9 Best Things To Do In Matlock, Derbyshire
Matlock and its near neighbour Matlock Bath sit in the Derwent Valley, where the Industrial Revolution kicked off in the mid-18th century. As well as being close to a spectacular UNESCO-listed industrial site, these beguiling twin towns are home to a host of other family-friendly visitor attractions.
They're about five minutes’ drive or a half-hour walk along the banks of the River Derwent apart; Matlock Bath is an old Victorian spa town on the site of thermal springs, so historically it’s generally more interesting for visitors. Most attractions are based there, including the much-loved Matlock Bath Illuminations, with boat parades and firework displays on weekend nights throughout September and October. As the county town of Derbyshire, though, Matlock is also a handy hub for visiting surrounding villages.
Lord Byron was a fan of Matlock Bath, and nicknamed this area ‘Little Switzerland’. Another visitor here was Mary Shelley, who used Matlock as a location in Frankenstein. With such high-profile recommendations – and such glorious scenery – it’s no surprise that Matlock has remained popular with tourists since the Victorian era.
Ride the Peak Rail
Step back in time with a ride on Peak Rail’s lovingly restored steam trains. The line runs from Matlock to Rowsley South, taking around 20 minutes to chug along the four-mile route. Along the way, you’ll pass through gorgeous dales scenery and Grade 2-listed Matlock station, partly designed by Sir Joseph Paxton (better known for London’s Crystal Palace). One of the carriages is occupied by the Palatine Restaurant, which serves afternoon teas and tasty Sunday lunches (check dates and book before travelling). Themed events take place throughout the year, including murder mysteries, food-themed evenings (pea, pie and mash night, anyone?) and ‘Santa Special’ rides during the festive season.
Explore the Peak District
Matlock sits pretty in lush Derwent Valley, meaning that plenty of gorgeous Derbyshire walking routes start right from the town. Hike up to High Tor for sweeping views over the town to dales beyond, walk along vertiginous Giddy Edge, visit Lumsdale Waterfall, catch a glimpse of Riber Castle through the trees or stroll to the Neolithic Nine Ladies stone circle. And if that’s not enough for you, Matlock makes a great base for exploring Derbyshire beyond the Derwent Valley – find out more with Pitchup’s detailed guides to the Peak District National Park.
Ride a train in Hall Leys Park
Visit one of the best-equipped – and prettiest – parks in the UK, with play areas that are accessible to all. Hall Leys Park is right in the centre of Matlock, and here you can take toddlers for a ride on the miniature railway while older children flip tricks at the skatepark, play mini-golf or take a turn on the boating lake. There’s also a bowling green and tennis courts, and all this is set among flower beds laid out with vibrant displays. Look out for delicious local produce at Matlock Outdoor Market, held every Wednesday, and regular events like concerts at the bandstand.
Take the kids to theme parks
Gulliver’s Kingdom and the Heights of Abraham are both aimed at families and offer all sorts of rides, dinosaur trails, cable-car rides, adventure playgrounds and show caverns that will keep your offspring happily entertained all day long. For more details of family-friendly attractions near Matlock, read Pitchup’s pick of kid-centric activities in the Peak District National Park.
See the world’s first water-powered spinning mill
In 1771, Sir Richard Arkwright built Cromford Mills. The world’s first water-powered spinning mill, it formed the blueprint for industrialisation in the UK and beyond. It’s easy to spend a whole day in this Grade I-listed complex: meet Arkwright himself via hologram, learn more about the factory on a guided tour, or take a ride along the surrounding canals in a narrowboat. There are antiques shops and art galleries on the site, and if the kids need a food boost, a restaurant and a couple of cafés overlook the River Derwent.
Good to know: From the mills it’s a pleasant 40-minute walk along the river to John Smedley’s Lea Mills, another spectacular industrial heritage site founded in 1784 and still in production today.
Visit Crich Tramway Village
Not enough nostalgia yet? Hop on a bus from the town centre to Crich Tramway Village (30 minutes’ ride), where vintage trams (horse-drawn, steam and electric) and the intriguing ‘Century of Trams’ exhibition will transport you back in time. Admission includes unlimited tram rides through scenic countryside to the former Glory Mine, and along the museum’s recreated period street lined with an historic pub – transported from Stoke-on-Trent – a restaurant and shops selling sweets and souvenirs. Family-orientated facilities also include a woodland walk and sculpture trail, both of which are also dog-friendly.
Learn about lead mining
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a lead miner? Head to the Peak District Lead Mining Museum in Matlock Bath to find out. Visitors can get hands-on with interactive activities like panning for gold and clambering through a mock-up of a real mine shaft, learn about the life of a Derbyshire lead miner, and take a guided tour through the original 1920s lead mine. The museum also houses a glittering collection of minerals from all around the world.
See coral reefs at Matlock Bath Aquarium
Although it might seem rather incongruous in the craggy Peak District, the Victorian-era Matlock Bath Aquarium is well worth a visit. As well as the aquarium, home to more than 45 species of fish – including meat-eating tiger fish – swimming among coral reefs, the venue offers a thermal carp pool, exhibition halls with a mixed bag of displays ranging from the mineral-rich petrifying well (you can see a bowler hat and pint glasses turned to stone) to gem stones and space-age holograms.
Admire Peak District views from Black Rocks
Black Rocks is a dramatic natural landmark reachable in less than an hour’s walk from Matlock Bath. A collection of sheer gritstone outcrops, it’s been a favourite with rock climbers since the 1890s – but you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy its dramatic scenery and soaring views over the Peak District, as waymarked walks guide visitors up to the summit through woodland and over heather-clad Cromford Moor. For other challenging routes for experienced climbers, check out Pitchup’s guide to climbing in the Peak District National Park.
Book a camping holiday
If you’re thinking of having a holiday in Derbyshire, there’s nowhere better to stay than outdoors. The kids will love camping, it’s light on the wallet and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring countryside. Pitchup has a range of Derbyshire camping options, from simple farm sites to holiday parks and glamping pods.
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