The Derbyshire Tourist
As Jane Austen said in her novel Pride and Prejudice "There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire". Many agree and the county has attracted tourists for over 300 years.
Matlock Bath, Derbyshire (1829) by C F Bagshawe and W GauciDerbyshire Record Office
Matlock Bath
The dramatic scenery and mineral waters of Matlock Bath led to the town's growth as a spa in the 1700s. It was visited by many famous people, including the poet Lord Byron and the young Princess Victoria, before she became queen.
The rise of the day tripper
The railway brought new visitors to Matlock Bath. Its "tea-garden trumpery and mock-heroic wonders" described by Charles Dickens in 1850 attracted masses of day trippers from nearby large industrial cities seeking fun and entertainment. It remains as busy with visitors today.
Watercolour of the Crescent, Buxton (1850) by William CowenDerbyshire Record Office
Buxton
Thermal and mineral waters have drawn people to another local spa, Buxton, for even longer. The Romans built baths there, and a thousand years later, the Duke of Devonshire aimed to make it a fashionable spa town. He built the Buxton Crescent in 1784. It is now a luxury hotel.
Taking the cure
"We rise at 7, drink water till nine, Breakfast, pray at 10, Jumble and trot from Eleven till one, drink water, put on a clean shirt, dine at 1/2 past 2, write, read, work & play upon ye Guittar all ye evening, sup at 8, Bathe at 10 & then to bed"
Lady Newdigate, visitor, 1781
A View of the Straits, Dovedale (circa) by N ShawDerbyshire Record Office
The Peaks
In the mid to late 1700s, the Romantic movement brought about a fascination with sublime and picturesque landscapes. The Derbyshire Peak district, with its steep hills, cliff edges, ravines and valleys, enabled tourists to experience grand scenery without going abroad.
The Peak District National Park
In 1951, the Peak District became Britain's first National Park. Covering an area of 555 square miles, its rugged and beautiful landscape particularly draws walkers and climbers.
Postcard of Chatsworth House (1910) by UnknownDerbyshire Record Office
Chatsworth House
The Duke of Devonshire's home in the Peak District is one of the finest country houses in England and a popular tourist attraction. Built in the Classical style, it is credited as being the inspiration for Mr Darcy's house, Pemberley, in Jane Austen's novel 'Pride and Prejudice'.
View of Bakewell from the River Wye (1907) by Photochrom Co LtdDerbyshire Record Office
Bakewell
Jane Austen stayed in the pretty nearby town of Bakewell on the river Wye, which is also believed to appear in 'Pride and Prejudice' as the village of Lambton. Its ancient church, attractive buildings and cobbled streets make it a popular tourist attraction to this day.
A Bakewell delicacy
The Bakewell Tart is a well known sweet treat, but visitors to Bakewell are more likely to see shops selling Bakewell Pudding than Bakewell Tart. This sweet custardy pudding is unique to Bakewell. Today's tourists can buy one to take home as a tasty souvenir of Derbyshire.
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