Square and Compass

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  • BASIC CAMPING AND CARAVAN SITE IN DARLEY DALE AREA OF DERBYSHIRE
  • SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES AVAILABE AT THE SQUARE AND COMPASS
  • DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE SITE
Simple Derbyshire campsite with spectacular Peak District views Chatsworth House and Heights of Abraham 15 minutes’ drive Dog-friendly grass pitches; Country Inn with fantastic menu to suit all tastes across the road from the site. When you book a stay at The Square and Compass that’s exactly what you get… stunning rural views over the hills and woods of the Derbyshire Dales. It’s time to pack your gear and embark on a peaceful back-to-basics camping trip to a typical country inn 15 minutes’ drive from Matlock and on the very edge of the Peak District National Park. This is just the spot for introducing the family to the idea of pared-back camping with just a tent or caravan and not a huge amount of facilities on site. Sheltered by tall trees, the grass pitches are supplied with running water (drinking water is also available on site) and toilets and showers are on hand in the pub across the road. However, please note there’s no electricity at all on site, so you’ll have to pack torches and batteries for navigating your way around after dark. Bring barbecues too for alfresco feasts (grab supplies in Matlock supermarkets), or forget the self-catering option altogether and head for the pub across the road for traditional, excellent quality pub food or head into Darley Dale (five minutes, or 20 minutes’ walk if you want to make a night of it). We also have our own stretch of the river for the fishing enthusiasts. A daily charge is applicable. The Square and Compass is also a springboard for family-friendly days out at local theme parks, stately homes and caves. And sporty types, don’t forget all those cycling and hiking trails just waiting for you – and of course, any dogs who might be accompanying you – in the national park.

Campground type

Tent sites 21
Caravan sites 21
RV & Motorhome sites 21
Open all year
Opens

Languages spoken

English

Nearby campgrounds that are bookable on Pitchup.com

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Want to know more about camping in Derbyshire?

Features

No dogs allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

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

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed No dogs allowed

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby

Type

Pub campground

Accessibility

Disabled facilities

Nearby leisure

Dinghy sailing nearby Restaurant nearby

Location

Square and Compass

Station Road

Darley Bridge

Matlock

Derbyshire

England

DE4 2EQ

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London GMT (GMT+00:00)

GPS

53.1607°N
-1.5932°W

Nearest transport

Coach
3.4 km Railway Station
5 km Fishpond Hotel
5.1 km Fishpond Hotel
Rail
3.4 km Matlock Rail Station
4.9 km Matlock Bath Rail Station
6.1 km Cromford Rail Station
Airport
29.7 km Sheffield City Airport
41.1 km East Midlands 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

Some easy-peasy family strolls include the ramble up to Nine Ladies Stone Circle (20 minutes’ walk) to spy the Bronze Age formations, or a potter around the manicured grounds at Chatsworth House (15 minutes’ drive). If you can persuade the kids, you could also tour the sumptuous house filled with priceless antique treasures, and reward them with a visit to the petting farm and adventure playground afterwards. Days out with younger kids might encompass pony rides and lamb feeding (in spring) at Matlock Farm Park (10 minutes), or a watery ride on the log flumes at Gulliver’s Kingdom. Major pulls for older offspring include cable-car journeys up to the woodland trails and illuminated caves at the Heights of Abraham (both 15 minutes), or perhaps a day on the adrenaline rides at Alton Towers (45 minutes). Rainy day? Keep everyone busy with a visit to the swimming pool and soft-play centre at Arc Leisure Matlock (10 minutes), see a film in Chesterfield (25 minutes) or go deep underground on a guided tour of the mining tunnels leading to the Waterfall Cavern at the Blue John Cavern (40 minutes).

Must see

Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills 5.7 km

Haddon Hall 6 km

Arkwright's Cromford Mills 6.2 km

Chatsworth 6.7 km

Hardwick Old Hall 19 km

National Trust

Winster Market House 3.9 km

Hardwick Hall 19 km

Hardwick Estate: Stainsby Mill 19 km

Kedleston Hall 22.8 km

The Old Manor 25.4 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

WHITWORTH INSTITUTE 0.2 km

Darley Dale - Oker - Jughole Wood - Bonsall - Wensley - Darley Dale 0.5 km

South Darley Parish Walk 0.7 km

SYDNOPE HALL 2.7 km

Rowsley - Stanton Moor - Winster - Birchover - Rowsley 3.3 km

Local events

  • Download Festival (Friday 13 June 2025 – Friday 13 June 2025)

    Derby, England 39.8 km

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.

Offers

Conditions apply - see site type section for details

Reviews

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Frequently asked questions

  • Does Square and Compass have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Square and Compass dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near Square and Compass? Some easy-peasy family strolls include the ramble up to Nine Ladies Stone Circle (20 minutes’ walk) to spy the Bronze Age formations, or a potter around the manicured grounds at Chatsworth House … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Square and Compass?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  11 a.m. –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  Anytime
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  11 a.m. –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  Anytime

    Please check in at The Square and Compass before parking up.

    Read more