Matlock Bath, at the south east tip of the Peak District is a perfectly located pretty village, popular with tourists and families. The scenery here is stunning and because the village is a designated conservation area a great deal has being done to conserve and protect the buildings from decline. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and a deep gorge, the village shares many superb attractions with nearby Matlock. Often described as the ‘Switzerland of England’, the area is home to cable cars, caves and even a theme park.
History of the village – The development of Matlock Bath really began in 1698 with the discovery of the possible attraction of thermal water at a constant 68 degrees. The first ‘bath’ was built by local entrepreneurs to attract people to the village. Matlock Bath so fashionable that Princess Victoria even visited in 1831. Lord Byron likened the valley to ‘ an Alpine Switzerland’ hence the nickname Little Switzerland.
Matlock Bath has always attracted tourism because of its natural beauty. The Parish Council, while encouraging tourism, will always lobby to ensure that the natural beauty of the area is not compromised. Once a society spa town now developed its inland ’seaside’ resort image that it still carries today. Perfect for families looking for an English holiday village in lovely surroundings.
Matlock Bath is blessed with natural beauty and incredible scenery. Perfect for rock climbers is the tall High Tor which overlooks the community. The River Derwent is another popular natural feature which is certainly great for lazy afternoons and boating. If you’re interested in history or trains then also try the charming stream train which runs between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley South.
Riber Castle, set on a hill between Matlock and Matlock Bath is a 19th century listed country house in the gothic style, and has seen a colourful past. It has been a family home, an MoD storage site, and most recently a zoo. The zoo had a less than desirable track record on animal welfare and closed in 2000. Now the castle is abandoned and falling into disrepair, but still makes for eerie sight.
There are plenty of attractions to visit in the area too, including a textile museum, the Life in a Lens Museum of Photography, and a lead mining museum. Check out the aquarium in the old Victorian Baths, as well as the Whistlestop Countryside Centre, with its wildlife garden and learning and play areas. Gulliver’s Kingdom is Matlock Bath’s popular children’s theme park, and features rides and play ares for the whole family. Also try Abraham Heights which is reached by a fun cable car ride.
To find out more great places in the Peak District see Inspire Breaks Peak District website www.inspirebreakspeakdistrict.co.uk for area guides, information and accommodation including places near Alton Towers