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Matlock Bath Boats

Home of Matlock Bath's unique waterway experience.

Boat Experiences

Rowing Boats

Our row boats can fit up to five people for a self guided adventure on the waters of the River Derwent. Push off from the banks and start to see what the river has to offer.

Life jackets for children and buoyancy aids for adults are supplied.

Our Motorboat, known as Meghan, is capable of taking larger groups and is wheelchair accessible. Meghan has been upgraded to be solar powered.

Come and spend some time on the river with all your friends.

We are located just off the A6, on the bank of the River Derwent behind the Grand Pavillion and Derwent Gardens.

The Grand Pavilion has parking available with further  car parks located along the A6 heading into Matlock Bath

Still Lost?

If you're still not sure, please use the contact information below to reach out and we will help you, alternatively the tourist information at the Grand Pavilion will be happy to point you in the right direction for one of Matlock Bath's best tourist attractions and most fun things to do.

Rental Fees

Rowing boat rental.

 £15 / Rowing boat - up to 5 people

£15 / Pedalo - for 2 people

Motor boat rental

The motor boat can take up to 10 people.

£5 per Adult*

£3 per Child*

*There is an additional cost for the motor boat if Captain Jack Sparrow is on board!

We'd love you to come and visit us. We are a seasonal business, so please check our Facebook page to confirm we are open.

Matlock Dale, Matlock DE4 3NR, United Kingdom

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We have now resolved the technical issues with our boats propulsion system, and today have been re-certified by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. That means that we are starting cruising again from Saturday 27th April 2024.

Please regularly check our website for available slots on the “Bookings” page. If a date / time isn’t shown in GREEN then it is not available to book.

Birdswood is the historical narrow boat belonging to The Friends of Cromford Canal .

The primary objective of Birdswood is that it contributes to The Friends of Cromford Canal’s strategic aim by generating profits for furthering the conservation & restoration of the canal. The boat and shop are run entirely by our dedicated team of volunteers.

Birdswood runs scheduled trips throughout the year. Our exclusive charters make a personal venue for your private function. Come and enjoy a peaceful journey along the Cromford Canal and get up close to the fabulous wildlife and take in the amazing scenery.

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Special Interest Trips

Extended and guided trips along the canal on FCC’s trip boat “Birdswood”. Birdswood makes our normal trip up to the mooring at the Leawood Pumphouse. Passengers then disembark with one of our experienced guides for a short walk taking in the pump-house, the Wigwell Aqueduct, the Nightingale Arm & the newly restored Aqueduct Cottage.

GO TO OUR BOOKINGS PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Back Cabin

Visit our shop.

The Cromford Canal’s Leawood Arm – A History

Cromford Wharf: a History (booklet)

FCC Walkers Guide

Regular Powered Boat Trip

15+ Exciting Things To Do In Matlock And Matlock Bath, Derbyshire

Posted on Last updated: 22/12/2023

Categories ENGLAND , UNITED KINGDOM

This post will guide you through the most exciting things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath, in Derbyshire, and how to make the most of your time there. If you are planning a trip to the Peak District, don’t miss these attractions in and around Matlock and Matlock Bath.

Matlock and Matlock Bath are two small towns located in the Derwent Valley at the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire. They are only a mile apart from each other, so they are very easy to combine in one visit over a few of days.

Both towns are a great base to explore the Peak District, but they are also great to explore in their own right, with plenty of fun things to do for a couple of days.

Table of Contents

• 1 How to get to Matlock and Matlock Bath
• 2.1 Accommodation in Matlock
• 2.2 Accommodation in Matlock Bath
• 3.1 Heights of Abraham
• 3.2 Matlock Bath Illuminations
• 3.3 Stroll along the Lover’s Walks
• 3.4 Eat fish and chips
• 3.5 Gulliver’s Kingdom
• 3.6 Peak District Lead Mining Museum
• 4.1 Antiques shopping
• 4.2 Hall Leys Park
• 4.3 Canoeing on the River Derwent
• 4.4 Peak Rail
• 5.1 Lumsdale Valley
• 5.2 Crich Tramway Village
• 5.3 Cromford Mills
• 5.4 Cromford Canal
• 5.5 Scarthin Books, Cromford
• 6.1 The Seafood Cave and Grill
• 6.2 Fig Coffee House
• 6.3 Zinc Home & Gift

How to get to Matlock and Matlock Bath

The best way to get to both Matlock and Matlock Bath is by train. Both towns are on the Derwent Valley Line, a historic railway line that follows the River Derwent linking Derby with Buxton and Manchester.

East Midlands Railway runs regular trains from Derby along the Derwent Valley Line. So, no matter where in the country you travel from, you can change at Derby Station and stop at either Matlock Bath or Matlock, depending on where you are planning to stay.

Book your train tickets here

Where to stay in Matlock and Matlock Bath

There are a few options for accommodation in Matlock and Matlock Bath. From hotels to apartments, and bed and breakfasts, here are some top rated places to stay:

Accommodation in Matlock

• Cedar House B&B – A charming B&B on the banks of the River Derwent. Read reviews here
• Ellen House Bed and Breakfast – An Edwardian bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Matlock. Read reviews here

Accommodation in Matlock Bath

• Ashdale Guest House – A cosy guesthouse in the heart of Matlock Bath. Read reviews here
• Derwent View Holiday Apartments – A modern apartment in a lovely period building. Read reviews here

Let’s start exploring the area with Matlock Bath, my favourite town.

Fun things to do in Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath was developed as one of the country’s first tourist attractions after the local spa waters were discovered in the 17th century.

It still retains a lot of the charm of the time and, despite being 100 miles from the sea, it has a British seaside holiday resort feel. The amusement arcades, the rock and candy shops, and the fish and chips shops line up the parade along the river.

Here are the best things to do in Matlock Bath.

Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham is undoubtedly the most exciting thing to do in Matlock Bath. 

A fun ride on the cable car takes you to the top of the hill where you have plenty of viewpoints over the Derwent Valley. My favourite was the panoramic views from the top of Victoria Prospect Tower, a folly that reminded me of Broadway Tower in the Cotswolds .

Aside from enjoying the views from high up, you can also visit the depths of the Masson Cavern, a part lead mine, part natural cavern located in a fault line. A guide tells you the fascinating history of this unusual place.

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Every Saturday and Sunday from the beginning of September to the end of October, the Matlock Bath Illuminations come alight.

The Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association decorate themed models with colourful lights, mount them on rowing boats, and then parade on the River Derwent.

This tradition has been going on since the 1897 Venetian Fete to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and it’s a must see if you happen to be in the area at the right time of the year.

Stroll along the Lover’s Walks

The Lovers’ Walks are a series of footpaths along the riverside and all the way up to High Tor. They’re about three quarters of a mile long.

The original Lovers’ Walks are believed to be the oldest surviving example of a public pleasure ground and has been in continuous use since the 1740s.

Eat fish and chips

Believe it or not, Matlock Bath is considered a seaside resort, complete with amusement arcades, rock and candy shops, and, of course, plenty of fish and chips shops.

