10 Best Things To Do In Matlock, Derbyshire

 

Matlock is in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Derwent Valley, where the modern factory system was developed in the 18th century. Today, it’s home to the much-loved Matlock Bath Illuminations (Saturday and Sunday nights in September and October), plus Gulliver’s World theme park and a host of other visitor attractions.

It’s worth noting that Matlock and Matlock Bath aren’t the same place. Matlock Bath is the old Victorian spa town on the site of thermal springs, so historically it’s generally more interesting for visitors. Most attractions are to be found here. 

As the county town of Derbyshire, though, Matlock is still a hub for its surrounding villages, and the two towns are a half-hour walk from each other along the banks of the river Derwent.

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. 

Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out campsites near Matlock, or see all campsites in Derbyshire.

Scale the Heights of Abraham

Take a flight of fancy (and by that we mean a cable car ride) up the steep hill leading to this 18th-century pleasure garden. At the top, there’s 60 acres of parkland – encompassing everything from heritage trails and dramatic show caverns to adventure playgrounds, a rock shop and a Punch and Judy show. There’s a good selection of places to eat here too, all with great views – after all, the park’s location was carefully selected to show visitors the best scenery in Derbyshire.

Ride the Peak Rail

Step back in time – or delight Thomas-mad toddlers – with a ride on the 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 see sweeping scenery and pretty Matlock station, partly designed by Joseph Paxton (better known for London’s Crystal Palace). Two of the carriages are occupied by the Palatine restaurant, which serves afternoon teas and tasty Sunday lunches. The railway puts on special events 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 walking routes start right from the town. Hike up to High Tor for sweeping Derbyshire views, walk along vertiginous Giddy Edge, visit Lumsdale Waterfall, try to catch a glimpse of Riber Castle through the trees or stroll through the Neolithic Nine Ladies stone circle. And if that’s not enough for you, Matlock makes a great base for exploring the Peak District National Park beyond the Derwent Valley. Find out where to go with our guide to the best places to visit in Derbyshire.

Stroll round Hall Leys Park

Fancy visiting one of the best parks in the UK? Hall Leys Park has six Green Flag awards and it’s right in the centre of Matlock. Take a ride on the miniature railway, watch the locals flip tricks at the skateboarding park, or glide across the water at the children’s boating lake. The park’s play equipment includes accessible pieces designed to be inclusive for disabled children and their carers. Look out for year-round events like regular music at the bandstand and a weekly outdoor market on Wednesdays.

See the world’s first water-powered spinning mill

In 1771, Sir Richard Arkwright built Cromford Mills. The world’s first complete factory system, it formed the blueprint for industrialisation all over the UK and beyond. Cromford Mills is free to enter, and it’s easy to spend a whole day in the Grade I-listed building – meet Arkwright himself via hologram, learn more about the mills on a guided tour, or take a ride along the surrounding canals in a narrowboat. If you’re visiting with children, check the calendar in advance for family fun days and special events. 

Cromford Mills is on the Lumsdale Valley walking route and a 40-minute stroll from Lea Mills (founded in 1784 by John Smedley), another lovely 18th-century industrial heritage site. 

Keen for more water features? Check out the best waterfalls in Derbyshire.

Explore Gulliver’s Kingdom

Gulliver’s Kingdom is a theme park aimed at families and children – adults-only groups or solo travellers won’t be allowed in. If you fall into the family category, however, this is a fantastic day out for the little ones (and any bigger ones who appreciate a good log flume). Rides include tried-and-tested favourites like a pirate ship, a double-decker carousel and a rollercoaster. There are also lots of options for exploration and play – learn about dinosaurs in the Dino Room, transform into royalty in the Lilliput Land Castle, or listen to the crooning of the Singing Frogs (one of the park’s most popular attractions, we’re told).

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 will transport you back in time. An array of trams run on rotation (your admission includes unlimited rides) through scenic countryside and along the museum’s recreated period street.

Many of the buildings here are real – the Red Lion pub and restaurant was transported from Stoke-on-Trent, the Exhibition Hall windows were rescued from Doncaster’s decommissioned tram depot, and the Derby Assembly Rooms façade was salvaged from a fire. 

Stop off for food at the Red Lion or the vintage tearooms or top your visit off with a stroll around the fascinating ‘Century of Trams’ exhibition, where you’ll learn all about trams (horse-drawn, steam and electric) and see how they were developed and used.

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 authentic 1920s lead mine. The museum also houses a glittering collection of minerals from all around the world.

See axolotls at Matlock Bath Aquarium

An aquarium might seem rather incongruous in the craggy Peak District, but this Victorian attraction is well worth a visit. As well as the aquarium (home to over 50 types of fish, axolotls and a thermal carp pool), it has exhibition halls with displays ranging from Matlock Bath’s only remaining petrifying well to rather space-age holograms that move and float in front of viewers.

Climb 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 climber to enjoy its dramatic scenery and soaring views over the Peak District. Waymarked walks guide visitors up to the top of Black Rocks, through woodland and over heather-clad Cromford Moor.

Want to get out and about during your stay in Matlock? Check out our guide to the best walks in Derbyshire.