We visit The Heights of Abraham - a magnificent hilltop estate with cavern tours just an hour from Birmingham

Located above the picturesque former spa town of Matlock - often dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’ for its stunning limestone gorge surrounding scenery - one of the biggest attractions in the Peak District (and one of Britain’s best kept secrets) is the historical 18th century tourist attraction The Heights of Abraham.

Spread out over 60 acres and having first opened to the public in 1787 as a hilltop park, the site was once famed for offering well-to-do Georgian visitors an exclusive fresh-air escape far from the smog of the industrial towns and cities below.

While Queen Victoria may have had to ride to the top of The Heights on a donkey, it’s a less arduous journey these days. Just like visitors did in 1984 when the Alpine-style cable car first opened, your adventure kicks off with an exhilarating ride 1000 feet above sea level inside one of the attraction’s iconic cable cars (the first of its kind in the British Isles).

The ride offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Derwent Valley - the East Midlands only UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the lush landscape below as you make your way up to the summit of Masson Hill.

Once you’ve reached the top, there’s plethora of attractions to keep everyone entertained for the entire day including live guided tours and entertainment by actors donning Regency era costumes.

Situated near the visitor centre, first soak in the wonderment of the romantic and colourfully illuminated Great Masson Cavern – a third of a mile underground - with a guided tour detailing the cavern’s 350-million-year-old geological wonders of stalactites and stalagmites and its later use as a lead mine.

Next make your way back up the steep steps to the Tinkers Shaft vista viewpoint where you can gaze at the wild cliffs, crags and hills beyond while learning some fascinating facts about the area too.

After you’ve regained your energy, climb the winding stone staircase of the Victorian Prospect Tower (widely considered to be Derby’s first dedicated tourist attraction) which offers more of those 360-degree unrivalled views of Matlock and the Peak District.

More standout fun can be had wandering the varied, zig-zag and tranquil woodland trails and spotting quiet wildlife scuttling around.

Another ancient hidden cave (and one with thankfully fewer steps!) is the Great Rutland Cavern. Feast your eyes on otherworldly rock formations and listen to tales of what life was like for the lead miners who once toiled here from super knowledge guides with audio-visual displays and re-enactments also helping illustrate the challenging conditions.

The Long View interactive, multimedia exhibition offers informative insights into the Pugh family (who are this year, celebrating 50 years of owning the estate), the history of the cable cars and oodles of other intriguing tidbits including famous past visitors.

Those with a passion for fashion should head to the ‘Mirror of the Past’ exhibition in the Masson Pavilion and swoon over costumes from the 17th-19th centuries.

Two adventure playgrounds with giant slides, ropes and climbing walls provide kids with ample space to burn off post-lunch energy and the Fossil Factory is a special place for them to get hands-on with the fossils of prehistoric sea creatures that once roamed the now-landlocked area.

Vista Restaurant Perfect for soaking in the scenery over five counties via floor-to-ceiling glass doors that dominate the dining area, the light-filled Vista Restaurant and Bar is an excellent spot for a high-altitude lunch.

You’re greeted by modern, sleek interiors, natural wood tone finishes and contemporary furnishings that, thankfully, don’t distract from the panoramic views outside.

Chefs present plates of locally-sourced deliciousness reflecting both the Peak District’s culinary heritage and modernised classic British fare with standout lunch offerings including a hearty Derbyshire Ploughman’s Lunch consisting of local cheeses, cured meats, crusty bread, pickles, and chutneys and a deeply comforting steak and ale pie filled with tender and flavoursome beef, silky gravy and topped with crisp, buttery pastry.

Desserts of sticky toffee pudding served with vanilla ice cream, and zesty lemon tart are not to be missed.

Knowledgeable and approachable staff provide a prompt but never rushed service and on a sunny day, a table on the terrace is unbeatable. For something lighter, the lovely on-site Terrace café provides excellent quick bites, pastries, decadent cakes, refreshments and ice creams.

If you’re here for the views, you’ll stay for the food, and if you’re here for the food, well, the views are the cherry on top.

How can I book?

Visit The Heights of Abraham Matlock, Bath, DE4 3NT.

To book, visit www.heightsofabraham.com or email [email protected] or call 00 44 1629 582 365.

Tickets from £17.50 for children aged 5-15 and adults from £25. Discounts available for carers, NHS workers, educational workers and Blue Peter Badge holders. Under 5s go free.

For more information visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com