This historic Derbyshire village, the birthplace of the modern factory, is well worth a visit over the summer months

The village is a lovely place for a day trip, blending world-changing history with dramatic Derbyshire Dales scenery.

A good place to start is the quirky and beautiful Scarthin Books, celebrated as one of the best independent bookshops in the world.

You can get lost in this Aladdin’s cave, set over three floors, which also includes a vegetarian/vegan cafe hidden behind a moving bookcase.

At Cromford Mills you can walk in the footsteps of the Industrial Revolution, with a guided tour of the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill which also serves as the northern gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mill yard houses a variety of independent shops, local craft stores, and cafes.

In Arkwright’s Café you can soak up the history of the mill and enjoy breakfast, light bites and delicious freshly baked scones.

Over the road from the main Mill Yard is Wheatcroft’s Wharf perfect for a slice of cake and a coffee with picturesque views from the canal-side cafe.

Robinsons Traditional & Chip Shop, in the Market Place, is popular and described on Tripadvisor as ‘ the best chippy in Derbyshire with extremely tasty fresh fish, crinkle-cut chips, real mushy peas and fantastically friendly staff.’

Cromford is a well-preserved 18th-century village built to support the mill. North Street, built in 1776, is considered one of the earliest examples of planned industrial housing in Derbyshire.

Cromford Canal was once a vital transport route for industries and is now a scenic area for walks and wildlife spotting. There are also opportunities for boat trips on the historic "Birdswood" boat.

Another favourite walk is to Black Rocks, with a scramble up the hillside to enjoy scenic views of the Derwent Valley, woodlands and the old railway line.

In terms of shops, Arkwright General Stores is an excellent village shop, well-stocked with a good variety including freshly made sandwiches and cakes.

In the Market Place, to the side of The Greyhound hotel, is the rare survival of authentic Georgian Shambles, a single storey row of purpose built market shops. They still contain local independents which are well worth exploring.

And look out for the Old Lock Up which used to be the jailhouse, but is now a contemporary art gallery.