A unique town in the Midlands offers all the charm of a seaside visit, minus the beach. Despite being 70 miles inland, Matlock Bath boasts great fish and chip shops, amusement arcades, and even a picturesque waterside promenade.
The town’s riverside location and traditional attractions create a similar atmosphere to coastal towns. Visitors can still enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the Derbyshire spa town’s historic thermal springs at the New Bath Hotel and Spa’s restored lido. Nestled near the wildcat crafts of the Derbyshire Dales, the outdoor pool is fed by naturally mineral-rich thermal spring water flowing at a comfortable 19.8°C – warmer than the shores at Blackpool or Weston-super-Mare.
The discovery of Matlock Bath’s springs in the 17th century transformed the town into a tourist hotspot.
Today, it offers a range of attractions for families, including Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park, the 60-acre Heights of Abraham hilltop park accessible by cable car, a Victorian aquarium, and traditional amusement arcades along the prom.
Shops selling fudge, antiques, ice creams, and gifts add to the seaside feel.
For those seeking serenity, the opposite bank of the river Derwent is a must-visit, with High Tor’s towering cliff attracting more hikers and climbers than sightseers.
Giddy Edge, a meandering path along the cliff edge, can also be discovered here.
Further afield, Cromford Mills, the world’s first water-powered cotton spinning mill, and the magnificent National Trust manor house of Kedleston Hall, its interior mirroring the splendour of ancient Greece and Rome, are worth exploring.
