Cromford Open Gardens

approx 15 gardens open Cromford, near Matlock, Derbyshire Peak District
Sunday 5th July 2026
12.00noon to 5.00pm

Many visitors to Cromford events - the Celebrating Cromford weekend festival and Apple Day as well as Open Gardens Sunday - often tell us that they have passed through Cromford, “reached by roads fit to be the roads to heaven” (Arthur Mee), many times but have never before stopped.

Beyond the historic stone frontages of Arkwright’s World Heritage Site mill village are the hidden garden plots which every cottage was allotted and several near-mountainous gardens climbing the limestone behind Scarthin and Cromford Hill. Gardens in more spacious upper Cromford are perhaps less quirky but enjoy stunning views across a village surrounded by 1000 ft hills. In contrast, we include this year an “un-garden” below water level!

Some of Cromford’s eccentrics await you in their gardens and you may also be following in the steps of Sir Richard Arkwright and D.H.Lawrence. Before or after the garden ramble you can visit one of Cromford’s outstanding independent shops or patronise a pub or café. Wander as you wish, or follow our suggested route involving two stiles - stout footwear is recommended, but minibus lifts up- and down-hill will once again be available.

Refreshments are available both in upper and lower Cromford gardens.

Proceeds:  Proceeds go towards village charities and events.

Plant sales:  Plant sales and artwork at some gardens.

Cost:  £5.00 per adult, accompanied children free.

How to get tickets / programmes:  From our stall in front of the Community Centre in the Market Place or, if starting from the top of our village, at 34 Barnwell Lane.

Contact the organisers:  Phone: 07539 683 907  Email: davescarthin@gmail.com  

Toilet Facilities:  Toilets are available at this event.

Directions / Parking:  Cromford is on the A6 Derby to Manchester road with limited parking in the village centre but lots of spaces (small charges) at Cromford Meadows and Canal Wharf (turn east at the traffic-light crossroads). Then take the riverside walk past the church back to the crossroads and Market Place. There is direct rail to our station from Nottingham, Belper and Derby and there are direct buses from Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby and Buxton.

Location:  Derbyshire.  Use Sat Nav postcode: DE4 3RQ (please verify before travelling)

Please ... tell the organisers that you found them on the Open Gardens National Directory.
and ... give them a gentle nudge to make a small donation to our 2026 running costs.