Matlock
Matlock is the county town of Derbyshire. It’s small enough to give a warm welcome to visitors but big enough to provide an array of restaurants, shops, and bars. Matlock is also home to Hall Leys, a magnificent park dotted in the centre of the town. If you wish to explore what Derbyshire has to offer, including the Peak District, Matlock is a great base. Here are some things to see and do in Matlock and Matlock Bath.
Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham can be found in the centre of the Derbyshire Dales, in Matlock Bath village. With cable cars you can ride, caverns, and an impressive 60-acre hilltop park to explore, there is something for all the family to enjoy at the Heights of Abraham. When taking a cable car, you can look below at the magnificent Derwent Valley. There are also guided tours that take you underground through the Rutland Caverns and Great Masson. The Heights of Abraham is a popular tourist attraction, so make sure you buy tickets in advance.
Matlock Farm Park
Matlock Farm Park is an excellent attraction for toddlers and grownups. If you’re a family of animal lovers, Matlock Farm Park offers farmyard fun for every age group, all year round. There are a plethora of friendly animals to meet, cuddle, and feed, as well as an indoor play barn where your children can have hours of fun. You must pick up a souvenir from the gift shop, which will remind you of your trip to the farm.
Hall Leys Park
Hall Leys Park can be found at the heart of Matlock, which is known as one of the leading parks in England. Boasting 6 Green Flag Awards, Hall Leys Park is home to bowling greens, a miniature railway, and tennis courts. There is also a children’s play area that features accessible play equipment, meaning it’s suitable for disabled children too. Depending on when you visit, Hall Leys Park plays host to an array of festivals and events, thanks to its spacious setting.
Gulliver’s Kingdom
If you’re visiting Matlock for a family staycation, your children are sure to love a trip to Gulliver’s Kingdom, which is a theme park aged for kids aged 3-13. There are thrilling rides and fantastic attractions for all the family too, meaning you’re sure to have a day out full of adrenaline and excitement. Make sure you book your tickets for Gulliver’s Kingdom in advance, as you could save money.
Matlock Bath Aquarium and Exhibitions
Housed in a magnificent Victorian building in the heart of Matlock Bath, the Matlock Bath Aquarium and Exhibitions is home to over 50 species of fish, not to mention one of the biggest hologram displays in Europe. What was once a huge Victorian pool inside the building has now been turned into a thermal pool for Common, Mirror, and Koi Carp. There is a vending machine by the pool that sells food you can feed to the carp.
Thousands of visitors are drawn to Matlock every year thanks to its rich history, great outdoors, and activities that are suitable for all the family.
