Heights of Abraham

If you visit the HoA website before your visit, you’ll see that there are several car parks you can use.

We parked at Matlock Bath Train Station Car Park (postcode: DE4 3NT) as it’s only a short walk from here - this car park fills up really quickly between 10.30-11 on busy days. We went on a weekday in the summer holidays and found by the time it got to 10.40, all the spots had pretty much filled up within minutes.

We booked our tickets online as it’s cheaper to do it that way. Kids tickets (4-15y) were half price (£7.45) when we booked. Adult tickets are £24.50 each. Under 4s are free.

When we arrived, we had our tickets scanned, and then waited in the queue to board a cable car - they allow max 6 people in a cable car so if you’re a group of 4, expect 2 others from the queue to join you.

The kids were really excited to get on the cable car. It felt like a little adventure when we got in. The views across the Derwent Valley are impressive - it really set the tone for the day.

We had a fantastic full day out at Heights of Abraham.

We started with the cable car ride up at about 11am - a highlight in itself with amazing valley views.

At the top there is so much to do. We caught the Punch and Judy show at 11.15am. There were two other showings on the day at 1.15pm and 3.15pm. It was the kids' first puppet show and they thought it was really funny.

We had a picnic afterwards - there are lots of picnic tables dotted around. The kids then let off steam in the 2 outdoor adventure playgrounds. We went inside Wombles Mania in the Masson Pavilion after - the kids didn't reminisce, I did!

There are 2 guided Cavern Tours: the Masson Cavern Tour with a sound and light show, and the Great Rutland Cavern Tour. One runs every 15 minutes and the other every 30 minutes.

We did the Masson Cavern with a brilliant tour guide. It’s 30 minutes long and is 6°C inside, so we put on our jumpers. Be aware there are 159 upward steps, low ceilings in places, and wet, uneven terrain. Pushchairs have to be left outside for this reason and make sure you have sensible shoes on. The kids were fascinated by the impressive light and sound show inside.

Afterwards, we took photos from Tinker’s Shaft - the views of Matlock, Riber Castle and High Tor are amazing. We then climbed Prospect Tower for panoramic views of the Derbyshire countryside.

There is a cafe on-site and an ice-cream hut. We grabbed an ice-cream before heading down. Kids ice-creams in a tub were £3 each. The last cable car down was at 5pm - we joined the queue at 4.45pm and waited around 30 minutes as it was very long. Luckily the playground was right next to the exit, so the kids had a play after their ice-creams while I waited.

Don't leave it to the last cable car - join the queue by 4.30pm at the latest on a busy day. Bring a jumper for the 6°C cavern, and wear sensible shoes as it’s wet and uneven with 159 upward steps.

We brought a picnic as there are lots of picnic tables, but there is the Vista Restaurant for sit-down meals with views over the Derwent Valley, and the Terrace cafe for light lunches and cakes. We used the ice-cream hut - kids tubs were £3 each.