Fairholmes Visitor Centre
Gateway to the historic Derwent Valley, offering stunning reservoir walks, the iconic Dambusters' practice dam, and family-friendly trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks.
Fairholmes Visitor Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to the historic Derwent Valley, offering stunning reservoir walks, the iconic Dambusters' practice dam, and family-friendly trails.
"Simply beautiful place to visit! great walks for beginners. "
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Derwent Dam
Short walk from Fairholmes Visitor Centre
Iconic dam, famous for its role in the Dambusters' practice raids. Stunning views, especially when overflowing.
Derwent Valley Reservoirs
Circular walks from Fairholmes
Explore the vast Derwent and Howden reservoirs, offering scenic routes for walking and running.
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Payment
Accessibility and Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Visitor centre offers maps to help plan your walks and explore the area.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be varied; good walking shoes are essential for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Visitor centre offers maps to help plan your walks and explore the area.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be varied; good walking shoes are essential for exploring.
💧 Check Dam Overflow
Visit after heavy rain to witness the impressive sight of Derwent Dam overflowing.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
From Sheffield, take the A57 towards Glossop. The visitor centre is well-signposted off this road. From Manchester/Glossop, head east on the A57.
Yes, it's a prominent visitor centre and car park located directly off the main A57 road, making it relatively easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking costs £3.50 for 2 hours or £6 for the full day.
No, tickets are not required for entry to the Fairholmes area or the surrounding walks. Parking fees apply.
Yes, there are free toilets available at the visitor centre, which are generally reported to be very clean.
There is no specific entrance fee for the Derwent Dam itself. Access is free as part of the surrounding landscape. Parking fees apply.
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.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Popular walks include the Derwent Dam trail, circular routes around Derwent and Howden reservoirs, and the Ladybower and Lost Villages trail.
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.
Yes, you can hire a tramper (all-terrain mobility scooter) from the visitor centre, making the area more accessible for some visitors.
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.
Yes, dogs are welcome in the Derwent Valley and at Fairholmes. Many visitors enjoy walks with their dogs.
🍽️ ☕ 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.
The cafe offers good food and drinks, with reasonably priced options reported by visitors.
Yes, Fairholmes is an excellent spot for picnics. There are plenty of scenic areas to sit and enjoy your food, often accompanied by ducks.
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.
Reviews suggest the food at the cafe is reasonably priced, with visitors feeling the cost is a small price to help maintain the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The Derwent Dam, especially when overflowing, offers dramatic shots. The reservoir landscapes and surrounding hills provide beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
After heavy rainfall, the dam is spectacular when overflowing. Autumn also offers beautiful light and colours.
The area around the dam itself provides excellent vantage points. Walking along the reservoir paths also offers varied perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant dam features.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone in the Peak District National Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Derwent Dam and the Dambusters
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.
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
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.
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. 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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit