Matlock Derbyshire

Once a tourist centre, always tourist centre! Matlock can't avoid its destiny. From the end of the 17th century, when thermal springs were discovered, it has been known as a spa town. With the spa industry and mills at the river Derwent developing, this town has been growing rapidly. Nowadays this historic place in Derbyshire is a popular tourist destination and vivid shopping centre.Situated in the Peak District National Park, Matlock is just miles away from Derby, Chesterfield and Nottingham. Small and picturesque, Matlock offers immediately a feeling of being home.With its steep streets and cable trams, it sometimes reminds of San Francisco. Once, Matlock had a privilege of having the steepest tramway in the world but it was closed in the 1920's, losing the battle with other, more modern, means of transportation. The Bank Road, where the tram used to be, still guards, or leads to many local landmarks.What used to be the tram shelter next to the river now is a part of a big Victorian park where many art, sport events and celebrations take place.Matlock features a quite romantic and exquisitely picturesque scenery, which attracts numerous visitors every year. Limestone rocks in unique formations, lush greenery and a large variety of trees, such as elms and yews, the sublime High Tor which overlooks the town, and rich woodland is what captures the eye right away.The town is ideally and romantically situated on the bank of the Derwent. Its stone bridge is the region's landmark, and forms the main entrance to the town.The Heights of Abraham are one of the major attractions in the area; it is the place where natural beauty meets the human grandeur. Historical structures and modern architectural outlets blend harmoniously, in one of the most stunning and old districts of Matlock.