Summary
Situated on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, Matlock is renowned for its Victorian spa and the textile industry pioneered by Sir Richard Arkwright in the 18th century.
The Derwent Valley is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and within a short distance, you will find Cromford Mills, the location where Arkwright established the modern factory system in the 1770s.
Thermal springs were discovered near Matlock in 1689, resulting in the establishment of a thriving spa resort further down the river in the 19th century.
Matlock Bath nestles along the River Derwent in a steep valley and features family-friendly attractions such as the Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park and the remarkable Heights of Abraham, a country park situated atop a hill.
Let’s explore the top activities to enjoy in Matlock:
1. Heights of Abraham
Spanning 60 acres, this Victorian country park possesses a name that recalls a historical period.
The term “Heights of Abraham” is derived from the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, the site of a significant battle in 1759 during the Seven Years’ War.
A cable car transports visitors to the hilltop park, where breathtaking views of the Derwent Valley can be seen from the Victoria Prospect Tower and an amphitheater below.
The park features two caves, the Great Masson Cavern and the Great Rutland Cavern, both of which have been mined for lead since Roman times.
Young visitors can expend energy at two adventure playgrounds, while a cafe and an exhibition hall showcase the estate’s history along with an impressive fossil collection.
2. Lumsdale Valley
Located on the eastern side of Matlock, this steep, wooded gorge marries breathtaking natural beauty with reminders of water-powered industry.
Cromford Mills has established a mile-long self-guided walking trail through the valley, allowing visitors to encounter the evocative ruins of mills, as well as mill ponds, waterfalls, and cascades.
This trail is a photographer’s paradise and typically takes about 90 minutes, descending 500 meters along the way.
A leaflet is available for download, highlighting the historical significance of the buildings along the route.
Wearing appropriate walking shoes is advisable, and caution is recommended during wet conditions, as certain rocks can be slippery.
3. Peak District Lead Mining Museum
Although the lead mining industry is now a relic of the past, it was once a significant source of income for the region.
Located in Matlock Bath’s Grand Pavilion, the museum features three mock mine tunnels that allow visitors to experience the conditions under which miners, including children, were expected to work.
Children can crawl through tunnels and engage with interactive stations.
Additionally, you can marvel at the impressive Wills Founder Water Pressure Engine, constructed in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, in 1819, which used hydraulic power to pump water from deep underground.
Detailed exhibitions explain the geology that made these mines financially rewarding, along with a collection of over 3,000 mineral specimens curated by the noted petrologist Professor A. Howie.
4. Gulliver’s Kingdom
In Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Kingdom is a theme park designed for families with children aged between two and thirteen.
Opened in 1978, it was the first of three attractions in England based on “Gulliver’s Travels.”
This venue includes roller coasters, such as the steel-constructed Switchback, as well as a cycle monorail, fairground-style amusements, and water rides.
Situated on a steep hill, it offers expansive views over the Heights of Abraham and Starkholmes.
The rides conform to the hill’s contours, and a chairlift transports visitors up and down the slope.
Children can also engage in activities at the Crows Nest Quest, a high ropes course opened in 2017, which reaches a height of 17 meters and provides stunning valley views.
5. Matlock Bath Aquarium and Arcade
The edifice previously used by Victorians to “take the waters” has been transformed into an unusual yet charming visitor attraction.
The original thermal pool is replenished by over 2,271,000 liters of water daily.
Victorian bathers have been succeeded by common, mirror, and koi carp, some of which weigh as much as 13 kg.
Visitors can also observe a “petrifying well” once thought to turn objects to stone (as opposed to merely coating them with mineral deposits), alongside a collection of gemstones, fossils, holograms, and over 1,700 pieces of Goss and Crested china.
6. National Tramway Museum
Located just ten minutes from Matlock’s center, this museum is dedicated to the vehicles that once played a vital role in UK cities during the early 20th century.
The museum houses over 60 trams, manufactured between 1900 and 1930, many of which are operational.
These trams operate along a mile-long track that runs through the nostalgic Crich Tramway Village and into the picturesque countryside.
Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides and explore exhibits such as the Century of Trams display within a spacious shed.
Some trams were sourced from systems in other countries, and restoration processes can be observed at the Workshop Viewing Gallery.
7. Cromford Mills
A preferred starting point for exploring the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site, Cromford Mills was the initial spinning mill complex designed by Sir Richard Arkwright.
Constructed in the 1770s, this facility significantly influenced industrial and global history, marking the birthplace of the modern factory system.
Cromford Mills serves as the focal point of the World Heritage Site, featuring a multimedia gallery where visitors can interact with a hologram of Arkwright, view engaging exhibits, and watch a film narrated by actor Brian Blessed about the mills.
