The pretty village of Matlock Bath is one of the most popular villages in the Peak District National Park, blessed with incredible, atmospheric and photogenic surroundings the area is also a conversation area. This means that that lovely buildings and historic architecture has been beautifully preserved. The village is set into a limestone gorge which means the imposing surroundings cliffs are quite a sight. The area is a tourist hot spot and is home to many attractions.
History of the village - In 1698 warm springs were discovered and a Bath House was built. As the waters became more famous, access was improved by the building of the bridge into Old Matlock and in 1783, the opening of a new entrance at the south of the valley. Princess Victoria's royal visit in 1831 confirmed Matlock as a society venue of the time.
However with the arrival of the Midland Railway and the travelling classes came the biggest change to the village. A promenade was built from the station running along side the river and since the pretty village has been likened to a seaside resort without any sea! Guest house and hotels sprang up all over the place offering a variety of spa treatments. Now today it's more of a family friendly traditionally English holiday resort.
Matlock Bath is blessed with natural beauty and incredible scenery. Perfect for rock climbers is the tall High Tor which overlooks the community. The River Derwent is another popular natural feature which is certainly great for lazy afternoons and boating. If you're interested in history or trains then also try the charming stream train which runs between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley South.
Riber Castle, set on a hill between Matlock and Matlock Bath is a 19th century listed country house in the gothic style, and has seen a colourful past. It has been a family home, an MoD storage site, and most recently a zoo. The zoo had a less than desirable track record on animal welfare and closed in 2000. Now the castle is abandoned and falling into disrepair, but still makes for eerie sight.
There are plenty of attractions to visit in the area too, including a textile museum, the Life in a Lens Museum of Photography, and a lead mining museum. Check out the aquarium in the old Victorian Baths, as well as the Whistlestop Countryside Centre, with its wildlife garden and learning and play areas. Gulliver's Kingdom is Matlock Bath's popular children's theme park, and features rides and play ares for the whole family. Also try Abraham Heights which is reached by a fun cable car ride.
History of the village - In 1698 warm springs were discovered and a Bath House was built. As the waters became more famous, access was improved by the building of the bridge into Old Matlock and in 1783, the opening of a new entrance at the south of the valley. Princess Victoria's royal visit in 1831 confirmed Matlock as a society venue of the time.
However with the arrival of the Midland Railway and the travelling classes came the biggest change to the village. A promenade was built from the station running along side the river and since the pretty village has been likened to a seaside resort without any sea! Guest house and hotels sprang up all over the place offering a variety of spa treatments. Now today it's more of a family friendly traditionally English holiday resort.
Matlock Bath is blessed with natural beauty and incredible scenery. Perfect for rock climbers is the tall High Tor which overlooks the community. The River Derwent is another popular natural feature which is certainly great for lazy afternoons and boating. If you're interested in history or trains then also try the charming stream train which runs between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley South.
Riber Castle, set on a hill between Matlock and Matlock Bath is a 19th century listed country house in the gothic style, and has seen a colourful past. It has been a family home, an MoD storage site, and most recently a zoo. The zoo had a less than desirable track record on animal welfare and closed in 2000. Now the castle is abandoned and falling into disrepair, but still makes for eerie sight.
There are plenty of attractions to visit in the area too, including a textile museum, the Life in a Lens Museum of Photography, and a lead mining museum. Check out the aquarium in the old Victorian Baths, as well as the Whistlestop Countryside Centre, with its wildlife garden and learning and play areas. Gulliver's Kingdom is Matlock Bath's popular children's theme park, and features rides and play ares for the whole family. Also try Abraham Heights which is reached by a fun cable car ride.
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To find out more great places in the Peak District see Inspire Breaks Peak District website www.inspirebreakspeakdistrict.co.uk for area guides, information and accommodation including places near Alton Towers
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