Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath is a very popular riverside town in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District.

The attractive River Derwent here flows through a limestone gorge, which is used by both the road and the river. The shops, cafes and ice cream sellers across the road from the river give Matlock Bath the air of a seaside town.

The wooded sides of the gorge give ample opportunity for strolling, and there are lovely gardens beside the river.

In the Autumn, the town becomes very busy indeed with the Illuminations and Venetian Carnival on the Derwent.

High above the town is a major tourist attraction, the Heights of Abraham, rising to 1,000 feet, with show caverns, museums, superb views and more opportunities for strolling. These pleasure grounds are reached by cable cars, which span the main road.

There is also a family attraction, Gulliver’s Kingdom, which is enjoyed particularly by small children.

Nearby are historic mills, operated by Richard Arkwright. A corridor along the Derwent is now, by virtue of these, a World Heritage Site.

Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Matlock Bath for groups.