Accommodation in & around Matlock...
What's On in & around Matlock...
Eating Out in & around Matlock...
Places to Visit in & around Matlock...
Activities in & around Matlock...

The town of Matlock sits on the edge of the Peak District National Park, and is a former spa town alongside the River Derwent. Matlock is also the County town of Derbyshire. The highly popular tourist resort of Matlock Bath is a short distance away by the side of the river.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that Matlock ever really began to develop as a spa town; previous to this Matlock was a collection of surrounding villages that converged upon the church in Matlock Town and whose main interests was agriculture. Now the town is vibrant and is home to the Council Offices for the surrounding areas. John Smedley was the man responsible for the turn around of Matlock history when he brought the process of Hydrotherapy to the town. Smedley built the 'Hydro' that served as a spa in 1853. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that the spa closed and the building became the offices of the Derbyshire County Council. There were over 20 spas in use at its height and the town was served by trams used to transport the residents up the steep hills. Smedley also built Riber Castle, which stands high up on Mam Tor and overlooks the surrounding area. There are plenty of shops in the town alongside places to eat and stay. The surrounding area also gives easy access to Matlock Bath, the Heights of Abraham, Gulliver’s Kingdom and much more.