Fairholmes Visitor Centre - Image 1
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Fairholmes Visitor Centre

4.6
·2k reviews·Bamford, United Kingdom

Gateway to the historic Derwent Valley, offering stunning reservoir walks, the iconic Dambusters' practice dam, and family-friendly trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks.

CrowdLow
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Fairholmes Visitor Centre - Image 1

Fairholmes Visitor Centre

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gateway to the historic Derwent Valley, offering stunning reservoir walks, the iconic Dambusters' practice dam, and family-friendly trails.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Simply beautiful place to visit! great walks for beginners. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Bring Cash for Parking

Car parks may not accept card payments due to limited signal. Cash is recommended.

🦆 Picnic with the Ducks

The ducks are friendly and plentiful! A great spot for a picnic lunch.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Derwent Dam

Derwent Dam

Short walk from Fairholmes Visitor Centre

Iconic dam, famous for its role in the Dambusters' practice raids. Stunning views, especially when overflowing.

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Derwent Valley Reservoirs

Derwent Valley Reservoirs

Circular walks from Fairholmes

Explore the vast Derwent and Howden reservoirs, offering scenic routes for walking and running.

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Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail

Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail

Starts near Fairholmes Visitor Centre

A family-friendly 9km circular walk with beautiful reservoir views and a touch of history.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Payment

Parking at Fairholmes Visitor Centre costs £3.50 for 2 hours or £6 for the full day. While some reviews mention card payments, it's wise to bring cash as signal can be limited in the valley, and some car parks may not accept cards. Instagram+1

Accessibility and Trails

Fairholmes is a great starting point for walks of all abilities. Accessible routes are available, and a tramper can be hired from the visitor centre for those needing extra assistance. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks.
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful fall colors, pleasant weather.
Crowd
Medium
When
After heavy rain
Why
See the spectacular sight of Derwent Dam overflowing. Instagram
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Derwent Valley & Fairholmes Visitor Centre 📍Peak District 🅿️ 💷 £3.50 for 2 hours, £6 all day Toilets and takeaway cafe Visitor centre (grab a map from here) Accessible (there’s routes for all abilities and fitness. You can also hire a tramper from the visitor centre/shop) If you’re visiting the Peaks, don’t leave without exploring the stunning Derwent Valley. And the best base to start your...
kingd0m_travels
90 likes • 6.2K views

🚗 Bring Cash for Parking

Car parks may not accept card payments due to limited signal. Cash is recommended. Instagram+1

🦆 Picnic with the Ducks

The ducks are friendly and plentiful! A great spot for a picnic lunch. Reddit

FAIRHOLMES 🌳 derwent dam 🌁 Derwent Dam is located just north of the main car park at Fairholmes. Follow signs for “Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail”. With good views and lively picnic spot with a cafe and visitor centre We had fun with the doggo 🐶 and had a lovely stroll round plus a nice day so that was a plus There are a number of walks/cycle routes starting from the main car park , ....
gees_journey_
5 likes • 106 views
If you want to see Derwent Dam overflowing, then now is a great time to visit with all this rain we've been having 🌧 Park at Fairholmes Visitor Centre, and from here, it's a short walk to the dam and impressive towers. Remember to take cash for the car parks as they don't accept card payments due to limited signal in the valley. Click SAVE to find this post for later 💜 #derwentdam #peakdistri...
peakdistrictwalksuk
208 likes • 9.8K views

🗺️ Grab a Map

Visitor centre offers maps to help plan your walks and explore the area. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails can be varied; good walking shoes are essential for exploring. Instagram

Overjoyed at seeing blue sky at last and really not feeling the decorating mojo this week, I did the 15 minute drive to the Fairholmes visitor centre and did the Derwent Dam trail with the autumn sun on my face. Such a beautiful spot #peakdistrictwalks #ladybower #derwentdam #autumnwalks
thecottageontheislandcastleton
7 likes • 249 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Bring Cash for Parking

