Top Things to do in Matlock
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Top 10 Things to do in Matlock, United Kingdom (UK)
Discover the best top things to do in Matlock, United Kingdom (UK) including Birdswood, Lumsdale Valley, Heights of Abraham, Vintage Adventure Tours, The Barley Mow Bonsall, Whitworth Park, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Scotland Nurseries Garden Centre Gift Shop, Peak Rail, Crich Tramway Village.
Restaurants in Matlock
1. Birdswood
Overall Ratings
5 based on 87 reviews
Birdswood is an historic ex-working narrow boat belonging to canal restoration charity The Friends of Cromford Canal. The boat and gift shop at Cromford Wharf are run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Birdswood runs scheduled public trips from March to October. Additionally we operate theme events, school trips and exclusive charters, making the boat an ideal private venue for functions for up to 40 people. Come and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing journey along the scenic, rural Cromford Canal, get up close to the fabulous wildlife, and learn about the unique industrial heritage of the Derwent Valley.
Reviewed By Peter W - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Yes, this could generously be described as a relaxing trip - However, the speed is so slow and the scenery so unvaried & the view so restricted that you may well be glad when it's all over. In its favour, the crew are all cheery & friendly volunteers but the sight of pedestrians walking alongside the canal overtaking the boat on your journey is a little disconcerting and there really isn't enough sustained interest along the way to make this a particularly memorable trip, I'm afraid.
2. Lumsdale Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
This is a scheduled ancient monument site containing industrial mill ruins in a state of picturesque decay. It is a wildlife conservation area and therefore there are no picnic areas, no paddling or swimming areas and no children's play areas.The route down through the Valley past the ruins is steep, muddy and uneven, with steps and some sharp drops to the sides. We strongly advise that you begin your walk at the top of the Valley, opposite Highfields Upper School (where there is parking). There are no toilet or refreshment facilities anywhere in the Valley. It is a peaceful place of natural woodland and wetland habitats, looked after by volunteers for the Arkwright Society, the Charity that owns the Valley. Please help us to take care of this very special place by respecting the wildlife, keeping to the paths, not climbing on the ruins - and taking your litter home with you.
Reviewed By Emmsybo
What a great walk out in the country, fabulous views & the Waterfalls are beautiful. Great to see a piece of history well preserved & information at the different points
3. Heights of Abraham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Derbyshire's oldest visitor attraction, The Heights of Abraham is a unique Hilltop Park reached by a spectacular cable car journey over the Derwent Valley. When you arrive at the summit you have free access to exciting underground tours of two spectacular Show Caverns as well as Exhibitions, Shops, Play Areas, Picnic Spots, Cafe and Vista Restaurant - all with stunning views across the surrounding Peak District.
Reviewed By C8738GTkevinr - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
I spent around 3 hours at The Heights Of Abraham. A nice able car journey up and over the A6 takes you to the top of the Heights. 2 different cave excursions included coupled with some stunning views of the Peak District. A museum and coffee shop / restaurant are also located at the top along with a kids play area. A nice visit for you families. The slopes could cause issues for those less active.
4. Vintage Adventure Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 109 reviews
Fabulous tours of the beautiful Peak District National Park in the only vintage car licenced for Private Hire in the UK.
Reviewed By buhrmestersue - Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Even though the weather was not accommodating, we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon tour. Steve was a great travel guide and very knowledgeable of the area. I would definitely recommend this driving tour! The car was awesome, and such a thrill to be riding in a vehicle dating back to 1929!
5. The Barley Mow Bonsall
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Lindsey I
Such a lovely characterful building in beautiful surroundings, and the interior matches the old world vibe, with interesting knick knacks and friendly staff and a warm friendly atmosphere. If you like a real old English pub, this is right up your street.
6. Whitworth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By PJandSJ - Matlock, United Kingdom
Whitworth park is a lovely, landscaped park gifted to the local community by Lady Louisa Whitworth in the late 19th century. It’s a great community asset, and a legacy of a time in which private wealth was seen – at least by some enlightened individuals – as a means of benefiting society as a whole, and not simply as a means of personal aggrandisement.
There’s a children’s play area – including an enclosed area for smaller children – recently enhanced with a zip line for older children (and adults …). Plus a bowling green, an area on which croquet is often played, a football pitch, and an area for skate-boarding. Even a lake, originally intended, apparently, to provide a skating facility in winter!
And there’s the café near the road too …. all in all, a great local asset.
7. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
With its headquarters in the fine old Peak District market town of Wirksworth, the Ecclesboume Valley line, at nine miles, is Derbyshire's longest heritage railway. The line runs through some of the most pleasant scenery in the White Peak, from its joint station with the main line at Duffield to its northern terminus at Ravenstor, close to the High Peak Trail and the National Stone Centre. The line provides services mainly operated by heritage diesel railcars, with four trains a day on summer weekends and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the high summer. The timetable is designed to connect with East Midlands Trains' services to and from Derby and Nottingham. Visitors may wish to take advantage of a 'zigzag choo choo' all Day Rover Ticket issued by the railway and Trent Barton providing an excellent opportunity for discount travel through the beautiful derbyshire countryside by bus and rail. Steam hauled services are also operated at peak periods, please call us to check what is running. If you would prefer to see the line from the Driver's cab or realise a childhood dream by taking the controls of one of our heritage steam or diesel locomotives then you can book that day to remember direct on our website. We offer a range of experiences to suit any occasion and budget.
Reviewed By rowly52 - Stockport
I knew nothing about this line before we turned up for a day's outing. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, and couldn't do enough to make our visit memorable.
The little shop/ticket office is fascinating and on purchasing our tickets the gentleman inquired what our plans were. We said we intended a brief trip around Wirksworth ( delightful town with many fascinating trails which we intend to follow on another occasion) then we'd board the first train and get off at Idrigdehay for a brief stroll and coffee/lunch. He did advise that there really was nothing much in either Idridgehay or Shottle (the next stop) however when we explained we had booked for lunch at a pub in Idridgehay - The Black Swan - he said that it had only recently re-opened and he'd be obliged if we could let him know what it was like.
The journey on the train was really enjoyable with the staff pointing out things of interest on the way. We got off at Idridgehay - delightful hamlet and had a great lunch at the Black Swan (see our review)
Boarded the train again 2 hours later and went all the way to Duffield. We decided to have a wander round the town - nothing much of note although the Millennium meadow nature area was interesting so spent around half an hour there. Nowhere much for tea or coffee so returned to the station for refreshments.
The return journey was great - the staff again chatting and pointing out things of interest and virtually giving us a narrated trip - we were even invited to sit in the drivers cab if we wanted!
On return to Wirksworth had the opportunity to look over other rolling stock at the yard - no pressure or rush for us to leave.
Overall a great day out..
They also do full afternoon teas in their pullman coaches and various specials during the year.
Apparently you may also be able book to drive a train (if there are no passengers on board!?)
8. Scotland Nurseries Garden Centre Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 110 reviews
An independent family run garden centre with restaurant, chocolate shop cafe, farm shop, aquatics centre, garden furniture, gift shop and landscaping supplies. Situated at nearly 1000ft above sea level just above Tansley village, Matlock and set in 50 acres of beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Established as a nursery some 250 years ago.
Reviewed By Sarah G
A great little garden centre with an excellent selection of Christmas decorations, plants, gifts and some of the biggest cakes you’ll find in Derbyshire. Good range of gluten free cakes. Ample parking and Seating. Was so impressed went twice in one week.
9. Peak Rail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By BrinleyPelzer - Wakefield, United Kingdom
We decided to try the dining after chatting with family and my wife and I were accompanied by her sister and her husband on the Peak Rail Dining car.
The train pulled into the station and we were directed to our seats. The Dining car looked and was very clean and set out very nice. The waitresses were exceptionally courteous and welcoming. We ordered wine which was very reasonably priced and then ordered our starters and main course. Our starters arrived and looked and tasted very good. The continental meat platter was presented on a spit with olives and I had the trio of salads which again was excellent. The main course of either Roast Pork or Chicken and Leek pie were served with roast potatoes and boiled potatoes. Vegetables were served separately (carrots, broccoli and leeks in a cheese sauce) All were cooked excellently. The waitresses then brought round the sweet trolley with a choice of Profiteroles, Pear and Almond Tart, Cheesecake, mixed fresh fruit or cheese board. Again these looked excellent and it was hard deciding which to choose! In all an excellent dining experience which we will defiantly be doing again.
10. Crich Tramway Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Derbyshire’s award-winning family attraction lets you enjoy unlimited tram rides in a recreated village street along the mile-long track to breathtaking views. Plus play areas, shops, tea-rooms and 30,000 square feet of indoor attractions. A relaxing day out for all ages! Please note we are closed until Saturday 17th March 2018. Please check our website for 2018 opening times as they vary according to the season.
Reviewed By peameese - Louth, United Kingdom
The whole family really enjoyed it. An amazing fun filled day. Everyone loved riding on the trams. The history of where it all began the adults loved. The children just loved everything about it. We went to an old fashioned sweet shop and they loved it. We would happily come back again and again.
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