The award-winning Heights of Abraham has long been an “underground overground” experience with cable cars, cavern tours, exhibitions and playgrounds. It will come as no surprise then, to learn that Derbyshire’s oldest tourist attraction has caught the attention of a much-loved Wimbledon family known to millions as The Wombles.
Great Uncle Bulgaria and litter-picking expert Orinoco are heading to the Heights of Abraham this year and looking forward to meeting young and old visitors alike at weekends and during the school holidays throughout the remainder of 2025.
Great Uncle Bulgaria was so taken with the Heights that the Wombles have decided to open an undercover exhibition of their life story at the Heights. Opening in July, it tells the story of their meteoric rise from bedtime stories, to TV shows, films, fashion, pop charts and most recently CGI rendering across the world wide web.
The new exhibition will appeal to older visitors who will remember watching the TV show in the 1970’s, whilst younger visitors will be able to discover the Wombles for the first time, and learn about their passion for making good use of bad rubbish, recycling and being kind and considerate to one another.
The Heights is planning further Womble activities including an i-spy trail across the estate and summer craft activities during the school holidays in August.
Whilst it may be some years since the Wombles were on TV, they’ve never really gone away, and across the country Womble community groups have been carrying on the litter-picking work of the furry TV stars. More recently new story books and a very successful YouTube channel have brought Orinoco, Tobermory, Bungo, and the rest of the gang to millions of new viewers.
Rupert Pugh, (Development Director for the Heights), explains “Though for many the Wombles may seem just a nostalgic childhood memory, their ethos of ‘make good use of bad rubbish’ has made a long-standing contribution to environmental education. We are delighted that Uncle Bulgaria and friends have agreed to spend their holidays here, it’s a real privilege to meet them, and I think their messages are more relevant today than ever before”.
Great Uncle Bulgaria (Womble) said “I first came across the Heights when I was reading my local Wimbledon newspaper, it was the “Underground Overground” headline that first caught my eye. I’d never been in a cable car, so that was a first for me. Of course I had to tell the others all about it, and the Heights has now become our holiday hotspot. We’re going to have a lot of fun over the next few years here in Derbyshire”.
When Can Visitors See the Wombles at the Heights?
The Wombles will be at the Heights every weekend from the 24th May until 2nd November and during the school holidays. The new exhibition will open at the summit just before the summer school holidays. The Wombles World of Making workshops will take place on selected dates in August.
About the Wombles
The Wombles are small, furry creatures who live in hidden burrows and care deeply about the environment. From their home on Wimbledon Common, they collect rubbish, repurpose what they find, and show that small actions can lead to meaningful change. Guided by the wise Great Uncle Bulgaria, each Womble brings something special. Alderney is bold and adventurous, Wellington is a brilliant young tech-whizz, and Orinoco is kind-hearted, if often a little sleepy. Tobermory can fix almost anything, and Madame Cholet brings warmth, wisdom and delicious cooking to the burrow. Together, they face challenges with humour, curiosity and care, because being a Womble means trying your best and never giving up.
More about the Heights of Abraham
Derbyshire’s oldest tourist attraction, the Heights of Abraham, is famous for its cable cars, which take visitors on an exciting flight through the scenic Derwent Valley, passing over river, road and rail before reaching the summit of Masson Hill.
Once at the summit the 238-year story of the Heights springs to life. Visitors can take two different tours through underground illuminated caverns, with professional guides to lead the way. This year the Great Masson Cavern presents the brand new SEISM!C sound and light show.
Above ground, there are exhibitions and historic trails to discover, delving deeper into the heritage of the 60-acre estate.
Relax in the Vista restaurant with an outstanding view to accompany your meal. Adventure playgrounds are on offer to keep the children busy, with heritage gardens and sculptures too. The Heights is a truly unique and memorable day out. Open daily from 28th March – 2nd November For more information, head to www.heightsofabraham.com/wombles
Posted on 07 May 2025
