Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Matlock Bath is one of the UK’s treasures. It’s such a unique place mostly as it’s very much like being at the seaside but without any sea anywhere nearby. For decades motorbikes have been flocking there and lining the streets. Also for decades families (including my own) have spent many happy hours in this Derbyshire village. (not to be confused with Matlock which are a 7-minute drive from each other).
Gulliver’s Kingdom
Average time of visit – 4+ hours. Indoors and Outdoors
Gulliver’s Kingdom is situated on the hillside and just on the edge of Matlock Bath. It has plenty of rides for young and old and is best suited to children aged 4 and over. Other attractions include crazy golf, a cable car, aerial adventure and shows.
Matlock Bath Aquarium
Average time of visit – 45 minutes to 2 hours. Indoors
As well as our fascinating Aquarium that houses over 50 species of fish there is – One of the largest public displays of Holograms in Europe. The Thermal Pool is the home of our famous Carp collection. The site of the only remaining ‘Petrifying well’ in Matlock Bath. A beautiful worldwide Gemstone and fossil display. A wonderful trip down memory lane in our ‘Past Times in Matlock Bath’ Exhibition. Plus a private collection of Goss and Crested China. totaling over 1,700 pieces.
Peak District Lead Mining Museum
Average time of visit – Up to 3 hours. Indoors
Experience the fascinating history of the Derbyshire Lead Mining industry and of the many families who made their living from this gruelling work. The museum has something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Matlock Bath Village and Illuminations
The main street in Matlock Bath is not only like visiting the English sea-side but the buildings still retain a lot of their past Victorian grandeur. Some of the shops and cafes even have caves and rock walls inside them. You can’t escape the smells of fish and chips, the sound of 2p slot machines and the excited kids in all the sweet shops.
Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent. During the 8-week season, Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights.
Heights of Abraham
Average time of visit – 2 hours + if you visit the show caves etc.
The Heights of Abraham consists of a hilltop park on top of Masson Hill, accessed from the village by either the Heights of Abraham cable car or a steep zig-zag path. The heights are named after a supposed resemblance to the Plains of Abraham, also known as the Heights of Abraham, in Quebec, Canada, where James Wolfe died in battle.
Amongst the attractions in the park, which has been open since Victorian times, are cavern and mine tours. There are also views of the dramatic scenery of the valley of the River Derwent. Plus playgrounds for the kids.
Sir Richard Arkwright and Masson Mills
Step back in time” in the Working Textile Museum at Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 showpiece Masson Mills, the finest surviving and best-preserved example of an Arkwright cotton spinning mill. Let the sights, smells and sounds of historic working textile machinery transport you into the past and bring Arkwright’s legacy to life. Shopping village, restaurant and car park on-site.
Prices and opening times vary. Please check the websites before visiting.
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