15 Things To Do In Matlock Bath | Updated List 2024

Activities To Do In Matlock Bath 

Witness Amazing Views from Heights of Abraham, Visit Peak District Lead Mining Museum,  Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Gulliver’s Kingdom, Stroll around Cascades Gardens, Explore Matlock Bath Aquarium, Visit Hopton Quarry Nature Reserve, Take a Train Ride Peak Trail, Feed the Animals at Matlock Farm Park and many more.

Matlock Bath is a small picturesque town on the south-eastern edge of Peak District National Park that emerged as a major tourist hub in the 19th century. This Victorian spa town is renowned for its thermal spring waters that boast for having healing properties. Well-known for its fascinating landscape, gorgeous water streams, amazing wooded valleys, and mighty limestone cliffs, Matlock Bath has a historical past that lures millions of visitors into coming here.

The town is a popular base for families since there are so many things to do at Matlock Bath that are certainly fun and enjoyable for people of all ages. If you are looking forward to a splendid day out with kids, you can visit the Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock Farm Park and Matlock Bath Aquarium. You can stop over at Lovers Walk, Cascades Gardens, Heights of Abraham or Lumsdale Valley to witness the scenic beauty of the town. In case you want to do something adventurous, you can take a canoe trip on River Derwent or solve clues on the Matlock Bath treasure trail.

Here are some of the best things to do in Matlock Bath:

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01

Witness Amazing Views From Heights Of Abraham

  • Heights of Abraham is possibly the main reason why people visit Matlock Bath as it is a beautiful location with several fun activities. 
  • It is a 60-acre estate with seven amazing viewpoints from where you can see the breathtaking landscape of Derbyshire Dales. 
  • The cable car journey to Heights of Abraham is a scenic ride that offers a splendid panoramic view of the surroundings. 
  • The place also has other fun things to do at Matlock Bath like multimedia exhibitions, nature trails, and guided tours to the caverns to learn about the history of the place.

Location:
Dale Rd, Matlock DE4 3NT, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5.30 PM on all days of the week

Entry Tickets: 24 Euros for adults, 15 Euros for children between 5 and 15 years, and free for kids below 5 years

Know More: Things To Do In Bath
02

Visit Peak District Lead Mining Museum

  • Visiting the Peak District Lead Mining Museum is one of the most important things to do at Matlock Bath since it reflects the history of the place and its people. 
  • The museum is a replica of the lead and fluorspar mine that was the main source of living of the neighbourhood until the 20th century. 
  • You can go on guided tours around the Temple mine to discover life underground. 
  • Take your children for gold panning where they can discover fool’s gold, galena and other sparkling crystals that they can take back home.

Location: 196, South Parade, Matlock DE4 3NR, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM 

Entry Tickets: 12 Euros for adults, 6 Euros for children aged 5 to 18

Recommended Read: Places To Visit In Bath
03

Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Gulliver’s Kingdom

  • Have fun with your kids at the adventurous rides of Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park which is a unique amusement park aimed at children of ages 3 to 13 years. 
  • The park is divided into six different themed zones and features 65 different rides including a Drop Tower, Cycle MonoRail, Log Flume and Dino Explorer Cars. 
  • If you wish to spend one more day at the park, you can stay overnight at the Gulliver’s Kingdom Resort where prince, pirate and wizard themed cabins are available.

Location:
Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week

Entry Tickets: 24 Euros for adults and children, 22 Euros for senior citizens 

Check This Out : Things To Do Near Bath
04

Stroll Around Cascades Gardens

  • If you are a plant enthusiast, visiting the Cascades Gardens is one of the top most things to do at Matlock Bath. 
  • The garden is a mini paradise where you can relax, rejuvenate and find peace. 
  • Surrounded by a corn mill, cliff, stream, and garden rooms, the garden is adorned with new shrubs and atypical perennial flowers every season. 
  • Apart from strolling around the Cascade Gardens, you can also enjoy a tranquil evening at the meditation center, visit the nursery or spend a day at the Bed and Breakfast here.

