Matlock, Derbyshire, is famous as a historic spa town in the Peak District, known for its natural thermal springs, elegant Victorian architecture, and the lively Matlock Bath with its seaside resort feel; today it's popular for outdoor activities, independent shops, heritage railways like Peak Rail, and attractions like the Heights of Abraham, offering a mix of traditional market town charm and Peak District beauty.
Matlock Bank, the steep hillside rising from Crown Square, was once the site of the world's steepest tramway, the famous “Tuppence Up, Penny Down,” which ran from 1893 to 1927. The area also owes much to John Smedley, who built a world-famous Hydro Cure Centre in the 19th century.
There are plenty of things to do in Matlock. In the heart of Matlock sits Hall Leys Park with its boating lake, riverside walks, tennis courts and skateboard park. In Matlock town centre there are pretty streets full of small, independent shops, and a host of cafés, pubs and restaurants in which to relax.
There's no single "prettiest," but popular contenders for prettiest town/village in Derbyshire include Hartington, famous for cheese and charm; Wirksworth, an artistic hub with cool lanes; Castleton, the "Gem of the Peak" in the Hope Valley with caverns and Peveril Castle; and Edensor, a perfect estate village near Chatsworth, while Matlock offers classic spa town beauty.
[4K] 🇬🇧 Peak District Winter Walk 🌧️🎄 | Matlock at Christmas & Festive Village Scenes
Where did Tom Cruise film in Derbyshire?
Luxury Peak District getaway in picturesque Derbyshire village where Tom Cruise filmed Mission Impossible. Discover the luxury Peak District apartment in Stoney Middleton, renowned for its connection with Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible filming location.
Matlock is an excellent place to live for those who enjoy a balanced mix of tranquillity and excitement. It is situated in the heart of the Peak District, offering immediate access to the open countryside, scenic trails and inviting green spaces.
Chesterfield is frequently named the happiest place to live in Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands, based on recent studies like Rightmove's annual survey (December 2025). Residents and articles highlight its community feel, friendly people, affordability, historic character (like the famous Crooked Spire), abundant green spaces (such as Queen's Park), and immediate access to the Peak District National Park for outdoor activities.
Matlock Market Days primarily refer to the weekly outdoor market held every Wednesday in Hall Leys Park, from around 9 am to 3:30 pm, offering local produce, gifts, and crafts in a pleasant park setting. Additionally, Matlock hosts special events, including popular Christmas Markets (December), and occasionally features farmers' markets or other seasonal markets, so checking local event listings for dates is recommended for specific events like those on Derbyshire Dales District Council's Markets page or Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is a good idea.
Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire was used to film the exterior scenes of Malfoy Manor, family home of Harry Potter's nemesis Draco, of Slytherin house. It features in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, with help from some CGI effects.
Riber Castle is a 19th century Grade II listed country house overlooking Matlock, Derbyshire. It was built by local mill-owner John Smedley in 1862 as his private home. After the death of Smedley's wife, the castle became a boys' school until the 1930s.
Richard returns to his home town of Matlock, Derbyshire, after serving in the British Army. Richard vows to take revenge on a group of drug dealers who horrifically abused his younger, mentally impaired brother Anthony. Richard antagonizes Herbie, one of the abusers, who does not recognise him at first.
English: habitational name from Matlock in Derbyshire. The placename probably derives from Old English mæthel 'speech, assembly, meeting place' + āc 'oak tree'.
There's no single "prettiest," but Tissington, Hartington, Ashford-in-the-Water, and Castleton consistently top lists for their picturesque limestone cottages, village greens, historic halls, and stunning Peak District settings, with Tissington known as a perfect estate village, Hartington for its cheese and green, Ashford for its Sheepwash Bridge, and Castleton for Peveril Castle views. Other contenders include Edensor (Chatsworth Estate), Eyam, and Osmaston.
Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England and one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds. Walking through this village truly feels like stepping back in time; no new houses have been built here for over 400 years, so it has kept its authentic, old-world charm.
Matlock Town is among the top 10 most dangerous small towns in Derbyshire, and is the 61st most dangerous overall out of Derbyshire's 267 towns, villages, and cities. The overall crime rate in Matlock Town in 2025 was 59 crimes per 1,000 people.
There are safer parts of Derbyshire, identified using the same Crime Risk measurement, starting with Glossop which ranks as the safest area in Derbyshire, followed up by Long Eaton in second place, and Chesterfield in third place.
A great day in Matlock involves exploring Matlock Bath's attractions, like the Heights of Abraham cable cars and Victorian arcades, strolling along the River Derwent, visiting historic Cromford Mills, or enjoying family fun at Gulliver's Kingdom or Matlock Farm Park, with options for scenic walks, vintage trams at Crich, and independent shops for treats like fish & chips.
Matlock is 9 miles (14 km) south-west of Chesterfield and in close reach of the cities of Derby (19 miles), Sheffield (20 miles) and Nottingham (29 miles). Matlock is within the Derbyshire Dales district and is the headquarters of Derbyshire County Council.
Not all of the jokes land in Matlock, but the drama and mystery intrigue enough to keep viewers interested. Parents and teens might cringe to hear casually spoken lines about sexual pleasure from an unexpected source, but this isn't a terribly graphic or gritty series.
