It is nowhere near the sea, but it still has all the charm of a British seaside resort – think fish and chips without the seagulls
One pretty English town is home to numerous fish and chip shops and the air is thick with the sweet scent of candy floss and freshly fried doughnuts just like you would expect to enjoy by the seaside.
The thing with this location though, is that it is nowhere near the sea at all. When Liv Clarke visits Matlock Bath she discovers the quintessential British seaside town located entirely in land.
Despite there being no waves crashing against the shore or seagulls swooping down to snatch chips from unsuspecting tourists, the lack of salty sea breeze need not get in the way of just how coastal this Derbyshire village is.
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Located just outside the Peak District, this village has an unmistakably coastal vibe, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Matlock Bath is nestled on the banks of the River Derwent, its buildings clinging to the sloping hillside, lining a road that slices through the valley and traces the winding path of the river. The layout is strikingly similar to that of seaside towns, except here in Matlock Bath, the view is of a sheer cliff on the opposite bank, not a vast ocean.
Liv said: “Even though my visit to Matlock Bath was on a drizzly Sunday in September, the ‘seaside’ allure of the place was still palpable. Families huddled around silver tables outside the fish and chip shops, tucking into their meals despite the rain.
“Matlock Bath boasts a plethora of eateries, including vibrant ice cream parlours adorned with neon signs and colourful seating, offering all the sweet delights you’d expect in Blackpool, Scarborough or Brighton. One of the town’s unique attractions is the Aquarium and Arcade, which intriguingly houses a Hologram Gallery – a must-have for any seaside town worth its salt.
“I couldn’t help but explore. The aquarium is situated in the former thermal pool building of the village, now transformed into a stunning Koi Carp pond.”
As Liv explained, the aquarium also showcases a ‘Petrifying Well’, a collection of fossils and gemstones, as well as several tanks filled with various fish species. Adding to the surreal atmosphere is a room of distortion mirrors and a tunnel brimming with colourful, flashing lights that lead you out through the arcade (smart move).
She said: “It may not be Blackpool Pleasure Beach, but it’s definitely an amusing way to dodge the rain for a bit.”
Matlock Bath’s status as a tourist hotspot has deep roots. It first gained popularity as a spa town in the 19th century after warm springs were discovered there in the 1690s.
It quickly became a tourist magnet, and the village’s picturesque surroundings earned it the nickname ‘Little Switzerland’.
Today, the Heights of Abraham hilltop park towers over the village, its iconic cable cars adding a Swiss touch. Matlock Bath also becomes a hotspot for motorcyclists in the summer and during my visit, dozens of bikes were lined up along the parade, their owners tucking into their cod and chips.
While Matlock Bath may not boast the expansive beaches of Blackpool, it does have its own illuminations. Every weekend from September 7 to October 27, a procession of illuminated and decorated boats travels along the river, accompanied by fireworks on Saturdays throughout October.
Liv said: “In all honesty, comparing Matlock Bath to seaside resorts doesn’t do it justice – it’s a unique destination. The surrounding cliffs and the winding river ensure it is brimming with natural beauty.
“Add to that the quaint sweet shops and ice cream parlours, creating a surreal place unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in the UK.”
