Rowsley is part of the Haddon Estate owned by the Duke of Rutland. The village lies at the junction of the rivers Wye and Derwent along the A6 between Matlock and Bakewell. The oldest part of the village dates from the seventeenth century and includes the former dower house for Haddon Hall, built in 1652 and now the Peacock Hotel.
Rowsley is home to Caudwell's Mill, a Grade II listed historic flour mill which is powered by water from the river Wye. A mill has stood here for over 400 years and the present building is now a museum. The site also has a shop selling freshly milled flour, the Country Parlour Cafe and a craft centre with workshops including glass blowing and a blacksmiths.
There are two art galleries in the villlage; Gallery Top opposite The Old Station House and Derwent Wye Fine Art next to Caudwell's Mill. Peak Village, a factory outlet shopping centre, is also in Rowsley.
Rowsley's pub, the Grouse and Claret, is just down the road from The Old Station House and has an extensive menu. The East Lodge Country House Hotel, a popular wedding venue, is around the corner from the house and its restaurant, open to non-residents, was awarded Best Restaurant in Derbyshire 2008.
Just outside the village is Rowsley South station, home to the Peak Railway Society which runs steam heritage passenger trains between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley South.
Rowsley's Well Dressing and Flower Festival is usually at the very end of June and beginning of July.
