Matlock is the county town of Derbyshire — a compact, handsome spa town in the Derwent Valley at the southern edge of the Peak District, surrounded by dramatic limestone gorges, wooded hillsides and some of the finest countryside in the East Midlands. With a population of 14,684, it is an excellent base for exploring the Peak District whilst offering good transport connections to Derby, Sheffield and beyond.
The town sits in the Derwent Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, where Richard Arkwright built the world's first water-powered cotton mills at Cromford, just 2 miles south. The Cromford Mills, now beautifully restored, are one of the most important industrial heritage sites in the world. Above the town, the spectacular High Tor limestone crag rises 400 feet from the valley floor, offering some of the most dramatic views in Derbyshire.
The neighbouring town of Matlock Bath — half a mile south along the gorge — has a quite different character, with its Victorian illuminations, riverside amusements, cable car to the Heights of Abraham and the extraordinary sight of the Derwent Gorge cutting through towering limestone cliffs. Riber Castle, a romantic Victorian folly on the ridge above Matlock, is visible for miles around.
House prices average £248,000 — excellent value for a Peak District gateway town with its own railway station and good motorway access. East Midlands Airport is just 22 miles away.
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Who is Matlock Good For?
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VisitBritain- Cromford Mills (UNESCO)The world's first water-powered cotton mill, built by Richard Arkwright in 1771 — the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautifully restored with a visitor centre.
- Heights of AbrahamA hilltop park above Matlock Bath, reached by cable car over the Derwent Gorge. Victorian show caverns, fossil exhibitions, woodland walks and extraordinary views over the limestone gorge.
- High Tor & Derwent GorgeThe dramatic limestone crag of High Tor rises 400 feet above the Derwent — spectacular walking, climbing and views. The gorge walk between Matlock and Matlock Bath is one of the finest in Derbyshire.
- Ecclesbourne Valley RailwayA heritage railway running from Wirksworth through beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Diesel and steam services on selected days throughout the year.
- Matlock Bath AquariumHoused in a former Victorian pump room, this quirky attraction features tropical fish, a pool of giant mirror carp, hologram exhibitions and the original thermal pool still fed by the spring.
- Peak District National ParkMatlock sits at the southern gateway to the Peak District — Dovedale, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Bakewell and the Limestone Dales are all within 30 minutes' drive.
- Riber CastleA dramatic Victorian Gothic castle on the ridge above Matlock, visible for miles around. Now being restored — the views from the hilltop across the Derwent Valley are exceptional.
- Matlock Bath IlluminationsA uniquely Victorian tradition — every autumn weekend, illuminated boat processions and fireworks light up the Derwent Gorge at Matlock Bath in a tradition dating back to 1897.
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