Matlock between spa town history and the Peak District

Matlock combines the landscape of the River Derwent with an unusually diverse cultural history. The town lies on the edge of the Peak District National Park and is a suitable starting point for walks, circular routes and historical discoveries. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house can choose the desired location according to whether riverside paths, parks, rail connections, nature or industrial heritage sites are to be the focus of the trip.

River landscape, parks and paths around Matlock

Hall Leys Park is located in the centre of Matlock. It has a boating lake, riverside paths, tennis courts and a skate park. The former shelter with clock tower of the Matlock Cable Tramway also stands in the park. The lower terminus building of this railway was preserved and moved to Hall Leys Park; the tramway depot is now Matlock Green Garage. The Matlock Cable Tramway itself operated for a total of 34 years, from 1893 to 1927.

Lumsdale Valley on the edge of Matlock also combines nature and industrial history. The protected scheduled monument comprises the ruins of industrial mills in wooded terrain. Another public open space is Denefields in Matlock. It consists of two old fields crossed by several public footpaths.

Several documented routes are available for different day plans. A two-mile route from Matlock to Matlock Bath follows the River Derwent and climbs to the facilities at High Tor. In the opposite direction, a three-mile route from Matlock Bath via Masson Hill reaches the centre of Matlock through woods and fields. The “Matlock to Darley Bridge and Oker via White Peak Loop” circular route is 8.2 kilometres long, starts and ends in the centre of Matlock and follows the Derwent Valley Heritage Way on the return journey. Those looking for a longer tour will find the 24-kilometre “Up Hill and Down Dale” cycle route, which starts and ends at Matlock railway station. A 215-kilometre long-distance walking route around the Peak District is divided into 14 sections and also starts and ends in Matlock.

Spa town history and historic buildings

Matlock developed significantly into a spa town in the 19th century. The Hydro building served as a spa from 1853; the present-day Smedley’s Hydro building was completed in 1886 on the core of the establishment founded in 1853. Riber Castle, built by John Smedley as a private residence in 1862, is another part of the town’s history. Matlock Bridge over the River Derwent dates from the 15th century and has four pointed arches.

Cromford Mills lies south of Matlock and is part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical context therefore extends beyond the town into the industrial landscape of the Derwent Valley. Those interested in technological and social history can thus combine Matlock with further stops in the surrounding area without treating the different places as a single attraction.

Getting there and choosing your holiday destination

Matlock railway station has remained largely unchanged since the time when Joseph Paxton was involved in its design. Peak Rail’s Platform 2 is next to Platform 1, operated by East Midlands Railway, where regular rail services terminate. Matlock bus station is located close to Matlock railway station. This orientation is helpful if you are planning a journey by public transport or want to choose your accommodation according to the preferred starting points for walks and excursions.

Those who want to combine different interests can include Hall Leys Park, the historic remains of the Cable Tramway and the routes described in their travel plans. When looking for accommodation in Matlock, it is worth deciding first which activities are planned and how you prefer to travel there. This keeps the choice between a holiday apartment and a holiday house aligned with your actual travel plans.

More places for planning your trip

Hardstoft, Draycott, Kirk Langley, Shottle, Whitwell, South Wingfield, Horsley Woodhouse and Glossop.

For the higher-level travel overview: Derbyshire.