Places to Stay in Matlock, Derbyshire

Places to Stay in Matlock, Derbyshire | Holiday Cottages & Accommodation

Matlock is a brilliant place to stay and explore in the Peak District, with Matlock Bath and Darley Dale all close by. It’s ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway, friends planning a reunion or families wanting to enjoy time together.

At Peak Venues, we have a range of self catering accommodation located in and around Matlock. From cosy holiday cottages for smaller family breaks to large holiday houses for group getaways and special occasions.

Many of our holiday properties are dog friendly, with games rooms and spacious social and dining areas so everyone can relax, celebrate and dine together. Perfect for weekend breaks, family holidays, corporate stays, anniversaries and memorable Peak District escapes.

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Things to See and Do in Matlock & Matlock Bath

Matlock and Matlock bath are packed with things to see and do, making them a brilliant destination whatever the time of year. A brilliant base for exploring the Peak District and wider Derbyshire Dales, the area offers an ideal mix of outdoor activities, historic landmarks, family friendly attractions and charming independent shops and places to eat.

Whether you’re exploring the gorge on foot, taking in the views from the cable cars or discovering the area’s rich history, there’s always something to keep everyone in your group entertained throughout your stay.

With so much to see and do close by, Matlock and Matlock Bath are ideal for short breaks, longer holidays and group getaways where everyone can enjoy something different.

Things to Do and See in Matlock:

  • Hall Leys Park: Award-winning park in the town centre featuring boating lake, tennis courts and beautifully landscaped riverside walks

  • Matlock Farm Park: Family friendly open farm with a large selection of animals to see and feed. Great for family days out

  • Lumsdale Falls: Walk to the steep-sided wooded gorge with a series of historic water-powered mills.

Things to Do and See in Matlock Bath:

  • Heights of Abraham: Take the famous cable car flight up to the hilltop park with cavern tours, playgrounds and the Vista Restaurant.

  • Gulliver’s Kingdom: A fantastic theme park specifically designed for families with younger children with stunning views over the valley

  • Peak District Lead Mining Museum: Learn more about the area’s mining history and what life was like for the local lead miners

Image showing Lumsdale Falls in Matlock, Derbyshire

Places to Eat and Drink in Matlock & Matlock Bath

Image showing Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, Peak District.

Both Matlock and Matlock Bath offer plenty of places to eat and drink with great variety between the two areas.

Matlock itself has a great mix of independent restaurants, cafes and bars in its town centre. Over in Matlock Bath, you’ll see it’s beloved seaside charm, often described as a “seaside town without the sea”. Here you’ll find the holiday feel with places to grab food after a day exploring the local attractions including classic fish and chip shops and cafes.

Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a family holiday, a group getaway or a romantic break, the local food and drink scene makes it easy to enjoy time together. From quick bites and coffee stops to hearty pub meals and celebratory dinners, Matlock and Matlock Bath offer plenty of choice close to your stay.

Places to Eat and Drink in Matlock:

  • Stones Restaurant: Provides a fantastic dining experience in a relaxed setting with a superb modern British menu

  • Maazi Matlock: Offering an authentic Indian dining experience with aromatic curries served in clay-pots. Also offers takeaways

  • Mad Hatter Tea Room: Offering an Alice in Wonderland-themed atmosphere with a log burner in the outbuilding

Places to Eat and Drink in Matlock Bath:

  • Matlock Bath Fish Bar: This local staple is a top-rated spot for traditional fish and chips. Perfect for a casual riverside lunch for groups and families

  • The Fishpond: Family and dog friendly pub in Matlock Bath offering great food, drinks and live music Thursday to Sunday

  • The Restoration Café: Located at the historic Masson Mills, the café offers a spacious and grand setting for afternoon tea or a light lunch

Image showing South Parade in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, Peak District.

History of Matlock & Matlock Bath

Matlock and Matlock Bath share a rich history rooted in the discovery of natural thermal springs, which following their discovery in 1698, saw the area grow from a small collection of villages into one of England’s most fashionable spa destinations.

