Beside The Seaside… in the Derbyshire Dales
Enjoy a relaxed seaside vibe in this beautifully quintessential Derbyshire Dales village…
When is a seaside resort not a seaside resort? When it is 50 miles from the coast, of course! With its amusement arcades, fish and chip restaurants and confectionery shops selling sticks of rock and sugary treats, Matlock Bath couldn’t be further from your idea of a quintessential Derbyshire Dales village.
Situated in the beautiful gorge of the river Derwent, the little village – formerly a thermal spa resort popular with Georgian and Victorian visitors – is a nature lover’s paradise, and exploits its varied topography to great effect. Keen walkers can take relatively easy climbs through well-marked paths to High Tor for clifftop views of the river and surrounding dales. If you prefer level ground, explore the paths along the river taking you parallel to the bustling main street, past the Grand Pavilion and through Derwent Gardens. With fountains, bandstand, landscaped gardens and even boating attractions, it’s a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Perish the thought it might rain in the Dales, but if it does, don’t despair – Matlock Bath boasts indoor attractions, too. Matlock Bath Aquarium and Exhibitions offers the chance to wonder at over 50 types of fish, find out about fossils and gemstones, and discover more of the history of the area. Further up the road is the Peak District Mining Museum, wherecan you explore the lead mining heritage of Derbyshire all the way back to Roman times.
Don’t miss the war memorial, down by the river near the railway station. An elegant testimony to our world war heroes, the sculpture of a soldier and sailor is complemented by a visual display on the walls of the nearby pavilion which brings history and people to life through old postcards and letters.
Time to hit the shops to stock up on souvenirs and sticks of rock – maybe you’ll win some money on the fruit machines at the local arcades
to pay for it all! You’ll be in need of refreshments now, but what to choose from the myriad of pretty little cafes, chippies and bars? You’ll get a lovely cake at the Forget Me Not coffee shop – sit at one of the outdoor tables and take the chance to people watch along with families and couples out for the day. Matlock Bath is a very popular destination for motorbike enthusiasts who add greatly to the seaside atmosphere of this little inland place.