The town may be 70 miles from the nearest seaside, but the riverside setting and classic attractions give it the feel of a British coastal town – and you can still go for a dip.
A trip to the seaside is always a fun day out, but depending on where you live, there isn’t always a coastal town close by. If you’re in the Midlands, you’re in luck – there is a unique town in Derbyshire that offers all the charms Brits adore about coastal visits – with one exception.
Matlock Bath boasts great fish and chip shops, amusement arcades and even a picturesque waterside promenade, but it lacks a beach.
Despite being 70 miles from the sea, this Midlands town, with its riverside location and classic attractions, boasts a similar vibe to seaside towns.
Visitors can still enjoy a swim, thanks to the warm waters of the Derbyshire spa town’s historic thermal springs, which are accessible at the New Bath Hotel and Spa’s restored lido.
The outdoor pool, tucked near the wildcat crafts of the Derbyshire Dales, is filled with naturally mineral-rich thermal spring water flowing at a comfortable 19.8°C – a more pleasant temperature than the beaches at Blackpool or Weston-super-Mare, reports Birmingham Live.
It was following the discovery of Matlock Bath’s springs in the 17th century that the town became somewhat of a tourist magnet.
Today, a host of attractions cater to visiting families, including Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park, the 60-acre Heights of Abraham hilltop park, accessible via cable car, the Victorian aquarium, and traditional amusement arcades scattered along the promenade.
Old-fashioned shops selling fudge, antiques, ice creams and gifts contribute to the seaside atmosphere.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the opposite bank of the river Derwent is an ideal location, with High Tor’s sheer cliff attracting more walkers and climbers than tourists.
Giddy Edge, a winding path along the cliff edge, can also be found here.
Further afield, you’ll find Cromford Mills, the world’s first water-powered cotton spinning mill, and the magnificent National Trust manor house of Kedleston Hall, its interior designed to reflect the grandeur of ancient Greece and Rome.