Location:
The Cascades, Clatterway, Matlock DE4 2AH, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM from Friday to Tuesday

Entry Tickets: 7 Euros for adults, 3 Euros for children under 15 years, and free for kids below 5 years

Recommended Read: Things To Do In London

05

Explore Matlock Bath Aquarium

  • Visiting the Matlock Bath Aquarium is one of the fondest things to do in Matlock Bath for both adults and kids. 
  • Set in a stunning Victorian Museum, the Aquarium is a huge exhibition of 50 different species of fish. 
  • You can see the famous Thermal Pool which is home to a rare Carp collection, a gemstone and fossil display and a plethora of warm-water coral reefs. 
  • What is even more intriguing about the aquarium is that it is the site of the only Petrifying Well where the water turns the items into stones.

Location:
10 N Parade, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3NS, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM on all days of the week 

Entry Tickets: 3.80 Euros per person, free for children aged 4 and below

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In London
06

Visit Hopton Quarry Nature Reserve

  • Hopton Quarry is an unused limestone quarry that is presently the home of varied flora and fauna.
  • The diverse habitat of the reserve has become the breeding ground of butterflies and wildflowers that are locally and nationally significant. 
  • Visiting the Hopton Quarry is one of the best things to do in Matlock Bath during late spring and summer when the place is adorned with colourful and fragrant orchids. 
  • You can also spot rare shade-tolerant vegetation like broad-leaved helleborine and common twayblade along the corners and woodlands of the reserve.

Location:
Matlock DE4 4HE, United Kingdom

Read More: Things To Do In Leeds

07

Take a Train Ride Peak Trail

  • Experience the magic of steam and take a fun-filled journey through Derbyshire Dales on one of the town’s heritage locomotives Peak Rail. 
  • The sight and sound of a steam locomotive, the breathtaking beauty of the countryside and the special events hosted on the train make the ride memorable of all the other things to do in Matlock Bath. 
  • You can enjoy a luxury dining at Palatine Restaurant Car that serves delicious Sunday lunches, Christmas lunches and Cream Teas. 

Location:
MATLOCK STATION, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE DE4 3NA.

Entry Tickets: 8.50 Euros per adult, 8 Euros for senior citizens and 2.95 Euros for kids aged 3 to 15 years

Also Checkout: Places To Visit In Birmingham
08

Feed the Animals at Matlock Farm Park

  • If you are looking for things to do at Matlock Bath that are entertaining for your little ones, visiting the Matlock Farm Park is the best option. 
  • The park has farm animals like sheep, goats, donkeys and pigs as well as exotic creatures like emus, rhea birds, wallabies and meerkats. 
  • Children can enjoy petting and feeding these animals during their feeding time with a bag of animal food. 
  • The Farm Park also features an indoor play area, adventure playground, go-kart track, horse riding lessons and pony rides.

Location:
Jaggers Ln, Matlock DE4 5LH, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM

Entry Tickets: 11.95 Euros for adults, 9.95 Euros for children aged 4 to 14, 7.95 Euros for toddlers aged 2 to 3 

Check This Out: Things To Do In Manchester
09

Experience Matlock Bath Illuminations

  • Witness a parade of decorated boats at the Matlock Bath Illuminations event on the River Derwent during every weekend of September and October. 
  • Themed models are mounted on row boats and taken on a grand procession creating an eye-candy display for the visitors. 
  • You can also see colourful fireworks lighting up the skies of Derwent Gardens from the Bandstand area during the event. 
  • Sundays include other entertainment like stilt walkers and family nights to lure young visitors.

Location:
Derwent Gardens, Matlock Bath, Matlock, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: Saturday - 7:45 PM to 8:50 PM in September and 7 PM to 8:50 PM in October
                            Sunday - 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM in September and 7 PM to 8 PM in October 

Entry Tickets: 6.50 Euros on Saturdays, 4.50 Euros on Sundays

Know More: Places To Visit In Manchester

10

Have Fun at Arc Leisure Centre

  • Take a break from the usual things to do at Matlock Bath and engage in fun-filled sports activities at the Arc Leisure Centre. 
  • Built solely for the fitness and well-being of you and your family, Arc Leisure Centre features two competition standard swimming pools for trainers, fitness enthusiasts as well as for those looking to swim for fun. 
  • You can also join training sessions at the gym, avail dance classes or play badminton, basketball, volleyball or football to up your fitness game. 
  • The centre also has PeliDeli’s Cafe, meeting rooms and dedicated spaces for hosting parties. 

