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Pictures of Matlock Bath

in the county of Derbyshire

Matlock Bath, Derbyshire: Illuminations

About Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath lies amongst some of the most beautiful river-valley country in England. It is in a gorge on the course of the River Derwent, in an area renowned for picturesque waters, towering peaks and charming limestone villages.

The town came to prominence at the latter end of the 17th century when warm springs were discovered. This, together with fine scenery and a new road, made Matlock Bath an irresistible tourist destination for wealthy Georgian and Victorian travellers. Today, it is still an idyllic inland resort town, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

A walk around the town reveals much that remains from its hey-day. There are handsome Georgian and Victorian properties, particularly in North Parade where you only have to lift your eye's to see superb over-hanging bay windows. Many of these lovely properties formerly belonged to aristocratic visitors of yester-year, who were so impressed by the ambience of the place, they built homes here.

Apart from attractive architecture, the river here is a big attraction and the week-end heralds the arrival of hordes of boating enthusiasts. Parts of the Derwent can be quite a challenge as many a canoeist has discovered! However, as the river heads south the waters become less volatile. It is possible to hire boats, but for the less energetic there is always the pleasure of lazing on the river bank watching canoe races, colourful boats and river wildlife.

For climbers there is the challenge of numerous cliffs and peaks. High Tor rises to a formidable height of around 400ft. At the foot of High Tor you can find several popular tourist attractions, these include picnic spots, wooded walks, a children's playground, caves, and appropriately, The Peak District Mining Museum - for several of the regions caves are restored from worked out lead mines. The museum records the areas rich mining heritage.

Close to Matlock Bath are the 'dizzy' Heights of Abraham where a cable car makes the assent up the side of a magnificent 450ft cliff from which there are stunning views of the gorge and Matlock Bath. The ride is pleasant, allowing time for the visitor to savour the trip and take souvenir photographs.

The attractions of this lovely area are more than one could hope to experience in just one day. Accommodation in the region is plentiful, and pretty Matlock Bath would make an ideal place to tarry for a few days, allowing you time to discover other Peak District towns and villages, the Peak District National Park and all that Matlock Bath has to offer.


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Matlock Bath

Gullivers Kingdom(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)Pictures
The Heights of Abraham(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)Pictures
Riber Castle(1.0 miles, 1.6 km)Pictures
Middleton Top Engine House(2.1 miles, 3.3 km, direction SW)Pictures
National Tramway Museum(3.9 miles, 6.2 km, direction SE)Pictures
Nine Ladies Stone Circle, Stanton Moor(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction NW)Pictures
Darwin Forest Country Park(4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction N)Pictures
Robin Hood's Stride(4.9 miles, 8.0 km, direction NW)Pictures
Carsington Water(5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction SW)Pictures
Haddon Hall(6.1 miles, 9.9 km, direction NW)Pictures
Long Dale(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction W)Pictures
Chatsworth House(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction N)Pictures
The Midland Railway Centre(7.9 miles, 12.6 km, direction SE)Pictures
Lathkill Dale(8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction NW)Pictures
Tissington Hall(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction SW)Pictures

All attractions in Matlock Bath
All attractions in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Matlock Bath

Middleton by Wirksworth, in the county of Derbyshire (1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction SW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Winster, in the county of Derbyshire (3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction NW)
Today, this graceful village with its sweeping main street and quiet little alleyways is a tourist destination of character and charm.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Crich, in the county of Derbyshire (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction SE)
A village on the edge of the Peak District National Park with a Museum dedicated solely to the golden era of the Tramcar. Also famous as being the location for filming Peak Practice.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Heage, in the county of Derbyshire (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction SE)
The village lies a short distance from the beauty spot Carsington Water, between the market town's of Ripley and Belper.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Edensor, in the county of Derbyshire (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction N)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bakewell, in the county of Derbyshire (8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction NW)
Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District National Park. It is an old town full of glowing stone houses and buildings that lend an air of ambience and overall warmth.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ripley, in the county of Derbyshire (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction SE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Baslow, in the county of Derbyshire (9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction N)
Set amidst the stark loneliness of the High Peak the village of Baslow is surrounded by some of the finest historic properties to be found in Derbyshire.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ashford in the Water, in the county of Derbyshire (9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction NW)
The village was a centre for candle making, noted for lead mining and made famous by the discovery of Ashford marble which was first quarried by Henry Watson in 1748.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Mugginton, in the county of Derbyshire (9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction S)
This is a popular Derbyshire village with a church dating back to the Doomsday Book.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Chesterfield, a Historic Market Town in the county of Derbyshire (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction NE)
Chesterfield is an attractive town close to the dramatic peaks of the Peak District National Park. It is well known for its...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Denby, in the county of Derbyshire (9.9 miles, 16.0 km, direction SE)
Denby is famous for its beautiful decorative Stoneware pottery which has been exported all over the world.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Milldale, in the county of Derbyshire (9.9 miles, 16.0 km, direction W)
Milldale is a glorious stone village lying in scenic countryside towards the southern fringes of the Peak District National Park.
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Hartington, in the county of Derbyshire (10.1 miles, 16.2 km, direction W)
Hartington is a small village centred around a medieval market place, with attractive 18th and 19th century buildings.
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Ilam, in the county of Derbyshire (10.9 miles, 17.5 km, direction SW)
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All towns in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Matlock Bath Station(0.4 miles, 0.6 km)
Cromford Station(0.8 miles, 1.2 km)
M1 Junction 28(10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction E)
M1 Junction 29(11.2 miles, 18.0 km, direction NE)
Sheffield City Airport(20.3 miles, 32.7 km, direction N)
East Midlands Airport(22.3 miles, 36.0 km, direction SE)
Matlock Bath to London(127.0 miles, 204.4 km, direction SE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Matlock Bath

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Matlock Bath center
The Cromwell Hotel(1.1 miles, 1.7 km)
Whitworth Park Hotel(3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction NW)
East Lodge Country House Hotel(5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction NW)
Dannah Farm Country House(5.4 miles, 8.6 km, direction S)
Batemans Mill(6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction NE)
The Lion Hotel(7.5 miles, 12.0 km, direction SE)
Mardon House(8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction N)
The Cavendish Hotel(8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction N)
Abbeydale Hotel(9.8 miles, 15.7 km, direction NE)
Buckingham's Hotel And The Restaurant With One Table(9.9 miles, 16.0 km, direction NE)
All hotels in Matlock Bath

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