In fact, there are at least ten fish and chips shops along the promenade by the riverside, so to give you the full seaside experience, eating fish and chips is a must.

Gulliver’s Kingdom

If you are visiting Matlock Bath with kids, Gulliver’s Kingdom is an obligatory stop. A theme park designed for children aged 3 to 13, it has rides and attractions that include the Lost World, Western World, Lilliput Land and Smugglers’ Wharf.

Peak District Lead Mining Museum

Housed in the aptly-named Grand Pavilion, the Peak District Lead Mining Museum celebrates the mining heritage of the region, once the main source of industry.

Inside the museum you will find three mock mine tunnels, in which you’ll experience the conditions miners were expected to work in.

The museum also houses thousands of relics of the lost lead industry, which are explained and interpreted in a thought-provoking exhibition.

Best things to do in Matlock

Matlock was famous for its hydro and spa treatments back in the 19th century. Today it’s a charming town that has retained its Victorian character with plenty of small independent businesses that include shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Here are a few fun things to do in Matlock for every type of traveller. 

Antiques shopping

Matlock is full of interesting independent shops that include a number of antique shops. I love browsing around and hunting for bargains and gems you can’t find anywhere else. And my favourite part is that you never know what you’re going to find.

Hall Leys Park

Located in the centre of Matlock, Hall Leys Park has a boating lake, a skateboard park, tennis courts and a lovely riverside walk. This award-winning park has been beautifully restored and it’s a great spot for a stroll or a picnic. 

Canoeing on the River Derwent

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure while in Matlock, why not take to the water on a canoe? Rapid Horizons Outdoor Adventures can guide you 7 kms downstream the River Derwent while you enjoy the stunning Peak District landscapes. No experience necessary!

Step back in time by taking a ride on the Peak Rail heritage railway line. Part of the old Midland Railway line between Manchester Central and London St Pancras, it currently operates on approximately 4 miles between Rowsley South Station and Matlock Platform 2.

You can go on a normal train journey or enjoy a luxury dining experience on the restaurant car with a Sunday Roast or an afternoon tea. Check departure dates and times here .

Things to do near Matlock and Matlock Bath

There’s a lot to explore in the vicinity of Matlock and Matlock Bath, so while you’re in the area, why not include some of the following attractions to your itinerary too?

Lumsdale Valley

Lumsdale Valley is a lovely walk along a steep-sided gorge through a series of historic water mills. It’s a site of national archaeological and historic importance, and it’s a true hidden gem in the Peak District. 

Aside from being a lovely walk, here you will find the remains of six water mills, testament to the importance of the power of water in this area.

Crich Tramway Village

Located a short drive away from Matlock, Crich Tramway Village is a great day out for children and adults alike. It is home to the National Tramway Museum, where you will find more than 60 vintage trams. You can even ride on some of them!

There’s also an indoor exhibition that will walk you through the history of trams, and a period village scene where you can step back in time to a bygone era.

Cromford Mills

Cromford Mills was the first water-powered cotton spinning mill in the world, and is considered the birthplace of the modern factory system. Today it is the focal point of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This historic site now houses shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes, and you can either visit at your own pace or with a tour.

Cromford Canal

Why not take a leisurely stroll along a canal that helped shape the industrial future of the UK, and ultimately the world? Cromford Canal is 14.5 miles long, but only 5 of those have been restored and can be enjoyed on a lovely stroll along the towpath.

Scarthin Books, Cromford

If you are as much of a fan of quirky bookshops as I am, then you’ll love visiting Scarthin Books in Cromford. Voted as one of the best independent bookshops by The Guardian ’s readers, this quaint little bookshop will fill you with joy. 

Where to eat in Matlock and Matlock Bath

The seafood cave and grill.

Address: 30 North Parade, Matlock Bath DE4 3NS

Hidden away in a courtyard, The Seafood Cave and Grill is a great find. Specialising in Scottish seafood and contemporary British dishes, Scottish Chef and owner Ian McGhie will delight you with his creations.

I highly recommend the Highland bon bons, made with black pudding and haggis, and the seafood mixed grill, with a fresh selection of the day’s market seafood. 

Fig Coffee House

Address: 2 N Parade, Matlock Bath DE4 3NS

Cosy cafe with a couple of tables on the pavement, great for when the weather is good. The personal attention is what made me visit this lovely cafe twice, once for lunch and the next day for breakfast.

Try their great coffee and delicious tea cakes for breakfast, and their scotch eggs and pork pies for lunch.

Zinc Home & Gift

Address: 8 Bank Road, Matlock DE4 3AQ

I know the name is deceiving, but this sweet gift shop has a lovely cafe at the back with a garden and it’s definitely worth a visit. From delicious cakes to warming soups and sandwiches, Zinc makes for a lovely stop while exploring Matlock.

Do you know of any other things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath? Let me know in the comments!

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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with East Midlands Railway. As always, all views are my own.

Teresa is an award-winning travel blogger based in London. She’s on a mission to explore the world through responsible cultural and adventure travel , and through deeper, more meaningful local experiences. She’s a lover of adventure, the outdoors and everything food related, and she’s always looking for ways to make a positive impact through sustainable travel .

Cromford Canal Boat

Cromford Canal Narrow Boat Cruises operate the historic narrow boat Birdswood.

Cromford Canal Narrow Boat Cruises operate the historic narrow boat Birdswood. The Friends of Cromford Canal offer regular 2 hour cruises to High Peak Junction, with full commentary, whilst you relax enjoying the views of the local heritage and wildlife . 

Weighbridge Office, Gothic Warehouse, Mill Road, Cromford, DE4 3RQ.

More things to do

Derwent valley mills.

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site is a fascinating series of historic mill complexes.

Peak District National Park

Britain’s first National Park, with countless views to enjoy, hills to hike, stately homes and lovely villages.

Heights of Abraham

Cable car ride to Heights of Abraham hilltop park, two famous caverns, adventure playgrounds and much more.

Gulliver’s Kingdom

Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park has over 35 rides for children including pirate ship, drop tower, and log flume.

Chatsworth home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is renowned for its rich history and array of art and its garden.

Cromford Mills

Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright and part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Masson Mills

Sir Richard Arkwright's 1783 water powered cotton spinning mill built on the banks on the River Derwent at Matlock Bath.

Museum of Making

Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, celebrates the area’s rich history of innovation. 

Museum & Art Gallery

Derby Museum and Art Gallery displays of paintings and artifacts of both local and international importance.

Bonkers Illumination Golf

9 Hole, Illuminated Indoor Mini Golf

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway heritage trains connect with the Derwent Valley Line at Duffield for a scenic ride to Wirksworth.

Peak Rail operate steam trains from Matlock to Darley Dale and Rowsley.

Crich Tramway

Crich Tramway Village offers unlimited tram rides along a unique period street.

Great British Car Journey

Great British Car Journey takes you on a 100 year journey of British car companies.

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is one of the most significant and oldest heritage destinations in the country, with a remarkable tapestry and furniture collection.

Hall Leys Park

Hall Leys Park is a picturesque park with a variety of activities including play area, splash pool, skatepark, electric boats and mini railway.

