Major city · United Kingdom
Wirksworth
Base here 1–2 nights for a quiet Peak District town with a steam railway; day-trip from Matlock or Derby if you only want the Heritage Centre.
Wirksworth is a small Derbyshire market town of about 5,200 people, 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Matlock and 11 miles (18 km) north of Derby. It is walkable in an afternoon, but the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, the Star Disc and the National Stone Centre give it enough for a full day, and it works as a low-key base for the southern Peak District. Most visitors come for one night or as a day trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, some attractions closed)
- Airports
- EMA · MAN
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Wirksworth999 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU number)112
- NHS non-urgent advice111
- Police non-urgent101
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Wirksworth, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime town; the real risks are steep wet lanes, uneven pavements and unlit rural roads after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 112 police, fire, ambulance (eu number) · 111 NHS non-urgent advice
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckEMA East Midlands (About 45–60 min by car; no direct bus to Wirksworth, so change at Derby (check)).
- Getting aroundCentral Wirksworth is small and walkable, but several streets are steep.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Matlock to Wirksworth£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- Metro or bus rideBus single within the area£2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Museum or sight ticketHeritage Centre or railway entry£5–15 (≈ US$7–20)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or pub double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or pub double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £95 (≈ US$130) · High £170 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EMA East Midlands (About 45–60 min by car; no direct bus to Wirksworth, so change at Derby (check)) · MAN Manchester (About 1 h 30 min by car or train to Derby then bus (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest May (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Wirksworth: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
13 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Central Wirksworth is small and walkable, but several streets are steep. Bolehill and the Haarlem Mill area are about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the centre: take the 6.1 bus if walking is hard. Buses also run to Matlock, Bakewell, Derby, Ashbourne and Sheffield Meadowhall. The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway links Wirksworth to Duffield for main-line trains.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Matlock and Matlock Bath
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus from the Market Place, about 20–30 min
Heights of Abraham and riverside walks; easy half-day.
Cromford
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus towards Matlock, about 15 min
Cromford Mills, a UNESCO-listed early factory site.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus, about 45–60 min
Bakewell pudding and riverside walks; combine with Chatsworth by bus.
Chesterfield
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus or bus plus train via Derby, 1–1.5 h
Crooked spire and market; better by car.
Ashbourne
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus, about 1 h
Gateway to Dovedale; check the timetable before committing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Market Place and St John's Street)
Walk to the Heritage Centre, pubs and shops; steep lanes, so check the walk to your door.
North End
Quieter street with the cinema, a pub and a couple of guesthouses; 5–10 min walk to the Market Place.
Coldwell Street / station area
Closest to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway; useful if you arrive or leave by train.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £50–80 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- £80–130 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- £130 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or pub double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £95 | £190 |
| Bus day return to Matlock2 × £6 | £12 |
| Ecclesbourne Valley Railway return to Duffield2 × £14 | £28 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £36 |
| Trip total≈ £198 per person per day, bed included | £396≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Wirksworth excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Pint of beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Bus single within the area | £2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Taxi Matlock to Wirksworth | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Heritage Centre or railway entry | £5–15 (≈ US$7–20) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Lanes are steep and narrow with no pavement in places; wear shoes with grip and watch for cars.
- Mobile signal is 4G from all UK carriers, patchy on Vodafone; 5G has not reached the area.
- Many small attractions, cafés and pubs keep short or seasonal hours: check before you travel.
- Rural buses are infrequent in the evening and on Sundays: check the last bus back.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU number)
- 112
- NHS non-urgent advice
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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WirksworthWirksworth
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- EU emergency number112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Wirksworth; the US embassy is in London, and most countries keep embassies in London with consulates in Manchester or Edinburgh.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Wirksworth → Matlock: about £3 (≈ US$4) single, 20–30 min
- Bus Wirksworth → Derby: about £5 (≈ US$7) single, 40–50 min
- Ecclesbourne Valley Railway → Duffield: about £7 (≈ US$10) single, 30–40 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Sorry — Sorry / Excuse me
- One ticket to Matlock, please — One ticket to Matlock, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
UK tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants if no service charge is added; not expected in pubs. Check your passport and visa rules before booking.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Wirksworth. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, some attractions closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EMA and MAN: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Market Place and St John's Street, North End and the cinema, Coldwell Street and the railway station.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Heritage Centre, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, National Stone Centre, Star Disc) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Peak District and Derbyshire
- officialEcclesbourne Valley Railway
- officialWirksworth Heritage Centre
- officialNational Stone Centre
- secondaryWikivoyage: Wirksworth, revision 5251672 (CC BY-SA 4.0)