The cable car attraction that takes you to 'hidden' cave just 90 minutes from Birmingham

Did you know there's a cable car attraction that takes you 169 metres up in the air, right on the edge of the glorious Peak District? Heights of Abraham offers stunning 360 degree views over the Derwent Valley then enables you to explore fascinating underground caverns.

Originally built two centuries ago to attract Georgian tourists, this 60-acre site is full of zig-zag footpaths and woodland trails to wander. It takes around an hour-and-a-half to drive to Heights of Abraham from Birmingham, traffic permitting.

Your cable car ticket gives you a free right of way over the hilltop park including two guided tours through illuminated caverns, exhibitions, magnificent views, adventure playgrounds and more. Nearby Bakewell is well worth a visit too, if only to sample its delicious puddings!

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What's at the Heights of Abraham

The cable cars

The fun begins with a flight in a cable car, enjoying magnificent views of the Derbyshire Dales. From bottom to top, you travel 169 metres (or 554ft) upwards. It’s not a straight up ride like a roller coaster, you pass over five towers that ease the gradient.

The highest tower is 23.5m (77ft) tall. The summit of the hill is around 339 meters (1,111ft) above sea level.

Two cavern tours

Lead mining in Matlock Bath is said to have begun in Roman times. When the mines were fully excavated, the miners found a new way to make money - by taking tourists on tours of the abandoned mines. You can retrace the miners' footsteps yourself through naturally-formed caverns and passageways dating back millions of years.

The Great Masson Cavern is located at the Summit behind the Masson Pavilion. Here you can learn all about the 350 million year story that led to the cavern being what it is today - from the light of a single miner’s candle to the whole chamber being flooded with a rainbow of lights!

The Great Rutland Cavern is next to the Tavern on the lower slopes of the hillside. Here you can discover the dangerous work women and children undertook in the mines.

Tinker's Shaft

Once the main access point to the Great Masson Cavern, it is now safely capped and has been transformed into a viewing platform with incredible vistas over the Derbyshire Dales.

Victoria Prospect tower

Climb the spiral staircase of the Victoria Prospect Tower, built in 1844 in honour of Her Majesty's reign, and take in the spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding Derbyshire Dales from the top.

Adventure playgrounds

There are two adventure play areas for children to enjoy. The first is the Explorer’s Challenge mini assault course which is set right at the summit. The second is a Woodland Adventure further down into the estate which is filled with ropes and swings to get kids moving. And all the family can race against each other on the giant slides.

Take a look at our ultimate things to do guide packed with all the best places to visit around Brum, our guide to the best playgrounds and listen to our Brummie Mummies Podcast on the best days out around the Midlands:

Woodland trails and willow sculptures

Zig-zag your way around the 60-acre estate using the original routes that were built for curious Georgian tourists to help ease the climbing of Masson Hill when the estate first opened in 1787.

Seek out five sculptures, including the High Peak farmer and his herd of sheep and a Low Peak 17th Century miner and his son taking a break from a hard day in the caverns.

Restaurant, Café and Bar

The Vista Restaurant is almost 1,000ft above sea level! You can see for miles across the valley from here whilst tucking into Caesar salad, homemade chilli, fish and chips and burgers. For dessert, of course, you have to go for Bakewell Pudding served warm with Matlock Meadows ice cream! It can all be washed down with local ale or gin. Best to book a table in advance.

You can also get a coffee and a cake deal for just £4.85 from the Terrace Café which also has spectacular views.

How to get to Heights of Abraham from Birmingham

The address for the Heights of Abraham is Dale Road, Matlock DE4 3NT. It takes around 90 minutes to reach by car from Birmingham, via the A38 through Derby. Find out more and book tickets via the Heights of Abraham.

You can also get there by catching a train from Birmingham New Street to Matlock Bath, switching at Derby. The attraction is then just a 0.2 mile, three minute walk from the station.