The hights of Abraham is one of the most popular things to do in the Peak District.
The historic hilltop estate, perched above Matlock Bath and accessed by cable car, offers a range of family activities, including viewing points, cave tours, playgrounds, and museums, to keep the whole family entertained.
My Verdict:
“The Heights of Abraham is a fantastic attraction in the heart of Matlock Bath, offering a great way to explore both the area’s history and the town itself. While it’s on the pricier side for the Peak District, there’s plenty to do and see. With caves, museums, playgrounds and more, it’s perfect for keeping everyone entertained.” – Alex Hesp-Gollins (Owner of PeakDistrict.org)
- 🏆 Overall review 4.2/5
- ☀️ Outdoor Activities: 4/5
- 💷 Price: 3/5
- 👀 Scenic Views: 5/5
- 🪨 Caves and Exhibits: 4/5
- 👨👩👧 Family-Friendly: 5/5
- 🍴Facilities: 4/5
Attractions and Activities
The Heights of Abraham offers a mix of history, adventure, and stunning views, making it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.
From the guided tours of the Great Masson and Great Rutland Caverns, where you can learn about the area’s rich mining history, to the fascinating exhibitions that bring the estate’s 230-year story to life, there’s plenty to explore.
Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the Victoria Prospect Tower and Tinker’s Shaft, while children will love the adventure playgrounds.
An all-around family-friendly day out.
Note: All of the following are included in the price of the ticket at the cable car station.
Cable Car (At entry and exit)
The cable car ride at the Heights of Abraham is a key highlight for many visitors, offering a unique and scenic way to reach the summit and entrance at Masson Hill. As you ascend 169 metres (554 feet) over the Derwent Valley, the 360-degree views of the Derbyshire Dales are spectacular.
The journey of the 12 cars is 1,136-metre long which slows down or stops briefly to accommodate passengers, including those with pushchairs or wheelchairs, giving you the perfect opportunity to snap photos of the stunning landscape below.
Cavern Tours
One of the main attraions and distory of the area is it’s mining heritage. As part of this you can go on two interactive guided tours at fixed times throughout the day.
Great Masson Cavern: Guided tour through an illuminated peak cavern with knowledgeable guides, uncovering the secrets of Masson Hill.
Great Rutland Cavern: Journey with charming Victorian Cavern Guides to learn about the lead miners and showmen who worked underground. (The less impressive cave of the two)
Like caves? Check out the other Peak District caves and caverns.
Viewing points
Being atop a hill, there are plenty of viewing points you can visit at each turn. The main ones I would recommend visiting include:
Tinker’s Shaft: Visit the top of the hill with some of the best views to see where miners once entered the caverns below. Hence the name. The Great Masson Cavern tour will end at the top of Tinker’s Shaft.
Victoria Prospect Tower: Climb the tower, built in 1844, for views fit for royalty, celebrating Princess Victoria’s visit. It’s very cosy, so you have to wait for the staircase to clear. If you’re uneasy with steps, it would be best to avoid this one.
Exhibitions and Museums
The Long View Exhibition: 230-year story of the estate, showcasing why it has been a beloved destination for generations as well as intercive fosiol displays.
Masson Pavilion Exhibition Hall: Historical exhibition displaying what past visitors wore on their trips to the Heights and the surounding area.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The Explorers Challenge and Woodland Adventure are excellent playgrounds for children to enjoy, with picnic benches conveniently located nearby.
Dining and Shopping Options
- Vista Restaurant: Offers a sit-down meal with table service, featuring a variety of mains, starters, and daily specials. You can dine indoors, on the balcony, or in the garden terrace, all with views over the Derwent Valley.
- Terrace Café: A relaxed spot for coffee, light lunches, or takeaway snacks. Perfect for a quick bite while enjoying the views from the covered terrace.
- The Tavern: A historic spot for a local ale or glass of wine, with a raised beer garden overlooking Matlock Bath.
- Picnic Spots: Scattered across the estate, these secluded areas are great for enjoying a packed lunch or takeaway from the café. Some spots now include sheltered seating.
Visitor information
The Heights of Abraham is open daily from February until November, with operating hours typically from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, although hours may be extended during peak seasons.
Special evening events, such as the Lights of Abraham, are also held from late November through December.
