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The Old Lock-Up, situated in the historic Anglo
Saxon town of Wirksworth offers both Romantic and
Luxury Breaks comprising the unique old
Magistrate’s House, Coach House and Gothic Chapel
grade II Listed. Built in 1842 its history spans
over a century and a half, being visited by D H
Lawrence and his wife Frieda and at one time
housing locally well known criminals.
The building where prisoners once slopped out with
buckets now offers the last word in luxury and
elegance. An invigorating double spa bath situated
in one of the four cells soothes aching muscles
after a day spent walking in the Dales, a glass of
wine adds to an unforgettable experience.
The Victorian style guest lounge with its open
fire allows relaxation in a tranquil and homely
atmosphere.
Elegance and taste matches the warmth of the
hospitality by the owners Vivien and Tony Wheeler.
The extensive breakfast menu using local produce
is now part of the ambience of what was once a
dour house of detention. The aroma of fresh
homemade bread and rolls assails the nostrils and
quickens the appetite. All special diets are
catered for.
The House and Coach House have four distinctly
different en-suite bedrooms all furnished to a
high standard of luxury. Each has colour
television, hot and cold drinks trays and come
with celebration chocolates, fruit and a variety
of useful extras. These rooms comprise the
Magistrate’s Room with its exposed stone walls and
antique French fruitwood bed, Solicitor’s Room
having a six foot bed, The Hayloft with its
antique bed and The Coachman’s Room with antique
bed, once housing the horse drawn Black Maria’s
driver.
The Chapel is part of the of The Old Lock-Up. This
nearly 200-year old building is listed for
preservation by the Department of National
Heritage. This keeps for posterity the Gothic
style detail of the 19th century
Baptist Cemetery.
Set back from the road among the aged headstones
that trace many of the Wirksworth’s pioneer
families, faithfully restored in outward
appearance and dignity looking as it did when it
served those early worshippers.
It
is furnished with a beautiful 18th
century bed and even has your own pulpit and psalm
board providing luxury and comfort and a night to
remember. This hotel in miniature has its own
bathroom with shower/bath, colour TV, radio,
refrigerator and hot drinks tray.
The romance that is the Old Lock-Up means that a
couple booking this unique hideaway can have
breakfast in the main dining room, using their own
private path and gate.
Today it is not just a guesthouse – the Peak
District has hundreds – but a stylish home of
dignity and history that its owners feel
privileged to share with visitors who often become
firm friends.
Open all the year round, The Old Lock-Up is more
than a stopover for tourists to the Peak District.
Thirteen miles from Derby and close to the M1
Motorway, it is ideally placed for business people
looking to relax where the difference meets you at
the heavy barred oak front door.
The visitor can access
and enjoy all of the local attractions such as the
Crich Tramway Museum, The Heights of Abraham and
of course Chatsworth House. | 
