Location
Welcome to Matlock & Matlock Bath
Two of the most popular places to visit in Derbyshire, occupying a beautiful position in a limestone valley.
Things to do in Matlock & Matlock Bath in the Peak District & Derbyshire
Matlock
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 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 nearby 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 award-winning Hall Leys Park with its boating lake, riverside walks, tennis courts and skateboard park is 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.
Matlock Bath
1.5 miles south of Matlock, Matlock Bath was developed as one of the country's first tourist destinations and is sometimes referred to as 'the seaside town without the sea'. Known for its colourful buildings set alongside the River Derwent, it's been a popular tourist destination since the late 17th century when spa waters were discovered here. Its heyday was in Victorian, times when it became known as "Little Switzerland" by the poet, Lord Byron.
A popular destination for families, bikers and fun seekers, there are plenty of things to do and see in Matlock Bath. There is wide a variety of accommodation available for overnight stays and with good transport links it is a popular destination for a day trip. The Matlock Bath Illuminations are a popular feature from September to the end of October, when the riverside is decorated and the cliffs floodlit to create a magical scene of colour. At weekends during the Illuminations there are parades of decorated boats, entertainments and, on certain dates, firework displays. The displays were even once admired by Princess (later Queen) Victoria!
The Riverside Gardens and Lovers Walks along Giddy Edge offer gentle strolls away from the crowds, and nearby High Tor affords spectacular views from its lofty summit.
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 whose 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.
Featured Businesses
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Peak Village
Peak Village is nestled in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside in the picturesque village of Rowsley, just a stone’s throw from Chatsworth House…
Open today: 10:00am - 5:30pm
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Chatsworth Kitchen
Nestled in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District, Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates quality, seasonal dishes sourced from the estate…
Open today: 10:00am - 5:30pm
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Matlock Farm Park Riding School
Enjoy horse riding in the beautiful surroundings of Matlock Farm Park, with views over to Riber Castle.
Open today: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Business
Cromford Mills
In The Area
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Business
White Peak Distillery
Established in 2016, White Peak Distillery is the first full-scale, craft distillery in the Peak District region.
Featured
Business
Chatsworth Kitchen
Nestled in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District, Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates quality, seasonal dishes sourced from the estate…
Featured
Business
Peak Village
Peak Village is nestled in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside in the picturesque village of Rowsley, just a stone’s throw from Chatsworth House…
Featured
Business
Matlock Farm Park Riding School
Enjoy horse riding in the beautiful surroundings of Matlock Farm Park, with views over to Riber Castle.
Featured
Business
Hoe Grange Gorgeous Glamping Pods and Gypsy…
Go glamping in style with stunning views of the Peak District countryside from your pillow. Spacious ensuite shower and every luxury you need for a…
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Matlock Farm Park
Come on down to Matlock Farm Park, the ideal place for families to visit to enjoy the fresh air and have fun with our friendly animals.
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Hoe Grange Holidays
4 award winning log cabins set on a working farm with stunning views of the White Peak countryside. Unwind in the hot tub or log-fired sauna. Dogs…
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Heights of Abraham
Take a cable car flight to the Heights of Abraham 60-acre hilltop park, with cavern tours, exhibitions, adventure play and much more.
Featured
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Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 130+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
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Landal Darwin Forest
Landal Darwin Forest is an award winning 5 star lodge holiday park which is set in 47 acres of stunning woodland. The luxury lodges are perfect for…
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Cromford Mills
Explore the history of Cromford Mills and discover the captivating story of how the Derwent Valley changed the world in the 18th Century with the…
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Holly Bush Farm
A collection of luxury holiday houses ideal for large gatherings. Situated in a peaceful rural hamlet with stunning countryside views, right in the…
Our Great Itineraries
Car-free guide: 48 hours in the Derwent Valley
Connecting charming towns and villages with an amazing industrial past, the Derwent Valley Line runs from Derby to Matlock.
Events in Matlock & Matlock Bath
Events
Easter Holiday Fun at Matlock Farm Park!
It’s jammed packed fun at Matlock Farm Park this Easter! 1st -16th April.
Events
Easter Weekend at The Heights of Abraham
Take the Easter trail around The Heights of Abraham and enjoy a tasty prize! 8-10th April
Trails nearby
The Peak District GeoWalk
The GeoWalk is a must for rock enthusiasts guiding you through the stunning Peak District landscape and rock formations.
High Tor, Giddy Edge and Lovers Walk
A linear walk with superb cliff-top views, from Matlock to Matlock Bath via High Tor.
A Stroll along Cromford Canal
A walk along the old canal tow path on the five mile stretch through the Derwent Valley between Ambergate and Cromford passing through the village of…
Matlock Bath to High Tor and Riber Walk
This walk is a lovely 3 mile circular walk via High Tor, Riber and Starkholmes.
Villages nearby
Bonsall
An attractive, historic former lead-mining village set in steep-sided converging limestone dales.
Crich
A pretty village on the edge of the Derbyshire Dales, home of the National Tramway Museum.
Lea
Lea is situated in picturesque countryside climbing up from the Derwent Valley. Its most famous resident was Florence Nightingale and is home to the official John Smedley factory shop at Lea Mills.
Tansley
East of Matlock on the edge of some fine countryside with many remains of old mills here in the valley between the village and Matlock. Much restoration work has been achieved over the years with the old properties being put to new uses.
Winster
Hidden up in the limestone hills and surrounded by glorious scenery. With more than 70 listed buildings, foremost being the Old Market Hall, dating from the 17th century, together with The Old Hall and Dower House, and a conservation area.
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