Sherwood Foresters Memorial Tower

Standing on the heights above Matlock, this stone tower honours the Sherwood Foresters regiment and serves as a working museum dedicated to their military history. It's a proper focal point if you're wandering the surrounding moorland - the tower itself and the exhibits inside tell the story of one of Derbyshire's most significant regiments, from their formation through to modern campaigns.

The climb rewards you with views across the Derbyshire Dales, which frankly makes the detour worthwhile even if military history isn't your thing. The museum section covers uniforms, medals, weapons and personal accounts - the sort of thing that genuinely grips people interested in regimental heritage. Kids under twelve might find it a bit dry unless they're already keen on soldiers and history.

You'll want to allow between 45 minutes and two hours depending on how thoroughly you read the displays. The tower itself is atmospheric on a clear day and windswept on others. Matlock sits close enough that you could base yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks like Lickpenny or The Firs and easily reach this on a half-day outing. Pair it with a walk round the surrounding countryside or a visit to Matlock town itself to make a proper morning or afternoon of it.

Word of advice: check opening times before you head out, as visitor numbers seem quiet enough that weekend hours might be limited. Free admission would be typical for a memorial museum, but confirm it first. The walk up from the car park is moderately steep but short.