The Racecourse Retreat

View prices & book 9.3 266 reviews
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Pitches
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Views over derbyshire
Exterior
Tent pitch
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The meadow pitches
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Pitches
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Views over derbyshire

  • Spacious, family‑run site set in scenic 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.

Site type

Motorhome sites 48
Rent a tent 1
Tent sites 48
Open now
Opens 17 July
Please note

General

  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Safety

  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.

Dogs

  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dog Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).

Admission

  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 17 Jul to

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCaravan sitesMotorhome sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
0 dogs

Reviews

9.3

Overall rating from 266 Pitchup.com customers

  • 69%
    10
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    9
  • 12%
    8
  • 2%
    7
  • 1%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 7
Spectacular scenery

93% would recommend this site to a friend

92% would stay here again

What customers say

Great family campsite with amazing views and heaps of space. Staff are ace, facilities spotless, and the bar does good scran. Kids love the sandpit and fields. A few folks noted limited loos/showers at busy times and water pressure hiccups. Fab spot for seeing local sights.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 18/08/2026

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 27
Arrival date (latest first)

Perfect get away

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Gemma C. 1 review

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked We stayed mid week and it was lovely and quiet, the facilities were spotless and the views are amazing.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

I don’t usually review places but this place deserves it.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Lizzo R. 4 reviews

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Spacious, very well kept and tidy, lovely owner, facilities were great, wonderful views.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great location…

Overall

1 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 2
Facilities / Activities
 2
Customer service
 2
Child friendliness
 2
Cleanliness
 3
Wifi
 1
Anonymous

Powered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Great location

Disliked Unfortunately, my experience at The Racecourse Retreat was very disappointing (No electric supply whole night even though we booked electric pitch, No Hot water whole night and day). The overall service did not meet expectations, and several issues during my stay were not addressed adequately. The facilities and customer service fell below the standard advertised. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this property.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Perfect get away for a night! Fully recommended

Overall

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

Powered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Very nice site, great vibes and stunning views! Plenty of space around the pitch!
Lovely local beers and a singer on Saturday night.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic place !

Overall

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

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked We only stayed for 1 night but wish we’d have done more ! Facilities all perfect, very laid back, allowed to pitch anywhere, big sand pit for the children.
Bar and marquee at night with entertainment on and food ! Definitely going back !

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful relaxed site. Lovely owners. I will definitely be back.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
 carol m. 1 review

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked The space, views and freedom is definitely worth 10 stars.
The owners also 10 stars. Friendly helpful and very welcoming.

Disliked This is not a criticism but there wasn't enough facilities. The owner explained the plans they have for the future to include more. Hopefully next time i go there will be a few more.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We enjoyed the pop up bar the space, making happy campers and staff

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
David C. 1 review

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked We really enjoyed our time at the racecourse retreat, pick your own spot with as much space as you need with out having to squeeze in on other campers. All the staff were friendly and happy to help

Disliked Not really anything we didn't like, as a pop up site the toilet, showers and washing up facilities are more than adequate and I'm sure if Bas gets his way they will be second to non

Recommend to friends Visit again

Location was superb and views were…

Overall

4 out of 10
Location
 7
Value for money
 4
Facilities / Activities
 1
Customer service
 1
Child friendliness
 3
Cleanliness
 2
Wifi
 1
 Girish Kamble 1 review

Powered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Location was superb and views were spectacular.

Disliked I didn't like the insufficient number of bathrooms and toilets considering more than 150 people which made the hygiene mess. The ques were long and kids suffered.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great place

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Beata B. 3 reviews

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Highly recommended:) lovely place, kind staff, a bar on site where it’s good vibes

Disliked Cold water on showers

Recommend to friends Visit again

Perfect.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
 Rory O. 1 review

Powered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Everything.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Campfires 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 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

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Themes

Budget/backpacker Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise

Utilities

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

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites) Pop-up campground

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Horse 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

Coach
5.1 km Fishpond Hotel
5.1 km Fishpond Hotel
7.2 km Railway Station
Rail
3.7 km Whatstandwell Rail Station
4.4 km Cromford Rail Station
5.3 km Ambergate Rail Station
Airport
31.4 km East Midlands Airport
37.7 km 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.

Food and drink

  • The Dining Room 1.4 km
  • Gino's 1.4 km
  • Le Mistral 1.5 km
  • Don's Pan Asian 1.5 km
  • No. 5 1.5 km
  • The Raft 5.1 km
  • China Rose 5.2 km
  • Charles Steak House 5.2 km
  • Anila 5.2 km
  • Jeera 5.4 km

Parks and play

  • Kingsfield Play Area 1.3 km
  • Play Mill 4.6 km
  • The Scotches Play Area 6.6 km
  • Milford Play Area 9.4 km

Public transport

  • Medical Centre 1.1 km
  • Anthony Gell School 1.3 km
  • Oat Hill 1.3 km
  • The Kings Field 1.3 km
  • Summer Lane 1.3 km
  • Oat Hill 1.3 km
  • Summer Lane 1.3 km
  • The Kings Field 1.3 km
  • Adam Bede Crescent 1.3 km
  • Summer Lane 1.3 km

Groceries

  • Co-op Food 7.2 km
  • Sainsbury's 7.3 km
  • M&S Foodhall 7.3 km
  • Aldi 7.4 km
  • Morrisons 7.5 km
  • The Co-operative Food 7.6 km

Family days out

  • Kingsfield Play Area 1.3 km
  • Play Mill 4.6 km
  • The Scotches Play Area 6.6 km
  • Milford Play Area 9.4 km

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Must see

Arkwright's Cromford Mills 4.1 km

Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills 4.4 km

Kedleston Hall 11.8 km

Haddon Hall 15.3 km

Chatsworth 16.7 km

National Trust

Winster Market House 9.4 km

Kedleston Hall 12.9 km

Hardwick Hall 19.6 km

Hardwick Estate: Stainsby Mill 19.6 km

The Old Manor 20.5 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Alport Heights - Kirk Ireton Circular 1.4 km

Wirksworth - Bolehill - Middleton Top - Wirksworth 1.5 km

Cromford (Black Rocks) - Middleton Top - Kirk Ireton - Black Rocks 2.8 km

Lea Bridge - Whatstandwell - Alderwasley - Lea Bridge 3.6 km

Derwent Valley Mills Buffer Zone 4.2 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.

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?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at The Racecourse Retreat? From $57.03 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.