Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Nestled at the bottom of steep hillsides in a leafy limestone valley with the babbling River Derwent running alongside, pretty Matlock has everything you need on the doorstep. Quirky shops, independent cafés and restaurants and a stunner of a park in the heart of town, it’s just a short hop to the Peak District proper and 20 miles to Derby and Sheffield. With wooded hillsides all around, the town is overlooked by Gothic-style beauty <a href="https://clowes-riberview.co.uk/">Riber Castle</a> (if you’re in the market for an apartment, keep it on your radar – the castle is currently being renovated into spangly new apartments).</p>



<p>The town blends into its touristy Victorian spa town of neighbour of Matlock Bath, where it’s all arcades and fish &#8216;n’ chips – a landlocked seaside resort (be prepared to share it with Sunday tourists). Hall Leys Park sits in the heart of town with its boating lake, riverside walks, tennis courts and skateboard park.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Untitled-design-319.jpg" alt="BOD CAFE AND BAR MATLOCK DERBYSHIRE" class="wp-image-10704" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Untitled-design-319.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Untitled-design-319-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Untitled-design-319-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Untitled-design-319-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bod café and bar</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://coolrivercafe.co.uk/">Cool River Café</a> serves beautiful barista coffee and excellent lunches. Picnic in Hall Leys Park? Pop across the road to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/matlocksandwichshop/?locale=en_GB">Mrs Tiggy Winkles</a> and grab a sarnie first. <a href="https://maazi.co.uk/">Maazi Indian Restaurant</a> has a good local rep for curries, <a href="https://thailandnumber1.co.uk/">Thailand No1</a> is popular for Thai eats, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRemarkablehare/?locale=en_GB">The Remarkable Hare</a> does scrummy Sunday lunches, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/buddys.joint/?hl=en">Buddy’s</a> is a sensational smokehouse that’s great for BBQ dishes, art deco <a href="https://www.bodcafebars.co.uk/matlock/">Bod Café and Bar</a> serves a great range of Titanic beers and does all day dining, dog-friendly café/bar <a href="https://thelounges.co.uk/ostello/">Ostello</a> is all William Morris wallpapers, funky tiles and wooden floors. For pubs, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thorntreeinnmatlock/?locale=en-GB">The Thorn Tree</a> has stunning views from its outdoor terrace and the <a href="https://www.theredlionmatlock.co.uk/">Red Lion</a> pub does reliable pub grub (plus a brilliant Sunday carvery) and has its own microbrewery. For fuss-free fine dining head to <a href="https://www.stones-restaurant.co.uk/">Stones</a> for delicious a la carte and tasting menus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Matlock-street-phil-sproson-visitpd-1024x683.jpg" alt="shops on matlock high street" class="wp-image-10374" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Matlock-street-phil-sproson-visitpd-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Matlock-street-phil-sproson-visitpd-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Matlock-street-phil-sproson-visitpd-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Matlock-street-phil-sproson-visitpd.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bustling high street, by Phil Sproson, Visit Peak District &amp; Derbyshire</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://zinchomeandgift.co.uk/">Zinc</a> sells pretty homewares and gifts and has a gorgeous little garden where you can scoff its tempting cakes in summer. Quirky, creative and a little bit magical, kids and magpies alike will love <a href="https://www.facebook.com/punnydukes/about/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfaNn9wsxGuGzdReItPtXanErZnKcRMveG7aKkNIrORa4bkIP2Qom7lPcXwbwByW51Y&amp;_rdr">Punnydukes</a> gift shop. Indie clothes boutique <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperdollmatlock/?hl=en-gb">Paper Doll</a>, <a href="https://www.littleshabbyhen.com/">Little Shabby Hen</a> is an Aladdin’s Cave of vintage and new interiors gems. <a href="https://frenchwinepeople.co.uk/">The French Wine People</a> is a family-run independent wine specialist. High street faves like M&amp;S Food, Boots and Superdrug are all here too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>You’ll find a pool, sports hall, classes and gym at <a href="https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/arc-leisure-matlock/">Arc Leisure Centre</a>. <a href="https://parksidefitness-matlock.co.uk/">Parkside Fitness</a> is a family-run independent gym, or you could join <a href="https://www.evolutionhf.co.uk/">Evolution</a> up at the idyllic woodland <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/self-catering/muddy-reviews-darwin-forest-lodges-peak-district-derbyshire/">Darwin Forest</a> for a more intimate swim/gym experience. If it’s outdoor action you’re after, the Peak District is on your doorstep. Hall Leys Park in the heart of town has tennis courts, a skate park, a putting green, boating lake and playground. Plus there are some beautiful walks along riverside and wooded hillside paths – <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/derbyshire/lumsdale-falls-and-bone-mill-circular">Lumsdale Waterfall walk</a> is especially gorgeous. Love an outdoor swim? There’s a lovely lido at <a href="https://newbathhotelandspa.com/open-air-pool/">New Bath Hotel</a> in Matlock Bath open to members and non-members.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Always spectacular and a family favourite, the <a href="https://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/leisure/matlock-bath-illuminations">Matlock Bath Illuminations</a> sees aparade of illuminated decorated boats bob along the River Derwent each September and October. There’s a buzzy <a href="https://www.madhattersevents.com/matlock-summer-food-and-drink-festival">food and drink festival</a> each summer and come Christmas there’s a magical <a href="https://visitpeakdistrict.com/events/victorian-matlock-christmas-market">Victorian Christmas market</a> in Hall Leys Park that’s guaranteed to get the festive feels going.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/LBB-heights-of-abraham-autimn-sq.jpg" alt="heights of abraham cable car derbyshire" class="wp-image-7611" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/LBB-heights-of-abraham-autimn-sq.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/LBB-heights-of-abraham-autimn-sq-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/LBB-heights-of-abraham-autimn-sq-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/LBB-heights-of-abraham-autimn-sq-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/LBB-heights-of-abraham-autimn-sq-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/LBB-heights-of-abraham-autimn-sq-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Heights of Abraham</figcaption></figure>



