The Racecourse Retreat
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No availability at present on Pitchup.com 
/-1.5570684149323877,53.07337104717692,12,0,0/376x277@2x)
- 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
Site type
1
50
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.- 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).
- 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
Pitch types & availability
Choose your dates and we'll email when available.
See nearby bookable sites
Powered grass tent or motorhome site
6 people maximum 
9.4/10
126 reviews Ground type: Grass
Pitch size: Unlimited
Arrival days No availability on our site-
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
6 people maximum 9.5/10
142 reviews Ground type: Grass
Pitch size: Unlimited
Arrival days No availability on our site
Reviews
94% would recommend this site to a friend
94% would stay here again
What customers say
A friendly, well-kept site with great views and generous pitches. Facilities are usually clean and well-equipped, with helpful owners. The pop-up bar and food are popular. Some noted toilet/shower limits during peak times. Ideal for exploring.
Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews
Excellent site with lots extra perks. Friendly staff
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Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked The hosts were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful. The campsites views were amazing in every direction and the toilets were clean and lit up at night. They provide free fire pits with cheap firewood and extras like marshmallows and ice lollies. Ideal location, 10-15 min drive into Matlock bath
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Joe.
Thank you for your review.
Your photos are great!!!
The fire pits are very popular as you say....who doesn't like to roast a marsh mellow or 2 :)
Plenty of space on three large…
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked Plenty of space on three large fairly flat fields which were mowed nice and short. Friendly welcome, great views, clean toilets & showers.
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Thank you for your review, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay with us.
We hope to see you again
Really nice place, people and facilities.…
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked Really nice place, people and facilities.
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Paul
Thank you for your review.
We hope to see you back with us next year.
Lovely friendly owner. Fabulous position and views…
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked Lovely friendly owner.
Fabulous position and views
Disliked Nothing really apart from very steep hill back to site from Wirksworth. Not for the feint hearted unless you are fit
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Terry
Thank you for your review.
The hill back from Wirksworth is definitely a test on fitness! Thankfully there are a couple of routes to take (having done them both I definitely have a preference!
We hope to see you back next year.
Remote and amazing views. The perfect…
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked Remote and amazing views. The perfect retreat for some time with my sons.
Facilities spotlessly clean and good.
Disliked Nothing
Recommend to friends Visit again
The views are stunning, toilets always…
Powered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked The views are stunning, toilets always clean and modern, looks like a lot happened over the bank holiday weekend (food, bingo, etc), peaceful, polite pleasant owners on arrival, loved this site.
This is one of the only places I have chosen to pitch outward to enjoy the view as I sit in my tent.
I never had to queue for the shower, or a toilet. The water pressure was always ok for us but the site was very quiet (about 10 tents) after a very busy bank holiday according to one camper and the owner.
Close to different attractions. Chatsworth house took us 40 minutes, Matlock Bath 15 minutes, Tramway Museum 15 minutes, plenty of other attractions to see within 45 minute drive.
We will definitely be returning.
Disliked Be aware of the narrow road during the last fews minutes to get to the site.
Pot holes on track to the pitches need sorting. (Me being very picky - they aren't too bad and worse on some roads!)
The pitches are on top of an exposed hill so a little windy at times - I would definitely bring a better tent next time!
Honestly, the dislikes are more just about being aware - not reasons to book elsewhere. This place is lovely and I would definitely recommend it.
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Louise
Thank you for your review.
We certainly had a busy bank holiday with various entertainment!
We have already had some work done to the track since we have closed in preparation for next season.
Hope you see you back next year.
Amazing place and mountain view. Really clean and hygienic.
Powered grass tent or motorhome site
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
From the manager: Hi Jagsish
Thank you for your review.
Your photos are lovely!
We hope to see you back again
Beautiful location Lovely owners Loved the…
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked Beautiful location
Lovely owners
Loved the pop up bar - bingo night, live music
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Kristina
Thank you for your review.
We are glad you enjoyed your stay with us and the bingo night. We are thinking about making it a regular event :)
Wonderful warm welcome on my arrival.…
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked Wonderful warm welcome on my arrival. The site, set in several areas with dry stonewalls around each. The site is naturally sloping but there are plenty of places where you're able to pitch on near level ground.
The toilets and showers are good. Be aware on this visit, a bank holiday weekend at about 9am there was a queue. Lucky I'm an early riser. 5am was quiet.
Set up on site was a marquee with seating and a bar. Later I visited and got a cool pint of Guinness and a tasty burger. The following evening a fish and chip van was on site. Large fish chips with peas was £14.50. very nice. Thoroughly recommend the food served there and in the bar
It a good site for families. As a solo camper it was enjoyable. Well worth a visit
Disliked Nothing
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Chris
Thank you for your review.
We have had the fish and chip van for a couple of seasons now and its proving to be very popular alongside the bar.
We hope to see you back again next year.
Great pop up site , pity it isn't open longer
Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site
Liked Pick your own pitch , great views
Disliked Nothing
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Hi Peter
Thank you for your review.
The views are amazing aren't they!
We hope to see you back with us next year.
Features
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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 WatersportsAmenities 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 WifiGroups welcome
D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearThemes
Budget/backpacker Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradiseUtilities
Charging facilities Communal fridge Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearbyType
Large (51-200 sites) Pop-up campgroundNearby 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 nearbyLocation
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
Rail
Ferry
AirportPlease 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
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?
Read moreCamping and caravan Arrive: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Depart by: 11 a.m. On-site accommodation Arrive: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Depart by: 11 a.m.