The Racecourse Retreat

View prices & book 9.5 194 reviews
Views
Views
Pitches
Views
Views over derbyshire
Exterior
Tent pitch
Top of the pitches
The meadow pitches
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Pitches
Views
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
  • 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

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

9.5

Overall rating from 194 Pitchup.com customers

  • 74%
    10
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    9
  • 12%
    8
  • 2%
    7
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    6
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    5
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
Spectacular scenery

95% would recommend this site to a friend

94% would stay here again

What customers say

Great views, friendly staff, and clean facilities. On-site bar/food is a bonus. Watch out for peak queues and narrow access. Many recommend and will return! Shower upgrades planned for 2026.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 14/07/2026

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 20
Arrival date (latest first)

Amazing family run site!

Overall

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

Powered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked We have had a lovely weekend at the racecourse retreat, such amazing staff who are so friendly and the site has everything you need! (Shop, bar, pizzas!)
The toilets are always kept clean and amazing facilities for pot washing and storing food.

We will 100% be booking to come again soon, would highly recommend this site!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Everything, been 3 years running and…

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
Steven S. 4 reviews

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Everything, been 3 years running and it's a brilliant site. Plenty of room, bar/food is great as are the staff. Me and my lad love it. Location too is great.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site with lots extra perks. Friendly staff

Overall

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

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…

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 9
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 6
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

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.…

Overall

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

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…

Overall

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

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…

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
Daniel K. 1 review

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…

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
Louise B. 4 reviews

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.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
 Jagdish A. 1 review

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

Good site for families, not for peace and quiet

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 7
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Unpowered grass tent or motorhome site

Liked Large site with easy access. Mostly flat pitches, and decent facilities.

Disliked Wasn't looking for noise (bands in the marquee), but then it was a late booking, so glad of a reasonable setup and a good location

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.

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

Local events

  • Bloodstock Open Air (Thursday, 6 August 2026 – Thursday, 6 August 2026)

    Swadlincote, England 38.8 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.

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 $57.46 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.