At the Grand Pavilion, a music festival is put on every year in June as a part of the Matlock Live week rowing boats leave from the landing stage alongside it. Matlock Bath became well-known during the 19th century for its thermal waters which stay at a constant temperature all year round. There is a spider’s web of paths which enable the visitor to explore this countryside. Known as the area of 1000 views, and a gateway to the Derbyshire Dales, the Matlocks typify Derbyshire scenery at its best: a combination of the river valley, wooded hills with steep sides and the occasional dramatic limestone crag and peak. The Matlocks, including Matlock Bath and Matlock itself, consists of the chain of small towns running down the spectacular Derwent valley. We have many gorgeous places to explore, relax, eat, drink and take in the amazing scenery which Matlock is the heart of.

Smedley’s former Hydro now houses the County Council offices. In fact, it was built in the mid-19th century for Mr John Smedley, a local textile manufacturer who was the man who developed Matlock as a spa. Despite its battlements and turrets, it isn’t truly a castle. Overlooking the town, taking pride of place sits Riber Castle, the most well-known landmark in the Matlock. In Matlock town itself, we have the beautiful Hall Leys Park – just across the bridge from Riverbank House – where there are facilities for many outdoor sports and a large recreation ground for children. The River Derwent flows past at the bottom of our beautiful garden through one of the most attractive valleys in the country. If you are attending a function or wedding reception at County Hall we are within walking distance. Our Riverbank Bed & breakfastand Riverbank Self-Catering are ideally placed in the centre of Matlock to explore the town and its attractions.

High tor peak district