Waking up the Whistlestop

Whistlestop, Matlock Bath circa 1870

Whistlestop, Matlock Bath circa 1870

The jewel in the crown

We've a story to tell...

We are happy to say that our vision for The Whistlestop Discovery Centre in Matlock Bath has been realised! Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and their grant of £83,200, we have restored this historically important and beautiful Grade II listed building.  With a new roof and new interpretation, The Whistlestop is looking beautiful and we hope you come down to visit.

Take a look at what we had planned for this beautiful building and photographs of how it turned out!

Let us tell you more...

What we wanted to achieve

The fascinating project to wake up the Whistlestop needed to include bringing back the vibrant and exciting community atmosphere the building once had.

This was done with a fully immersive installation in one of the Whistlestop’s rooms that allows visitors to interact with, celebrate and explore the local cultural history.

We also collected memorabilia and interesting facts about the history of the railway and the building itself and have included this in the decoration.

Project timeline

We thought you'd love to get an insight into what our project time was...

  • Relaunching as a cafe by May 2018
  • Reroofing The Whistlestop and restoring the external paintwork from September to October 2018
  • Visitor experience installation in place by October 2018 
  • Reopening as a historical visitor hub in October 2018 

The cafe is now official open and we'd love for you to visit!

Donations from far and wide

We are so greatful for all the donations we recieved, which allowed us to reopen The Whistlestop Discovery Centre, we couldn't have done it without all of your help.

Back in May 2018 your amazing donations helped us raise over £10,000 through a crowdfunder which we put towards the match funding for the Heritage Lottery bid.

Wake up the Whistlestop 

We want The Whistlestop to be enjoyed for years to come and become a window to Matlock Bath and Derbyshire Dales fascinating history
Ellen Fineran, Head of Commercial Development
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

What's this got to do with wildlife?

Well we believe that by restoring and ensuring the sustainable use of this beautiful and iconic building we can make sure it is returned to being a key part of Matlock Bath’s tourist season.

This means it will become a platform (excuse the pun!) for us to celebrate the rich local, historical and natural heritage of the area. People's lives have been, and are being, shaped by the local environment in this area and we want to be able to tell that story.  

This is a project about inspiring more people to love and care for Derbyshire as much as we do.

Our new look!

Be part of it

Small tortoiseshell butterfly enjoying Belper Coppice meadow creation, Kieron Huston

Small tortoiseshell butterfly enjoying Belper Coppice meadow creation, Kieron Huston 

Volunteer gardeners needed

Learn more
Coffee, Pexels

Coffee, Pexels

Let's eat cake

Pop along to our cafe

With thanks to

The National Lottery Heritage Fund logo

The fascinating project has been made possible through National Lottery funding. Thanks to National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Like what we do? Get more involved...