|
|
Derwent Valley . Bringing you information on Peak District Holiday Accommodation , Peak District Holiday Cottages, Campsites and Caravan sites in the Peak District, Pubs In The Peak District, Peak District B&B , Peak District Hotels , Tourist Attractions or Town & Village Business of any kind in the Peak District and Derbyshire.
Over 100 years ago the Derwent Valley in North Derbyshire was identified as having all the necessary attributes for water storage to satisfy the growing needs of the local population and industry in North Derbyshire, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, the valley being deep and long, surrounded by gritstone edges with narrow points for dam building, and having a high rainfall.
Royal Assent for the reservoirs was granted in 1899 and the first two dams, Howden and Derwent, were constructed between 1901 and 1916. A site above Grindleford railway station - Bole Hill Quarry - was chosen to supply around 1.2million tons of stone for the reservoir walls and railway infrastructure was constructed to support the quarrying operation. A a village called Birchinlee was constructed in the valley to house the workers, consisting of well ordered corrugated iron homes along with shops, a school and a village hall. The village, known as 'Tin Town', was dismantled on completion of the dams but the old village site can still be seen alongside the Derwent Reservoir just to the north of Fairholmes Visitor Centre.
Construction of the Ladybower Dam started in 1935 and continued throughout the years of World War 2 despite the difficulty of obtaining materials and labour. It involved the flooding of the villages of Derwent and Ashopton despite much controversy. Derwent Church had to undergo exhumation of it's graves for reburial at Bamford. The dam was completed in 1943 but it took 2 years to fill it. The church tower had been left intact and reappeared eerily above the waters in 1947 when the water level was low. The Packhorse Bridge at Derwent was moved stone by stone, and rebuilt at Slippery Stones, at the head of Howden reservoir, since it had a preservation order on it.
Together Howden, Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs form the largest area of open water in Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park, and have a combined capacity of 463,692 million litres. The reservoirs offer a fantastic recreational venue, attracting over two million visitors every year. Much of the landscape they come to admire is the work of man as much as nature, yet it still retains an aura of wildness and beauty and a staggering array of wildlife, some of which is extremely rare elsewhere in Europe. In recent years forestry has become an important factor here and much of the sides of the Upper Derwent valley have been clothed in conifers. Fortunately the Forestry Commission are a relatively benevolent landowner who allow access and provide amenities for visitors, because this is a popular area for walking, cycling and fishing. They have an information centre and car-park at Fairholmes, just below Derwent dam, run in cooperation with the Peak National Park. In 1993, the Upper Derwent Valley became one of the Forestry Authority's first Centres of Excellence.
Derwent reservoir was used by the RAF's Dambusters to practise their low level flying techniques during 1943, in preparation for delivering Barnes Wallis' famous 'bouncing bombs' to German dams. Located in the West Tower of the Derwent Valley Dam is the Derwent Dam (617 Squadron) Museum which houses a collection of memorabilia dedicated to the famous Dams Raid carried out by 617 ?Dambusters? Squadron. It includes photographs and other material covering all aspects of the Dams Raid, including details of the training flights carried out by 617 Squadron over the Derwent Dam and material relating to the film ?The Dambusters? starring Richard Todd as Guy Gibson, made in 1954. There is also an example of the famous ?Bouncing Bomb?, which forms the centrepiece of the museum's display. Opening times are 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays only
|
|
|
| Latest News |
|---|
|
2nd September
