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Pictures of Duffield

in the county of Derbyshire

Parish Church, Duffield, Derbyshire

About Duffield

Duffield lies a short distance from Derby City. It is assumed there has been a settlement here since Roman times and that Roman pottery was produced at nearby Hazelwood. The nearby village of Milford with its crossing over the Derwent was also in use at the time of the Romans.

Historically, Duffield was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and is believed to have flourished following the Norman Conquest when Duffield Frith, a Royal forest was used by Nobles who hunted for deer. The forest was granted to Henry de Ferrers by William the Conqueror, and later the Earl built a fortress on what is now known as Castle Hill, but little remains to identify this.

In the 15th century the forest steward was Anthony Bradshaw who is believed to have had two wives and twenty children, he was the great nephew of Judge John Bradshaw who presided at the trial of Charles I.

Duffield Hall is probably the best known building of these parts, it was built by the Newton family around 1620, but the family line died out in 1709 and since this time the Hall has had a variety of owners. After the First World War, the Hall became a school, since then its fortunes have floundered and recovered, only to flounder again and after a spell as offices for the Derbyshire Building Society the Hall is being adapted for a different use.

Picturesque sights in Duffield include the attractive Bridge Inn situated beside the River Derwent at a spot where the river is spanned by a delightful arched bridge built, as is recorded by a stone in the bridge, in 1812. The Trinity Methodist Church is an Edwardian building of 1904, this can be seen on King's Street and on Town Street stands the attractive King's Head pub, a lovely historic building of 1501, with a half round front added late in the 19th century. The Kings Head is reputed to have been a billet for Cromwell's men at the time of the Civil War. There are other attractive 18th, 19th and early 20th century properties worthy of note, many of a deep russet brick dressed with mellow stone.

St.Alkmund's Church is from the 12th century, but a church was recorded here in the Doomsday Book of 1086. In the present church there is an old font and much medieval work to be seen together with ancient tombs and memorials. There is also attractive oak panelled screens and wrought iron grilles from the 19th century. The church lies within a fascinating walled churchyard where the dead of Duffield have been buried for centuries. Visitors to the church will note several old trees in the churchyard, one which is doubtless very old indeed.

The river flowing through the village is the River Ecclesbourne, so together with the close-by waters of the Derwent, Duffield is well blest with delightful waterways inhabited with a rich variety of wildlife, thus it offers fine opportunities for those who enjoy river pursuits and lovely riverside walks.

Visitors to the village will find it a friendly relaxing place, there are shops, restaurants, cafe's and all the usual amenities associated with a large village including recreational facilities and pubs.

Duffield offers visitors a lively time, it is within close proximity of Derby and within easy reach of the wonderful landscape of the Peak District National Park.


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Duffield

Kedleston Hall(2.7 miles, 4.4 km, direction SW)Pictures
Derby Cathedral(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction S)Pictures
Derby Museum and Art Gallery(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction S)Pictures
Shipley Country Park(5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction E)Pictures
The Midland Railway Centre(6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction NE)Pictures
American Adventure Theme Park(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction E)Pictures
Elvaston Castle(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SE)Pictures
National Tramway Museum(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction N)Pictures
The Erewash Museum(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction E)Pictures
Carsington Water(7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction NW)Pictures
D H Lawrence Birthplace Museum(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction E)Pictures
Middleton Top Engine House(8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction NW)Pictures
The Peak District Mining Museum(9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction N)Pictures
Gullivers Kingdom(10.0 miles, 16.0 km, direction N)Pictures
The Heights of Abraham(10.0 miles, 16.2 km, direction N)Pictures

All attractions in Duffield
All attractions in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Duffield

Denby, in the county of Derbyshire (3.9 miles, 6.2 km, direction NE)
Denby is famous for its beautiful decorative Stoneware pottery which has been exported all over the world.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Mugginton, in the county of Derbyshire (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction W)
This is a popular Derbyshire village with a church dating back to the Doomsday Book.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Smalley, in the county of Derbyshire (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction E)
A delightful place with attractive village buildings including a church, village hall, several small shops and three village inns.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Derby, in the county of Derbyshire (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction S)
This is the premier town of the Shire, it is steeped in history with roots stretching to Roman times - the legions had a camp...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Heage, in the county of Derbyshire (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction N)
The village lies a short distance from the beauty spot Carsington Water, between the market town's of Ripley and Belper.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ripley, in the county of Derbyshire (5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction NE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Crich, in the county of Derbyshire (6.9 miles, 11.2 km, direction N)
A village on the edge of the Peak District National Park with a Museum dedicated solely to the golden era of the Tramcar. Also famous as being the location for filming Peak Practice.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ilkeston, in the county of Derbyshire (7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction E)
Within this pretty hilltop town you will find the ancient church dedicated to St.Mary, it was built around 1150 and has a beautiful clock-face tower.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Middleton by Wirksworth, in the county of Derbyshire (8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction NW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Trowell, in the county of Nottinghamshire (9.0 miles, 14.4 km, direction E)
Modern day history records that this was the village chosen as The Festival of Britain Village, at the time it was considered to epitomise the spirit of British rural community life.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Babbington, in the county of Nottinghamshire (9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction E)
This pretty Nottinghamshire village is situated around 7 miles from the centre of Nottingham. It is typical of rural England, with cottages interspersed along quiet leafy lanes.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Swarkestone, in the county of Derbyshire (9.2 miles, 14.7 km, direction S)
Swarkestone is a small enchanting village which grew up on the reeeded banks of the River Trent.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Matlock Bath, in the county of Derbyshire (10.0 miles, 16.0 km, direction N)
Matlock Bath lies amongst some of the most beautiful river-valley country in England.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Repton, in the county of Derbyshire (10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction S)
Repton is one of England's most ancient towns, it was once the capital of the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia and the church there is the burial ground of Saxon Kings.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Church Broughton, in the county of Derbyshire (10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction SW)
Church Broughton is an attractive Derbyshire village lying in open countryside that is perhaps best noted for its ancient church dedicated to Saint Michael.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Duffield Station(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
Belper Station(2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction N)
M1 Junction 25(9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction SE)
M1 Junction 27(10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction NE)
East Midlands Airport(12.5 miles, 20.2 km, direction SE)
Sheffield City Airport(28.7 miles, 46.2 km, direction N)
Duffield to London(117.3 miles, 188.7 km, direction SE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Duffield

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Duffield center
Makeney Hall Hotel(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
The Lion Hotel(2.7 miles, 4.4 km, direction N)
Morley Hayes Hotel(3.6 miles, 5.7 km, direction E)
SACO Derby(4.0 miles, 6.5 km, direction S)
Days Hotel Derby(4.2 miles, 6.7 km, direction S)
Heritage Hotel(4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction S)
Dannah Farm Country House(4.6 miles, 7.5 km, direction NW)
The Stuart Hotel(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S)
Legacy Aston Court Hotel(4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction S)
Best Western Midland Hotel(4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction S)
All hotels in Duffield

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