Matlock Boats & Train

Matlock Boats and Train operate electric motorboats and a miniature electric locomotive ‘Little David’.

Cromford Canal

Cromford Canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a haven for water vole

Belper River Gardens

Belper River Gardens, adjacent to Strutt's North Mill offer a tranquil setting to view the River Derwent.

Belper Rowing Boats

Belper Rowing Boats can be hired during the summer at Belper River Gardens.

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THE 5 BEST Matlock Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in matlock.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Water Sports
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rapid Horizons

2. Peaks and Paddles Outdoor Adventure

3. Birdswood

4. Matlock Boats and Train

5. Derbyshire Outdoor Activities

What travellers are saying

• Rapid Horizons
• Peaks and Paddles Outdoor Adventure
• Derbyshire Outdoor Activities
• Matlock Boats and Train

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Matlock Bath (Derbyshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Matlock Bath (Derbyshire, England)

On the Derwent River in the embrace of a deep wooded gorge, Matlock Bath is a scenic spa resort developed in the 18th century.

Up to that time this almost Alpine landscape on the edge of the Peak District had been exploited for lead and limestone.

And when the Heights of Abraham pleasure park was opened, those cavernous lead mines became part of the attraction.

To get to Heights of Abraham you can catch a cable car over the valley, while the family theme park Gulliver’s Kingdom also uses chairlifts to help you negotiate the near vertical slopes.

The Peak District and the limestone landscape of the White Peak is just behind Matlock Bath, while the momentous UNESCO-protected industrial heritage of the Derwent Valley lies to the south.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Matlock Bath :

1. Heights of Abraham

Perched on the west side of the Derwent Valley gorge is a park that has been attracting visitors since 1780. To get there you can haul yourself up the slope on foot or catch the scenic cable car across the gorge from the east bank, which has been running since 1984. At the top you’ll find 60 acres of landscaped woodland, awesome views of the valley, visitor centres in chalet-style buildings and two man-made caves which we’ll talk about shortly.

For views that take in the valley, Matlock Bath and nearby landmarks like Riber Castle, make for the Victoria Prospect Tower, dating back to 1844 or the Tinker’s Shaft platform, which has panels detailing the lead mining history of the Heights of Abraham.

The Long View pavilion records the 240-year history of the Heights of Abraham as a visitor attraction while the Masson Pavilion is dedicated to the Great Masson Cavern.

2. Great Masson and Great Rutland Caverns

Included in the price of the cable car are tours of the Heights of Abraham’s show caverns.

These labyrinths twisting through the hillside were first excavated by the Romans and grew over the next 1,800 years, reaching their apogee in the 17th century.

In both caves, man-made passages are grafted to natural chambers and tunnels that have been 350 million years in the making.

Of the two, Great Masson is the showstopper, with vaulting ceilings more than ten metres high and high-tech lighting installations for extra spectacle.

The Great Rutland Cavern puts you in the boots of a 17th-century mining family, and has lots of well-preserved inscriptions by miners on its walls.

3. Peak District Lead Mining Museum

A good complement to the Heights of Abraham’s showcaves, this museum back on the valley floor goes into depth on the region’s lead mining history.

You’ll hear accounts of what day was like for the men and women (and children) who had to make their living in this industry, and take a tour of the Temple Mine, exploited for lead and fluorspar in the 1920s (tour times are less frequent in winter). Children can also scurry through three mock mine tunnels, while there’s an abundance of antique equipment recovered from mines in the area.

You won’t be able to ignore the Wills Founder Water Pressure Engine, now 200 years old, which used gravity to pump water from the underground.

The noted geologist Robert A. Howie also left a huge collection of minerals to the museum.

This donation was so large that only a portion of the 3,000 specimens can be shown at one time.

4. Peak District

Matlock Bath is in a prime position for anyone who wants to experience the majesty of the Peak District.

The southern region of the range is known as the White Peak, a region of rocky grassland, grazed by sheep and cattle and where the pale limestone has been eroded into caves and ravines.

At Matlock Bath you’re a couple of short miles from the High Peak Trail, a forgiving 17-mile path from Dowlow to Cromford.

This is on the course of the High Peak Railway (1831), built to link the Cromford and Peak Forest Canals.

The railway was designed just like a canal, and in the early years the railway used horse-power and stationary beam engines in engine houses instead of steam locomotives.

5. Derwent Valley Heritage Way

Matlock Bath is also around the midway point of a 55-mile walking trail, following the Derwent River from near Bamford in the north to the picturesque inland port of Shardlow in the south.

You could walk north towards the picturesque town of Bakewell and the magnificent Chatsworth House, while to the south the valley becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the place where the modern factory system was founded in the 18th century.

We’ll mention Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills and the Cromford Canal below.

Venture a little further and you’ll come to High Peak Junction (1830), one of the world’s oldest surviving railway workshops, and the Leawood Pumphouse with a working steam engine dating back to 1849.

6. Gulliver’s Kingdom

In another panoramic spot on the west side of the gorge, Gulliver’s Kingdom is a theme park for kids aged 3 to 13. On this vertiginous terrain, the park’s log flume, tower rides and rollercoasters are even more hair-raising as you stare into the abyss-like valley as it drops more than 100 metres.

Access to Gulliver’s Kingdom is easier for the park’s chairlift and travellator, great news for parents with small children and buggies.

Joining the line-up of rides like the Switchback rollercoaster and the self-driven Cycle Monorail is the Crow’s Nest Quest, a pirate-themed high ropes course that opened in 2017 and has more than 20 challenges for young adventurers.

7. Lovers’ Walks

Cross the bridge from Derwent Gardens and there’s a tangle of walking paths weaving up the precipitous east bank of the gorge.

The ancient woodland habitat here is rare in Europe and is considered a standout “Tilio-Acerion forest”, of the kind only found on slopes and ravines.

Also fascinating is that the paths date back more than 270 years, which puts Lovers’ Walks among the oldest surviving examples of a public pleasure park in the UK. In the 18th century the paths were reached by ferry, as the cast iron bridge at Derwent Gardens wasn’t constructed until 1969. Through the foliage near the top you’ll see a little cascade fed by a natural spring, while at the foot of the slope is a refined set of formal gardens and play area.

8. Masson Mills

A linchpin of the Derwent Valley UNESCO site, Richard Arkwright built this water-powered cotton-spinning mill in 1783. One of the many innovations made by this construction was placing the staircase in a central projection, which left the factory floors open and uncluttered.

Inside is what has been hailed as possible the country’s finest collection of operational textile machines.

Much of this is in situ, but there are also artefacts gathered from textile mills all over the UK. You’ll be treated like a worker when you visit, which is better than it sounds, and will get to see working cotton mules, pirn winders, “The Devil” which broke up raw cotton bales, cotton doubling machines, the largest bobbin collection in the world, the oldest working looms in the world and the original 1785 bell that signalled the start of a shift.

9. Black Rocks

This mammoth gristone outcrop is on the High Peak Trail, a little way from Matlock Bath.

On the outcrop’s lower slopes is scree from when the rocks were mined for lead.

