Situated on the banks of the River Derwent Matlock and Matlock Bath are two unique and interesting towns.
Matlock
Until early Victorian days Matlock was a rural hamlet working at farming and mining/quarrying.
Since then it has developed dramatically in part thanks to the famous industrialist John Smedley who co-built Lea Mills cotton mill, The Hydro, which is Derbyshire’s County Hall, and Riber Castle, the imposing, mock medieval castle overlooking the town as a his family home.
Today Matlock is a thriving market town with a variety of shops, the recently refurbished Hall Leys Park, various museums and attractions.
Matlock Bath
Set in a gorge Derbyshire’s premier resort Matlock Bath grew around its warm springs discovered in 1698 – they run at a constant temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the 19th century the town developed as a spa – apparently even Queen Victoria visited.
Each autumn the town holds the Venetian Nights – illuminations over and along the Derwent river, including a parade of illuminated boats.
There is much to see and do in and around Matlock and Matlock Bath, below are some ideas and links to websites, take a look:
- Gulliver’s Kingdom
- Heights of Abraham
- Matlock Bath Aquarium and Hologram Gallery
- Matlock Farmers Market
- Peak District Mining Museum
- Peak Rail
- Several pubs, including The Crown, The Tavern at Tansley and many more serve foods and drinks.
You can also see our Ashover and Derbyshire and Peak District pages.
NOTE:
We are not responsible for the content of external websites listed above, nor should their appearance here be taken as a recommendation by ourselves.
