From The Neolithic To The Sea: A Journey From The Past To The Present
Matlock Bath
Statistics
Category
County
Coordinates
Grid
Condition
Age
Admission
County
Coordinates
Grid
Condition
Age
Admission
Urban
Derbyshire
53°07'15.1"N 1°33'46.6"W
SK 2934758275
-
1698
Free
Derbyshire
53°07'15.1"N 1°33'46.6"W
SK 2934758275
-
1698
Free
Map
- History
- Gallery
- Gallery
- Gallery
Matlock Bath is a village on the edge of the Peak District, close to Matlock, Derbyshire.
In 1698, warm springs were discovered and a bath house was built at the head of a dead-end dirt road running alongside the valley of the River Derwent.
As the waters became better known, a bridge was built into Matlock and in 1783, the south of the valley was opened up. Princess Victoria of Kent's royal visit to the new spa town in 1832 confirmed Matlock as a society venue visiting a pair of museums and a petrifying well.
John Ruskin and Lord Byron visited, Byron comparing it with alpine Switzerland, leading to a nickname of Little Switzerland. Erasmus Darwin had recommended the area to Josiah Wedgwood I for its beauty and soothing waters, members of the families visited and then settled here.
The North Midland Railway opened in 1840, carriages plied for hire from Ambergate station. The Birmingham and Derby Junction Railway ran a number of excursions, taking the passengers onward from Ambergate by the Cromford Canal.
Today Matlock Bath is a designated conservation area with an Article 4 Direction, in relation to properties along North and South Parade. It is known as a seaside town without the sea and a popular tourist destination, attractions include the Heights of Abraham park, Gulliver's Kingdom theme park, the Peak District Mining Museum, the Grand Pavilion and an aquarium.
On the opposite bank of the river Derwent stands High Tor, a sheer cliff popular with climbers and walkers. High Tor features the Giddy Edge, a narrow winding path along the cliff edge. The Heights of Abraham cable cars link the base of High Tor rising to the Heights of Abraham. In autumn of each year, the 'Venetian Nights' are held with illuminations along the river and illuminated boats.
On weekends in summer, many hundreds of motorcyclists congregate in the town.
In 1698, warm springs were discovered and a bath house was built at the head of a dead-end dirt road running alongside the valley of the River Derwent.
As the waters became better known, a bridge was built into Matlock and in 1783, the south of the valley was opened up. Princess Victoria of Kent's royal visit to the new spa town in 1832 confirmed Matlock as a society venue visiting a pair of museums and a petrifying well.
John Ruskin and Lord Byron visited, Byron comparing it with alpine Switzerland, leading to a nickname of Little Switzerland. Erasmus Darwin had recommended the area to Josiah Wedgwood I for its beauty and soothing waters, members of the families visited and then settled here.
The North Midland Railway opened in 1840, carriages plied for hire from Ambergate station. The Birmingham and Derby Junction Railway ran a number of excursions, taking the passengers onward from Ambergate by the Cromford Canal.
Today Matlock Bath is a designated conservation area with an Article 4 Direction, in relation to properties along North and South Parade. It is known as a seaside town without the sea and a popular tourist destination, attractions include the Heights of Abraham park, Gulliver's Kingdom theme park, the Peak District Mining Museum, the Grand Pavilion and an aquarium.
On the opposite bank of the river Derwent stands High Tor, a sheer cliff popular with climbers and walkers. High Tor features the Giddy Edge, a narrow winding path along the cliff edge. The Heights of Abraham cable cars link the base of High Tor rising to the Heights of Abraham. In autumn of each year, the 'Venetian Nights' are held with illuminations along the river and illuminated boats.
On weekends in summer, many hundreds of motorcyclists congregate in the town.
