Heights of Abraham

Matlock Bath is set in the beautiful gorge of the River Derwent, often described as a ‘seaside town, without the sea’, this is where you will find the Heights of Abraham. Take a flight in a cable car up to a 60-acre Hilltop estate with exhibitions, underground cavern tours and spectacular viewpoints.

Heights of Abraham

Your cable car ticket gives you a free right of way over the hilltop park including two guided tours through illuminated caverns, exhibitions, magnificent views, adventure playgrounds, woodland trails and much more.

Take a picnic or enjoy a wide selection of food and drink at one of the attractions restaurants or cafes and combine great food with incredible views.

The Cable Car

A flight in the cable cars is just the beginning of your day out at the Heights, but it is a highlight for many. Take your journey up to the summit in style and enjoy the magnificent 360-degree views of the Derbyshire Dales around you.

There are 12 cable cars in total split into 4 sets, each containing 3 cars. You will often see the sets of cable cars slow down as they reach the halfway point, this is to let people on at the bottom and off at the top. If they stop completely, then it’s just to let people with pushchairs and wheelchairs on.

The cable cars offer visitors a great opportunity to take some stunning photos of the Derwent Valley and Masson Hill.

Show Caverns

Tours of Masson Cavern and Rutland Cavern are included in your admission. The caverns were formed over 350 million years ago and each holds their own fascinating story with guided cavern tours running at regular intervals throughout the day.

The cavern guides are experts and know the caves like the back of their hand, so if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask them.

Tinker’s Shaft

Located at the highest point of the estate is Tinker’s Shaft, offering spectacular views of the town of Matlock Bath below and the Derbyshire Dales that surround it.

Tinker’s Shaft was once the main access point to the Great Masson Cavern, a working lead mine in the 17th Century. It is now safely capped and has been transformed into a viewing platform with incredible vistas over the Derbyshire Dales. Breathe in the fresh air and imagine what life once was like for those who worked the mines on Masson Hill.

The Long View

The Long View interactive exhibition gives an insight into the history of the Heights of Abraham. Find out what brought the first visitors to Matlock Bath, which famous faces from the past have visited, and why the Heights has remained a favourite attraction since first being opened in 1787.

Victoria Prospect Tower

Climb the spiral staircase and experience views fit for Royalty. Built in 1844 in honour of Her Majesty’s reign, take in the spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Derbyshire Dales from the top of Victoria Prospect Tower.

Adventure Playgrounds

There are two adventure play areas for our younger guests to enjoy. Located at the summit is The Explorer’s Challenge featuring a mini assault course, perfect for younger children. The Woodland Adventure is situated slightly further down the estate and is filled with ropes and swings to get your children moving. Take in the gorgeous views whilst the children burn off some excess energy.

Heritage Estate & Walks

The Heights is full of a winding network of serpentine paths for you to explore, built for the original Georgian visitors to ease the climbing of Masson Hill when the estate first opened in 1787. Walk in the footsteps of those from the past through the savage garden that was planted in 1780 and discover the two heritage structures on your way around the estate.

Metallic Cows

At the foot of Victoria Prospect Tower, with a view that expands for miles behind them, you will find 3 Metallic Cows. In 2017, the cows made their debut at the Chatsworth RHS flower show as part of the award-winning Experience Peak District Garden, designed by Lee Besthall.

The current owners of the Heights of Abraham were visiting the RHS show at the time and came across the cows that had been put on sale. They were so intrigued that they decided to give one of them a new home, and bought it there and then. As they were leaving, they felt so bad for splitting the three cows up that they went back and bought the other two!

Food and Drink

Dining at the Hilltop Estate is an experience in itself as you combine great food with incredible views. There’s plenty to choose from no matter whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a tasty cake or a sit-down meal.

The Vista Restaurant & Bar with its contemporary design and balconies that open out onto the spectacular and far-reaching views across the Derwent Valley.

The Terrace Café is a chilled place to sit and look out onto the peaks. Its the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or a light lunch with friends. Soak in the far-reaching views and while away the day from the covered Terrace.

Sip on a beer or a glass of wine at the Tavern on the lower slopes in the stunning sunny beer garden.

Visitors are also welcome to take their own picnics, with numerous secluded locations surrounded by nature to enjoy your food with family and friends.

Gullivers Kingdom

Just across the valley from Heights of Abraham is Gulliver’s Kingdom, a lovely little theme park aimed at children aged 2 to 13. Set on a stunning hillside, the family-orientated theme park offers a wide range of rides and attractions. The park’s unique setting provides extra adventure, added adrenaline and fabulous views.

Heights of Abraham Tickets

Purchase your tickets direct from the Heights of Abraham Official Website, check our offers page for any discounts or promotions.

You can claim 20% off your cable car tickets when you travel by bus or rail. Click Here to book your cable car ticket in advance then show your bus or rail ticket when you arrive to validate your preferential rate. Click Here for more details on this offer.

Travelling by Train

The Derby to Matlock train runs through Matlock Bath approximately every 1½ hours Mon-Sat and every 2 hours on a Sunday. Matlock Bath train station is a short walk from the Heights of Abraham. Book your train tickets using the Raileasy website.

Nearby Accommodation

There are lots of places to stay in the Peak District. Matlock Bath is surrounded by beautiful countryside. If you would like to explore some of the other attractions in the area then take a look at some of the wonderful self-catering cottages available from Snaptrip.

Explorers Retreat at Gulliver’s Kingdom

If you are travelling with children under the age of 13, then you may choose to stay at the Explorers Retreat at Gulliver’s Kingdom. Located a short walk from the Heights of Abraham, discover beautiful views, unique accommodation and a family theme park right on your doorstep. Enjoy the very best of the Peak District with a short break in Gulliver’s very own magical themed accommodation. Set on a stunning hillside retreat this family resort overlooks the magnificent Derwent Valley. Choose from swashbuckling pirate cabins or enchanting princess and wizard family suites. Stay and play packages also include entry to Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park.

Check our dedicated Gulliver’s Theme Parks offers page as we regularly feature discounted stays at Gulliver’s Resorts.

The Peak District

Adventure-loving families can explore the many wonders of the Peak District. Matlock Bath is home to boutique shops, eateries, arcades, cycleways and footpaths. Whether you’re walking, cycling or just exploring, you can easily discover the very best that Derbyshire and the Peak District has to offer.

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