12 Oct 2021

Manor Adventure have acquired Willersley Castle near Matlock Bath and plan to convert the Grade II listed building with 65 acres of grounds into a large residential outdoor activity centre.

Willersley Castle was built in 1792 by the famous entrepreneur and inventor Sir Richard Arkwright. He was responsible for a number of buildings across the Peak District including Arkwright's Mill at Cromford, and was kept in the Arkwright family for nearly 150-years before being sold in 1927. Located on the banks of the Derwent river at Cromford, it was most recently used as a Hotel until it closed for business in July 2020.

Manor Adventure plans include 3 separate accommodation areas catering for up to 200 pupils. Climbing and Abseiling will be offered on cliff faces and paddle sports will be offered on the River Derwent which flows along 2kms of the estate. Other activities offered on site will include Archery, Bouldering, High Ropes, Potholing, Rifle Shooting and Zip Wire.

The centre plans to open from Easter 2022.

Find out more on the Manor Adventure website.