Come and enjoy Derbyshire's beautiful countryside, call now for details. Cottages sleeping from 2 - 6 people, quiet rural location, easy access to Alton Towers and wonderful countryside . Pets welcome... |
|
30th August
BOOK 5* Elton Old Hall c1668 by 30th September at 2010 Tariff. ... |
|
27th August
FRI 3RD SEP - MON 6TH SEP LUXURY BARN CONVERSION WITH HOT TUB IN QUIET VILLAGE LOCATION, GREAT PUB WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE . NOW ONLY £397.50 (WAS £795.00 DUE TO CANCELLATION). SLEEPS UPTO 8 PEOPLE .... |
|
27th August
Ideal for reunions, family gatherings and special occasions. Book with us for 2011 before 30th September 2010 to reserve your holiday at the 2010 price banding rate. ... |
|
26th August
The Greyhound Hotel, Cromford, Matlock. 16th Century Hotel. Book now for a Special offer for Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal For ONLY £99 per couple per night!! For November and December (excludes Xm... |
|
26th August
Oaker View 18th Century one bedroom cottage, with wood burner, in tucked away location 30 yards from Peak National Park, pubs in village, is available from 3.00pm on Saturday 2nd October until 10.00am... |
|
26th August
4 Nights for the price of 3 including Full English Breakfast Platter delivered to your door on one morning! Monday 30th Aug to Friday 3rd September or Monday 6th to Friday 10th September in Sheldon... |
|
26th August
Cottages available in Eyam and Bradwell. For 2 people Mon to Thursday reduced 25%. Weekends 20%. Weekly rate reduced by 25%. Prices from £192. See www.peakholidayhomes.com Reductions also for 4 and 5 ... |
|
24th August
ETB 5 star cottage (2 bedrooms) from Friday 3 Sept for 3 nights due to a cancellation. Fantastic views and great walking straight from the door £295 (was £380) Tel. 01298 84530 ... |
|
24th August
Bank Holiday Special - Albertine Barn (sleeps up to 8) - Fri. 27th August 2010 - 3 nights now £740 was £840. Maigold Cottage (sleeps 4) - Fri. 3rd September 2010 - 7 nights £450. ... |
|
23rd August
2 luxury Cottages in Foolow Nr Eyam to sleep up to 8 people per cottage. The Old Dairy - 4 nights Mon 30th Aug to Fri 3rd Sept £350.00 The Old Dairy - 7 nights Fri 3rd to Fri 10th Sept £395.00 Shipp... |
|
20th August
A seven night self catering holiday in a fantastic house in a super location for only £399. The break is from Saturday 28th August to Saturday 4th September it includes all utilities, bedding, towels... |
|
19th August
Bed and Breakfast Oakford Cottage, Matlock. Book more than 2 nights and receive a 10% discount. Traditional Bed and Breakfast in the beautiful Robin Hood area of Matlock, Amber Valley. Outstanding v... |
|
19th August
Takes place 19th September, 2010 - 11am until 4pm, FREE admission, Wormhill, Buxton. Are you planning a wedding or civil partnership? Come to the wedding fayre and meet local wedding suppliers. Events... |
|
19th August
Quiet, beautiful cottage in Youlgrave has availability for a midweek 4 night break, bank holiday week - starting Tuesday 31st August to morning of Saturday 4th September for £200. ... |
|
17th August
Bretton Cottage Bed and Breakfast offering quality accommodation and a varied breakfast menu. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. ... |
|
17th August
Bolehill Farm between Bakewell and Monyash has Sheepfold, a split level barn conversion, sleeping four in a double and twin bedroom, available from 21/8 for four nights for £320 or three nights £285 s... |
|
17th August
Bank Holiday special offer 7 nights commencing Friday 27th August 2010 only £749 to include champagne & chocolates and unlimited use of the hydrotherapy spa. Call Amanda on 07988 793763 to avoid disa... |
|
16th August
WEEKEND CANCELLATION AT THE MEWS! £100 OFF - NOW ONLY £695! Luxury barn conversion for upto 8 people with HOT TUB! Quiet village location, great pub within walking distance 25 mins from Alton Towe... |
|
16th August
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION FOR 2 Fri 27th Aug - Mon 30th Aug now available 3 nights (Fri - Mon) now only £295!! (was £375) www.hallfarmholidays.co.uk Philippa 07817 796712 ... |
|
Newsletter |
Please enter your email address below to receive our newsletter emails
|
|
|
|
