Local Attractions
Melbourne is a small Georgian town, recently rated in the top 15 towns to live in by The Times newspaper. Melbourne Hall (open Aug) and Gardens (open Apr to Sep) was home to Queen Victoria’s first Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, who gave his name to Melbourne in Australia. Thomas Cook was born in Melbourne in 1808, and it was from here that he organised his first ‘Cook’s tour’. Well worth a visit is the Parish Church, one of the finest in England, rated as 4 stars in Simon Jenkins’ “England’s 1000 best Churches” guidebook. Follow this by a walk round Melbourne Pool (remember to feed the ducks!) and a visit to the Hall Tearooms. Please ask for The Melbourne Town Trail leaflet and map during your stay with us.
NT Calke Abbey & National Nature Reserve (3 miles) The “unstately” country house and ancient deer park, gardens and walks.
NT Staunton Harold Church (3 miles) Imposing church in attractive parkland and walks. Also visit Ferrers Centre for Arts & Crafts and garden centre.
NT Kedleston Hall (12 miles) Spectacular mansion with Adam interiors and parkland.
NT Sudbury Hall & National Museum of Childhood (16 miles) Late 17th century house with lavish interiors and a museum to delight all ages.
NT Hardwick Hall (25 miles) An Elizabethan masterpiece amid beautiful landscape.
Chatsworth House (30 miles) Discover a day out in the Peak District with a difference.
National Memorial Arboretum (16 miles) The UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance.
Donington Grand Prix Collection (4 miles) World’s largest collection of F1 racing cars incorporating the Wheatcroft Military Collection.
Conkers Discovery Centre (9 miles) Family-friendly centre in the National Forest with play areas, discovery zones and an amphitheatre.
National Brewery Centre (9 miles) Guided tours explore British brewing, with shire horses, vintage vehicles and beer samples.
Rosliston Forestry Centre (11 miles) In the heart of The National Forest offering activities from quiet walks to action-packed family fun activities.
Twycross Zoo (13 miles) The largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World.
Drayton Manor (18 miles) Family theme park, zoo and Thomas Land.
National Space Centre (20 miles) An out of this world experience for the whole family.
Alton Towers (22 miles) The family theme park!
The National Forest: Walks and cycleways around Melbourne.
The Peak District: Melbourne is at the southern tip of the National Park.
Staunton Harold (1/2 mile) and Foremark (3 miles) Reservoirs, walks and playgrounds.
Sustrans National Cycle Route 6: “The Cloud Trail” passes through Melbourne
Derwent Valley Mills (10 miles) World Heritage Site – the valley that changed the world.
Denby Pottery Village (14 miles) Shop, Eat, Experience!
