Over in the Peak District just over an hour from Leeds is one of the country's most beautiful attractions.
Known as the Heights of Abraham, it's considered to be so picturesque that locals to the area have nicknamed it 'Little Switzerland'.
Whilst the area's rolling green hills certainly have a part to play, it's the eye-catching famous cable cars that really give you that feeling of being abroad, high up in the mountain ranges - allowing you to travel high above the Derwent Valley.
The Heights of Abraham in the Peak District. Credit: Supplied
Visitors to the hilltop park can travel 554 ft uphill to the summit and imagine they’ve transported themselves to the Swiss Alps, reports The Manc.
From the top, there are views of the lush countryside of Derbyshire and of the pretty village of Matlock Bath.
The Heights of Abraham is on the eastern side of the Peak District, reachable by car in around an hour and a half from Leeds
As well as the cable cars and the sweeping views, you can also explore two incredible, illuminated caverns.
Masson Cavern at the Heights of Abraham. Credit: Supplied
Guided tours will take you deep into the hillside where professional guides will tell tales of mining, geology and tourism.
Both the Vista restaurant and the Terrace Cafe stand at around 1000ft above sea level, with views served up alongside local ales and gins, as well as tea and cake.
The Heights of Abraham closes for a short time every winter but is finally back open for business from 11 February and throughout the summer.
The Vista restaurant
New this season will be a trail of willow sculptures by Caroline Gregson, and 12 new butterflies suspended in the treetops.
The estate has actually been welcoming visitors since 1787, when a local hotel owner decided to create a ‘pleasure ground’ for the wealthy Georgian tourists who flocked to the area.
People in those days believed that swimming in the waters around Matlock Bath would improve their health.
After seven years of planting exotic trees and shrubs, tourists began to climb the paths to take in the 360-degree views from the summit.
In 1810, the Great Rutland Cavern opened to the public, followed by the Great Masson Cavern in 1844, with ex-miners acting as tour guides.
The current owners of the Heights of Abraham bought the estate in 1974 and added the cable car 10 years later.
Tickets to visit cost £22 per adult, £15.00 per child and £68.00 for a family of two adults and two children (under fives go free), which includes a cable car flight, two guided cavern tours, access to two adventure playgrounds, a heritage trail, exhibitions, the willow sculptures, the treetop butterfly trail, the restaurant and cafe, and self-guided audio tours.
The Heights offers 20% off to those who work for the NHS, have a Blue Light Card, MOD90/DDS card or MAX card. Take the train or bus to Matlock Bath and save 20% on your tickets too.
Featured image: Supplied
Feature
Five of the best new openings to come out of Leeds so far this year
It's been a very busy start to 2026 so far this year in Leeds, and we're definitely not complaining.
It's safe to say our city is thriving, we've welcomed everything from shops and Italian cafes to tequila bars in just two months.
In case you've missed any of them, allow us to give you the lowdown of what's new in the city.
So, without further ado...
Salon Madre
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds welcomed its newest late-night destination last Friday, and it’s going down as smoothly as its tequila. Salon Madre is a Mexican-inspired bar with a dedicated margarita menu, fabulous food, and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to get up dancing almost immediately. And if you fancy unleashing your competitive side, then there’s plenty of pool tables ready and waiting to be played.
A slice of Puglia has landed over in Pudsey with this fabulous Italian cafe. Nodding to his hometown of Puglia, Fabio has created the Italian experience right here in Leeds, inviting people to swing by for Italian coffee, homemade pizza slices, as well as gelato by the cone (or tub) full.
Topshop
John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One for the girlies… because Topshop is officially BACK in Leeds. The iconic high-street favourite has returned, taking over a dedicated space inside John Lewis inside Victoria Gate and yes, we’re already planning the outfit rotations. After Topshop and Topman disappeared from the high street back in 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the gap in our wardrobes. And of course… Joni jeans, we’ve missed you dearly.
Pollini's Pizza
Lands Lane, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are known for dishing out huge New York-style pizza slices for less than £4 in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 2022. And now with a second site in Leeds, the big boy slices are making their way across the city, from classic margaritas to meat feasts.
And you best believe we were the first people down to grab it, because we can’t resist a slice from Pollini's.
Pop Mart
Briggate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pop Mart officially opened on Briggate in January, and Leeds turned out in full force with queues stretching all the way down Thornton’s Arcade. With endless blind boxes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a Labubu girlie or obsessed with the Crybaby series, you can now get your favourites right here in Leeds.
Inside Kerala Canteen – the world’s first Kerala tapas restaurant in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2022 
