Matlock bath is a quiet unassuming village with a seaside feel. Nestled in the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales it is just 1 hour drive from Sheffield. Originally a Victorian spa town it is now more famous for its annual illuminations, firework shows and canoe races.

Matlock bath was originally built at the end of a dirt road running along the river Derwent. The steep hillside construction restricts development. The original dead-end road was upgraded becoming a through-way, now known as the A6.

The development of Matlock Bath really began in 1698. People discovered the possible attraction of thermal water at a constant 68 degrees. Local entrepreneurs built the first ‘bath’ to attract people to the village.

Development and Transport Links.

Development was slow as access to the valley was difficult. The building of a bridge over the Derwent in Matlock improved access. In 1783, they opened the southern end of the valley near Cromford. Additionally, they improved the transport links.

With the arrival of the Midland Railway and the travelling classes came the biggest change to the village. A promenade was built from the station. It runs alongside the river. Since then, people have likened Matlock Bath to a seaside resort without any sea. Hotels sprang up. They offered a variety of spa treatments to the visitors. In the late Victorian period, the spa village attracted many day trippers.

A Royal Visit and a Petrifying Well.

In 1832, Princess Victoria of Kent, later known as Queen Victoria, paid a visit. This visit cemented the location as a society venue of the time. the princess visited the petrifying well.

The well which is still in existence today is rich in minerals. When sprayed onto objects, it will eventually turn those objects into stone. When visiting today you can see a bowler hat, a pint glass among other things turning to stone. In the Victorian era, these objects were much sort after, and the locals used to sell them as curios.

The Derwent Gardens and Lovers Walk prioritized the visitors. For the Queen’s Jubilee in 1887, workers built a bridge across the river.

Lord Byron was a visitor and compared the village to alpine Switzerland, giving its nickname, Little Switzerland.

Local Industy and Attractions.

Alongside the river on the promenade, you can find a variety of cafes. There are also fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours. An old apothecary shop still retains its original features. Within these typical seaside shops, there are amusement arcades and an aquarium where you can see the petrifying well. You come across Gulliver’s kingdom, a unique theme park. It offers adrenaline-fueled adventures. The views are spectacular. The lead mining museum is a fantastic museum and gift shop. Here, you can learn about the history of the Derbyshire mining industry. In the museum, you can take a guided tour of an authentic 1920s lead mine. You can also try your hand at panning for gold. The heights of Abraham are celebrating their 50^th anniversary. It is a cable car that travels from the valley all the way to the top of the cliff. At the top of the cliff, a 60-acre hilltop estate awaits. It features underground illuminated caverns. The estate also includes a restaurant. There are adventure playgrounds with heritage gardens. Sculptures are placed throughout the grounds. https://www.heightsofabraham.com/

Gorgeous Gardens and Shaded Walks.

If this is all a bit too busy for you. You can take a stroll along the peaceful shady paths alongside the river Derwent. The riverside gardens and lovers walk along the giddy edge offer gentle strolls away from the crowds. Here you can hire a rowboat and pootle up and down the river.

Derwent gardens accommodate all ages alongside the river. There is a large playground at one end. Benches line the neat and pretty gardens. A Victorian bandstand still stands along with a pond and water spring running into a pool. A quiet sunny space to sit and read or even write this.

Matlock canoe club is based in Matlock bath and was founded in 1984. Slalom events are held at Matlock bath in March and welcomes competitors from all over the U.K. this event is a fulfilled weekend for all ages.

Illuminations and Fireworks, Fun for All Ages.

The Matlock bath illuminations are a popular evening out in September and October. The riverside is decorated with lights. There are decorated boat parades down the river. The cliffs are floodlit which creates a magical scene of colour. On weekends during this time, there are firework displays lighting up the night sky. The noise of the fireworks reverberates off the cliff sides and down the valley. It’s not for those easily spooked by noise. See here for more events https://matlockbathparishcouncil.gov.uk/events/

There is plenty of parking available alongside the river and at the pavilion. For an easier journey, there is a train station with regular trains. There is also a regular bus service (1 an hour) from Sheffield and Chesterfield. As it attracts families, it can be busy on school holidays. Sundays and Bank holidays are extremely busy. Matlock Bath attracts a lot of motorcyclists and is famous for doing so.

Matlock Bath is a designated conservation area with an article 4 direction about properties. Article 4 restricts permitted development rights. It removes all or some of the permitted development rights on a site. https://visitpeakdistrict.com/locations/matlock-matlock-bath

Just pootling along

Kayleigh x