The plants growing here now are known as leadworts for their unique tolerance to lead-rich soil.

A relatively strenuous climb will be compensated with superb views.

You could also use the High Peak Trail to visit Sheep Pasture Top, for another spellbinding view of the Derwent Valley, Cromford and the Matlock Gorge.

The Middleton Engine House, not far west, still has a beam engine that powered the High Peak Railway and can be visited on open days.

Alternatively you could journey through the heather and mixed woodland of Cromford Moor.

10. Cascades Gardens

Also benefitting from Matlock’s massive landscape is a visitable four-acre garden around a bed and breakfast in Bonsall.

Set on terraces on the site of an old corn mill, Cascades Gardens was first planted in the 18th century and has a new “room” at every turn.

There are roses, perennial flowerbeds, alpine and coniferous rockeries and waterside beds.

The Bonsall Brook flows through the garden, plunging over cascades and small waterfalls, which are beautiful after a spell of rain.

You can walk the path to the cliff-top for a romantic view, and call in at the nursery which sells many of the species grown in the garden.

11. Matlock Bath Aquarium

An eccentric family spot, the Matlock Bath Aquarium is in the resort’s converted Victorian bathhouse.

The Matlock Bath Aquarium is a light-hearted Victorian-style miscellany, with a carp collection in the thermal pool, a display of gemstones and fossils from around the world and the only “petrifying well” in the area.

This spring cakes anything left in it with limestone deposits.

There’s also an exhibition recounting Matlock Bath’s storied past, one of the largest displays of holograms in Europe and an extensive collection of Goss crested china from the 19th and 20th centuries.

12. Hall Leys Park

Matlock proper is only a few hundred metres up the road, and at the heart of the town is the fantastic Hall Leys Park.

Commended with a Green Flag, this is a wonderful low-cost hang out for families in summer.

On hand here is a children’s boating lake, interactive play area, a miniature railway and a putting green.

For bigger kids Hall Leys Park has a skate park, and there are acres of open greenery if you want to park yourself on a sunny day and have a picnic.

Free Wi-Fi is provided, and the cosy Cafe in the Park makes afternoon tea.

13. Cromford

The next stop along the Derwent Valley from Masson Mills is Cromford, a village built by Arkwright for his workers in the mid 1770s.

The centre of attention is the Cromford Mill, raised between 1771 and 1791. As the first successful water-powered cotton mill in the world, it changed the course of manufacturing history.

Cromford Mill is at the head of the namesake canal, extending down to Langley Mill 14.5 miles away.

It’s a walk worth making as part of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way.

You could also experience something novel and take a horse-pulled canal trip down a section of the waterway aboard the Birdswood heritage narrowboat.

14. Hopton Quarry Nature Reserve

A couple of miles west of Cromford, on the cusp of the National Park is a ten-acre reserve where three former limestone quarries have been reclaimed by calcareous grassland and woods.

The site is impressive for its walls of rock, gradually being taken over by greenery.

Try to time your visit for late spring or summer, when the flat floor of the quarry has a nationally important array of wildflowers.

Among them are orchid species like the frog orchid, rare fly orchid, common spotted orchid and fragrant orchid.

Also look out for little signs of the industry that came before, like grated lead mine shafts and the remnants of old kilns.

15. Matlock Bath Illuminations

First held to commemorate Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1897, the Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fine eight-week coda to the resort’s summer season, taking place between the start of September and end of October.

Since its inception the event has been organised by the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders’ Association.

They construct illuminated models according to a new theme each year and these are mounted to a small flotilla of rowboats.

The place to see the Illuminations is at Derwent Gardens, where you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee.

The illuminations float by every Saturday evening, and are followed by a fireworks finale.

15 Best Things to Do in Matlock Bath (Derbyshire, England):

• Heights of Abraham
• Great Masson and Great Rutland Caverns
• Peak District Lead Mining Museum
• Peak District
• Derwent Valley Heritage Way
• Gulliver's Kingdom
• Lovers' Walks
• Masson Mills
• Black Rocks
• Cascades Gardens
• Matlock Bath Aquarium
• Hall Leys Park
• Hopton Quarry Nature Reserve
• Matlock Bath Illuminations

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6 Things to Do Around Matlock and Matlock Bath

Do you like visiting an area where you can enjoy the most stunning views whilst being challenged by nature? Learn about history whilst doing fun activities and having plenty of choice when it comes to food? If so, then you definitely need to put Matlock and Matlock Bath onto your bucket list.

The most amazing thing about Matlock and Matlock Bath is the fact that you can choose to have a casual sightseeing day, but you can also make your visit a bit more challenging and combine sightseeing with hiking. I personally love the combination of hiking and sightseeing, so no wonder this place stole my heart and I’m already planning my return visit.

If you’d like to see our walk then make sure to watch our YouTube video by  clicking here .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

About Matlock and Matlock Bath

Located just south-east of the Peak District, Matlock and Matlock Bath are the gateways to the Peaks. Matlock Bath is situated about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) to the south of Matlock along the A6. It is ideally set in the stunning gorge of the River Derwent so no wonder that the poet, Lord Byron, gave it the nickname of ‘Little Switzerland’. 

When you first enter the village you might feel like you are in a seaside town, but in reality you’re as far from the sea as you can be here. Seaside towns generally attract a lot more tourists since the water and fresh air have many health benefits. So why is Matlock Bath so touristy you might wonder? Well, from the 17th Century it slowly became a tourist paradise thanks to the spa waters which were discovered in 1698. As the news about the spa water spread across the country it started to attract aristocrats who would seek it out to improve their health. Even Queen Victoria visited Matlock a few years before she became queen. 

When Matlock Bath railway station was built in 1849, the place started to attract day trippers too, making the area the ultimate tourist destination.

How to get to Matlock and Matlock Bath

By Car:  Matlock and Matlock Bath are located approximately 9 miles (14 km) south-west of Chesterfield. They are located close to bigger cities such as Derby (19 miles), Sheffield (20 miles) and Nottingham (29 miles). Depending on your plans for the day you can park in either Matlock or Matlock Bath.

There are plenty of car parks in the area to choose from, but for reference I marked the one we parked at in Matlock on the map below. The majority of these car parks are pay and display ones. The one we stopped at cost £6 for the day. 

If you don’t have your own car but would like to enjoy the freedom of a private vehicle, then you can always  hire a car  to get to Matlock.

Top Tip  – Even though there are many options for parking, watch out for long or short stay parking options. If you’re planning on exploring all day then I recommend parking at a long stay car park. 

By Public Transport:  Luckily, public transport options to reach Matlock and Matlock Bath are excellent. If you’re from the area, you can arrive by bus. There are bus services to places such as Bakewell, Wirksworth and Derby. 

You can also arrive to Matlock and Matlock Bath by train. Hourly services run to destinations such as Newark Castle, Derby and Nottingham. If you’re coming from further afield, I suggest you travel to one of these destinations first. Make sure to plan your journey with  Trainline  which also provides information on bus fares. 

Top Tip  – If you’re planning on travelling across the UK by train a lot, then  check out s o me Railcard options   which allow you to save some pennies on your train fares.

