Attractions and Places To See around Matlock Town - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Matlock Town are found in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales, offering a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. The area serves as a gateway to the Peak District National Park, featuring rugged landscapes and the serene River Derwent. Matlock Town provides diverse activities, from exploring ancient sites to enjoying riverside walks and dramatic viewpoints. It is known for its unique geological formations and rich industrial heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Matlock Town
- The most popular attractions is The River Lathkill in Lathkill Dale, a natural monument and viewpoint that features an enchanting limestone valley. The crystal-clear River Lathkill flows through the dale, supporting diverse wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is Nine Ladies Stone Circle, an early Bronze Age historical site. This stone circle is set in an atmospheric location on Stanton Moor, steeped in local legend.
- Visitors also love Cork Stone, an impressive natural monument and climb. This curious chunk of weathered sandstone has steps carved into one side, making it accessible to climb.
- Matlock Town is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient stone circles to dramatic river valleys and unique rock formations.
- The attractions around Matlock Town are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 480 upvotes and over 170 photos shared across 29 highlights.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Nine Ladies Stone Circle
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Cork Stone
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High Tor and Giddy Edge
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Stanton Moor Trig Point
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The River Lathkill in Lathkill Dale
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Tips from the Community
Cork Stone is one of several interesting standing stones on Stanton Moor. It is 5m tall piece of weathered sandstone located above the remnants of a quarry site. At some point hollowed out steps and metal rings were added to allow people (kids and their grownups!) to climb to the top
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This stone circle from the Bronze Age, built thousands of years before the beginning of the Christian era, is neither as large nor nearly as famous as the legendary "Stonehenge" on the plains near Amesbury (which is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; if you're interested, see =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/960007 ), but this one can be visited without much tourist hustle and bustle, and it also has a much more interesting-sounding name...
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19th century pleasure ground which exploited the dramatic qualities of the Derwent valley. Peter Arkwright of Willersley Castle enclosed the grounds c 1860 and constructed pedestrian paths from a new entrance on the south side approached from the bridge to Matlock Bath railway station. The entrance from Starkholmes Road was retained and could be used by carriages. A pathway was formed through Fern Cave (scheduled ancient monument) and another on a narrow ledge along part of the cliff face. In 1879 the grounds were leased to the Matlock and High Tor Recreation Grounds Company Ltd and Milner of London was retained to supervise landscaping. Arkwright's Grand Walk, also used by carriages, was created, leading south to the summit from a gateway in Pig Tree Lane, now Pic Tor Lane. A refreshment room was erected near the summit, tennis and quoit or skittle grounds were constructed close to a modified southern entrance and additional paths put in with a broad flight of steps.
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Lathkill Dale is absolutely gorgeous with it’s crystal clear water that’s so clear it’s like looking into an aquarium, there is an abundance of wildlife with Swans, Ducks, Dippers and Kingfisher’s above the surface with Otters, Brown Trout and rainbow Trout below the surface, be careful if you fancy a sit down on a raised stone as the Otters leave their spraint on them 😁 I nearly sat in one, there are many places to start walking this Dale but a great one is to park in Alport village and walk to Lathkill Dale proper.
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The footpath along the summit is commonly known as Giddy Edge, unfenced and not recommended for small children . There is a small metal handrail afixed to the inside edge (of the cliff) totally spectacular.
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High Tor is the last place in England where eagles nested and is a stunning limestone escarpment which is the site of former lead mines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Matlock Town?
Matlock Town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can visit The River Lathkill in Lathkill Dale, an enchanting limestone valley with crystal-clear waters and diverse wildlife. Another impressive natural feature is Cork Stone, a unique weathered sandstone outcrop on Stanton Moor. Additionally, Lumsdale Falls offers a beautiful series of waterfalls nestled in vibrant woodlands on the outskirts of Matlock.
Where can I find the best viewpoints in the Matlock area?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to High Tor and Giddy Edge, which offers spectacular vistas over Matlock Bath and the Derwent Valley. Another excellent spot is the Stanton Moor Trig Point, providing majestic views across the Peak District, overlooking Bakewell and Matlock. The Heights of Abraham, accessible via cable car from Matlock Bath, also offers incredible views of the Derwent Valley.
What historical sites are there to visit in Matlock Town?
Matlock Town boasts a rich history. Explore the early Bronze Age Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor, steeped in local legend. You can also visit Cromford Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the world's first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. Riber Castle, an impressive Grade II listed building from the 1860s, stands prominently overlooking Matlock.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Matlock Town?
Yes, Matlock offers several attractions suitable for families. Hall Leys Park in the heart of Matlock features a boating lake, miniature railway, and children's play areas. Matlock Bath is home to Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park, designed for younger children, and the Matlock Bath Aquarium and Exhibition. Matlock Farm Park provides an opportunity to meet and feed a variety of friendly animals.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Matlock area is a gateway to the Peak District National Park, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For example, explore the 'Monsal Trail Gravel Path' for gravel biking or the 'Hall Leys Park, Matlock – River Derwent loop' for mountain biking. Discover more routes on the Gravel biking around Matlock Town or MTB Trails around Matlock Town guide pages.
Are there easy or family-friendly walks available?
Many areas around Matlock offer accessible walking options. Hall Leys Park provides pleasant, flat paths ideal for a leisurely stroll. The paths around Stanton Moor, including those leading to Nine Ladies Stone Circle and Cork Stone, are generally manageable for families, though some sections might be uneven. Riverside walks along the River Derwent are also popular and relatively flat.
What is Matlock Bath known for?
Matlock Bath, often called 'Little Switzerland,' is a vibrant village just south of Matlock. It's famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, riverside setting, and Victorian charm. The village features a lively high street with quirky shops, amusement arcades, and is the starting point for the thrilling cable car ride to the Heights of Abraham.
Can I experience a heritage railway in the Matlock area?
Yes, Peak Rail offers a delightful heritage railway experience. You can enjoy scenic steam and heritage diesel train rides on an 8-mile round trip between Matlock and Rowsley, running alongside the picturesque River Derwent.
What cultural experiences can I find near Matlock?
Beyond historical sites, you can visit the Peak District Mining Museum in Matlock Bath to learn about the region's lead mining history. Nearby, Crich Tramway Village offers a unique experience where you can ride vintage trams through a reconstructed period village, providing a glimpse into the past.
What do visitors enjoy most about Matlock Town?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and recreational opportunities. The stunning views from places like High Tor, the ancient atmosphere of Nine Ladies Stone Circle, and the clear waters of The River Lathkill are often highlighted. The area's connection to the Peak District National Park for outdoor activities is also a major draw.
Are there options for cycling around Matlock Town?
Absolutely. Matlock Town is an excellent base for cycling. You can find various routes for road cycling, including scenic loops like 'Carsington Water & Beeley Moor' or 'Cromford Mill – High Peak Junction'. For more details and route options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Matlock Town guide page.
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