Top Things to do in Wirksworth
What to do and see in Wirksworth, England: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Wirksworth, United Kingdom including The Feather Star, St. Mary's Church, StarDisc, Alport Heights, National Stone Centre.
Restaurants in Wirksworth
1. The Feather Star
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By jabba82 - Stratfield Saye, United Kingdom
Great little place with super friendly welcome. Certainly one to try whilst in Wirksworth! Perfectly kept selection of interesting Beers.
2. St. Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By 997briant - London, United Kingdom
Imposing stone buildings and an intricate network of narrow lanes, alleyways, jitties and ginnels (some very steep) draw the lovers of history and heritage to the scenic small town of Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Dales. Near to the centre of this historic market town, along St Mary’s Gate, you’ll find one such imposing stone structure: the beautiful and ancient parish church of St Mary the Virgin. It sits in a circular churchyard which is thought to have been a site of worship since 650AD. It’s soft pinkish stonework was gleaming in the morning sun, and it’s graceful spire could be seen from the many vantage points above the town (walk up Green Hill and you’ll know what i mean). It’s a delightful place to visit. The earliest parts of St Mary's as it stands today are from the 13th century and include the lower part of the tower and the massive crossing piers. Further work was done in the 14th and 15th centuries, with a full restoration completed in the 19th century. Do visit the interior of the church if it is open. You’ll be instantly surprised at the space; it seems so much larger that it appears from the outside. However, St Mary's is most famous for carvings from a church or churches that stood on this site going back to Saxon times. These can be found throughout the church, mounted into the fabric of the walls. The most renowned of these is the Wirksworth Stone. It is built into the north wall of the nave and is oblong-shaped and chunky; it measures 5 feet x 3 feet but is probably not as long as it originally was (as can be seen at the western edge) due to damage over the centuries. It’s a richly carved sculptured stone with biblical scenes and figures, which is said to date from the 7th-9th century. It was found buried below the chancel in 1820, covering a grave with a complete skeleton in it. Nearly as famous is 'T'owd Man of Bonsall' a carving of a medieval lead worker, holding the tools of his trade, including a basket known as a kibble. In a nod to the Derbyshire vernacular he is affectionately known as 'T'Owd Man' - the Old Man - or even by the play on words 'Mr Toad'. He is said to be 800 years old, or thereabouts. The churchyard is also very pretty, and at the time of my visit, strewn with a host of golden daffodils. Work right around it, to see headstones of locals. You’ll also see a bit of a curiosity resting against an east-facing wall of the church. It looks like a stone coffin from yore, though I can’t be sure about that. This is a beautiful spot to visit in Wirksworth. Don’t miss it.
3. StarDisc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By Rutland_Jim
This is a free attraction, basically a sculpture at the top of a hill overlooking Wirksworth and surrounding areas that shows the constellations within the circle. Set above a woodland park which is great for dog walking complete with fire pit (children loved lighting a fire here) and several sculptures to explore in the old quarry. After dark, the benches around the edge of the stardisc illuminate with small red LEDs which are charged by solar PV during the day. Great spot for a picnic.
4. Alport Heights
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By K5864IFjulieb - Derby, United Kingdom
Just to say the Car park was closed due to antisocial behaviour recently ! You can still walk onto the site through footpaths .
5. National Stone Centre
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By RonBackhouse - Alfreton, United Kingdom
Great place to walk the dogs and discover the history of quarrying in Derbyshire. If you are interested in geology this is the place to come. We often come here for a mooch about with the dogs then pop in to the excellent on site cafe for a cuppa or an all day breakfast!!!