Location:
Bakewell Rd, Matlock DE4 3AZ, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 10 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays, 8 AM to 8 PM on Sunday

Entry Tickets: 6.45 Euros for fitness classes, 4.65 Euros for swimming, 12.55 Euros for badminton per session of 55 minutes

Recommended Read: Things To Do In Liverpool

11

Explore Lumsdale Valley

  • Located just outside the pretty town of Matlock is the Lumsdale Valley which is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. 
  • Exploring Lumsdale Valley is one of the exciting things to do at Matlock Bath since it is a quaint place boasting of natural beauty, stunning waterfalls, archaic mills and a fascinating history. 
  • You can see several ruined mills that were once used for cotton spinning, grinding corn, bones and minerals, and bleaching. 
  • You can also spot different species of wildlife, birds and plants at the Lumsdale Valley thanks to its woodlands and water streams.

Location:
Peak District, Derbyshire, England

Opening Hours: The path through the mill ruins is open from Monday at 9 AM to Friday at 8 PM 

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Liverpool
12

Canoeing at the River Derwent

  • Go on a lovely four-mile canoe trip on the River Derwent in case you are looking for exciting things to do at Matlock Bath. 
  • The canoe trip goes from Darley Bridge to Matlock Bath and is subject to appropriate water levels being available. 
  • After a safety briefing session, the instructors teach you canoe skills to negotiate water, under bridges, rapids and rocks. 
  • As you canoe along Derwent, you can witness the mesmerizing beauty of the landscape, ruined mills and the place’s historical past.

Location:
Derbyshire, England

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM

Entry Tickets: 57.50 Euros per person

Recommended Read: Things To Do In Leeds With Kids
13

Go for A Matlock Bath Treasure Trail

  • Set off on a self-guided mysterious trip around Matlock Bath like a detective looking for valuables. 
  • The Matlock Bath Treasure Trail is truly one of the adventurous things to do at Matlock Bath that is thrilling for both kids and adults. 
  • As you follow the directions on the trail route map, you will cross winding roads, high cliffs, streams and prominent landmarks. 
  • The trail is 2 miles long and takes about 2 hours to solve all the sneaky clues and get to the treasure.

Location:
Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire Dales DE4 5JA, England

Opening Hours: Open on all days in the morning

Entry Tickets: 9.99 Euros per trail

Know More: Things To Do In Glasgow City Centre
14

Stop by National Stone Museum

  • The National Stone Museum is a lovely place to visit with young kids who are keen on unique things to do in Matlock Bath. 
  • Built on the disused quarries, the museum exhibits the history of the stone and its significance in the historical and industrial past of Derbyshire. 
  • You can also go on the 800-metre-long geo-trail to witness limestone quarries that were once a part of the tropical island or hunt for fossils. 
  • The museum also has fun activities for children like gem panning, drystone walling and fossil rubbing. 

Location:
Porter Ln, Wirksworth, Matlock DE4 4LS, United Kingdom

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM during winter months, 10 AM – 5 PM during summer months

Also Read: Things To Do In Cardiff For Couples
15

Stroll along The Lovers’ Walk

  • Lovers’ Walk is a must-visit place for couples who wish to indulge in private things to do in Matlock Bath. It is a calm, beautiful and easy hiking trail that can be enjoyed by everyone.
  • The Walk is a short path along Derwent River through wooded valleys and huge cliffs from where you can visualize the mesmerizing beauty of the neighbourhood. 
  • You can stop at Derwent Gardens on the trail to enjoy the Ornamental Fountain, pond and lots of flowering plants.

