Protected as part of a designated conservation area and close to the Peak District National Park, Sheffield and Nottingham, Matlock is a wonderful holiday destination with lots to do and a wide variety of cottages to rent. Walking, cycling and sightseeing are all on the cards at this picturesque town which has been a favourite holiday destination since the Georgians discovered the health benefits of its waters and turned it into a spa town to rival Bath and Buxton. Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, John Ruskin and Sir John Betjeman all lavished praise on this beautiful town, so why not see for yourself what makes Matlock so wonderful. Read more
Nestling within some of the most stunning countryside in England, Two Owls Lodge is a spacious yet cosy romantic holiday retreat which sits in forty eight acres of private woods and affords panoramic views over Derwent Valley. Located in the Derbyshire village of Derby Dale, the village pub is within walking distance and Bakewell, Matlock and Chatsworth are just ten minutes by car.
The Main House at Stainsborough Hall offers comfortable, spacious and stylish accommodation for large groups looking to escape to the countryside together. There's plenty of room for large groups at Stainsborough Hall. On the ground-floor there is a fantastic kitchen that is literally at the heart of the home. It comes fully-equipped with everything you need to make delicious meals for large groups. This leads onto a dining area with seating for up to 20 people. There are two living rooms (one with a TV and one with a piano) which both have a large number of sofas, and log-fires. While there is also a games room with pub-sized pool table. We have two cloakrooms downstairs so you don't have to keep nipping up stairs for the bathroom. The first floor is home to six bedrooms and three bathrooms. All rooms are spacious with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. There are a further four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the top floor.
Wasp Nest Cottage is perfect for couples, friends or small families seeking to escape to the peace and beauty of the Peak District. The period holiday cottage is on the edge of Holymoorside, close to the national park and with stunning walks over the moors accessible from the door. There is an excellent village shop and two pubs within walking distance. Favourite Peak District attractions like Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Bakewell, and the Heights of Abraham are all within a 15-20 minute drive. The two-bedroom self-catering cottage sleeps four people and features furniture, art and pottery from local artisans.
This gorgeous Georgian house is in an enviable position opposite the Jubilee Bridge in Matlock Bath, a short stroll from the river, shops, cafes and local attractions. 98 Fountain Villas has recently been refurbished to a high standard to provide big group holiday accommodation in the Peak District for up to 16 people over three floors. This area is beautiful in every season and guests can enjoy lovely walks and bike rides from the doorstep. Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Carsington Waters and Alton Towers are all within easy reach, while Gulliver's Kingdom and the Heights of Abraham are within walking distance.
Beautiful 5/6 bedroomed cottage with plenty of space for everyone to relax and have fun. The cottage overlooks the Derwent Valley and river Derwent which runs through the village. The cottage comfortably accommodates up to 15 guests in five upstairs bedrooms and one downstairs snug off the living area with double full-sized double sofa-bed. There are gardens to the front and rear with BBQ and outside garden furniture and garden games including swingball and garden jenga. Matlock Bath is known as the seaside town without the sea and you'll soon see why! There are shops, pubs, restaurants and amusements all along the main promenades plus loads of things to do right here in the village including boat trips, cable car rides, a children's theme park, a nine hole indoor crazy golf, an aquarium and even a Victorian lido crammed with giant Koi Carp. The cottage is nestled on the hillside of Matlock bath looking down over the village in a quiet location just five minutes walk from all the hustl
Derwent House is a charming Grade II listed holiday home once owned by one of Matlock's leading families and today a popular choice for family get-togethers and celebrations with friends. Set back from the street opposite Knowleston gardens, there are six generously proportioned bedrooms (4 en-suites plus an additional bathroom) comfortably accommodating up to 12 guests. The house is just a short walk from Derwent River and Matlock's fantastic independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. It is close to popular attractions such as the Heights of Abraham, Bakewell, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House, and many beautiful walking and cycling trails for which the Peak District is famous.
A cosy holiday cottage for two that makes a wonderful bolt-hole for exploring the Peak District National Park. There is a village pub a short walk away from Brookside Retreat and lovely walks from the village. Matlock and Bakewell are close by and the many attractions of the Peak District National Park are within easy reach.
The Haven is a luxury self-catering holiday cottage in the Peak District. It is located in the picturesque village of Two Dales, within walking distance of the village pub, cafe and shop and close to Bakewell and Matlock. It's wonderfully spacious, with five bedrooms to accommodate ten people. The layout is ideal for families, extended families or friends and includes a games room and an outdoor entertaining area with a barbecue and a covered hot tub. The High Peak Trail, Monsal Trail, Chatsworth House, Alton Towers, and the Heights of Abraham are just a few of many nearby attractions.
