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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
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8th February
Newly refurbished Lawson Lodge offers immaculate accommodation, ideal for a romantic break for two. Located at the heart of Tideswell, situated conveniently close to all local amenities. Book before ... |
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8th February
Chocolate Indulgence Walk (approx 7 miles) from Castleton to the hidden Cocoadance Chocolate factory for a short tour, demonstration and tasters. Climb Mam Tor, the famous Shivering Mountain, as well ... |
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8th February
Chocolate Indulgence Walk (approx 2 1/2 miles) from Castleton to the hidden Cocoadance Chocolate factory for a short tour, demonstration and tasters. See Mam Tor, the famous Shivering Mountain, as wel... |
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8th February
Albertine Barn (sleeps 8) - SHORT BREAK of 3 nights commencing Fri. 12th Feb. 2010 - now only £580 and Maigold (sleeps 4) - SHORT BREAK of 4 nights commencing Mon. 15th Feb. 2010 - now only £280.... |
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5th February
Relax in a luxury, self-catering, holiday cottage, perfect for exploring the Peak District. Completely refurbished during 2009, Derwent Valley View is ready to welcome guests from Feb 2010. Please co... |
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4th February
Take time to relax and enjoy the Peak District with friends and family. Luxury historic property for up to 12 people available for a weekend break starting Friday 19th February for £800 fully inclusiv... |
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2nd February
From 22nd February - 28th March 30% Off. Was £699.00 now £480 p/w. ... |
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2nd February
Luxury 5 star silver award winning 5 bedroom luxury cottage sleeping up to 14 people on offer for February only, beautiful location in 6 acres private grounds. Price per week was £1500, now £1300. Sho... |
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2nd February
Toad Cottage 17th Century cottage with open fire in lounge, many original features, two bedrooms each with its own bathroom is available for short breaks, or weeks during March and April if you are in... |
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1st February
Minden Cottage is a beautiful 4 star cottage that sleeps 4 plus a baby. Minden is nestled in the hillside enjoying views over the pretty market town of Bakewell. Available for short breaks and wee... |
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29th January
Albertine Barn (sleeps 8) - SHORT BREAK of 3 nights commencing Fri. 5th Feb. 2010 - now only £540 and SHORT BREAK of 3 nights commencing Fri. 12th Feb. 2010 - now only £620 Maigold Cottage (sle... |
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26th January
for w/c 30th January - 6th February and 6th February - 13th February. Both weeks at £235 for 2 people. ... |
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22nd January
£150,000 refurbishment completed this Month! 4 bed 3 bath, wood burner, range cooker, all mod cons, finished to a very high standard throughout. Available to guests from February 2010. Book by e... |
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21st January
Lea Cottage - Foolow Self Catering ,Sleeps 2 Excellent village location with local Pub. 2 NIGHT WEEKEND BREAKS £70.00 per night available January & February. 10 % off early bird bookings for 3 ... |
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21st January
4 night break 8th to 12th February 2010 only £350 and 4 night break 22nd February to 26th February 2010 only £399 both to include bottle of champagne & chocolates and unlimited use of the spa. Call Am... |
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21st January
Cottages sleeping 2-6 people in lovely rural location. Come and enjoy Derbyshires beautiful countryside. Pets welcome. Please call 01335-330681 ... |
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20th January
Tastefully converted genuine old Hayloft dating back to the 18th century set in a peaceful hamlet midway between MATLOCK and BAKEWELL amidst beautiful countryside with wonderful views in all direction... |
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19th January
SPECIAL OFFERS: EASTER - 15% discount for a full week booking. Both cottages booked 20% discount. Family Day Pass for Chatsworth House. SUMMER - bookings made in Jan/Feb - Family Pass for Chatswo... |
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19th January
Middle Cottage is a three bedroom cottage, built in 18th century. The cottage has retained much character. The Cottage is situated in the picturesque and historic Peak village of Eyam, surrounded by ... |
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12th January
Beautiful cottage in Monyash Built in 1820 and recently renovated throughout to the highest standards. Immediate availability, no price increase SINCE 2008. Prices from £250 per week. Please call 0162... |
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