Location:
Matlock Dale, Matlock DE4 3NR, United Kingdom

People Also Ask About Bath

  1. What are the best things to do in Matlock Bath?

    1. Watch Matlock Bath Illuminations: Watching the beautifully decorated models go on a parade during the Matlock Bath Illuminations event is one of the best things to do at Matlock Bath. Illuminated row boats carry themed models on river Derwent and are accompanied by colourful fireworks during the show.

    2. Visit Gulliver’s Kingdom:
    If you are looking for fun things to do in Matlock Bath along with kids, visit Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park. It has over 60 rides and six zones built solely for children of ages 3 to 13. You can stay overnight at the themed rooms of Explorer’s Retreat or Fairytale Retreat in Gulliver’s Resorts.

    3. Take a trip  to Matlock Bath Aquarium:
    Take a trip to the Matlock Bath Aquarium and marvel at the 50 different species of the underwater world. You can also witness the Petrifying Well, Europe’s largest Hologram display and rare collection of gemstones and fossils.

    4. Explore Peak District Lead Mining Museum:
    Explore the Lead Mining Museum to learn about the history of Peak District and its livelihood. Apart from seeing the rare mineral specimens at the museum, you can also take part in fun activities like climbing through the tunnels in the mining quarries and gold panning.

    Check This Out: Places To Visit Near Bath
  2. What are the most romantic things to do in Bath for couples?

    1. Take a Lover’s Walks: True to its name, Lovers Walk is one of the exciting things to do at Matlock Bath for couples who wish to spend a romantic evening in. The walk is a short trail along River Derwent through the woodlands to the cliff from where you can sport mystical views of the area.

    2. Stroll around Cascades Gardens:
    Enjoy a relaxing walk in the stunning Cascades Gardens with your loved one to spend some quality time in a secluded place. You can stroll around the garden enjoying the beautiful flowers, admire the charm of the natural surroundings or stay at the bed and breakfast for a more romantic setup.

    3. Visit Lumsdale Valley:
    Visit the scenic Lumsdale Valley with your partner to enjoy the serenity of a wooded valley complemented by an alluring historical past. The gorgeous water stream, cascading waterfalls, and riverside gardens of Lumsdale Valley set the mood right for a romantic day out with your spouse.

    4. Ride at Heights of Abraham:
    Take a wonderful ride on a cable car to the Heights of Abraham and witness the magical view of Derbyshire from the vantage points. You can also indulge in fun activities like going on a nature trail, a guided tour to the caverns, or hanging out in cafes and restaurants.

    5. Visit River Derwent:
    If you are looking for exciting and adventurous things to do in Matlock Bath with your loved one, take a trip to River Derwent where you can go on a canoe trip. The trainers give you a safety briefing and teach you the basic canoeing skills after which you can row on a canoe boat along river Derwent.

    Suggested Read: Museums In Oxford
  3. How many days do you need in Bath?

    Matlock Bath is a small town with a plethora of sightseeing spots and tourist attractions. A trip of two to three days will be sufficient to tour around Bath and visit all the places of interest. 

    Also Read: Fun Things To Do In London At Night
  4. What is so special about Bath?

    Matlock Bath has been a popular tourist destination of England since the 17th century. The quaint town boasts of a beautiful landscape on a limestone quarry, charming riverside gardens along the river Derwent and steep forested hillsides. It has numerous places of attractions like a theme park, aquarium and museum that are suitable for people of all age groups.

    Checkout NowFamous Monuments In London
  5. How To Reach Bath?

    1. By Bus: Board a bus on lines Little Sixes, Transpeak, 110 and 111 to reach the Railway Station bus stop and then walk to Matlock Bath in 4 minutes.

    2. By Train:
    East Midlands Railways operates a train to Matlock train station from where you can walk to Matlock Bath in 25 minutes.

    Recommended Read: Things To Do In Birmingham For Couples
  6. What are the other attractions and activities in London you can book via thrillophilia?

    Here are the other attractions and activities in London you can book via thrillophilia:
    1. Warwick Castle Ticket
    2. London Dungeon Ticket
    3. Dover Castle Ticket
    4. Westminster Abbey Ticket
    5. Jack The Ripper Tours

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