Car parks may not accept card payments due to limited signal. Cash is recommended. Instagram+1

🦆 Picnic with the Ducks

The ducks are friendly and plentiful! A great spot for a picnic lunch. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Map

Visitor centre offers maps to help plan your walks and explore the area. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails can be varied; good walking shoes are essential for exploring. Instagram

💧 Check Dam Overflow

Visit after heavy rain to witness the impressive sight of Derwent Dam overflowing. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Fairholmes for its stunning natural beauty and excellent walking opportunities, suitable for all levels. The Derwent Dam is a major draw, and the friendly ducks add a unique charm. While the visitor centre's services have seen changes, the clean facilities and cafe are appreciated. Some visitors lament the potential closure of the visitor centre's information services.

"Simply beautiful place to visit! great walks for beginners. Small visitor shop but useful. cafe serves good food and drinks and a place to rest free toilets as well
Will definitely recommend 🥰"

Jessica Wells

"So sad to hear that the visitor centre has closed 😔 the information given by Michael was so useful to plan our walk. Severn Trent please reconsider in order to facilitate a human point of contact!"

Josh Holmes

"Went during a weekday and the car park was about half full. The other half seemed to be all ducks... what seemed to be hundreds of them. Clearly well fed by visitors as a handful will start to encircle you if you stand still long enough.

The car park has a small cafe in it and serves as a great starting point for plenty of trail walks, or a short visit to the Derwent dam. Just down the hill there is a small nature education walk that tells you all about the trees in the area, well worth it."

Luke

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Great walking trails
Derwent Dam views

What People Dislike

Visitor centre changes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fairholmes Visitor Centre is located north of the A57 Glossop to Sheffield 'Snake' Road. The postcode is S33 0AQ. It's a popular starting point for exploring the Derwent Valley. Instagram

Information on public transport options can be limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider driving. Many visitors drive to the site. Reddit

Overnight parking is generally not permitted in the main visitor centre car park. For wild camping, Redditors suggest looking into lay-bys on Derwent Edge, though safety and legality should be carefully considered. Reddit

From Sheffield, take the A57 towards Glossop. The visitor centre is well-signposted off this road. From Manchester/Glossop, head east on the A57. Instagram

Yes, it's a prominent visitor centre and car park located directly off the main A57 road, making it relatively easy to find. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Parking costs £3.50 for 2 hours or £6 for the full day. Instagram+1

No, tickets are not required for entry to the Fairholmes area or the surrounding walks. Parking fees apply. Instagram

Yes, there are free toilets available at the visitor centre, which are generally reported to be very clean. InstagramReddit

There is no specific entrance fee for the Derwent Dam itself. Access is free as part of the surrounding landscape. Parking fees apply. Instagram

While the visitor centre itself may have specific hours, the surrounding walking areas and car parks are generally accessible throughout the day. Some reviews mention the visitor centre closing, so it's best to check locally if specific services are needed. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Popular walks include the Derwent Dam trail, circular routes around Derwent and Howden reservoirs, and the Ladybower and Lost Villages trail. Instagram+2

Absolutely! There are accessible routes, plenty of space to explore, and the ducks provide entertainment. The Ladybower and Lost Villages trail is specifically noted as family-friendly. Instagram

Yes, you can hire a tramper (all-terrain mobility scooter) from the visitor centre, making the area more accessible for some visitors. Instagram

You can see the historic Derwent Dam, explore the vast reservoirs, enjoy nature walks, and learn about the area's history, including the Dambusters' practice. Instagram+1

Yes, dogs are welcome in the Derwent Valley and at Fairholmes. Many visitors enjoy walks with their dogs. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe at the visitor centre that serves food and drinks. It's a good place to rest and refuel. InstagramReddit

The cafe offers good food and drinks, with reasonably priced options reported by visitors. Reddit

Yes, Fairholmes is an excellent spot for picnics. There are plenty of scenic areas to sit and enjoy your food, often accompanied by ducks. InstagramReddit

