The Heights of Abraham, an 18th century tourist attraction

An 18th century tourist pleasure garden with a modern facelift. It was originally named because of the supposed similarity to the hill of the same name in Quebec stormed by Wolfe in 1759.

The Heights of Abraham is a cliff top visitor attraction at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire in the north of England.

The easiest way to reach thecliff top is the cable car ride from the valley to the summit (there are a number of alternate (and cheaper) routes including a rewarding walk up from the valley). These cable cars were the first gondola-type cable cars in the UK. Once at the summit there is an eclectic mix of things to do but the view from Prospect Tower, a Victorian folly built right on the edge of the cliff is, to many, the main attraction. Two other notable features are two tours of different disused lead mines, the Great Masson Cavern and Rutland Cavern. The two cave tours are very different and once at the Heights you should visit both. The Rutland Cavern visit presents a recorded commentary in the local accent (which may prove difficult for some) with lots of info about lead mining whilst the Great Masson Cavern has a very informative video introduction and lots of attractive lighting effects below ground.

This site covers about 30 acres and was first opened as a tourist attraction in 1785. This included both cave/mine tours but the usual access route was to walk the tortuous path up the steep hillside. The historic origins of the gardens has resulted in them being protected under English law as a grade II listed structure.

 There is  an interesting sculpture collection, a children’s play area (with some impressively long slides), some attractive woodland walks and the usual cafe and gift shop in addition to the cave/mine tours.