Matlock

About

Once famed for its hydro and spa treatments, Matlock's central location, scenic surroundings and public transport links make it a popular base for exploring the best of the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Pioneering industrialist John Smedley developed the attractive market town as a fashionable spa in the 19th century, and his legacy lives on in buildings such as Smedley's Hydro (now the offices of Derbyshire County Council) and Gothic-style Riber Castle.

His name is also familiar to customers of world-renowned knitwear manufacturers John Smedley at Lea Bridge, who export high quality menswear and womenswear across the globe.

Crown Square and the river Derwent lie at the heart of Matlock, and the gateway to award-winning Hall Leys Park with its boating lake, riverside walks, tennis courts and skateboard park. Hall Leys is the first of five beautifully-restored public parks stretching along the Derwent to Matlock Bath - a scenic option for a leisurely stroll.

Small, independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants cluster around Crown Square and along the A6, while a rail link to Derby and bus services to Derby, Manchester and other towns and villages in the area are a boon for visitors wanting to explore further afield.

For a trip back in time, hop on a steam or diesel train operated by Peak Rail from Matlock to Rowsley, or head for nearby Crich Tramway Village and pay an old penny to ride on a vintage tram.

Enjoy a relaxing swim or fitness workout at state-of-the-art Arc Leisure, or head for the Heights of Abraham and take a cable car ride between spectacular limestone cliffs and wooded slopes for panoramic views of the Derwent Valley.

Experience the magic of Matlock Bath Illuminations, admired by Princess (later Queen) Victoria along the Derwent in September and October, or discover more about the world's first factory system at Cromford Mills, part of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site.

Find accommodation in Matlock - ranging from hotels to holiday cottages, camping to glamping, Bed & Breakfasts and more.

Nearby villages:

Darley Dale is centred around the church of St Helen's and close to the river Derwent. The development of the village owes much to Sir Joseph Whitworth, a wealthy industrialist, who lived at Stancliffe Hall. His legacy includes the Whitworth Centre, which incorporates a hotel, council offices, sports and leisure facilities and adjoining parkland. In the churchyard is the famous old yew tree; with a girth of 33ft. it is one of the thickest in the country. Over the river from the picturesque Darley Bridge is Oker Hill, a fine vantage point to view the Derwent Valley. 

Riber is a tiny medieval hilltop hamlet overshadowed by the imposing shell of Riber Castle. Local entrepreneur John Smedley had the castle built here, and it has been a landmark for miles around since 1862.

Two Dales is a hamlet who’s name probably comes from the twin valleys of Hall Dale and Sydnope Dale, which run on either side of the village. Once known as Toadhole until 1850, Two Dales was a thriving community on the main Chesterfield to Bakewell route, the main industry was established at the Ladybrook Mill by the Dakeyne family which first produced flax and then later lace and then animal feed. The mill was water powered by 3 reservoirs lying in the valley which now provides pleasant walks through quiet woods. The Dakeyne family were responsible for much of the prosperity of Two Dales. The Smith family owned the nurseries in the area, and one of the Smith family bought the Red House in 1939 which became a riding school, renowned over the world as a carriage driving school and a museum .