At its peak, Matlock was home to over 20 hydrotherapy centres, including the world-famous Smedley’s Hydro, which attracted royalty and celebrities before hydrotherapy declined after World War I.

Matlock Bath earned a devoted following among notable visitors, with Lord Byron famously comparing its dramatic gorge and limestone scenery to alpine Switzerland, giving rise to its enduring nickname of ‘Little Switzerland’.

Much of the original 19th century architecture has been preserved thanks to the town’s status as a designated conservation area, meaning the Matlock Bath you visit today looks remarkably similar to the one painted by artists two centuries ago.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Matlock & Matlock Bath

Yes, Matlock is definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a relaxed Peak District break with plenty to see and do nearby. The town has a great mix of riverside walks, green spaces, cafes, pubs, independent shops, with Matlock Bath just a short distance away for family attractions, cable car rides, and classic days out. It’s an ideal choice for couples, families, friends and groups wanting to explore Derbyshire while staying close to both countryside and local amenities.

It all depends on n what you’re looking for. Matlock is better for a relaxed town feel, with shops, cafes, pubs, parks and easy access to the surrounding Peak District countryside. Matlock Bath has more of a traditional day out atmosphere with lots of family attractions, riverside fish and chips, and things to do. The two are very close together, so staying near Matlock gives you the best of both.

Matlock is popular for its beautiful Peak District, local town charm and for all the things to see and do for all ages. It makes for a brilliant base for family holidays, romantic breaks, group getaways and relaxed weekends away.

Matlock and Matlock are great destinations year-round, however, the best months to visit Matlock tend to be the spring and summer months from April through to September when it is most popular. During these months, you’ll enjoy warmer weather perfect for exploring the gorge, walking trails and outdoor attractions.

Autumn is equally beautiful, with stunning foliage across the Derbyshire Dales and the much-loved Matlock Bath Illuminations drawing visitors each October. Even winter has its charm, making it a lovely destination for a cosy off-peak break.

Yes, you can walk from Matlock Bath to Cromford, and it makes for a lovely short walk if you want to explore more of the local area during your stay. The station-to-station route between Matlock Bath and Cromford is around 2 to 3 miles (3.2 to 4.8km), depending on the route you choose, with options including the easier riverside or village paths and more scenic hilltop walks with steeper sections. Cromford is well worth visiting for its historic mill, village centre and access to the Cromford Canal towpath.

Lumsdale Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Lumsdale Valley just outside Matlock, set within a steep-sided wooded gorge with a fascinating history of water-powered mills dating back to the 17th century. It’s around a 5-minute drive from Matlock town centre and it’s a brilliant place to walk for families, dog walkers, and anyone look for a scenic, off-the-beaten-track walk during their stay.

Matlock Bath does not have a main weekly outdoor market in the same way Matlock does. The Matlock Outdoor Market takes place in Hall Leys Park every Wednesday, usually running from 9am to 15.30pm, with the main season from April to Christmas and limited stalls earlier in the year. Matlock also hosts seasonal events such as the Victorian Matlock Christmas Market, which also takes place in Hall Leys Park.

Matlock Bath is often described as being like the seaside because it has a classic holiday feel, even though it’s inland. Along the riverside you’ll find fish and chip shops, cafes, ice cream and family attractions, giving it a traditional British seaside atmosphere without the beach. Its history as a visitor location along with its promenade-stye setting beside the River Derwent, makes it a fun and nostalgic place to visit during a Peak District break.

Matlock and the surrounding area have been used as filming locations for several productions, including Dead Man’s Shoes (2004 film), which featured locations around Matlock, Matlock Bath, Bonsall and Riber Castle. Women in Love (2010 film) was filmed partly around Matlock Bath. The area’s dramatic scenery, historic buildings and Peak District setting make it a popular backdrop for film and TV.