The excitement at the Heights of Abraham begins long before you’ve even set foot on the summit. Your journey to the hilltop park in Derbyshire starts near the village of Matlock Bath, roughly 90 minutes from Birmingham, where you’ll find its famous cable cars (they even have their own Wikipedia article) soaring over the Derwent Valley.
Rising 169 metres upwards, for 1/3 of a mile, treat yourself to magnificent 360-degree views of the Derbyshire Dales as you make your way up Masson Hill. There’s nothing else quite like it in the whole Midlands, but the excitement doesn’t stop once you reach the top. From illuminated caverns and children’s playgrounds to breathtaking walks and a vista restaurant, you’ll never want to head back down.
What should I do at the Heights of Abraham?
Named after the Plains of Abraham in Canada, with which they share a resemblance, the Heights of Abraham have been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian era. Its main attraction has long been the guided cavern tours, the Masson Cavern and Rutland Cavern, which were formed over 350 million years ago but were mined more recently.
The Masson Cavern is illuminated with a rainbow of lights, while the Rutland Cavern is used to teach what life was like for a 17th-century lead mining family. Elsewhere, you’ll find the Victoria Prospect Tower, built in 1844, which sits 1000ft above sea level and offers an unbeatable 360-degree view. Plus, an interactive exhibition, a film theatre and a vista restaurant.
Just follow the winding paths (originally built for Georgian tourists) and discover endless curiosities in this 60-acre estate, from intricate willow sculptures to metallic cows. Plus, kids can enjoy two adventure playgrounds at the Heights of Abraham, with ropes, swings and giant slides.
When can I visit?
Heights of Abraham is now open every day, as of March 20 to November 1, 2026, from 10 am until 4.30pm or later. If you’re driving, the closest car park is the train station car park in Matlock Bath – with hourly trains from Derby. You can claim 20% off your cable car tickets when you travel by public transport too.
To learn more about the Heights of Abraham, head here.