The Matlock River

Matlock Bath, Derbyshire - The Guide

Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, England East Midlands

Recommendation added: 13/03/2006 23:32
By: Yerrell1 (YSUK rating +203)

Yerrell1 has been thanked 7 times for this contribution

"Matlock Bath is a former spa town, situated in derbyshire. With amazing scenery, plenty to see and do and fun for all the family, Matlock Bath truly does have it all. Allow me to tell you all about this facinating place in more detail, including all the great things it has to offer.

LOCATION AND DISTANCES

You will find Matlock Bath south of the village of Matlock. It is easy to get the two places confused, but they are seperate places. It is located in Derbyshire, 150 miles from London, 60 Miles from Birmingham and 260 miles from Glasgow. The closest major city to Matlock is Sheffield, only 20 miles away.

WHAT TO DO

There is plenty of different activities to try in Matlock, and something for all the family. From Museums to Theme Parks, no one will be left unhappy! I have listed some of the places I have personally visited, to give you a feel of the great selection

Peak District Mining Museum
Exhibition showing the history of lead mining throughout the Peak District. Visitors can operate rag and chain pumps and climb shafts.
Open daily 4th April-31st October, 10am-5pm(July-Oct 10am-10pm at weekends)
Nov-Feb open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm
Tel 01629 583834

Gullivers Kingdom

Family theme park with rides suitable for young children.
Open 10.30am-5pm, 15th April-2nd May, weekends 6-28th Mat, then daily till 10th September
Weekends 16 Sept-22nd October
Daily 23rd Oct-4th Nov
Tel 01629 580540

Matlock Bath Aquarium and Hollogram Gallery
Site of original thermal baths, with collection of cold water, tropical and marine fish; Pertrifying Well and Gemstone collection
Open Easter-end Oct 10am-6pm (10pm in school holidays)
Winter opening at weekends 10am-7pm
Tel 01629 583624

Heights of Abraham
Entertainment for the whole family. Cable car rides across the Derwent Valley to the 60 acre sunnit. Exciting underground tours in two famous show caves. Explorers challenge. Displays. Picnic and play areas
Open daily from late March to late October
Tel 01629 582365

Lea Gardens Lea, Matlock
A rare collection of flowers and plants. There is a garden shop and a tea room where light lunches are available.
Opening times Late March- June 10am to 5.30pm
Tel 01629 534380

WHERE TO STAY

There is a wide range of accomodation, to suit all tastes and pockets. From budget youth hostels to 5 star hotels, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay. Personally, during my visits to Matlock Bath, I stay in the local youth hostel, which is open all year. The youth hostel has a nice decor, with comfortable beds and good facilities. It is open all year, and prices start at just £9.95 pppn. Alternatively, why not call the tourist information board for some great hotel and b+b deals. Their number is 01629 583388.

WHERE TO DRINK?

Matlock Bath has a wide range of pubs, and one nightclub. First of all, let me discuss the pubs. Matlocks biggest and best pub is called the country and station. It is located at the far end of the town centre, near the old railway station. You will be pleased to find a large selection of cask and real ales, along with many different beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. The pub is children friendly, and has smoking and non-smoking areas. Also, why not try the The Princess Victoria, situated on the south prominade. Again, a very nice pub with a lot of choice. For later on in the night, Matlock has it's own nightclub, Broodys. Broodys is a good mixture of people, young and old, but all friendly. They play a wide range of music, including dance and party classics. Drink prices are reasonable, with many special offers taking place throughout the year. you can't miss it, find broodys at the start of the town centre, as you enter Matlock, on the right hand side.

EATING

There is a good selection of resturants, fish and chip shops, take aways and pub bar foods all over Matlock Bath. For a special treat, I would highly reccommend the Hodgkinson Hotel, on the south parade. With a superb selection of delacate and delicious foods, you will be glad you went! Their menu includes Local rack of lamb, my personal favourite, served with a mint sauce. Vegetarian options are also available. If it's a late bite you want, after a night on the town, try the local amusement arcades in the town centre. They usually sell hot dogs, burgers and fries. There is also a KFC type fried chicken shack, open until late. This is situated close to broodys nightclub.

WALKING

Derbyshire offers some of the best walking routes in the UK, and Matlock is one of the best. Take a lovely walk along the prominade, take in the various shops in the town centre, and watch the cable car cross the river, as it runs through the beautiful landscape. Matlock is a walkers heaven, and most of the gift shops have various walking maps, for as little as 50p.

PRICES (approx and may vary according to season)

Its always a good idea, especially if on a budget to get an idea of what things cost. Below are some prices you will expect to pay for various items

Meal for 2 in the pub including a bottle of wine- £30
Fish And Chips- £3.50
Pint Of Lager- £2.60 for Stella (average)
Bed And Breakfast- £40 per room per night upwards
Full English Breakfast- £3 upwards
Bus Ticket to Sheffield- £5 return (or get explorer)

Matlock really is a beautiful location, where relaxation is felt instantlly. Once you have been, you will want to go back again and again. If you want to venture outside Matlock during your visit, why not try Castleton - Here you can conquer Mam Tor, the resident mountain, and visit the underground caves. Also, for a good shopping experience, Try Sheffield with plenty of shops to browse around

USEFUL CONTACTS

Tourist Information (inc B+B reservations) - 01629 583388
Broodys Nightclub - 01629 583 848
Matlock YHA - 0870 770 5960"