The Whistlestop Discovery Centre
Perfect for exploring woodlands, rivers and a World Heritage Site
The Whistlestop Discovery Centre is a gorgeous place to explore and bring your little ones. Recently renovated, it now has its own classroom, discovery trail and wildlife pond.
Based in Matlock Bath, next to the railway station, It is in easy distance of the River Derwent, perfect for river dipping and High Tor Woods, perfect for woodland activities, and it lies in the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Welcome to Derbyshire is a project to renovate this Grade II listing building to provide a gateway for visitors to Matlock Bath. It is part funded by the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development.
Come on, let's have some fun...
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Buxton Nature Tots
Come along to our Nature Tots on Tuesday mornings in Buxton!
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Know before you go
We're really easy to find - our address is:
Matlock Bath Railway Station, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DE4 3PT.
Parking
There is a large pay and display car park next door.
Access
The Whisltestop Discovery Centre is next door to The Whistlestop Cafe.
Access to the classroom and discovery garden is via the railway platform behind the shop.
Facilities
Toilets
The Whistlestop Cafe next door
Refreshments in our cafe next door
Picnic area outside our shop and cafe next door
Outdoor play area
Opening times
The Education Room and Discovery Garden open for scheduled events.
Please see our What's On section to discover what is coming up.
We also work with schools and teachers across the county, offering school trips to nature reserves and activities such as pond dipping or building bug hotels, plus, we also visit schools - ensuring playgrounds are perfect for wildlife and teachers are clued up on all things wild!
All our lives are better when they're a bit wildThe Wildlife Trusts
Check out next door
Be sure to pop next door when you visit - we have a fabulous Whistlestop cafe - enjoy!