Derby is known for its place and proximity to beautiful Peak District and gained city status in the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, 1977. Derby also makes an excellent base for Peak District holidays.

Recent research tends to suggest that around the 10th Century the Saxons and Vikings coextisted on two areas of land that were separated by water and The Anglo Saxon Chronicle describes the city as divided by water.

The two areas were known as the North Enclosure and the Irongate – the latter still being part of the City centre.

During the English Civil War the city was garrisoned by parliamentary troops and 1643 Sir John Gail was appointed the governor of Derby and in 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie set up camp there on his way south in an attempt to seize the crown.

A replica of the room in which he stayed is on display in the city’s central library. The attempted invasion was abandoned on the banks of the river Trent just a few miles south of the city and not far from the historical city of Nottingham.

The Peak District is beautiful and far removed from the hive of industrial activity that the city became with its general engineering works and the establishment of the famous Rolls Royce company – makers of the feted cars and of aeroplanes.

The city centre is only a few miles from the beautiful rolling hills that make up the shire and there are plenty of Peak District holiday cottages available to choose from most of the year round. Visitors can stay at guesthouses or at some of the farms in the area or even at one of the Peak District luxury hotels in the area.

There is plenty to see and enjoy for visitors to Derbyshire and one of the must sees is the Tram museum in Crich where visitors can not only view these old, restored vehicles, but can ride in them.

A site that visitors should see is the twisted spire of the Cathedral in Chesterfield which is about seventeen miles north of the city but if you see it from the road try and keep your concentration on driving as the Spire will most definitely pull your gaze.

If you come to Derbyshire and you are driving then you should take care around the peaks as sheep and cows can often be seen crossing the roads from one grazing field to another.

There are lots of walks around the area where visitors can join a group or go by themselves. People also like to climb some of the hills and small mountains that are part and parcel of the charm of the peaks of Derbyshire.