Matlock and Matlock Bath Sightseeing Trail

Length of the route.

The great thing about Matlock and Matlock Bath isn’t just the fact that you can see and do a lot. It has an excellent walking trail option for those who love the outdoors as much as I do. You can easily see everything along a 10 km (6-7 miles) ‘sightseeing trail’.

Depending on your speed and how long you are spending at each feature or stopping for lunch, this route could take at least 5 hours to complete. 

We started from a car park in Matlock and headed straight up to Pic Tor before heading towards High Tor. After descending High Tor we walked along Starkholmes Road/Willersley Lane for a while before taking Mill Road to Cromford Mill. After a short stopover at Cromford Mill we took the footpath that heads towards Matlock Bath. There’s plenty to do in Matlock Bath so we spent a little longer here exploring the place and stopping for some chips and gravy. From here there’s a footpath that takes you all the way to Matlock through the Heights of Abraham, before returning to your starting point.

Since many attractions were closed for the winter season plus additional places had limited visitor capacities due to restrictions, it was easy to complete this trail. However, I highly recommend spending a little longer in the area if you can truly explore it.

Level of Difficulty

The ‘sightseeing trail’ that we did is an easy to moderate route but you can complete it with a basic level of fitness. The paths are generally relatively easy to find and follow. However, you’ll be walking uphill and downhill constantly. After rain the paths can get very muddy and slippery too. Therefore, I recommend wearing the right footwear like trainers or boots. You’ll also have to cross and/or walk along the road and cross some fields. 

Facilities Within Matlock and Matlock Bath

You’ll be spoilt by the number of facilities along this route. Since both Matlock and Matlock Bath are very touristy towns you’ll find everything you need along the way. 

There are plenty of public toilets, picnic spots, restaurants, takeaways and other retail options like supermarkets and clothes shops.

After descending into Matlock Bath we were immediately hit by the well known smell of fish & chips. We couldn’t resist the inviting smell so grabbed some chips and gravy from one of the chippies. I bet you won’t be able to resist the great mixture of smells along the high street either.

What to Wear and Bring With You?

You are in the north of England so weather conditions can change quickly. If you just walk around Matlock and Matlock Bath you can even wear a dress if you wish. However if you decide to do the ‘sightseeing trail’, I highly recommend wearing proper walking shoes and more appropriate clothing. 

Make sure to have some water with you if you’re doing the trail as you’ll be doing a lot of uphills. Have a few snacks with you, but there are plenty of opportunities to grab something to eat or drink so don’t forget your wallet/cards.

Also make sure to bring your facemask with you which you’ll need to use at indoor places. (It’s not mandatory, but I also prefer to wear my face cover in busy town centres!)

6 Things To Do in Matlock and Matlock Bath

There is plenty to do in the area, but I’ve collected 6 things you shouldn’t miss out on when you’re in Matlock or Matlock Bath. Many of these attractions are also along the ‘sightseeing trail’ so you can potentially do them all in one day.

1. Climb Pic Tor in Matlock

If you enjoy panoramic views but you don’t fancy climbing for hours, then I highly recommend visiting Pic Tor. In order to reach the summit, you’ll have to walk through Hall Leys Park which is considered one of the leading parks in the UK. From there continue towards Knowleston Gardens. Cross the footbridge over the River Derwent and carry on walking along the river. There will be a sign pointing towards Pic Tor, just before you reach Boat House Bridge. The path runs through the woodland and will lead you to the War Memorial which provides you with panoramic views of Matlock and beyond. You’ll also see Riber Castle from the summit. From here, if you’re following our ‘sightseeing trail’ you can carry on towards High Tor.

2. Climb High Tor in Matlock

Without doubt one of the main things to do when visiting Matlock or Matlock Bath is to climb up to High Tor.  High Tor is a limestone crag and at 300 feet (92 m) it’s one of the highest inland cliffs in England.

Since the cliff is full of minerals, mining took place here for centuries. Lead was mined here since Roman times. Therefore, it has many mines with Fern and the Roman Caves being the most well known ones. Due to health and safety concerns these have been closed to the public.

High Tor used to be owned by Peter Arkwright, the grandson of Sir Richard Arkwright who was founder of Cromford Mill, another attraction in the area. The number of visitors arriving to Matlock Bath grew significantly in the 18th and 19th century when the thermal waters were discovered. When the railway was introduced in 1849 day trippers started to appear too. Due to the pressure of growing tourism, High Tor was opened to the public.

When you reach the summit, you’ll be treated with some pretty amazing views of the area. You’ll be able to see Matlock and Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham which is another iconic feature in the area.

Giddy Ledge – The Scariest Footpath in Britain?

You have two options when descending from High Tor. There’s the ‘safe’ way and there’s the more adventurous way along the cliff ledge called ‘Giddy Ledge’ . Obviously, we chose to walk along Giddy Ledge, which I’ve seen referred to as ‘Britain’s scariest footpath’.

For me personally it wasn’t scary at all, but I can definitely see why many people choose to take the safer path. You are 300 ft up on a sheer cliff edge after all and will be walking along a path that is sometimes only a few inches wide. There’s a metal handrail though to help you keep your balance.

Please Note! – Please don’t attempt to walk along Giddy Ledge if you have a fear of heights, without wearing the right footwear, or if the weather conditions aren’t great. Whilst it wasn’t scary for me, I wouldn’t have done it if the path looked wet or icy and the wind had been stronger. Better to be safe than sorry!

3. Discover the Heights of Abraham

Another must-see feature along the trail is the Heights of Abraham . It is a 60 acre woodland estate on top of Masson Hill offering panoramic views of Matlock Bath and beyond. It is listed as grade II in the register of historic parks and gardens of special historic interest. 

Originally the hill was a lead mining site until the 1700s. After mining activities had stopped the caverns became tourist attractions. You can now take a guided tour around the two show caverns called Great Masson and Rutland Cavern , watch some films about them and walk around the photography gallery.

You can also walk up to the top of The Victoria Prospect Tower which was built in 1844 providing 360 degree views of the Derbyshire Dales. 

Access to the Heights of Abraham is either on foot or by cable car. The cable car was opened in 1984 and it’s definitely a fun way to reach the hill.

Since the site is privately run, you’ll need to purchase tickets  even if you decide to walk up to it on foot. The cable car fee includes the ride itself, the attractions and the cavern tours. Please note that the cable cars and the attractions are only open between March and November, and closed during the winter season.

4. Explore Matlock Bath

If you’re just passing by, I highly recommend at least to walk along Lovers’ Walk and grab a bite to eat. Lovers’ Walk was created around 1742 and many people think that the trail is the oldest surviving example of a public pleasure ground. The 3/4-mile route contains a series of footpaths running along the River Derwent all the way up to High Tor. Since the walk is connected to Derwent Gardens I highly recommend combining your walk with a visit to the garden. 

However, if you have a bit longer then there are a few more attractions to check out, depending on the kind of adventure you seek.

