The Racecourse Retreat

View prices & book 9.5 255 reviews
Pitches
Pitches
Views over derbyshire
Tent pitch
Top of the pitches
The meadow pitches
Views
Meadow area
Meadows on site
1/323
Views over derbyshire
Tent pitch
Top of the pitches

  • Spacious family-friendly pop-up site in the Derbyshire countryside
  • Four miles from the Peak District; a 15-minute drive from Matlock
  • Back to basics pitches with firepits; close to walks and bike routes
Planning on moseying on down to the Peak District for trails, historic estates and rural landscapes? From the Racecourse Retreat four miles from the edge of the national park, you’ll be in for a restful retreat with delicious views and green surroundings. This quiet, rural and family-friendly smallholding is just 15 minutes’ drive away from buzzy towns such as Matlock and 35 minutes from royal sites like Chatsworth House. It is a fairly simple setup here, with spacious pitches that have access to showers and toilets, plus firepit areas for a feelgood gathering, waste and recycling points, a dishwashing station and drinking water. This area is walking and biking trails galore, beginning with the High Peak Trail around five minutes’ drive away. At the same time, tourist hotspots such as Carsington Water, Cromford Mills and Matlock Bath are within 15 minutes’ drive of the site. Just above the town of Wirksworth and the small village of Cromford, there are shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and takeaways a short walk away so that guests can grab all the goods they desire for an easy off-grid stay. And in the opposite direction, Belper (15 minutes’ drive) and then Ashbourne (20 minutes’ drive) are some more lively calls with eateries and the likes – or there's a bigger city break to Derby 35 minutes’ drive away in case that’s your next plan of action.

Campground type

Rent a tent 1
Tent sites 50
Open now
Opens July 11
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, Jul 11 to

No availability here for your search criteria

Campsite types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCamper sitesRV sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsMobile homes for rentRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
Other options

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 255 Pitchup.com customers

  • 75%
    10
  • 4%
    9
  • 13%
    8
  • 1%
    7
  • 3%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 0%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 0%
    2
  • 0%
    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 6
Spectacular scenery

94% would recommend this campground to a friend

93% would stay here again

What customers say

Great campsite w/ stunning views & spacious spots. Staff are friendly & helpful. Clean facilities, popular bar/food. Very family-friendly. Some wish for more restrooms during peak times & mention shower pressure. Most want to return.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 26
Arrival date (latest first)

Amazing place and mountain view. Really clean and hygienic.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Jagdish A.

Powered grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Amazing place and mountain view, Staff is really helpful. Really clean and hygienic.

Disliked Nothing really. But Only i can say is, Occasionally you have to stay in queue for washroom, but it's fine if you can manage the timing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Relaxing rural site

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Large open space made up of 3 fields so even during a busy weekend it didn’t feel crowded. The sandpit was a hit the kids and the fire pit was a real treat in the evening. All the staff I met were friendly and helpful. I will definitely be returning.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic place highly recommend

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Samuel W.

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked What an experience for our first time camping as a young family scenery unreal simple and easy to get up and running pick your spot in one of 2/3 fields once you’ve checked in and get your tent up. Don’t panic if your struggling people are happy to give you a hand. Was fill of nice young families like ourselves. There’s a beer tent with pop up food vans That come on Friday and Saturday night and a band on Saturday night with beer soft drinks sweets and. The man and woman who own it work every hour god sends constantly there making sure everything is ok and the staff they employ are brilliant all share a passion for keeping the standards high. If you want to experience your first time away camping and your a bit nervous then this is the right place for you lots of people came with other people and set up there little camps with 4-5 tents circled and kids were playing games etc football cricket there’s loads of space. Wirksworth town down the hill 20-25 min walk is beautiful nice pubs and cafe it has a regular bus Into Matlock bath which is great for the kids arcades fish and chip shops peddlo’s and a little play park all in all great experience would Highly reccomend. Get it booked

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lots of space, lovely clean facilities,…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 1
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 1
Wifi
 No rating
Robert J.

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Lots of space, lovely clean facilities, super friendly staff and a bar on site, what’s not to like! Breakfast rolls ordered and cooked on arrival, best campsite we’ve ever stayed at. 👍🏻👍🏻

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very friendly site in a lovely setting.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
ANTONY S.

