The main built-up area of the parish extends for 2 miles along the A6 road north-west of Matlock, starting near the ARC Leisure Centre and ending near Stancliffe Quarry.

It is bounded on the south-west by the River Derwent and extends over the hills and moors to the north-east as far as Darwin Forest Country Park.

Situated in the Churchtown part of Darley Dale, this Grade II* listed parish church dates from the 12th century.

[17] Sir Joseph Whitworth, the 19th-century machine toolmaker and engineer, lived at Stancliffe Hall in Darley Dale for the last 13 years of his life.

He had, according to his biographer Terence Kilburn, hoped to build a comprehensive village college but his wife, Louisa, preferred a social centre.

[8] It is still in use as an NHS hospital today, providing a minor injuries unit, two urgent care wards and some community health services.

[19] The opening to the public of the Whitworth Institute in September 1890 marked the beginning of Lady Louisa's second major project in Darley Dale.

The Whitworth Institute was given to the people of Darley Dale and in 2009/10 underwent a £1.7M renovation to ensure its continued use for future generations.

[9][20] The park provides a variety of sporting activities with soccer and cricket pitches, a bowling green and a skateboard arena.

[22] Notable people associated with Darley Dale include: The town was the winner of the 2003 Britain in Bloom, in the category of 'Large Village' The prize was presented by local marine expert Ben Goodwin.

The Plough Inn public house in Two Dales was the reason behind former England international footballer Eddie Shimwell's transfer from Sheffield United to Blackpool in December 1946.

Shimwell wanted to buy the pub, but Sheffield United would not allow it because of their ban on players becoming publicans, so the full-back put in a transfer request.