The Heights of Abraham Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Mel Randle
On Sunday, my daughter (8) and I took a road trip to Matlock Bath in Derbyshire to visit The Heights Of Abraham – a once Georgian pleasure garden now a tourist attraction for a fabulous family day out! I do need to put a bit of context to my review before I start – it was probably the wettest day of the year – we are talking torrential rain, thunderstorms, wind! But we went prepared with a brolly and waterproofs and still managed to have a full fantastic day and saw everything it has to offer!
The Heights of Abraham is a hilltop park, so to get up to the top of the hill the day starts (and ends) with a cable car ride. Sit and enjoy the beautiful views (or eerie misty views given our weather) across Matlock Bath and the Peak District. Just as a side note, the park does not have its own car park, but there is plenty of car parking in the town within a couple of minutes’ walk to the cable car. We were greeted at the top by a staff member who took the time to talk us though the map and suggested an itinerary to get the best out of our experience. All day, staff members were visible, on hand to answer questions and generally very helpful and very friendly.
We started in The Long View exhibition, dedicated to the history of the park and the surrounding area. Prior to being a Georgian pleasure garden, the site has a history of lead mining. There are two mine cavern tours on site included with admission – one from a Victorian perspective and the other offering a more historical and geological viewpoint. Both tours take about 30 mins and our guides were very knowledgeable, offer a very family friendly script and both were highly entertaining. Who knew lead mining could be so fascinating! Due to the geographical nature of the caverns – cold, damp, dark, steep and low – there are health challenges to consider. The whole site is restrictive to those with mobility issues so it is worth visiting the website for access information before visiting.
Other exhibits include the Victorian Prospect Tower – a climb to the top would give wonderful views on any other day but ours! The Masson Pavilion gives an interesting look at period clothing and High Falls gives more insight to the cable cars and geology. The Rock Shop is a must for anyone interested in gems, crystals and fossils. My daughter loved filling a gem bag for £4.50 or you can pan for your treasure!
As well as the exhibits, there is lots to keep the kids busy including two brilliant play areas which sadly we couldn’t experience due to the weather, but some hardcore toddlers were having a great time! And a butterfly trail which I think is strategically placed on the steepest part of the park so little minds are distracted and not thinking about their little legs!
Walking the trails, you are sure to build up an appetite, and there is plenty to keep you refuelled! We ate in the Terrace Café which offers a range of light meals such as jacket potatoes, paninis, pastries and hot dogs etc. Plus coffee and the most mouthwatering selection of cake! Permission to eat because the calories burnt on the walking trails far outweigh the calories consumed!! There is also the option to enjoy a sit down meal in the Vista Bar & Restaurant. Both the café and restaurant offer outdoor seating. There are also Kiosks for drinks and ice-cream dotted around the site and a picnic area if you bring your own.
Dogs are welcome as part of the family (on lead) in all of the exhibits except the caverns and the Vista Restaurant, although they can join you at the outdoor seating. And the park on the whole is buggy friendly.
Throughout the year, the park hold events and this year is particularly special as they are celebrating 50 years since the Pugh family took over the estate. To round off the year of celebration, they have two very exciting events coming up – The Frights of Abraham and The Lights of Abraham.
The Frights of Abraham takes place in October Half-Term between 21st October and 3rd November 2024. The park will transform into a spooktacular theme with lots of games, tricks and treats on offer to keep the whole family entertained. Expect ghostly tales, magical goings on and costume characters taking you on a spellbinding adventure!
The Lights of Abraham is a first for the park this year. This brand new lights trail will take place from Friday 22nd November to Monday 30th December 2024 and is set to be a spectacular experience for all the family. The adventure starts at the base of the hill and takes you on a magical journey through the park before you can round off the evening with seasonal treats. Due to safety, dogs are not allowed at this event and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Details of both events can be found on the What’s On page of their website https://www.heightsofabraham.com/whats-on
Open every day until November 3rd 2024 from 10:00 until 16:30
Lights of Abraham – 22nd November to 30th December, excluding 24th, 25th & 26th December from 16:30 – 21:00, last entry at 20:00.
Your Cable Car ticket gives you access to the entire Estate and all attractions, including two guided cavern tours, exhibitions, gardens, woodland walks and sculpture trail. For ticket prices, full details of what’s included in the ticket price and to book visit https://www.heightsofabraham.com/
Rating: 5/5