Matlock

Matlock is really two destinations: The town is the main shopping and administrative centre for the area, while Matlock Bath a few miles down the road is the tourist trap.

Matlock Bath merits a visit for its natural setting and Victorian charm. The riverside is developed on one side only — the West bank — with woods and crags on the opposite bank, through which wind the Lovers' Walks. Although about as far as one can get from the sea in England, it has an almost seaside feel and none of the elegance of spa towns such as Buxton, Cheltenham, Leamington or Bath.

Visitor information:

Matlock Town Council

By bus:

Regular TransPeak long-distance bus services from Derby or Manchester (via Buxton ) or 6.1 service bus from Derby or Bakewell.

Also accessible via frequent bus services to/from Sheffield and Chesterfield.

By train:

Matlock is the terminus station on the Derwent Valley branch railway from Derby, from where connections can be made to all major cities in UK. Railway stations at 1 Matlock for the town or 2 Matlock Bath (1.5 miles S) for the scenic Derwent gorge area, the Heights of Abraham attraction, caves and cable car service.

By car:

Matlock is on the A6 Derby-Stockport road south of Buxton. The nearest motorway junction is J28 on M1, then A38 westbound to Alfreton, then A615 westbound to Matlock.

By plane:

Nearest airport is East Midlands Airport, accessible by regular shuttle bus to/from Derby railway station.