Matlock

Limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the River Derwent, creating a spa town that Victorian tourists flocked to but that feels refreshingly unspoilt today. Matlock sits in the heart of the Peak District, where wooded valleys and dramatic escarpments create some of the most striking scenery in central England.

The town itself has kept its character - none of those chains dominating every corner. You'll find proper local shops along the high street and tea rooms that haven't changed much since the 1950s. Most visitors make the pilgrimage to nearby Chatsworth House, but there's plenty to occupy you closer to home.

Families tend to gravitate towards Matlock Farm Park, while history buffs seek out Hob Hurst's House, an intriguing Bronze Age burial chamber that predates Stonehenge. The archaeological site sits on a hill with cracking views across the Derwent Valley. For something completely different, the Remains of Hurker Hall offer a glimpse into medieval Derbyshire - though there's not much left standing.

Walk up to Sammy's Stick Point on a clear day. The viewpoint delivers panoramic vistas across the Peak District that justify the climb. Serious hikers head for Harland Edge, while families with young children often end up at Little Monkeys Play Centre when the weather turns.

Most visitors arrive via the A6 from Derby, about 20 miles south. The nearest train station connects to Derby and Manchester, making it accessible without a car. Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area - like Darwin Forest or the various glamping spots - gives you a proper base for exploring both Matlock and the wider Peak District without the hassle of daily drives from further afield.