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!
Functions and Celebrations
Groups and Education
Latest News
Travel by Train Offer
16 April - 2 May: Easter Events
30 May - 5 June: Spring Bank Holiday Activities
FAQs
Fathers' Day Fun
Half-term Family Fun
May Bank Holiday Events
October Half-Term Events
Shop and Eat
Summer Special Events
What to see and do
Woodland Play Area
Show previous events
THIS IS A PAST EVENT
Shop and Eat Hungry?
Where to eat We have a choice of places to eat and drink, providing an array of mouth-watering goods 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 Fossil Factory 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.
Don't forget our selection of contemporary art. We are home to a wide number of pieces from some of the country's most interesting and appealing artists. From the bright and bold pastel work of Doug Hyde to the colourful cityscapes of Henderson Cisz, all our pieces are for sale and make a talking point in any home.
You must be logged in to add a review for Heights of Abraham
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."
