The Derwent reservoir was used by the RAF’s Dambusters 617 Squadron to practise their low level flying techniques during 1943, in preparation for delivering Barnes Wallis’ famous bouncing bombs to German dams. The 617 Squadron Dambusters Memorial is located just inside the gatehouse to the Western Tower of The Derwent Dam.

There is a lot of recreational activities available near the Howden and Derwent dams including cycle hire, plenty of footpaths and bridleways, fishing, and walking.The Fairholmes Visitors Centre located very near to The Derwent Dam has information, refreshments and cycle hire. Open all year to the public this area attracts over 2 million visitors a year.

The Ladybower reservoir was constructed at a later date in 1945 in order to meet increased water demands. This however required the flooding of two villages, Derwent and Ashopton which caused much controversy at the time.

Located in the West Tower of the Derwent Dam is The Derwent Valley Museum {aka: The Dambuster Museum} which houses a collection of memorabilia, photographs and other material covering all aspects of the dams raid and material relating to The Dambusters film made in 1954. There is a life size replica of the bouncing bomb as well as some rare photographs of life in the villages {that were to be flooded} before the dams construction.

Opening times for the small and free museum are from 10.00am till 4.00pm Sundays and Bank Holidays only.

There is a Forestry Commission information centre and car-park at Fairholmes, just below Derwent Dam, run in cooperation with the Peak National Park. (Open daily Easter – end October and winter weekends. Telephone 01433 650953). The centre also offers bicycle hire (tel: 01433 651261), toilets and refreshments.