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Lovely setting although mighty glad we had electric bikes. It's not called the Peak District without reason! Hosts couldn't be more helpful.
Nice surprise to find a gazebo with bar and as we were there bank holiday weekend had a quiz night one evening and live music another.

Disliked Only a few showers. Very low water pressure when we used them.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We really enjoyed the site just…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 No rating
Value for money
 No rating
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Gordon M.

Powered grass tent or RV campsite

Liked We really enjoyed the site just wish we had stayed longer the staff were very accommodating

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic views, clean toilets, friendly staff.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Even when it got busy on the Friday, it didn't seem loud. The staff were very welcoming and lovely. Fire pit hire was excellent.

Disliked 3 showers for the size of the campsite when busy was not enough, but it was OK on the quieter day we stayed.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site. Will happily book again if back in the area.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Mark B.

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Lovely site. Beautiful views. Good toilets and showers. Great location.

Disliked Bit wet and windy - not much you can do about that.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great friendly pop up camp site in beautiful location

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Sarah S.

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Great location. Plenty of flat pitches. Excellent toilet and shower facilities. Friendly and helpful owners. Small reception shop to buy essentials. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Easy to walk into Wirksworth and plenty to do locally.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Family-friendly campsite with good facilities.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
James M.

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Good washup/toilet/shower facilities.
Sandpit, table tennis, Connect4 for kids to play.
Bar and mobile burger van on Saturday night.
Good views.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery

Utilities

Charging facilities Communal fridge Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transportation nearby

Type

Large (51-200 sites) Pop-up campground

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearby

Location

The Racecourse Retreat

Hay Lane

Wirksworth

Derbyshire

England

DE4 4AF

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

53.07337°N
1.55707°W

Nearest transport

Bus
3.2 mi Fishpond Hotel
3.2 mi Fishpond Hotel
4.5 mi Railway Station
Rail
2.3 mi Whatstandwell Rail Station
2.8 mi Cromford Rail Station
3.3 mi Ambergate Rail Station
Airport
19.5 mi East Midlands Airport
23.4 mi Sheffield City Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Where to wander first? A climb to the Black Rocks (five minutes’ drive) for views over the countryside? A little stroll around Bakewell (half an hour), over its medieval bridge, perhaps to pick up a Bakewell pudding for the riverbank? The mills and canal at Cromford Mills (10 minutes)? Or onto the Tissington Trail (20 minutes) for the Derbyshire Dales, a limestone ravine and stepping stones? In Matlock (10 minutes), you’ll have the choice of spas and shopping and further out, the Matlock Farm Park (25 minutes) for an afternoon of full-on animal activities such as horse riding. There’s a farmyard with animals at Chatsworth House (35 minutes) too, but this grand place is packed full with much more to do, from playgrounds to house tours and pretty picnics in the gardens. The same kind of vibe goes at Haddon Hall (35 minutes), a medieval hall and park with tours. After some water-based action too? Carsington Water (15 minutes) is your guy, thanks to its watersports centre running rowing, canoeing, windsurfing and kayaking. And on dry land, there's cycling, walking and fishing to get your senses tingling.

Must see

Arkwright's Cromford Mills 2.5 mi

Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills 2.7 mi

Kedleston Hall 7.3 mi

Haddon Hall 9.5 mi

Chatsworth 10.4 mi

National Trust

Winster Market House 5.8 mi

Kedleston Hall 8 mi

Hardwick Hall 12.2 mi

Hardwick Estate: Stainsby Mill 12.2 mi

The Old Manor 12.7 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Alport Heights - Kirk Ireton Circular 0.9 mi

Wirksworth - Bolehill - Middleton Top - Wirksworth 0.9 mi

Cromford (Black Rocks) - Middleton Top - Kirk Ireton - Black Rocks 1.8 mi

Lea Bridge - Whatstandwell - Alderwasley - Lea Bridge 2.2 mi

Derwent Valley Mills Buffer Zone 2.6 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Derbyshire?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does The Racecourse Retreat have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is The Racecourse Retreat dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near The Racecourse Retreat? Where to wander first? A climb to the Black Rocks (five minutes’ drive) for views over the countryside? A little stroll around Bakewell (half an hour), over its medieval bridge, perhaps to … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of The Racecourse Retreat?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-park accommodation
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at The Racecourse Retreat? From $27.02 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.