Nestled in a magnificent limestone gorge, Matlock Bath overlooks the River Derwent in England’s Peak District. It was developed in the 19th century as a spa town following the discovery of its thermal springs and is watched over by the sheer cliff of High Tor.
In the heart of Matlock Bath is the Peak District Mining Museum, which recreates a lead mine from Derbyshire’s industrial past. It occupies the Edwardian-style Grand Pavilion and features mining tunnels to crawl through, as well as more than 3,000 mineral specimens from around the globe.
Also not to miss is the Matlock Bath Aquarium, which houses an impressive collection of carp and one of the largest displays of holograms in Europe. A short walk along the River Derwent will take you to the Derwent Gardens, which encompasses thermal springs and grottos, as well as the Grade II-listed Holy Trinity Church.
Getting there
Matlock Bath is a five-minute drive from Matlock and 45 minutes from Sheffield, with regular trains connecting to the Matlock Bath railway station. Birmingham Airport is just over an hour away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Matlock Bath is small enough to explore on foot.