Matlock Bath
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Matlock Bath is a village south of Matlock in Derbyshire, England. Built along the River Derwent, it developed, in the 1800s, as a spa town and still thrives on tourism. It is often said that Matlock Bath is like a seaside town without the sea due to the number of fish and chip shops and amusement arcades.
Contents |
[edit] History
In 1698, warm springs were discovered and a Bath House was built. As the waters became more famous, access was improved by the building of the bridge into Old Matlock and in 1783, the opening of a new entrance at the south of the valley. Princess Victoria's royal visit in 1831 confirmed Matlock as a society venue of the time. Ruskin loved it, and Lord Byron confirmed its romantic character, comparing it with alpine Switzerland, hence its nickname Little Switzerland. When 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. Matlock Bath is now a designated conservation area with an Article 4 Direction in relation to properties, predominantly along North and South Parade.
[edit] Visitor attractions
Attractions in the village include the Heights of Abraham which is a self contained park on top of a hill of the same name. The park contains a former mine which is open to the public and a cliffside cafe. On the opposite bank of the river Derwent, stands High Tor, a sheer cliff which is very popular with climbers and walkers alike. High Tor features Giddy Edge, a narrow winding path along the cliff edge. The cable cars are close to the base of High Tor and serve the Heights of Abraham. Also in Matlock Bath are Gulliver's Kingdom theme park, the Derbyshire Mining Museum, the Life in a Lens Museum of Photography & Old Times, a petrifying well and an aquarium. There is something in Matlock Bath to suit every taste from museums to amusements and they live quite happily side by side, because the conservation area guidelines keep control of any excessive promotional activity, while allowing it to prosper along with the historical and scenic side that has made Matlock Bath so worth visiting. The town is also known as a meeting point for motorcyclists. In the late summer of each year, the "Venetian Nights" are held with illuminations along the river and illuminated boats, attracting thousands of visitors. (Since they also bring their cars, it is worth considering the train.)
[edit] Bikers
Matlock Bath is well-known as a meeting place for motorcyclists who flock to the village at weekends and bank holidays to gather, show off their motorbikes and eat fish and chips.
[edit] Railways
Matlock Bath railway station was built in 1849 on the Midland Railway line between London and Manchester, until the section between Matlock and Buxton was closed in 1968 during the Beeching Axe. Trains still run between Matlock Bath and Derby on the Derwent Valley Line.
[edit] External links
- Extensive site on the history of Matlock and Matlock Bath.
- Map sources for Matlock Bath
- A live web cam showing the Jubilee Bridge in Matlock Bath.
| Unitary authorities: | Derby |
| Boroughs/Districts: | Amber Valley • Bolsover • Chesterfield • Derbyshire Dales • Erewash • High Peak • North East Derbyshire • South Derbyshire |
| Cities/Towns: | Alfreton • Ashbourne • Bakewell • Belper • Bolsover • Buxton • Chapel-en-le-Frith • Chesterfield • Clay Cross • Derby • Dronfield • Glossop • Heanor • Ilkeston • Killamarsh • Long Eaton • Matlock • New Mills • Ripley • Sandiacre • Shirebrook • Staveley • Swadlincote • Whaley Bridge • Wirksworth See also: List of civil parishes in Derbyshire |