This expansive site also includes shops and cafes, as well as additional galleries, and offers guided narrowboat rides along the Cromford Canal for deeper insights into the complex and the Derwent Valley.
8. Cromford Canal
Commencing at Cromford Mill, a picturesque walk along the 18th-century Cromford Canal extends for several miles.
During the summer months, ample shade is provided by trees lining the towpath, showcasing charming historical features, such as wharf warehouses, the Gregory Tunnel, railway brake cars, a functioning swing bridge, and a pumphouse.
June is an ideal time to stroll by the water, as you are likely to encounter goslings, ducklings, and cygnets.
The canal previously extended 15 miles from Cromford to the Erewash Canal, with five miles restored up to Ambergate.
9. Leawood Pump House
A fascinating piece of industrial heritage, the Leawood Pump House is situated just over a mile away along the Cromford Canal, dating back to 1849. This structure was designed to extract water from the River Derwent, which is routed through a 140-meter tunnel and raised nine meters to be pumped into the Cromford Canal.
The Pump House was constantly operational from its inception until 1944 and underwent restoration by the Cromford Canal Society in 1979. It is visually striking at all times but is particularly captivating when the steam-powered Watt-type beam engine is in operation.
On these days, visitors can feel the heat emanating from the boilers and witness the wave produced by the discharge of tons of water into the canal.
10. Hall Leys Park
In 2017, Hall Leys Park received its tenth successive Green Flag award, signifying its status as one of the finest parks in the nation.
Located to the south of the town center along the Derwent and facing the hilltop of Riber Castle, the park offers a variety of activities for children during summer.
A boating lake with vintage motorized boats, a miniature railway, and an interactive wet play area are available.
Furthermore, a cafe, a charming Victorian bandstand where local brass bands perform summer concerts, and a picturesque fountain within formal flowerbeds enhance the park’s appeal.
11. Peak Rail
At Platform 2 of Matlock Railway Station, visitors can board a steam train for a four-mile journey.
Peak Rail operates between Matlock and Rowsely South, a short distance up the Derwent.
This route was part of the Midland Railway Line that connected Manchester to London until 1968. The line has been restored since 1987, with the extension to Matlock completed in 2011. The heritage locomotives can vary due to maintenance, yet during the summer of 2018, all service trains were pulled by a mid-20th-century Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST steam engine.
Every train includes a buffet coach offering beverages and snacks, while a less frequent Pullman-style Palatine Dining Restaurant train provides an opportunity for a luxurious Sunday lunch experience.
12. Matlock Meadows
Situated high on Matlock’s western slope, this dairy farm has transformed into an enjoyable summer destination, particularly for ice cream enthusiasts.
The farm is free to visit and generates revenue through its ice cream, which is crafted from milk sourced from its own dairy herd.
Visitors can purchase ice cream to take home or sample it at the cafe, which offers 15 different flavors, along with a selection of sorbets, sundaes, and snacks.
A shop featuring artisanal crafts handmade on the farm and a small outdoor play area enhance the experience.
Guests are also welcome to explore the adjoining field and barn, which house cows, chickens, sheep, and a micro pig.
13. Black Rocks
Overlooking Cromford to the south is a prominent natural gritstone outcrop.
Visitors can navigate the marked trails on Cromford Moor, ascending to Sheep Pasture Top for a breathtaking view that includes Cromford, the Matlock Gorge to the north, and parts of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The Black Rocks were previously mined for lead, and unique plants that can withstand the elevated lead content in the rocks flourish in the fissures.
This wall has long been a favorite for climbers, and on sunny days, it is common to see individuals attempting to scale its vertical faces.
Nearby, access to the High Peak Trail can be found, following the route of the now-defunct Cromford and High Peak Railway.
14. Matlock Farm Park
This attraction, located on a 600-acre working farm, is designed for families, featuring a multitude of domestic animals such as lambs, llamas, goats, sheep, turkeys, ponies, and cattle, alongside wallabies and meerkats.
Seasonal animal encounters for children provide opportunities to hold rabbits, guinea pigs, and chicks, as well as feed lambs in the spring.
At the meerkat enclosure, young guests can participate in live talks and demonstrations while gaining insights into rural life and farm operations.
There are also pony rides and ferret races available, in addition to indoor and outdoor play areas and go-karts.
The Farm Park is connected to a riding school and trekking center, offering horseback riding and pony trekking experiences.
15. Matlock Bath Illuminations
Between early September and late October, a captivating light display illuminates the River Derwent, garnering significant local admiration.
The Matlock Bath Illuminations have a legacy exceeding 120 years and are organized by the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders Association.
Exhibited on their boats are thoughtfully crafted models, following unique themes each year.
Recent themes have included Chinese dragons, transportation, Doctor Who, and Star Wars.
These displays can be viewed on Saturday and Sunday nights along Derby Road next to the Derwent.
