Matlock Tourist Information

Things to Do and See in Matlock

Family attractions in Matlock cluster around family honeypot Matlock Bath including Gullivers Theme Park, Matlock Bath Aquarium, the Peak District Mining Museum in the heritage Pavilion and the Heights of Abraham Cable Cars. The Matlocks are very much adjoined so whether you're based in Matlock town or Matlock Bath village, the variety of attractions in both are easily accessed. Visitors, especially families, flock to the Matlocks in the East Peaks all year round for the great choice of attractions and holiday style shops, cafes, restaurants, gift shops and souvenir shops which line Matlock town and Matlock Bath's main high streets. Shops in Matlock town feature a great range of craft shops, antique shops and chic cafes whilst Matlock Bath high street has a slightly more holiday feel with family cafes, quirky gift shops, attractions such as the Mining Museum and Aquarium, great lively pubs and character Victorian B&Bs.

A stunning footpath runs alongside the River Derwent at the Matlocks, known as the Lovers's Walks and trails lead off to High Tor and Matlock Dale. Rowing boats are available to hire along the footpath during the summer. The Derwent Valley around The Matlocks, long admired by poets and compared to Switzerland, has been a key draw for visitors since 1780 when the Heights of Abraham first opened its gates. Today alpine style cable cars whisk visitors up to the Heights of Abraham to the show caves, trails, water gardens and Owl Maze. In the past visitors had to trek up Masson Hill's steep slopes to reach it. The Matlocks nestle in the valley floor alongside the River Derwent. On either side of the valley steep sloped hills rise up dramatically to great effect. This is a Peak District beauty spot featuring spectacular natural features, great family attractions and amenities, a lively holiday atmosphere, craft shops and gift shops and outstanding heritage attractions. The Matlocks were loved by the Victorians and both Matlock town and Matlock Bath feature spectacular Victorian architecture like the 1887 Jubilee Bridge across the Derwent at Matlock Bath.

Matlock town is where you will find the pretty Hall Leys Park and top craft and gift shopping areas. The famous Smedley's Hydro, now county hall, is also in the Matlock town area as is Riber Castle, a listed mock Gothic medieval castle which looks down on to the town. Another great feature in Matlock is the town's excellent public transport links into the Peaks. Heritage trains run all year round on the Peak Rail attraction in Matlock situated next to Matlock town with a station at Matlock Riverside. The Peak Rail line runs between Matlock and Rowsley via Darley Dale and through spectacular Derbyshire countryside.

Both Matlock town and Matlock Bath are linked by rail to Derby city centre via East Midlands Trains' Derwent Valley Line. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way also weaves south from the Matlocks along the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site through Cromford, Belper and on to Derby and the Silk Mill.

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Peak Rail Matlock Darley Dale & Rowsley Steam Railway

A great family day out in Matlock is a ride on the Peak Rail heritage railay which features both steam and diesal heritage passenger trains. The Peak Rail route runs for 4 miles between Rowsley South Station and Matlock Riverside, following the line of part of the Midland Railway route between Manchester and London. Matlock Riverside Station is a short scenic walk from Matlock town centre via the riverside footpath. Car parking is available in the pay and display car park next to the main Matlock Railway Station.

Rowsley Station is the main site on the Peak Rail route set in 28 acres. Here you'll find free parking, a large railway buffet, toilet facilities and baby changing facilities, a railway gift shop and an exhibition. Peak Rail trains run all year round and special events include Santa Specials through December.

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Cauldwell's Mill Craft Centre & Peak Village Outlet

Matlock is within easy reach of a host of attractions in Rowsley including the unique flour mill Caudwell's Mill which features a superb craft centre. Caudwell's Mill is a Grade II listed historic roller flour mill powered by water from the adjacent River Wye. The Cauldwell's Mill you see today dates from 1874 but there has been a mill on this site for at least 400 years.

Visitors can take tours of this historic flour mill to see how wheat is turned into flour. Other great attractions onsite include The Mill Shop which sells a range of quality flours, fine biscuits, recipe books and leaflets and souvenirs. Craft galleries are also onsite including a Glass Gallery and Jewellery Gallery and you can call in at The Mill Forge in the Stable Yard to view a blacksmith at work.

The main craft centre at Cauldwell's Mill sells a superb selection of fine gifts, blue john stone jewellery, cards and Peak District souvenirs. Tasty vegetarian snacks, meals and Fairtrade drinks all feature in the Country Parlour Cafe with panoramic window views of the River Wye and surrounding Derbyshire Dales countryside. Free parking is also onsite and from the car park you can access the delightful Nature Walk.

Close to Caudwell's Mill is the not to be missed Peak Village Outlet Shopping Centre. Fantastic bargains await here with outlet shops featuring designer ladies fashion clothing, handbags and fashion accessories, a Pondon Mill Outlet for fine home furnishings and health food outlets. Cafes, tourist information and toilets are also all onsite alongside ample parking.

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Red House Stables Working Carriage Museum in Darley Dale

The Red House Stables Working Carriage Museum sits just north of Matlock clearly signposted off Old Road, the main A6 route into Matlock town. Open daily from 10am, the Carriage Museum in Darley Dale contains one of Britain's best collections of original horse drawn vehicles and equipment. Famous carriages on show include one of the few surviving Hansom Cabs, a Stage Coach and a Royal Mail Coach. Horse drawn carriages from the museum have appear in both TV and film period dramas such as Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Jane Eyre.

Carriage rides and tours are available from the museum into the Derbyshire Dales. Choose from one to two hour local trips or three to four hour scenic tours to Chatsworth House and return. A selection of horse draw carriages are also available for weddings. Find out more on the Carriage Museum's website.

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