Matlock
Matlock is situated in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, about 20 miles north of Derby. Until the 1830's Matlock was a hamlet whose principal industry was agriculture with lead mining and quarrying as subsidiary activities. The building of the mills at Cromford, by Richard Arkwrighrt in the late 18th century provided some employment for Matlock people but it was John Smedley, born 1803, who established Hydrotheraphy in Matlock and made it one of the most celebrated centres for the treatment of ailments with water theraphy, in the country.
He built the large building in Matlock Bank, home of the Derbyshire County Council since 1955, and with the arrival of the railway in 1849, Matlock's development as a spa town flourished for the next 100 years. At the turn of the 20th century more than 20 hydro's were operating. Trams use to ferry the visitors up to the hydro's, and Matlock had one of the steepest tramways in the country. The tram lines were taken up in 1927.
Smedley also built Riber Castle, which dominates the hillside above the town as a home for himself. It is now in ruins but until recently, housed a remarkable wildlife centre which specialized in rare and endangered species.
Interest in hydrotheraphy took a down turn with the development of the National Health Service, which never really approved or prescribed to 'fanciful treatments'.However, Matlock is still a very busy administrative, shopping and tourist centre, being the home of the Derbyshire Dales District Council as well as the Derbyshire County Council. There is also the Matlock Town Council.
Hall Leys Park is in the centre of the town and provides many recreational facilities, including tennis, miniture golf,a miniature railway, bowls, a childrens play area complete with paddling pool and a small boating lake.It's lovely setting also makes it a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Matlock's busy shopping streets.
High Tor, situated between Matlock and Matlock Bath is dominated by a great limestone outcrop which towers almost 400 feet above the river Derwent. High Tor Grounds offer a network of paths enabling visitors to explore the area and experience the spectacular panoramic views from the top of the tor. In 1933 High Tor Grounds were listed as grade11 on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. They were restored by the Derbyshire Dales District Council after falling into disrepair and are maintained by them.
St Giles Church stands on a hill overlooking the town, with some fine views of the Derwent Valley, Riber Castle and the town below. It has a Perp west tower with diagonal buttresses but the rest was rebuilt in the 19th century. It contains a Norman font, some fine stained glass windows and memorials to the Wolley family who lived at Old Riber Hall.
In 1968 the railway between Matlock and Buxton, through the Peak District National Park, was closed leaving only a branch line to Derby. It had been part of the Midland Railways Line from Manchester to London. In 1975 a group of railway enthusiasts formed the Peak Railway Society with the aim of re-opening the line, which it did, between Matlock and Daley Dale in 1991. In 1997 the railway was further extended to a new station at Rowsley South, which now gives passengers a scenic round trip of 8 miles alongside the river Derwent. The railway runs most Sundays throughout the year, Saturdays as well, from April to October and mid week during the summer holidays. For eating out with a difference, the Peak Rail operates the Palative Dining Car Service on selected dates, for Saturday evening meals and Sunday lunches. There are also many other special events throughout the year. For details contact them on 01629 580381, or contact the Matlock Tourist Information Centre.
Some of the other attractions in the more immediate vicinity are, Arkwrights Mill at Cromford, Gullivers Kingdom at Matlock Bath, Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath, Lead Mining Museum at Matlock Bath and the Red House Stables and Carriage Museum at Darley Dales.
More information on attractions around Matlock
Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath
Exhibition showing the history of lead mining throughout the Peak District. Visitors can operate rag and chain pumps and climb shafts.
Open daily 4th April-31st October, 10am-5pm(July-Oct 10am-10pm at weekends)
Nov-Feb open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm
Tel 01629 583834
Gullivers Kingdom, Matlock Bath
Family theme park with rides suitable for young children and Royal Cave
Open 10.30am-5pm, 15th April-2nd May, weekends 6-28th Mat, then daily till 10th September
Weekends 16 Sept-22nd October
Daily 23rd Oct-4th Nov
Tel 01629 580540
website http://www.gullivers-kingdom.com
Matlock Bath Aquarium and Hollogram Gallery, Matlock Bath
Site of original thermal baths, with collection of cold water, tropical and marine fish; Pertrifying Well and Gemstone collection
Open Easter-end Oct 10am-6pm (10pm in school holidays)
Winter opening at weekends 10am-7pm
Tel 01629 583624
Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
Entertainment for the whole family. Cable car rides across the Derwent Valley to the 60 acre sunnit. Exciting underground tours in two famous show caves. Explorers challenge. Displays. Picnic and play areas
Open daily from late March to late October
Tel 01629 582365
Lea Gardens Lea, Matlock
A rare collection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Alpines and Conifers in a lovely setting. There is a garden shop and a tea room where light lunches are available.
Opening times Late March- June 10am to 5.30pm
Tel 01629 534380
website http://public.ambervalley.gov.uk
Red House Stables, Darley Dale
A working Carriage Museum
Open daily at 10.00
Tel 01629 733583
website http://www.aboutbritain.com/RedHouseStables.htm
Matlock Tourist Information Centre
Crown Square
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AT
Tel: 01629 583388
Fax: 01629 584131
email: matlockinfo@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Accommodation around Matlock and Matlock Bath
Darwin Forest Country Park - Luxury self-catering Pinelodges (ETC 4 star) to sleep from 2 to 8 people on this lovely wooded country park. Each lodge is beautifully furnished and fully equipped with fitted kitchen, microwave, CD player, satellite TV, DVD player, verandah with outdoor furniture. Read more at Darwin Forest Country Park
Woodlands Cottage - Woodlands Cottage is a spacious and superbly appointed, four bedroomed, stone cottage to sleep up to 8. Enclosed in its own garden with a large sun terrace, hot tub and outdoor furniture, yet enjoying all the facilities available at Darwin Forest Country Park. Read more at Woodlands Cottage
For more accommodation in Matlock and Matlock Bath try
Castleton Accommodation or Peak District Accommodation
See Derbyshire Photographs for photos from Matlock and Matlock Bath
Information on Matlock Bath at Matlock Bath in Derbyshire
See also The Let's Stay Peak District New Guide to Matlock and Matlock Bath at Matlock Guide
