Lumsdale Valley

The Lumsdale Valley is a site of national archaeological and historic importance. It is owned by the Arkwright Society, an educational charity devoted to the rescue of the industrial heritage buildings & associated landscape. The mills and the associated water management features form one of the best examples in Britain of a water-powered industrial archaeological site. Its uniqueness comes from seeing such an extensive use of waterpower in such a relatively small area, and in 2014, it was scheduled as an Ancient Monument by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Lumsdale Valley – summer opening
The permissible footpath through the beautiful Lumsdale Valley, via the waterfall, will be open every day from 1^st May 2023 until 1st October 2023.

There are some areas closed off around the structures, for safety reasons.  Please keep to the prescribed route through the valley and don’t climb over fencing or on the buildings, as this damages the scheduled monument and is dangerous, due to the fragile condition of the buildings.

Please support us to help look after this special place:
Lumsdale Valley with its historic industrial structures, is owned by the Arkwright Society.  We are a charity focused on conservation and education and rely on donations and volunteers to help keep the valley open. Any money from donations for Lumsdale will go towards the repairs needed to make these structure safe.  We want to keep the story of the valley alive for the enjoyment of our local communities and visitors.

If you would like to join as a volunteer or make a donation, please click below or contact the Arkwright Society on 01629 823256 / email info@arkwrightsociety.org.uk.

Additional Information:  when visiting the valley please be aware of the following:

• There is no designated parking in the Valley and visitors are encouraged to park in Matlock town centre and walk to the Valley. There are also buses that run regularly along the Chesterfield Road (A632) past the top of the Valley.
• There are no public toilets in the valley.
• Photography in the Valley. The Lumsdale Valley Scheduled Monument and Conservation Area is the private property of the Arkwright Society – please do not undertake any photography for commercial purposes without prior permission from the Arkwright Society.

The footpaths and woodland are monitored regularly.  If you see anything that you feel needs reporting or notice any antisocial behaviour, please contact the community police on

If you would like to contact us (office hours only), the email is: lumsdale@arkwrightsociety.org.uk