United Kingdom Outdoor Travel

Vacation rentals in Matlock

Discover Matlock in the East Midlands—picnic by the River Derwent, explore leafy parks, and hike scenic trails for a family adventure everyone will love.

Matlock Vacation Rentals

Newest

Holiday village Newest
The Nook
Louth, East Midlands
4 2 1
$465 per night

Luxury rentals

Holiday village Luxury rentals
Willow Barn
Ashbourne, East Midlands
14 7 7
$3,639 per night
Holiday village Luxury rentals
Meadow View
Ashbourne, East Midlands
14 7 6
$2,770 per night
Holiday village Luxury rentals
The Farmhouse
Ashbourne, East Midlands
10 5 3
$1,898 per night
Holiday village Luxury rentals
ARC Peaks
Buxton, East Midlands
19 11 11
$6,736 per night
Holiday village Luxury rentals
Walcot Hall
Scunthorpe, East Midlands
16 8 3
$8,151 per night

Tips on renting in Matlock

Getting Around

When you visit Matlock in the beautiful East Midlands, your family will love exploring the Heights of Abraham, a hilltop park reached by scenic cable car. Here, you can wander woodland trails, discover ancient caverns, and let the kids play in adventure playgrounds, all while soaking in sweeping views of the Derwent Valley. Just a short drive away, Matlock Bath offers riverside walks, charming arcades, and the famous Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park—perfect for a fun-filled day with children, especially during the warmer months.

What to Pack

Packing for your family vacation to Matlock in the United Kingdom is all about comfort and adventure. Bring layers for Derbyshire’s changing weather, and don’t forget sturdy shoes for exploring Hall Leys Park’s gardens or riverside walks. Pack swimsuits and towels for lakeside fun, plus a picnic blanket for relaxing lunches near the Heights of Abraham cable car. For Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park, include sun hats and water bottles. With Matlock’s playgrounds, boating, and scenic picnic spots, every family member will find something to love.

Must-Try Activities

Matlock in the United Kingdom offers families endless ways to explore and unwind together. Stroll through the lush gardens of Hall Leys Park, where children can enjoy playgrounds, boating on the lake, and feeding ducks. Take a scenic ride on the Heights of Abraham cable car for breathtaking views over Derbyshire, then discover underground caverns and picnic spots perfect for family lunches. Matlock’s charming riverside paths invite leisurely walks, while nearby Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park promises thrills for kids of all ages, making every visit memorable.

Smart Spending Tips

Budgeting for a family getaway to Matlock in the East Midlands ensures your lakeside escape is both memorable and stress-free. Expect a daily budget of around £120 per person, or £400 for a family of four, covering comfortable lodging, meals, and local transport. Delight your kids with the Heights of Abraham cable car tour, operated by Heights of Abraham Tours, for £24.50 per adult and £17 per child. Round off your day with a hearty dinner at Stones Restaurant, where a family meal averages £90, perfect for savoring local flavors together.Budgeting for a family getaway to Matlock in the East Midlands ensures your lakeside escape is both memorable and stress-free. Expect a daily budget of around £120 per person, or £400 for a family of four, covering comfortable lodging, meals, and local transport. Delight your kids with the Heights of Abraham cable car tour, operated by Heights of Abraham Tours, for £24.50 per adult and £17 per child. Round off your day with a hearty dinner at Stones Restaurant, where a family meal averages £90, perfect for savoring local flavors together.

Nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, Matlock is a charming getaway for families seeking adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey at the Heights of Abraham, a hilltop park accessed by cable car, offering panoramic views, cavern tours, and woodland trails. The Peak District Mining Museum, located in the historic Grand Pavilion, is a hands-on experience for children, showcasing Matlock’s rich mining heritage through interactive exhibits and guided tours of Temple Mine.

Stroll through Hall Leys Park, a family favorite with its boating lake, play area, and miniature railway. For a unique local treat, visit Matlock Bath Aquarium and Arcade, where you can see a petrifying well and a collection of vintage penny slot machines. The Matlock Bath Illuminations boat parade is a magical experience if you time your visit right. Nearby Gulliver’s Kingdom is perfect for younger children, featuring themed rides and play zones set on a scenic hillside.

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, ask locals about the Lumsdale Valley, a hidden gem of cascading waterfalls and ancient ruins. This tranquil spot is ideal for a family picnic or a gentle hike, with photo opportunities at every turn. Stop by Stones Restaurant for a cozy meal by the river, rounding off your Matlock visit with local flavors and warm hospitality.

United Kingdom Outdoor Travel

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to see what Matlock has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Matlock, United Kingdom, is an explorer family’s dream, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District National Park and brimming with history and adventure. Families can marvel at the Victorian architecture of the Heights of Abraham, where cable cars soar over lush woodlands, or wander through the charming streets lined with independent shops and inviting tearooms. The nearby Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park keeps young adventurers entertained, while scenic riverside walks along the Derwent offer tranquil moments and wildlife spotting.

  • Matlock is a fantastic destination for families who love to explore on foot. The town center is compact, making it easy to stroll between charming shops, cafés, and the beautiful Hall Leys Park, which offers a playground and boating lake perfect for kids. You can also walk to the Heights of Abraham cable car station for panoramic views of the Derwent Valley. If you plan to visit nearby villages or Chatsworth House, consider renting a car for added convenience.

  • For families seeking spacious accommodations in Matlock, look to charming cottages such as The Old Dairy or Riverside House, which offer private gardens perfect for children to play and adults to relax. Many properties in the area, including those near Hall Leys Park, feature outdoor patios where you can enjoy al fresco dining with views of the surrounding Derbyshire Dales. These family-friendly stays blend comfort with the opportunity to unwind amid the scenic beauty of Matlock.

  • A romantic weekend in Matlock could start with a scenic stroll through the tranquil gardens of Hall Leys Park, followed by a visit to the Heights of Abraham, where couples can ride the cable car and enjoy panoramic views of the Derwent Valley. Enjoy a cozy dinner at a riverside restaurant before unwinding in a charming bed and breakfast. Exploring the historic Matlock Bath and relaxing in the thermal spa at New Bath Hotel adds a touch of luxury to the getaway.

  • For families visiting Matlock, the best swimming spot is the Matlock Bath Swimming Pool, an iconic open-air lido set amid the scenic Derwent Valley. This heated outdoor pool is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a safe, supervised environment with shallow areas for younger children. After swimming, families can stroll along the picturesque Lovers’ Walks or enjoy the riverside amusements and cafes in Matlock Bath, making for a fun and memorable day out in Derbyshire.

  • For a memorable snowshoeing or winter hiking experience near Matlock, consider exploring the scenic trails around Matlock Bath and the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District National Park. The High Peak Trail offers panoramic views of frost-covered hills, while the woodland paths of the Derwent Valley provide a tranquil winter escape. You can also venture to the nearby Chatsworth Estate, where picturesque countryside and gentle slopes make for an enchanting winter adventure.

  • A reasonable budget for a 3-day stay in Matlock for two adults is around £350 to £500, depending on your preferences for accommodation and dining. Staying at a charming guesthouse or a mid-range hotel near Hall Leys Park or the Heights of Abraham will cost about £80 to £120 per night. Enjoying local cuisine at pubs like The Red Lion and exploring attractions such as Gulliver’s Kingdom or Cromford Mills will add to your experience, while leaving room for souvenirs and local treats.

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