While the cafe is convenient, if it's closed or you prefer other options, you might need to drive to nearby villages like Castleton for more extensive dining choices. Reddit

Reviews suggest the food at the cafe is reasonably priced, with visitors feeling the cost is a small price to help maintain the area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Derwent Dam, especially when overflowing, offers dramatic shots. The reservoir landscapes and surrounding hills provide beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. Instagram+1

After heavy rainfall, the dam is spectacular when overflowing. Autumn also offers beautiful light and colours. Instagram+1

The area around the dam itself provides excellent vantage points. Walking along the reservoir paths also offers varied perspectives. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant dam features. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone in the Peak District National Park. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fairholmes Visitor Centre is an excellent destination for families. The Derwent Dam is an exciting sight, and the numerous ducks around the car park and picnic areas are a constant source of entertainment for children. Reddit The Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail is specifically recommended as a family-friendly 9km circular walk, offering beautiful views without being overly strenuous. Instagram Many of the paths are well-maintained and accessible, making it easy for families with pushchairs or younger children to explore. The visitor centre also provides maps and information to help plan your outing. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers

For solo hikers, Fairholmes is a fantastic base for exploring the Peak District's rugged beauty. The trails leading to the Derwent and Howden Reservoirs offer challenging and rewarding routes, with options for both shorter excursions and longer, more demanding treks like the one described by a runner incorporating Alport Castles. Instagram The area is popular enough that solo travelers can feel comfortable, especially during peak times, but also offers plenty of opportunities for solitude on quieter paths. Reddit Remember to always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry appropriate safety gear. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Fairholmes and the surrounding Derwent Valley are very dog-friendly. Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs along the reservoir paths and through the scenic landscapes. Instagram Ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet. The open spaces and varied terrain make it an ideal location for dogs to explore and get their exercise.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Derwent Dam and the Dambusters

Fairholmes Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Derwent Valley, an area steeped in history, most famously known for its role in the Dambusters' World War II raids. The Derwent Dam and its sister dams, Howden and Ladybower, were crucial for providing water to the industrial heartlands of the East Midlands. During the war, the dams were used by 617 Squadron for practicing the 'bouncing bomb' technique developed by Barnes Wallis. The iconic Practice Dam, a smaller replica of the Möhne Dam, was built nearby to allow pilots to hone their skills without risking the actual operational dams. Visitors can still see remnants of this history, making a walk around the dams a poignant experience. Instagram+1

Beyond its wartime significance, the Derwent Valley is also home to the 'lost villages' of Derwent and Ashopton, which were submerged when the Ladybower Reservoir was created in the mid-20th century. While the villages are now underwater, their story adds another layer of historical intrigue to the landscape. Exploring the trails around Ladybower Reservoir offers a chance to reflect on this submerged history. Instagram

The Fairholmes Visitor Centre itself serves as a hub for understanding this rich past, often providing information and context for the surrounding historical sites. It's a place where natural beauty meets significant historical events, offering a unique experience for visitors interested in both.

Exploring the Derwent Valley Trails

Fairholmes Visitor Centre is a prime starting point for a variety of walking and cycling routes, catering to all fitness levels. The most popular is the walk to the Derwent Dam, a relatively short and easy excursion offering impressive views, especially when the dam is overflowing after heavy rain. Instagram+1

For those seeking longer adventures, circular routes around the Derwent and Howden Reservoirs provide miles of scenic paths. These trails offer a chance to immerse yourself in the vastness of the Peak District landscape, with opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of the water. Runners also frequent these routes, with some tackling challenging hilly courses that incorporate areas like Alport Castles. Instagram

The Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail is a particularly recommended 9km circular walk that is family-friendly and offers a good mix of reservoir views and historical context. Instagram Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a more strenuous hike, the trails originating from Fairholmes offer diverse experiences, from easy access paths to more rugged terrain for experienced hikers and trail runners. Instagram+1

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