One of the coolest things Matlock Bath offers is the ‘Matlock Bath Illuminations’ event which has been taking place annually for over 120 years. It features the decorated and illuminated boats produced by the members of the Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders Association. The illuminations run every weekend between the months of September and October at Derwent Gardens. 

Many families come to enjoy Gulliver’s Kingdom which is a theme park founded by Ray Phillips in 1978. He created the park as a model village for his children and today it is aimed at children between the age of 3 and 13. The theme park is still owned by the family and now has a couple of sister theme parks in Warrington, Milton Keynes and Rotherham.

Visiting Matlock Bath Aquarium and Exhibitions is another fun activity you can do in Matlock Bath. In the beautiful Victorian building you can discover 50 species of fish, a collection of fossils and gemstones and the largest public display of Holograms in Europe.

5. Learn About the History of Cromford Mills

Located in Cromford, just over 1 mile (2 km) to the south of Matlock Bath is Cromford Mills. It was built by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1771 and it’s considered the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill.

Sir Richard Arkwright was developing the mill up until 1790. Later, in 1840, the water supply put a limitation on the textile production. As a result, the buildings within the mill complex were put to other uses such as cheese warehousing, laundry facilities and a brewery. Nearly 100 years later, in 1922, it was used as a colour works, producing colour pigments for paints and dyes. The buildings were in bad condition after the colour works stopped production. Even the Local Authorities believed that Cromford Mills had lost its historical significance.

However, new archeological research has been conducted since then which revealed the true value of Cromford Mills. As a result, the site is now listed as Grade I and is also part of  Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can take a tour around Cromford Mills to learn more about its history. Of course, due to restrictions, the tours aren’t running but you can keep up-to-date on the website.  Luckily, we could still enter the outdoor part of the complex for free where we could look around, use the toilet facilities and grab a hot drink.

6. Stroll Along Cromford Canal

After exploring Cromford Mills, another great activity is to walk along Cromford Canal. It is designated as a Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve. The canal walk starts just across from Cromford Mills at Wheatcroft’s Wharf where you can grab some refreshments. 

The 5-mile (8 km) long path runs along Derwent Valley, between Ambergate and Cromford. It passes through High Peak Junction , the village of  Whatstandwell and  Leawood Pump House which was built in 1849 to supply water. 

You’ll also pass Shining Cliff Woods which is an ancient woodland with many unique features such as Betty Kenny’s ancient oak tree.

Our initial plan was to explore Shining Cliff Woods and walk through Cromford Canal, but we soon realised that it was a way too ambitious plan, especially considering the amount of daylight we had in December. Therefore, we decided to cut our walk short and only visit Cromford Mills before heading over to Matlock Bath.

Other Places to Visit in the Peak District

There are many amazing places and trails located in close proximity to Matlock and Matlock Bath. So, if you’d like to see more of the Peak District then make sure to check out some of my other blog posts that are less than an hours drive away from Matlock:

Chatsworth House and Gardens – Explore Britain’s favourite country house and thousands of acres of surrounding parkland. Click here to read it.

Bamford Edge and Ladybower Reservoir – A 7-mile circular trail with stunning views from the top of Bamford Edge looking towards Ladybower Reservoir and the Hope Valley. Click here to read it.

Dovedale Stepping Stones – A 6-mile circular route with beautiful views, stepping stones and the coolest limestone formations.  Click here to read it.

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill – A 10 km circular route with a good mixture of trails, fields and ridges with some magnificent views of the surrounding area and beyond.  Click here to read it.

Macclesfield Forest –  A 10 km circular route filled with unique features from dense pine forestation to an abandoned farmhouse, and even a miniature Matterhorn.  Click here to read it.

Monsal Dale and Wye Valley Walk – A 10 km circular route in Monsal Dale and the Wye Valley along the River Wye and Deep Dale, stopping at Monsal Head and Ashford-in-the-Water.  Click here to read it.

Padley Gorge Walk – A magical walk in the Peak District which will make you feel like you’re walking through an enchanted forest.  Click here to read it.

Three Shires Head Walk – A picturesque waterfall, located at the meeting point of three counties in the north of England: Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Click here to read it.

Final Thoughts on Matlock and Matlock Bath

Although not everything was operating during the winter months, Matlock Bath still managed to steal my heart. Since I personally prefer visiting places during the off season, I probably enjoyed my visit even more than I would’ve in the heights of summer. There are just so many interesting and unique things to do there, that I’m not surprised that this place becomes a tourist paradise in summer.

Since we could only do so much in one day, we’re already planning our return trip in early spring when more attractions will reopen again, so stay tuned for a second part to this blog post.

Have you ever been to Matlock and Matlock Bath before? If so, which season did you visit in and how much of the area did you manage to explore? Let me know in the comments below. 

Now, let your adventure begin,

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Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

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Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

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12 comments.

Lovely post Kitti! Despite the cold, it looks like you had an amaaazing weather for this. It looks like a great mix of touristy areas and pretty countryside. Mostly, I just like the look of Giddy Ledge!

Thank you Josy, yes we had a great time. Just love mixing the outdoors with some touristy bits. And I agree Giddy Ledge was my favourite part too.

Wow, I feel pretty stupid saying it but I didn’t even know where Matlock was, let alone how beautiful the area is! I’ve driven up and down the M1 many a time and seen the signs for the Heights of Abraham without much of a thought…I’ve been missing out! It definitely looks like an area I’d love to explore more! High Tor looks like an incredible hike! Thanks for the great guide!

Don’t worry Hannah, I’ve been exploring the Peaks for 5 years now and this was my first time in Matlock too. And had no idea about all of these amazing things you can do there. I hope you’ll be able to visit it too very soon 🙂

I’ve been hiking in this area and loved it! The village is so cute too.

So happy to hear that you loved it as much as I did. There’s just too much to do so I’ll definitely return once the restrictions are eased.

Thank you so much for sharing this! I am always looking for more places to go in the UK and now this is at the top of my list 🙂 such stunning pictures!

I’m so happy that my post inspired you to visit this area. I’m sure you’ll love it too 🙂

Oh my Giddy Aunt!! That Giddy ledge looks amazing! Thanks for this excellent post. I have driven through this area many times, but never done the walking/exploring, which looks and sounds great. I have been to Cromford Mills, really interesting site, and we did have a trip to Gullivers Kingdom many years ago! As you say, so much to do and see! Will definatley be revisiting in the future.

Thank you for your comment Karan, I’m so happy to hear that you visited some parts of the area already. I really enjoyed mixing the touristy and outdoorsy elements on this route and will definitely need to return for more. And yes, Giddy Ledge was definitely the highlight on this trail 🙂

Szia Kitti! Very good review and cannot wait to read more of your blog. Bw,Flora from Derbyshire 😀

Koszonom Flora, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed my post. Hope you find my other posts just as useful 🙂

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7th September 2024 - 27th October 2024

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent.

• Family Friendly
• Group Friendly

7th September 2024 - 27th October 2024 12:00 am

During the 7-week season Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders' Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights. The models are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent each Saturday (from around 7.45pm in September and from around 7pm in October) and Sundays (from around 7.30pm in September and 7pm in October) in Derwent Gardens, giving a unique and illuminous display. The boats can only be viewed on admission into the gardens.

