Matlock Bath
A Victorian spa town in the Derwent Gorge, known for its riverside promenade, motorcycle gatherings and illuminated boat festival.
Matlock Bath lies in the Derwent River gorge on the southeastern edge of the Peak District. It rose to popularity in Victorian times as a spa and was known as 'Little Switzerland'. The North Parade along the river has fish and chip shops, fairground stalls and souvenir shops, and at weekends it is a famous gathering point for British motorcyclists. During the Illuminations, held every September and October, decorated illuminated boats cruise along the Derwent with fireworks. The town has a mining museum, and the cable car station for the Heights of Abraham, which offers views over the valley, is also here. The train from Derby takes about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Cromford Mills
- Heights of Abraham
- National Tramway Museum (Crich Tramway Village)
- Haddon Hall
- Chatsworth House
- Bakewell
- Padley Gorge
- Eyam (Plague Village)