As well as industrial heritage, the valley is home to much wildlife, now protected by the Rivelin Valley Conservation Group. The upper part of the valley is flanked to the north by Rivelin Rocks. The rocks re-emerge three kilometres (2 miles) further down the valley above the Rivelin Hotel or The Rivelin on Tofts Lane. Behind the hotel is the Man's Head Rock, a once well known rock formation shown on many postcards, now hidden by mature trees. This is the only public house in the rural part of the valley; the premises were formerly farm buildings before being converted into a pub. Another public house, the Holly Bush, is situated further down the valley, closer to Malin Bridge. One of the most distinguished buildings in the valley is the former King Edward VII Hospital, a Grade II listed building, the hospital closed in 1992 and has now been converted into apartments. St Michael's Cemetery, a Catholic burial ground is situated at the Malin Bridge end of the valley. Across the road from St. Michael's is the Rivelin Valley Park a small public recreation area which includes a cafe, playground and the Rivelin splash pools which were opened in July 2013 to replace the old outdated paddling pools.