The small town of Matlock Bath in Derbyshire found it’s place on the map when warm springs at a constant temperature of 68 degrees were discovered in 1698. It became an instant gathering place for the wealthy aristocrats of the day and as unrest spread throughout Europe towards the end of the 18th Century, they looked to spa towns such as Matlock Bath as an alternative to the grand tour. As more accessible roads were built in the early to mid 19th Century, the town grew more open to the emerging middle-classes who, some might say, destroyed its genteel elegance. With the construction of the railway in the 1840’s, Matlock Bath was finally accessible to the ordinary working-classes who came in their droves as the town became more and more commercialised and was born as a popular tourist resort. The Matlock Bath of today with its amusement arcades, fast food outlets, souvenir shops and car and coach parks would be unrecognisable to the privileged aristocracy who once came to take the waters in their exclusive haven among the Peaks. Modern attractions today include climbing, caves, mining museum, model railway, amusement park, aquarium, wooded walk, landscape gardens and children’s play areas.
Attraction
Heights of Abraham Cable Cars, Caverns & Hilltop Park
Life in a Lens
Matlock Bath Aquarium and Hologram Gallery
Peak District Mining Museum
Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills Working Textile Museum
Whistlestop Countryside Centre
Performing Arts
Pub and Bar
County & Station
Fishpond Hotel
Midland Hotel
Princess Victoria
Restaurant
Balti Restaurant
Lamp and Seam
Thyme Restaurant
Shops
Pavers
Beano’s Wholefoods
The Old Bank
The Riverside Kiosk
Eaton Crown China Ltd
Gifts Galore
Places to Stay near Matlock Bath
New Bath Hotel (0.22 miles)
The Secret Cottage (0.49 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Secluded amidst peaceful landscaped gardens and glorious countryside this romantic, attractive detached cottage – is a perfect place from which to explore the many attractions of the ... More
Willersley Castle Hotel (0.50 miles)
The Greyhound Hotel (0.66 miles)
Come and join us at the Greyhound whether you are looking for an enjoyable night out, a relaxed drink with friends or a delicious meal in our restaurant.Spend some time ... More
High Tor Hotel (0.83 miles)
Alison House (0.92 miles)
Duke of Wellington (1.94 miles)
Rich in original character and traditional charm, this cosy 19th-century country inn offers good beers, an extensive food menu at great value prices and comfortable en suite rooms in the ... More
Yew Tree Cottage (2.17 miles)
Escape to enjoy a luxurious break with an award winning breakfast, a warm welcome, a relaxing stay and excellent service in the peace and charm of our elegantly furnished 18th century cottage home and pretty ... More | visit website
Lea Hall (2.29 miles)
In the Derbyshire Village of Lea, Lea Hall is the childhood home of Florence Nightingale.
The Hall has a grand entrance with impressive chandelier lit, portrait clad staircase leading to bedrooms ... More
The Old Lock-Up (2.41 miles)
The Old Lock Up, where once prisoners slopped out with buckets, now has the last word in luxury. An invigorating double airbath soothes aching muscles after a day walking the Dales, a glass of wine ... More | visit website
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