Welcome to Fairholmes
Fairholmes car park is the official car park near Derwent Dam and located in Hope Valley, Peak District. Take idyllic walks around Ladybower reservoir or cycle along Derwent and Howden reservoirs on a longer trial. The visitor centre is now closed but you can still enjoy a refreshment kiosk, picnic benches and bike rental.
Fairholmes car park - Peak District NP
Fairholmes car park is run by the Peak District National Park Authority. Here’s everything to know before visiting:
- It’s an outdoors Pay & Display car park.
- ~100 spaces available (including disabled spaces)
- No EV charging pods
- Pay & Display machine (card or coins), charges apply to blue badge holders.
- Facilities include public toilets, food kiosk, bike hire.
- No overnight parking, swimming, camping or fires/BBQ allowed.
- Keep dogs on leads.
Car park charges
| Parking Duration/Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £3.50 |
| Up to 4 hours | £6.00 |
| All day | £7.00 |
| Disabled badge holders | Same charges apply |
Parking charges apply Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays. Opening times aren’t specified but pretty much all Peak District car parks are open 9am to 6pm. The entrance is usually blocked by cones when closed so you can still get out if needed and if you arrive too early there’s alternative 24/7 parking nearby at Derwent Overlook next to Derwent Dam. The Pay & Display machine accepts contactless card and coins. Prices keep rising and are getting expensive, but that doesn’t stop it being busy since it’s not convenient to park elsewhere in the area. The other lay bys down Derwent Lane (the road coming into Fairholmes) are a bit cheaper, monitored less often, and on route for Ladybower reservoir walks.
Is there free parking nearby?
If you want free parking, do the Ladybower reservoir walk from Snake Road at the end of the road below the car park or Ashopton road (opposite Ladybower Fisheries) on the southeast side and use the roadside. These spots fill up quick during warm/sunny weather between 10am-3pm. Alternatively, check out the Howden Moor walk for free ‘parking’ just north of Derwent reservoir at Kings Tree. It’s actually a turning point as the road reaches a dead end but some people park to the side (when the road is open).
Upper Derwent visitor centre
Fairholmes visitor centre was funded by the council and permanently closed due to rising costs. It was only a tiny cabin with books and other random items. Most of the information you need is available online but if you have any questions feel free to join the Peak Places newsletter and email us.
Derwent bike hire
Around the back of Fairholmes Visitor Centre is Derwent Bike Hire, where you can rent out a bike, e-bike or e-scooter for the reservoir trails. Going around Derwent and Howden can take 4+ hours so cycling is recommended. Mountain bikes/e-bikes are better for the hilly and mixed terrain of Derwent and Howden reservoir but the part of Ladybower near Fairholmes is all road surface so standard/road bikes are great choices. Of course, bring your own if you can as some e-bike rentals are £30+. They require photo ID and proof of address to hire a bike so people don’t just steal them.
Derwent cafe
Eating out is a luxury these days and Derwent cafe is no exception. Prices are pretty reasonable compared to many cafes in the Peak District, especially given that it’s the only ‘cafe’ near Derwent reservoir. Despite the name, it’s more of a refreshment kiosk than a cafe as there’s no indoor space. It’s independently run and includes a bin and collection area around the side. They’re open most days of the year and accept cash or card. There are outside benches nearby to eat and relax in the car park.
Food Menu
Hot Food
- Cornish Pasty
- Cheese & Onion Pasty (V)
- Veggie Sausage Bap (Vegan)
- Burger (Beef)
- Cheeseburger (Beef)
- Adult Hot Dog
- Kids Hot Dog
- Sausage Bap
- Bacon Bap
- Sausage & Bacon Bap
- Bacon & Tomato Bap
- Meat Pie
- Meat Pie with Peas & Gravy
Hot Jacket Potatoes
Served with butter & choice of filling:
- Cheese & Beans (V)
- Tuna Mayo
- Cottage Cheese (V)
Cold Sandwiches
On brown sliced bread:
- Ham
- Cheese (V)
- Tuna Mayo
Panini
- Tuna Melt (Tuna & Cheese)
- Cheese & Ham
- Cheese & Onion (V)
Ice Cream & Sweet Treats
- Cones (various sizes)
- “99” Flake cones
- Double “99” Flake
- Ice creams (e.g. Strawberry Split, Soft Whip, Magnum-style)
- Deluxe Sundae (various flavours)
- Cakes
Drinks Menu
Hot Drinks
- Tea
- Coffee
- Hot Chocolate
- Bovril
- Cup of Soup (Tomato or Chicken)
- Hot Vimto
Cold Drinks
- Cans (coke etc)
- Bottled soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Fruit juice bottles
- Juice cartons
Walks near Fairholmes car park
Derwent & Howden
Derwent and Howden reservoir join onto Ladybower stretching north to Upper Derwent Valley. While it’s tempting to cover all 3 at once it’s not recommended unless you cycle or hire an e-scooter from Fairholmes car park. They are distinct in their scenery and more secluded.
Ladybower Reservoir
Follow the path around Ladybower for a peaceful, scenic stroll, with woodlands and rolling hills all around. There are plenty of spots to pause, picnic, or just take in the reflections across the reservoir. Check the top images for official routes.
Alport Castles
Alport Castles is the largest landslip in the UK and a great spot for hiking far into the hills and wild camping near Ladybower reservoir. There are footpaths leading there from Snake Road. This is one for more experienced hikers as it can take several hours with some steep elevation.
Derwent Edge
Head up onto the wild moorland for a more rugged, open walk dotted with striking rock formations like the Salt Cellar. The views stretch endlessly across Upper Derwent Valley and Derwent reservoir, with a real sense of space and solitude. It’s a slightly tougher route, but perfect if you’re after dramatic scenery and a bit of adventure.
Bamford Edge
Climb steadily from Heatherdene car park to reach Bamford Edge, where sweeping views open out across Ladybower Reservoir. The gritstone cliffs provide dramatic photo spots and a real sense of height above the valley. It’s a rewarding walk with a big payoff, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the landscape.
Win Hill
A steady but satisfying climb leads to one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Peak District. From the summit, you’ll see sweeping views over Ladybower, Hope Valley, and beyond. The route feels adventurous yet accessible, making it a favourite for walkers wanting a classic Peak District hill experience.
Getting to Fairholmes Car Park
By Car
Car is highly recommended for Derwent dam and reservoir. Use GPS or Maps to get to Fairholmes Car Park, Derwent Ln, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ. Search for Upper Derwent visitor centre or Derwent Bike Hire.
By Bus
While bus is not ideal, it’s the best for public transportation. The Andrews/South Pennine 257 bus used to go to Fairholmes but now you need to take the 257 between Sheffield interchange and Bakewell square and get off at Ladybower Inn (A57) or Ashopton Road, which are ideal for Ladybower reservoir trails but could take 45+ minutes to walk to Fairholmes. See timetable here.
You can also get the Manchester/Sheffield Hope Valley Line to Bamford station and then get a bus from the village going north to the same stops above but the infrequent timetables make it difficult to get there in a timely manner.