Bolsover Castle dominates the limestone escarpment on the west of the area. The buildings in the castle today were constructed by the Cavendish family over the site of the original Peveril Castle dating from the 11th century. The rich painted rooms and elaborately carved fireplaces in the Little Castle puts visitors in touch with the romanticism of the English renaissance.

For information about the Castle events and opening times contact English Heritage on 01246 822844 www.english-heritage.org.uk. Exploring the town can be equally rewarding by visiting the medieval earthwork to the town, the 13th century church tower and exploring the stone houses that line the market place. For more information on events and what you can do at Bolsover please contact Bolsover District Council tourism department on 01246 240000 and visit the Events Page

]]> Described as 'more glass than walls' this Elizabethan mansion was built by Bess of Hardwick between 1590 and 1597. Visitors can explore the world-renowned collection of furniture, textiles and paintings as well as the gardens and 500 acre park.

Also visit the spectacular ruined home of Bess of Hardwick with impressive views over the surrounding Hardwick estate. For information about Hardwick please telephone the National Trust on 01246 850430 www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

]]> Perched on the edge of Pleasley Vale is Pleasley Park. This woodland is one of the largest semi-natural ancient woodlands in Derbyshire first recorded in 12 09 as a Royal deer hunting park.

Today, the park is managed by the Forestry Commission. A series of footpaths can be followed through the park. In certain areas the land is fissured and care needs to be taken. Please report any new fissures to the Forestry Commission on 01623 822447.

]]> This pit, which closed in December 1983, is now being restored by a group of committed volunteers. The pit headstocks are the last of their kind in the whole of Derbyshire. Inside the engine house a steam winding engine is preserved. For information about this site and opening times please telephone 01283 2223302.

]]> The mill buildings in Pleasley Vale are some of the most impressive industrial building in the area. The complex of four mills dating from the 18th century were built to manufacture cotton and silk. Other buildings included a school, library, chapel and workers houses.

Pleasley Vale also contains caves where remains of woolly mammoth, rhinoceros, reindeer, wolf, bison and horse have been found. A walk through this valley is featured in Walking in the Creswell Limestone Heritage Area published by Creswell Heritage Trust.

]]> This park is great for a walk from Whaley Thorns Heritage Centre. The park has been created out of the spoil tip of Langwith Colliery and includes excellent views of the attractive surrounding countryside.

Careful management of the park has preserved areas of species rich grassland. A walk through this park is featured in Walking in the Creswell Limestone Heritage Area published by Creswell Heritage Trust.

]]> This site was a medieval deer park in the 13th and 14th centuries. A footpath takes you through the eastern side of the park where it is possible to see the remains of the boundary bank and ditch used to control the deer herds. A walk through this park is featured in Walking in the Creswell Limestone Heritage Area published by Creswell Heritage Trust

]]> The Heritage Centre stages regular exhibitions on the past life and work of the local area. A wide range of events and activities are run from the centre including a number of guided walks throughout the year. Click here to explore up and coming events. For details about opening times please telephone 01623 742525.

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