Tapton Lock — Attraction in Chesterfield

The Centre is one of the bases for the Derbyshire Countryside Ranger Service and the embarkation point for the John Varley ll, one of the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s passenger trip boats.

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, just...

This is the ideal starting point for those wishing to walk this currently isolated but beautifully restored end of the Chesterfield Canal. Going to the town end of the canal is a two-mile return journey. Walking the whole length of the canal as far as it is in water in the other direction is an eight-mile return but is very rewarding. One passes immaculate locks which have been restored/rebuilt by volunteers from the Chesterfield Canal Society through woodland and rural countryside. Hopefully, within the next five years, narrowboats shall return when this section is reconnected. The Tapton Lock Information Centre is staffed by friendly, welcoming folk. Refreshments are available but it is also a marvelous spot for a picnic! Surprisingly quiet and green for being so close...

Free parking alongside just off the roundabout across from Tesco Extra I.e. the second exit. Cafe and toilets available. Pleasant for all ages and for both walking or cycling. Just be aware the towpath can be narrow at certain points so be beware of others and cyclists especially behind you. You can head toward Chesterfield or as far as you want in the direction of Staveley. This connects with the Trans Pennine Trail linking many places including Poolsbrook, Rother Valley, Nottingham Trent and so on. Pleasant walk toward Hollingwood Hub which also has facilities. Just be aware you have to come back if you are walking as there is no circular walk. Depending on your pace allow about 90 mins for a walk to Hollingwood Hub and back. If you've not been before, please...