There are fantastic firework displays on selected evenings. The fireworks light up the skies around Matlock Bath in multi-colours. The firework displays begin at 9pm.

Please note that on Saturdays in particular Matlock Bath can get extremely busy. For travel, timings and ticketing tips, s ee our FAQ on our website

Both Saturdays and Sundays have themed nights and there's also entertainment including stilt walkers plus the fabulous parade of decorated boats on the River Derwent. Sundays are "family nights", when entertainment starts and finishes earlier, running from 6.00pm-8.30pm to take account of younger visitors having school the following morning.

Dates & Times TBC

How To Find Us

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George Centre, Matlock Bath

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Matlock Bath

Things to do in matlock bath, tours in and around matlock bath.

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Top attractions in matlock bath.

Other Top Attractions around Matlock Bath

What travellers are saying

• Heights of Abraham
• Gulliver's Kingdom
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• Lovers' Walk
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• Derwent Gardens

Matlock Boats and Train

Boating Lake and Miniature Train rides in Hall Leys Park, right in the centre of Matlock.

We currently run 10 motorboats around the Jubilee boating lake and first opened back on the 6th May 1935 in time for the King’s Royal Jubilee.

We operate weekends only from Spring and every day through all school holidays (weather permitting). 11.00am – 4.30pm You don’t need to book, just turn up!

If you want to be sure we are open, feel free to message our facebook page just to check. 

Our prices are £5.00 per boat with a maximum of 3 people in a boat.

We also have a handsome little miniature locomotive train known as ‘Little David’ who rides up and down a 200ft track, running alongside the River Derwent.

We are now fully electric so are also environmentally friendly!

It’s just £1 for a ride on Little David.

Little David Books & Gifts

Little David features in our new first children’s story! 

Based on his adventures in the park with his animal friends and beautifully illustrated by local artist Claire Duberry.  It has proved very popular and a second book is on its way! 

You can buy the book here on the website, or on ebay, or at the boating shed when we are open. 

Jul 21, 2021

We will open daily for the summer season from 10.30am - 4.30pm Thursday 22nd July 2021. Weather permitting - please feel free to call or message us to check we are open on the day you are hoping to visit 😊

WE ARE BACK OPEN!

May 4, 2021

We had a lovely morning on Friday the 30th April when we met at the park with some very special people. The mayor and his wife, Hubert Swain and David Wildgoose joined us to celebrate. Hubert’s father Cyril first bought his trains to the park in 1948 and commissioned...

We Are Going Electric!

Dec 16, 2020

One of the things I love about the boats and train is that it is pretty much as it has been for many years.  Our train remains the lovely little locomotive built in 1974, still proudly named “Little David” Our boats are the same boats made new in the 60’s with...

Come and Visit Us!

We hope you can visit soon and enjoy this historic attraction. Matlock has some fabulous shops and eating places so why not make a day of it and make some memories along the way.

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Matlock Bath Illuminations

You will be able to BOOK HERE for the 2024 Illuminations.

Look out for a discounted tickets offer from our sponsor the Heights of Abraham when you book Illuminations tickets. Make a day of it in Matlock Bath with a visit to the top attraction with its cable cars and entertainment, followed by an evening at the lights! Details on your e-ticket when you book.

Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent. The 2023 season ran every Saturday and Sunday night from 9 September to 29 October, with fireworks finales every October Saturday and the final night, 29 October.

During the 7-week season Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders' Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights. The models are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent each Saturday (from around 7.45pm in September and from around 7pm in October) and Sundays (from around 7.30pm in September and 7pm in October) in Derwent Gardens , giving a unique and illuminous display. The boats can only be viewed on admission into the gardens.

There are fantastic firework displays on selected evenings. The fireworks light up the skies around Matlock Bath in multi-colours. The firework displays begin at 9pm.

Please note that on Saturdays in particular Matlock Bath can get extremely busy. For travel, timings and ticketing tips, see our FAQs

Both Saturdays and Sundays have themed nights and there's also entertainment including stilt walkers plus the fabulous parade of decorated boats on the River Derwent. Sundays are "family nights", when entertainment starts and finishes earlier, running from 6.00pm-8.30pm to take account of younger visitors having school the following morning.

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Pulteney Cruisers Ltd

We are running one boat, open top boat tours of the river avon at bath, we will be operating every day subject to river and weather conditions. timetable is below of our operating times., no pre-bookings taken unless for private hire - just jump aboard and pay on the boat, welcome to pulteney cruisers.

Pulteney Cruisers are the longest established boat tour operator in Bath. We have been running boat trips from Pulteney weir in the centre of Bath for over 50 years.

Our boats each seat 70 people & have a cafe on board. There is a sundeck or heated cabin depending on the weather.

We offer a scenic hour’s cruise up the River Avon to the village of Bathampton on our twin decked boats. The trip passes under the historic Pulteney Bridge & out into the beautiful Avon valley. There is an abundance of wildlife to see on the river including swans, herons, kingfishers & for the lucky few, otters!

On the way upstream the crew serve hot & cold drinks from the galley & on the return journey of each cruise there is a fascinating live commentary on the history, architecture & points of interest on the Avon.

We no longer stop at Bathampton.

2024 Timetable

• We dock 20 minutes prior for boarding
• 1 Hour Round Trip
• Departing from Pulteney Weir
• Check our Facebook page for daily running status

Please note:

Boats will be running when the river level will allow us to, if we have had a lot of rainfall this makes the river rise and therefore makes river conditions too dangerous to operate. 

If the green board is at Pulteney Weir we will be operating.

For any extra info needed email: [email protected]

Boat Departure Point

Pulteney weir bath, bridge street bath ba2 4at.

Unfortunately we are no longer stopping at Bathampton. We understand for many people this is very disappointing. This is for many reasons.

Prices for 2024

Private hire, private parties/weddings to the boatman restaurant, private hire for a one hour round trip.

• £550.00 Weekends Private hire is only available to parties wishing to board at Pulteney Bridge

Please Note

No seats can be reserved in advance, we operate on a first come first served basis unless you are to hire the boat exclusively (bookable in advance).

The timetable stated is the times the boat departs.

The boat is ready for boarding 20 minutes before the departure time.

Those that are first in the queue will be able to board the boat first.

Pushchairs and mobility scooters must be folded and cannot be taken on the top deck of the boat. Crew are happy to help those with limited mobility aboard but cannot physically lift passengers.

Well behaved dogs are welcome.

We do no allow customers to bring their own drinks aboard, we have a bar which we offer hot and cold drinks and snacks from. 

Get in Touch

Come and jump onboard – no need to book. We sail from Pulteney Weir, accessed from the Pulteney Bridge steps.

