Play Area, it was time to leave but, as we didn't get to see the exhibition or the Fossil Factory, or visit the other caverns and climb the tower, we will definitely go back later this year. This is a fantastic attraction that the weather cannot spoil and I would highly recommend it for people of all ages."