<p>Family fun galore in this neck of the woods so plenty of places to take your guests. Ride the cable cars up to the dizzying &nbsp;<a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/">Heights of Abraham</a> or get hands-on at <a href="https://matlockfarmpark.co.uk/">Matlock Farm Park</a> (which also has some fab seasonal events like Halloween spectaculars, Easter extravaganzas and the Peak District Highland Games). In neighbouring Matlock Bath <a href="https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/">Gulliver’s Kingdom</a> is a theme park for little kids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Saunter down the road to <a href="https://thegrandpavilion.co.uk/gigs-events/">The Grand Pavilion</a> in Matlock Bath for a spot of theatre, comedy or a music gig. For theatre and bigger gigs, the <a href="https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/">Winding Wheel</a> is less than 20 mins away in Chesterfield, <a href="https://derbytheatre.co.uk/">Derby Theatre</a> is 40 mins and Sheffield is less than an hour’s drive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Properties in Matlock sold for an average of £316,812 over the last year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/MatlockHP-1024x683.jpg" alt="stone farmhouse in matlock" class="wp-image-10522" style="aspect-ratio:1.499267935578331;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/MatlockHP-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/MatlockHP-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/MatlockHP-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/MatlockHP.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This gorgeous Grade II listed historic farmhouse is brimming with character and original features. <a href="https://sallybotham.co.uk/property-for-sale/matlock-matlock/de4-3gz/3719438" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £750,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There’s <a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/matlock">Busy Bees</a>, <a href="https://castleviewnurserymatlock.com/">Castle View</a> has a nursery in the primary school and <a href="https://www.allsaintsfed.derbyshire.sch.uk/nursery/">All Saints C Of E Infant School</a> has a nursery opening in Spring 2025. There’s also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Matlockbathpreschool/?locale=en_GB">Matlock Bath Pre-School</a> just down the road.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.allsaintsfed.derbyshire.sch.uk/">All Saints C Of E Infant School, </a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjosephsderby.srscmat.co.uk/">St Joseph’s Catholic Academy</a>, <a href="https://www.crichcarrprimary.co.uk/">Crich Carr</a> and <a href="https://www.darleydaleprimary.co.uk/">Darley Dale</a> primary schools are all rated Good. For secondaries, <a href="https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/">Highfields School</a> in the town was last rated Good as was <a href="https://www.anthonygell.co.uk/">Anthony Gell School</a> is in nearby Wirksworth – both have a Sixth Form.</p>



<p>Independent choices include ‘the prep in the peak’ &nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanselms.co.uk/">S. Anselm&#8217;s School</a> in Bakewell, <a href="https://www.stpeterpaul.co.uk/">St Peter &amp; St Paul School</a> in Chesterfield, all-rounder <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-mount-st-marys-college-derbyshire/">Mount St Mary&#8217;s College</a> in Spinkhill and <a href="https://derbyhigh.derby.sch.uk/">Derby High</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST-KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>There’s a 3D Banksy dupe tucked away behind Hall Leys Park on the wall of a building on Dale Road. A copycat of Banksy’s ‘Achoo’, this one is actually made of wood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Touristy Matlock Bath snarls up fast during school holidays and sunny weekends, so head north to escape if you can to avoid jams. Chesterfield (9 miles), Derby (19 miles), Sheffield (21 miles) and Nottingham (26 miles) are all within shooting distance. Catch a direct train to London in 1 hr 30 mins from Derby.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Matlock

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