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The Boat Inn Restaurant

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

Every time we visit Cromford, a visit to the Boat is always part of the day. We have found it to be friendly,especially dog friendly throughout. There is a great selection of beers on tap and a very good food menu, that is reasonably priced.... The portions are excellent, and we have never been let down yet(and hopefully will not be). On longer stays in the area, we have visited on a Thursday when it's quiz night. what a laugh! They also provided free nibbles! My wife and I also came on evening to watch a football match downstairs, which was very friendly with the locals, and again, provided plates of freshly cooked chips free of charge. How good is that! Definitely worth a visit, especially if you are looking for somewhere that is dog friendly. There is also a beer garden at the back if you fancy sitting out in the Summer. More

We have been to Cromford several times and not visited the Boat Inn and now wished that we had! The staff were friendly, there was a good selection of real ale on tap - both local and from further afield. The menu was varied and... full of home cooked food with specials, too, which was very well-priced. Fish and chips were cooked just right and the black and blue burger was delicious; both meals were generous portions. Seems to be a lot of competition in Cromford, but this pub is well worth a visit. More

We popped in on a drizzly Sunday and were welcomed with a friendly smile, warned there may be a delay to food service but were actually served really quickly - with delicious food. Children delighted, parents enjoyed choice of drinks, all round a great pub... atmosphere. Good to be back in one post lockdown! More

Spent a lovely hour or so here for a lunch pit stop whilst out nearby. We sat outside with our dog and enjoyed chilling in the sun. The sandwiches were very nice, served with a decent salad and crisps. For 2 sandwiches, a bowl of... chips and 4 pints it was just over £26 which I thought was good value. The staff were very nice too. More

First weekend after lockdown so we didn't know what to expect but this felt relaxed and at the same time safe. Staff were wearing masks and ordering can be through their online app. We both had good hearty Sunday roasts with lots of veg and... trimmings, big healthy meals in a calm sparkling clean environment with their usual friendly service. More

Burger night on a Tuesday at The Boat Inn is definitely the place to be!!! Great choice of burgers in a comfortable friendly environment, I enjoyed it immensely. I had the lamb and mint burger which was topped with a huge onion ring along with... a tin of fluffy chips, a lovely salad, a pot of coleslaw and a small pot of relish, all on a stylish wooden board... absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to go again and try the pork and apple!!! Service was excellent and all plates were emptied!! Thank you for cheering up a sad rainy evening. 😁 More

Comments are made in comparison to 'The Greyhound Hotel' which is down the road. A cosy pub venue , although not as spacious as the greyhound in terms of social distancing. A rather basic menu compared to the greyhound ( as a result of covid... ) but the service was much quicker and prices were cheaper. Portions good compared to the GH but cooking competent rather than inspired in terms of taste and seasoning. Worth a visit overall. More

We were hoping for a roast dinner but there was no mention on the menu so we chose the steak pie. The pie was lovely and packed with meat. Bit cold which was a shame but I'm sure if we had asked it would have... been heated. Most of the staff were friendly and helpful especially the young woman who served our drinks. As we were about to leave I noticed roast dinners being served. I mentioned that I didn't know roasts were being served to the waitress who had taken our order she abruptly replied that she had told me about the roasts and of course they served them on a Sunday. On reflection I should have asked the question when ordering. I appreciate that restaurants have had a very bad time and have had to work hard to cope with all of the Covid regulations. So I wouldn't let this prevent me from recommending this lovely Inn. It might be helpful if a mention could be made on the menu that roasts are served on Sundays. More

We stayed in Cromford for a week & spent a few evenings in this pub as the staff are very welcoming. We ate on 3 of the evenings & the food was very good & reasonably priced. We enjoyed watching some of the Euro Football... games & were made to feel very welcome with the locals. The Landlady could not do enough for us & made sure we enjoyed our evenings. We will be back as soon as we can. More

Hand sanitiser on the way in and a form to collect the details of people entering makes this a very Covid safe place. The menu has now increased again after a reduced offering earlier in the year and is as wonderful as ever. My latest... tasty treat was Steak and Ale pie which went down perfectly with a pint of beer (or two?). They do great vale specials on different days of the week, I highly recommend this brilliant little pub. More

I would give this 0 starts if I could, we didn’t even stay longer than 5 minutes as we were made to feel that unwelcome. The whole place was eery vibes but we thought we could give it a chance. At first we were told... where we were allowed to sit although the place was empty and there were no reservations. When the woman sat us we thought we was going to fall through the wooden chairs clearly made in the 1800s. We were also greeted with the most passive aggressive woman who served us. They call themselves dog friendly however she was quick to rudely guide us to the door where it was more acceptable to give our dogs water in the pouring rain. We were then told the presence of our dogs made some customers feel too uncomfortable to order and eat food baring in mind our dogs had done absolutely nothing but breathe since walking in the place. This was more the customers being purposefully rude probably due the being dropped on the head as children throwing off their ability to treat people with human decency in adulthood however the staff didn’t see issue with this lack of human decency. You best bet we cancelled our drinks order immediately as we couldn’t bear to stay in a place that made us feel so unwelcome. We are absolutely disgusted. Go to the Greyhound at the bottom of the road instead this little pub is NOT worth the stress and quite frankly the owners are giving me the impression that they would be happier if they had no business coming through the doors. More

I tried to get this taken down as the customer actually left due to comments made by another customer, but Trip Advisor cares little about such nuances. 3 customers and 3 very wet dogs. They sat by the doorway right in the way of the... More

We were a group of 14 walkers looking for somewhere close to Carsington Water that would serve us at 2pm, and that would allow dogs inside too, having searched the web I came across The Boat Inn. I called to ask could we book and... the very friendly lady said we could but we would need to pre-order on the morning of the walk. Which we did, we called at 10.30am arrived at 2pm and within minutes the lovely food arrived and it was all just as we had ordered and plenty of it. Parking was a bit of an issue as the pub is on a very narrow one way street but we found spaces on the main street. Great Food, friendly staff and a warm welcome, More

Booked a table for the Euros semi final and cannot fault this amazing pub! We are originally from Norfolk and the were so welcoming and attentive. One of our group had strict dietary requires and they were more than accommodating. Food was absolutely incredible and... the bar staff and waitresses were so friendly. Amazing atmosphere for the football too! Thank you so much! More

Located by the mill pond in the centre of historic Cromford, the Boat is a cosy, welcoming little pub. They offer a good range of ales encompassing a mix of national brands and more interesting beers from local independent breweries. There is a fairly extensive... menu of reasonably priced food, from snacks to full meals. They have a good range of pies, supplied by a local butcher, listed on the specials board. I opted for the Steak & Kidney pie, a personal favourite, and it proved to be one of the best S&K pies I've had in a long time. Tasting homemade, it was packed with a generous helping of large pieces of kidney - and, for me, it's the kidney which really makes the dish special. It was served with potatoes, peas and a jug of decent gravy. If I had to nit-pick, perhaps I would have liked a more ambitious selection of vegetables but hey! overall it was an enjoyable meal in pleasant surroundings. Staff are friendly and welcoming. More

The two open fire the Boat had going were very welcome on a wet March day. The warmth from the fires was matched by the warmth from the staff. We (very wet) walkers were made welcome. The food served was traditional pub fare, well presented... and reasonably priced. Good selection of beers, once again reasonably priced. More

THE BOAT INN RESTAURANT, Matlock - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5
• Atmosphere: 4.5