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Rags, Riches and Renaissance Halls Driving Route
Type:Car Trail
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S40 1XJ
Call direct on:
Tel01246 345777
About
Two circular driving routes to the east and west of Chesterfield, taking you to the stunning historic houses in the surrounding area. You can do the two routes in one day if you limit the time you spend at each location, but we would suggest that you do the drive over two days.
See the impressive functioning water-powered mill with a massive 17 foot iron waterwheel at Stainsby Mill. Marvel at the magnificence of Hardwick Hall and find out about Bess of Hardwick and her many marriages which made her the wealthiest woman in England second only to the Queen Elizabeth I.
Be bowled over by Bolsover Castle, a 17th Century masterpiece. And see stunning Chatsworth where Joseph Paxton redesigned the gardens.
Scroll down the page to download a pdf of the route.
Facilities
Other
- Electric car charging point - There are electric car charging points at several car parks in Chesterfield including Soresby Street, Saltergate Multi-Storey, St Mary's Gate and Durrant Road.
Catering
- On-site catering - Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth have cafes/restaurants
- On-site light refreshments
Property Facilities
- Public toilets - There are public toilets as several points along the route.
Routes
- Length of route (miles) - 30 miles
Opening Times
| Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
|---|
TripAdvisor
Map & Directions
Road Directions
A map is included on the pdf which you can download by scrolling further down this page.
This is an outline of the route
East Route From Chesterfield and its distractive landmark, the Crooked Spire Church, take the A632 east to Arkwright Town and turn right at the roundabout following signs for Sutton Scarsdale and its ruined Hall. Continue on the same road to Heath, turning left on the A6175. Follow the signs for Hardwick Hall and arrive at Stainsby Mill. Continue onto the Hardwick Estate and its magnificent Hall. Return to the A6175 and head for Bolsover via Palterton. Stop off at the fairytale mansion of Bolsover Castle. Return to Chesterfield on the A632.
West Route Leave Chesterfield on the A619, detouring through Old Brampton. Return to the A619 at the Robin Hood pub and follow the road to Baslow. Go straight on at the Bakewell turnoff onto the B6012 to Chatsworth Estate. Pass the village of Edensor and take the left turn to the House if you want to stop here. Continue on, leaving the Estate at Calton Lees and following the road to Beeley. Continue to follow the road to the village of Rowsley turn left opposite Peak Village and make your way up a very steep and winding road till you can turn left onto the B5057. Follow the road and turn left at the T junction onto the A632 to return to Chesterfield
