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A mini guide to
Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
The cable car
The Heights of Abraham is reached by cable car from the village, and its website shows a seasonal opening period, so check the dates before you go.
World Heritage mills
Cromford Mills is the centrepiece of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, and Masson Mills nearby is part of it too.
Masson Mills
The mill's website announces that its visitor centre and textile museum close for the winter, so check before visiting in the colder months.
Day ticket by bus
Visit Peak District lists a Buxton or Matlock PlusBus day ticket and a Derbyshire Wayfarer; check the current fares and areas on those pages.
Walk the canal
The Leawood Pump House, built in 1849 to supply the Cromford Canal, stands beside the canal towpath near High Peak Junction.
Events
The Peak District event seasons
Dates come from the organisers: confirm on their sites before booking.
Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall
11 November to 20 December 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Haddon Hall's own website gives these dates for the Christmas artisan market; the hall is otherwise closed to normal visits between events, so check the Hall's pages.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley?
Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley is in Derbyshire, England. A gorge village with a cable car, and Arkwright's mills in a World Heritage valley. Nearby stops and stations include Derwent Valley Line, Stagecoach Gold X17, Trentbarton 6.1.
How long do I need in Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley?
1 to 2 days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Heights of Abraham, Peak District Mining Museum, Cromford Mills. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Derwent Valley Line (East Midlands Railway); Stagecoach Gold X17 (Stagecoach); Trentbarton 6.1 (Trentbarton); Peak Rail (Peak Rail). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 8 places to eat and drink in and around Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 5 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Matlock
County town of Derbyshire on the south-eastern edge of the Peak District, with the National Park directly to the west.
Cromford
Village in the Derwent valley between Wirksworth and Matlock, where Arkwright built his first mill.
Riber Castle
Grade II listed 19th-century country house on a hill above Matlock, built of local gritstone.
The Peak District
More areas to explore
Dovedale, Ashbourne & the White Peak South
The River Dove's stepping stones, rail trails and the market town of Ashbourne
Open the mini guide →
Hathersage, Longshaw & Eyam
Gritstone edges, Padley Gorge and the Eyam plague village on the eastern side of the Peak
Open the mini guide →
Buxton & the Northern Peak
A Georgian spa town with an opera house, a show cave and the Goyt Valley on its doorstep
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Matlock Bath: Donnylad, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Matlock: Jonathan Billinger, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Cromford: Jonathan Thacker, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Riber Castle: Beep boop beep, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Dovedale, Ashbourne & the White Peak South: Paul Albertella from Manchester, UK, CC BY 2.0, source
- Hathersage, Longshaw & Eyam: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Buxton & the Northern Peak: Eugene Birchall, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale: Peter Barr, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Bakewell, Haddon & Monsal: Kmtextor, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Peak District