Matlock Bath Guide

Matlock Bath in the heart of Derbyshire has been attracting tourists since the turn of the 18th century when the wealthy aristocrats of the day would travel to bathe in the warm springs and enjoy its fine climate. A railway line established in the 1840s opened up the area to ordinary tourists and Matlock Bath lost some of its upper-class haughtiness. And nowadays, situated on the A6 that runs through the Peak District National Park, visitors still flock here in their thousands each year and is a popular stop-off for cyclists and bikers who come to enjoy the dramatic scenery and wide open spaces. However, Matlock Bath still holds on to some of its gentile charm and there are a number of fine buildings dating back to the 18th century that sit alongside modern day souvenir shops and arcades. Matlock Bath lies at the bottom of High Tor, a 137m (450ft) limestone cliff that rises from the River Derwent’s eastern bank and is popular with climbers. There are plenty of walking tracks in the area or there’s a cable car that takes visitors up to an area known as the Heights of Abraham where the Whistlestop Countryside Centre is also located. Visitors can also access two old mining caverns, the Grand Masson Cavern and the Great Rutland Cavern. Other attractions in Matlock Bath include the Peak District Mining Museum which tells the story of lead mining in the area that dates back to Roman times. Close by is Gulliver’s amusement park, a popular day trip for families.
Air: Birmingham International Airport and East Midlands Airport. Rail: Matlock Bath train station. Road: Bus: Public services. Car: A6.