Admission tickets, including the cable car ride and access to all attractions, can be purchased online at discounted rates.
Tickets prices:
Current prices for adults are £25.00 online or £28.50 at the gate, with family and child ticket options available. Under-5s are admitted free.
| Online | At the Gate | |
| Adult (aged 16 or over) | £25.00 | £28.50 |
| Child (aged 5 to 15 years) | £17.50 | £21.00 |
| Family (2 adults & 2 children) | £77.00 | £80.00 |
| Additional child (with family ticket) | £10.00 | £10.00 |
| Under 5’s | Free | Free |
Getting There
By Train: Matlock Bath train station is a short walk from the cable car base station, with regular services from Derby, Nottingham, and other nearby towns.
There’s also a 20% discount on cable car tickets when you show a valid bus or rail ticket.
By Bus: Frequent bus services stop close to the base station, including the Transpeak service between Derby and Manchester and the Sixes 6.1 service between Derby and Bakewell.
By Car: While the Heights doesn’t have its own parking due to its hilltop location, the closest car park is at Matlock Bath train station. Visitors should be aware that parking can get busy, particularly during school holidays.
Tips and Recommendations
For the best experience, plan to visit in late spring or early autumn when the weather is more predictable and crowds are manageable.
Dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, as the site includes outdoor walks and tours through caverns.
Lights of Abraham
The Lights of Abraham is a spectacular winter event, transforming the Heights into an illuminated wonderland from 22nd November to 30th December 2024. Here’s what to expect:
Event Highlights
- Begin your visit with a moonlit cable car ride across the Derwent Valley, offering stunning views of the festoon-lit riverside and surrounding landscape.
- At the summit, follow a magical light trail that weaves through illuminated gardens, boardwalks, and woodland paths.
- Encounter enchanting displays, including twinkling herons, fairy gatherings, giant stars, and more.
Timings and Tickets
- The event is open from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, with the last entry at 8:00 PM.
- Tickets must be booked in advance due to limited availability.
- Adult: £21.00
- Child (4-15 years): £15.00
- Under 3s: Free
Note: No discounts are available for this event.
Duration: Plan for 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the light trail, ride the cable car, and visit the café or gift shop.
Accessibility: The trail involves uneven ground and steep slopes, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues.
Attire: Wear warm clothing and sensible footwear, as the event is outdoors and the terrain can be tricky.
The Vista Bar, Treetops Café, and Snap Tin catering unit will be open for refreshments.
Historical Background
The Heights of Abraham has roots in the region’s rich lead mining history, with mining activity believed to date back to Roman times.
The site is named after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, a nod to its resemblance to the battlefield where General James Wolfe died in 1759.
Lead mining reached its peak in the 1700s, playing a vital role in the local economy before transitioning into a tourist attraction as the industry declined.
Development as a Tourist Attraction
During the Victorian era, the Heights of Abraham became a popular leisure destination, especially as the industrial use of the site faded.
Visitors flocked to the caverns and scenic landscapes, transforming it from an industrial hub to a well-loved tourist spot. The addition of landmarks like the Victoria Prospect Tower and later the cable car in 1984 cemented its place as a key attraction in the area.
Impact on Local Economy and Culture
The Heights of Abraham played a significant role in Matlock Bath’s development as a spa town, drawing visitors seeking both recreation and the healing properties of the area’s waters.
The site’s preservation of historical landmarks, such as the caverns and Victorian architecture, has helped maintain the cultural heritage of the region, contributing to its ongoing popularity and supporting the local economy through tourism.
Heights of Abraham – FAQs
How long does it take to do the Heights of Abraham?
Most visitors spend between 3 to 5 hours exploring the Heights of Abraham. You’re free to take your time as you explore the attractions at your own pace.
Once you’ve finished, simply head back to the cable car station for your return journey down the hill.
Why are they called the Heights of Abraham?
The Heights of Abraham are named after the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, where a significant battle took place in 1759, leading to British dominance in North America for a time.
The name has stuck ever since, and the site became a popular destination after Princess Victoria (later Queen) visited in the 1830s.
How accessible is the Heights of Abraham?
While the natural terrain at the Heights is quite steep, there is wheelchair access to all buildings except the Victoria Prospect Tower.
However, moving around the summit can be challenging due to the landscape.