Barbecues are not permitted at any of our sites.
Park information
Come and visit us the only visitor centre on the Chesterfield Canal, a countryside oasis close to the centre of Chesterfield.
Opening times
Opening times are:
- Monday from 10am to 4pm (closed from 1pm to 1.45pm for lunch)
- Tuesday from 10am to 4pm (closed from 1pm to 1.45pm for lunch)
- Wednesday closed
- Thursday closed
- Friday closed
- Saturday 30 November 2024 from 10am to 4pm
- Sunday 1 December 2024 from 10am to 4pm
We will be open every weekend in December to support the Chesterfield Canal Trust's trip boat John Varley II Santa Special cruises.
The visitor centre, its gardens and its facilities are fully accessible and we now have a tramper mobility scooter available to help you explore further. The towpath is accessible for everyone from Tapton Lock to Staveley.
The visitor centre is a great place to start exploring the Chesterfield Canal and Trans Pennine Trail southern link.
We have a small shop with a good selection of gifts, maps and books. We have a display about the canal and its history, plus free self-guided walking, cycling and horse riding leaflets and information about places to visit in the area.
If you've been to visit us, please take a little time to complete our survey.
Chesterfield Canal Trust volunteers run regular boat trips from the visitor centre on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays through the summer months. Look out for the summer evening specials and Santa trips at weekends in December.
Wildlife
The canal is a great place for spotting all sorts of wildlife. Spring wild flowers, birds and small mammals are all seen close the visitor centre.
The Bluebank Pools section of the canal is a local nature reserve and is one of the best places to look. Call in at the visitor centre and let us know what you've seen.
Parking
On-street parking is available outside the visitor centre.
Education visits
Do you want your class or group to learn more about the Chesterfield Canal and Tapton Lock? Please see our free self-guided learning resources pack attached to this page.
Activities include:
- exploring the canal
- classification, habitats and food chains
- design and engineering
- canal art
Rangers from the visitor centre are happy to advise on the best times to visit, telephone: 01629 533020.