About this town

Set in the valley of the River Derwent, Duffield is a peaceful village that skirts the southern fringes of Amber Valley. With strong transport links, plenty of modern amenities and a friendly community atmosphere, there are many reasons to stop by at Duffield during your trip to Amber Valley.

Visitors can easily pass several hours browsing the village’s independent shops or taking a break in its many pubs, cafes and restaurants. Duffield also holds historical significance as one of the oldest settlements in Amber Valley, with many of its most notable historical buildings and landmarks still intact today. Perhaps the biggest draw is Duffield’s access to green space – not only with the surrounding landscapes of the Derwent Valley, but also within the village itself with Eyes Meadow and Millenium Meadow.

Duffield has its own train station and is the first stop for slower services travelling north from Derby, offering easy access to the village and making it a great stopping point for visitors continuing on to Belper.

History

Duffield and its surrounding areas were occupied at various times in ancient history by the Celts, Romans and Anglo-Saxons. The first reference to the village in the historical record comes from The Domesday Survey, which records ‘Duvelle’ as being within the administrative region of ‘Morleystone’.

Sometime after the Norman Conquest, Duffield Castle was built to protect the hunting grounds of Duffield Frith, which were awarded to Henry de Ferrers by William the Conqueror. Duffield Castle was reputedly the third largest Norman castle in the country at the time but would only stand until 1266 when it was destroyed by King Henry III. Meanwhile, St Alkmund’s Church was built to the southeast of the village. Reconstructed on several occasions, the size and splendour of St Alkmund’s Church suggest Duffield was a prosperous settlement during medieval times and into the early modern period.

One of the major changes in the Victorian era was the arrival of the North Midland Railway, which passed through Duffield in 1840 and soon led to the opening of the village’s own railway station. In the 1950s, several new estates were built in Duffield, raising the number of residents to 5,000, with Ecclesbourne School founded to cater to the village’s growing population.

Places of interest

  • Duffield Castle Once one of England’s largest medieval castles and keeps, Duffield Castle exists today as a scheduled monument. All that remains are the foundations, but the site is still a great place to unwind, soak up the history and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside from the hill on which the castle once stood.
  • Eyes Meadow Not far from the village centre, Eyes Meadow is a 48-acre site for sports, walking and wildlife spotting. Bounded by the River Derwent, the space provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Eyes Meadow also plays host to Duffield’s annual carnival.
  • Millenium Meadow Smaller than Eyes Meadow but just as suitable for a leisurely stroll in nature, Millenium Meadow is a community nature reserve that was set up in 1999 to mark the new century. Situated at the meeting points of the Rivers Ecclesbourne and Derwent, the space is a haven for local wildlife.
  • Ecclesbourne Valley Railway The most southerly station on Derbyshire’s longest heritage railway, Duffield is the perfect starting point to enjoy the full breadth of this historic route. Easily accessible as part of the village’s main train station.
  • St Alkmund's Church Dating back to the medieval period, St Alkmund’s Church is a Grade I listed building with striking architecture, impressive stained glass windows and a spacious churchyard. A must-see landmark on your visit to Duffield.
  • Chevin Golf Club Golf lovers will want to make time for a round or two at Chevin Golf Club. Set against rolling hills with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, this challenging golf course is widely recognised as one of Derbyshire’s finest.

Food and drink

Duffield offers an impressive selection of restaurants, bakeries and cafes. Most of the village’s eateries are located on the high street, but there are a few options further afield. Visitors can enjoy a delicious curry or book in for a traditional Sunday roast. Alternatively, pay a visit to one of Derbyshire’s best wine bars for a truly unique tasting experience. Despite its small size, Duffield is also home to plenty of historic pubs.

Parking

You can see all car parks and charges on our council website at www.ambervalley.gov.uk/roads-and-parking/parking/car-park-locations