Heights of Abraham facts for kids
The Heights of Abraham is a popular visitor spot in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, England. It's a special park located high up on Masson Hill. You can reach it by riding a cool Heights of Abraham cable car or by walking up a winding path.
This place got its name because it looks a bit like the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, Canada. That's where a famous battle happened long ago, and James Wolfe died there.
The Heights of Abraham has been open since the Victorian era, which was a very long time ago! Here, you can explore amazing caves and old mines. You'll also see incredible views of the River Derwent valley. The cable car was added in 1984 to make it easier for everyone to visit.
This historic park is so important that it's listed as a Grade II* site. This means it's a very special place in England's history of parks and gardens.
Exploring the Heights of Abraham
There are two main caves to explore at the Heights of Abraham: the Great Masson Cavern and the Great Rutland Cavern. Long ago, people dug for lead ore and a mineral called fluorspar in these caves.
It's believed that lead mining started here during Roman times. It was most popular in the 1700s. As the lead became harder to find, miners discovered a new way to earn money. They turned the caves into exciting places for tourists to visit! They had already dug many tunnels and rooms, which wealthy visitors were happy to pay to see.
Today, you can join guided tours to walk in the miners' footsteps. There's also an exhibition nearby with old photos, fossils, and a film. It all helps explain the fascinating history of these caves.
Amazing Views and Towers
The Victoria Prospect Tower was built in 1844. It was made to celebrate the time when Queen Victoria was in charge. From the top of this tower, you get amazing views of the whole area. You can see the River Derwent valley, the pretty town of Matlock Bath, and even nearby Riber Castle and Willersley Castle.
Another great spot for views is Tinker's Shaft. This modern viewing platform lets you look out over the valley. You can also peek straight down into the Great Masson Cavern! For a different view, try the cable car ride. It goes up and down across the valley, giving you a unique look at the landscape.
When you get hungry, there's the Vista restaurant/bar and the Terrace Cafe. You can also grab a treat at the ice-cream parlour. Don't forget to check out the shop, which sells cool items made from rocks and minerals!
Getting to the Heights of Abraham
You can reach the Heights of Abraham in two ways. You can walk up a steep path from Matlock Bath. Or, you can take the exciting cable car ride!
The cable car starts on the other side of the River Derwent from Matlock Bath. The cabins glide over the river as they begin their journey. A footbridge connects Matlock Bath to the cable car station. It's also just a short walk from Matlock Bath railway station.
The Heights of Abraham is a private park, so there's an entry fee. If you walk up, you pay at the entrance. If you take the cable car, the entry fee is included in your ticket. Your ticket covers all the attractions and cave tours.
The park is usually open every day from late March to early November. It's also open on some other days throughout the year. Opening times are generally from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and sometimes later during holidays.
