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The Old Lock-Up - Wirksworth

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A Peak District bolthole with a difference

So, you’re looking for something a bit different? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The Old Lock-Up in the lovely Derbyshire market town of Wirksworth, is just what it says on the tin – a 19th century magistrates’-house-turned-police station, complete with cells. Now, a gorgeously cosy guest house, The Old Lock-Up’s owners Vivian and Tony are rightly proud of its heritage and have a wealth of stories to tell about local felons, murderers and drunks who may have spent a night or two there at the magistrate’s pleasure. They’ve even kept one of the cells just as it was in the 1800s to show you how lucky you are with your comfy bed and fluffy towels.

All of the Old Lock Up’s four bedrooms has a tale to tell, in addition to their pretty décor, original features and antique beds. One was the magistrate’s room itself, while the others, the solicitor’s room, the coachman’s room and the hayloft also scream history. All of the rooms have shiny en-suite bathrooms, while the guest house also offers an invigorating double air-bath to soothe away the stresses of the city. Great breakfasts and evening meal options are also a relief if you just want to soak up the atmosphere and do as little as humanly possible.

But there’s more… not only has the town magistrate’s house been transformed, but a small chapel in the middle of a neighbouring graveyard has been turned into one of the most unusual and most romantic hideaways we’ve come across. The 200-year-old gothic chapel has its original lancet windows with coloured panels, a stunning antique bed, sumptuous bed linen, and a cosy bathroom with a bath and a shower. It is attached to the main house by its own little path and gate, so you won’t miss out on The Old Lock-Up’s fab breakfasts, but otherwise you really are on your own. We never thought we’d be recommending staying in a graveyard, but The Chapel is wonderful.

Where is it?

The town of Wirksworth is just four miles from Matlock, but sits just outside the Peak District National Park. Nevertheless, it is surrounded on all sides by the rolling Derbyshire Dales, and is a great jumping-off point if you want to dive head-first into the Peaks (so to speak). The pretty market town has achieved the almost impossible – just about staying off the beaten track – and is a delight to explore as a result. Narrow streets and alleyways wind around the town, but all end up at the sloping marketplace eventually, where cafes, delis and antique shops are perfect for potterers. The town’s own heritage centre and town trail should give you a hint at the history of the place, but its handsome buildings and ancient church will give you another nudge in the right direction if you really need it. Visit Wirksworth in September for the Wirksworth Festival, a vibrant and surprisingly edgy culture-fest, mixing local art and traditions with visiting bands, comedians, artists and jazz musicians. Log on to www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk for details of this year’s event.

While the obvious attractions of the huge expanse that is the Peak District are all within an hour’s drive of Wirksworth, walkers will be more than happy with the scenery and trails on offer right on The Old Lock-Up’s doorstep. The 18-mile High Peak trail passes right by the town, and a lovely 4.5-mile walk from the market place takes in some of the trail, plus Barrel Edge, which offers great views, and the historic Steeple Grange Light Railway (www.steeplegrange.co.uk Tel: 07769 802587), a tiny railway that offers a beautiful 20-minute ride through the Derbyshire Dales Countryside.

Nevertheless, if it’s the Peaks you’re after, pretty much everything is within an hour’s drive of Wirksworth – Chatsworth is twenty minutes away, as is the gorgeous town of Bakewell, while miles and miles of walking, climbing and other exhausting activities are on your doorstep. For all the best places to visit, see and eat in The Peaks, read The Weekenders Guide to The Peak District.

Where can I eat?

On first sight, you might think that a rural market town like Wirksworth was all pub-grub and clotted cream, but Le Mistral (www.lemistral.co.uk Tel: 01629 824 840) an award-winning French bistro in the market square, will come as a big surprise. Sitting in a gorgeous town house, this great restaurant is buzzy and vibrant inside, offering lovingly-cooked French fare, much of which is made using Paris-sourced ingredients. An amazing wine list, expertly managed, only makes the experience more enjoyable.

The market place is also home to Toby’s (www.tobysofwirksworth.co.uk Tel: 01629 82229), an Aladdin’s Cave of a delicatessen, with a great range of cheeses, charcuterie and home-baked breads. Perfect for a mid-walk picnic.

The nearby towns of Matlock and Matlock Bath – a six minute drive from Wirksworth – also offer some great eating options. For something traditional, but still with a modern edge, the gorgeous Riva Restaurant (www.theriva.co.uk Tel: 01629 581662) in Matlock Bath is becoming a real local favourite. British classics, made with local and seasonal produce, including meats from the Chatsworth Estate, are outstanding and will make you wish your mum could have made them this well. The Riva’s comforting lunch menu is also perfect if you’ve managed to bag yourself a rainy weekend away.

If it’s sophisticated and world-class dining you’re after, the Michelin-starred Fischer’s at Baslow Hall (www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk Tel: 01246 583259), recently named one of the 25 best restaurants in the country, is just a twenty minute drive from The Old Lock-Up. Head Chef Rupert Rowley’s British dishes are mouthwatering, and with a set menu priced at around £68 per person, shouldn’t break the bank.

For more great places to eat in the Peak District, read The Weekenders Guide to The Peak District.

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The Old Lock-Up in the lovely Derbyshire market town of Wirksworth, is just what it says on the tin – a 19th century magistrates’-house-turned-police station, complete with cells. But now, it's a gorgeously cosy guest house.