Matlock is a bustling town and tourist centre, as well as the administrative centre of Derbyshire. It has a great location within the county, being positioned on the southeastern borders of the Peak District National Park. It also sits within driving distance of several major towns and cities including Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield. Unlike many towns and villages within Derbyshire, Matlock remained a fairly small hamlet until the end of the 17th century, when thermal waters were discovered in the area. Matlock’s reputation as a spa town then boomed, reaching its peak during the Victorian era. Matlock Bath, which lies just south of Matlock itself, became particularly popular as a resort destination. Matlock saw many famous visitors come to take the supposedly curative waters of the hydros. Princess Victoria stopped here prior to becoming queen, as did the poets Byron and Ruskin, the scientist Eramus Darwin and his friend Josiah Wedgewood, the potter. All enjoyed the beauty of Derbyshire and the spa waters at its heart. The coming of the railways in the mid-nineteenth century brought the town within easy reach to a lot of people at minimal cost. Today Matlock retains a lot of Victorian charm as a reminder of this time.
By the 20th century and the onset of the World Wars Matlock’s notoriety as a spa town had declined somewhat, but it remains one of the county’s best-loved visitor spots. There is plenty to see to and do in the area. For example, Peak Rail is a refurbished and rebuilt steam railway between Matlock Riverside station and Rowsley South. It’s a great trip through time. Matlock’s Church of St. Giles is similarly historic. Look out for the preserved funeral garlands or “virgin crants” that were once common all over Derbyshire. The decorated garlands were made in memory of a deceased girl of the parish. At her funeral the garland would have been carried by the dead girl’s friends and after the service it would be suspended from the church rafters above the pew that her family would normally have occupied. Matlock Bath also contains a wealth of attractions, such as the Heights of Abraham park and cable car. There is also an aquarium, which contains an example of a petrifying well, and for families, Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park.
