Pictures of Riber Castle

a Castle in the town of Matlock, in the county of Derbyshire

Derilect Riber Castle, Matlock, Derbyshire

About Riber Castle

The Matlocks between them form some of the most outstanding countryside in the Peak District. Here you can find Riber Castle which is perhaps the most famous landmark in Matlock.

This, despite its battlements and turrets is not a real castle but was built as a lavish residence for John Smedley in the 19th-century. He was a local textile merchant, and the man credited with creating Matlock as a Spa.

The castle has had a chequered history, it was used as a school between 1930 and 1950, after-which it was left to fall into disrepair. However, in 1962 the building and lands were acquired by a group of zoologists who opened up a zoo of British and European animals. It became a favourite Nature Reserve attracting countless visitors, but sadly it closed in the year 2000.

None-the-less, the castle in its lofty perch of 800ft is well worth a visit, if only for the unforgettable views over dazzling limestone countryside

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Nearby travel help

Matlock Bath Station	(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
Cromford Station	(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
M1 Junction 28	(9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction E)
M1 Junction 29	(10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction NE)
Sheffield City Airport	(19.6 miles, 31.6 km, direction N)
East Midlands Airport	(22.3 miles, 35.9 km, direction SE)
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Hotels near Riber Castle

	The Cromwell Hotel Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, Derbyshire, England (0.9 miles, 1.4 km) Edwardian style hotel with nightclub in the heart of Matlock, just south-east of the Peak District. Close to the beautiful Peak District National Park, this hotel is well located for exploring the ... More info and book online.. Price from £75.00
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	Whitworth Park Hotel Dale Road North, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire, England (3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction NW) The Whitworth Park Hotel is ideally placed to visit the Peak District's many attractions. This grade 2 listed building has been fully refurbished. This Victorian building retains many original featu... More info and book online.. Price from £60.00
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