Saturday, March 5, 2011

The Peak District - Matlock Bath

By Becky Padmore


Matlock Bath is one of the best villages in the Peak District National Park. Its best known for its great family tourist attractions and also its exceptionally stunning surroundings. The village is a conversation area and has an abundance of gorgeous well preserved buildings. Its also surrounded by very tall limestone cliffs which tower above the centre.

History of the village- Matlock Bath is a unique village south of Matlock in Derbyshire, built alongside the River Derwent in a steep and beautiful gorge. The warm springs, discovered in the late 1600s brought prosperity to the area, and the Bath House was constructed.

Royal visits in the 19th century meant that Matlock Bath gained fashionable status, and even Queen Victoria visited on two occasions in the mid 1800s. These visits served to enhance the reputation of the resort but eventually, the advent of the railway changed all that by bringing 'day trippers' by the score. It was at this time that Matlock Bath developed its inland 'seaside' resort image that it still carries today.

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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