2020 visit: This account describes a visit in summer 2020. See the Heights of Abraham for current opening times and facilities.
During the summer of 2020, the Explore Buxton team visited the Heights of Abraham and explored Matlock Bath. The attraction’s alpine-style cable car opened in 1984.
Arriving at the cable car station, the climb into the clouds looked to be a gentle one. We boarded a cable car almost right away; it’s highly recommended you book in advance by the way. We had a slight sense of anticipation as it took off and we were soon above the treetops and the views down into the town were lovely. High Tor, the imposing limestone crag which overlooks Matlock soon comes into view as does the superb vista of the Peak District, serving as a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
On our visit, the cable car paused during the ascent, giving us time to take photographs. The ride was about five minutes long.
We booked for 1pm but there’s a lot to see and to be honest a full day would be better so you can enjoy lunch and make you sure you don’t miss anything.
First stop was the guided tour of Great Masson Cavern. We only had time for one of the two show caves; the other was the Rutland Cavern and Nestus Mine. The caves offer an insight into centuries of local lead mining. After climbing out near Tinker’s Shaft, we enjoyed views across the Derwent Valley toward High Tor and Riber Castle, a 19th-century castellated house built for textile manufacturer John Smedley.
We stopped at the Terrace Café, below the Vista Bar and Restaurant. On the way, we saw a Punch and Judy show, a puppet tradition with roots in the 17th century.
The café offers another opportunity to enjoy the views. After fuelling up on a huge slice of (delicious) gluten free chocolate cake and a cup of Earl Grey Tea, we continued to explore.
Sadly, we were too grown up for the Woodland Play Adventure area 😀, clearly the children playing here looked to be having a great time…
Of course no trip to a visitor attraction is complete without perusing the souvenirs available and The Treetops Gift Shop doesn’t disappoint with lots of Derbyshire and Peak District inspired rocks, minerals, crystals, fossils, jewellery and more.
Last stop was the Victoria Prospect Tower. Built in 1844, the restored lookout has a spiral staircase and panoramic views. In 2020 the attraction had also introduced an audio tour exploring the site’s history.
Having been on a cable car in Europe, albeit a much bigger one, the experience was certainly thrilling.
We walked back into the town along the river which is pleasant stroll and eventually you arrive at the rear of the Peak District Lead Mining Museum; we didn’t have time to visit, that’s another trip.
Dogs on leads are welcome on the cable cars and around the estate; pet dogs cannot enter the caverns, the Vista Restaurant or its balcony. The operator permits guide and assistance dogs in the caverns and asks visitors to speak to a guide first. See its dog policy and accessibility information. The separately ticketed Lights of Abraham does not permit dogs; contact the attraction about assistance dogs at that event.
Tickets and Booking
For current admission prices and booking, visit the Heights of Abraham website.
The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3NT
T: 01629 582365
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