The Ideal Venue for Family Gatherings, Retreats & Celebrations Emily Barn is a large, beautifully converted stone barn set in the peaceful village of Carsington in the Derbyshire Dales, just a short stroll from Carsington Water. With 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a layout designed for families, walkers, groups, and special celebrations, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable stay in the Peak District. Inside, you’ll find original oak beams, stone floors, underfloor heating, and a spacious lounge-diner—ideal for big group meals and social evenings. The lounge is warm and welcoming, with comfy sofas and plenty of room to relax together. Outside, the enclosed south-facing garden offers outdoor seating, a BBQ, and space to unwind. The local village pub is just a short walk away, with walks and cycling routes from the doorstep. Whether you’re planning a celebration, reunion, retreat, or just a peaceful countryside escape, Emily Barn offers a spacious, stylish, a Tourist board rating: 4 Star
As long as you've got the legs for it, you won't need a car once you arrive at Barn Cottage. The pretty one-bedroom cottage is in the Peak District village of Birchover, within walking distance of two friendly pubs serving food and having direct access to footpaths and cycling routes from the door. Walking, bouldering, caving and climbing are all popular, as are mountain biking and road cycling. Bakewell and Chatsworth House are just over five miles away, with other local attractions, including the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Spa, Buxton, and Alton Towers. Barn Cottage is ideal for couples or individual visitors, offering comfortable accommodation in all seasons.
A luxurious break in the country awaits at The Escape. This fantastic property is between Matlock and Bakewell and within reach of some of the best sights and attractions of the Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales including the Heights of Abraham and Chatsworth House. The Escape sleeps up to ten guests in five very comfortable bedrooms and features an extra games/entertaining room as well as an outdoor luxury sheltered hot tub. Private parking for 4 - 5 cars and Electric car charging point. Perfect for large or extended families or groups of friends, The Escape is available for short breaks or longer stays all year round.
Rose Cottage is in the beautiful Peak District village of Ashbourne, close to the National Park and within walking distance of shops, cafes, pubs and other amenities. It sleeps five people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families. The fantastic Tissington Trail starts in Ashbourne, connecting visitors to the Pennine Bridleway and the High Peak Trail. It's a superb area for walking and cycling, with many stately homes, including the magnificent Chatsworth House. Alton Towers is 10 miles away, and other places like Bakewell, Buxton, Gulliver's Kingdom and Carsington Water are all only a short drive from the holiday cottage.
This cosy stone holiday cottage sits opposite the village green in Middleton by Wirksworth, just a short stroll from the pub. Eight The Green is a wonderful retreat for couples or solo travellers, offering easy access to some of the Peak District’s best walks and beauty spots. Spend your days exploring Middleton Moor, Wirksworth, Cromford, the High Peak Trail, and the Derwent Valley, and your evenings relaxing by the log burner before settling into your king-sized bed. The 200-year-old period charm is seamlessly blended with modern comforts, making this an ideal base for a self-catering stay.
Matlock offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with so much to explore on the doorstep. River Walk is a Modern Contemporary self-catering holiday home sleeping eight guests over 3 floors consisting of four bedrooms. First Floor : 1 King- size with en suite. 1 Twin Room Family Bathroom . Second Floor : One Kingsize room and one Double Room. It has a seating Area on landing a great area for those quite reading moments. There is also an option of a Travel Cot. The property also has a Downstairs Toilet. River Walk location offers so much from the doorstep easy reach to the town centre's shops, cafes and restaurants. Matlock Bath is a 15 minute walk where Amusements / Cable Cars / Gullivers Kingdom and so much more to explore . The property has secure gardens & pet friendly with 1 Allocated parking space with an option of an over night car park just a few yards up from the property should you need to use it for any extra cars you may have .
Welcome to Lake View Lodge, a beautifully refurbished, ground-floor holiday cottage set beside the tranquil waters of Foxholes Lake, just outside Matlock in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.
Whimsy by the Peaks is my dog-friendly stone holiday cottage in the Derbyshire Dales village of Tansley, just outside Matlock on the edge of the Peak District National Park. It sleeps up to 5 in 3 bedrooms and has a cosy sitting room with log burner, an enclosed garden with hillside views, private parking and a 7KW electric car (EV) charger. Two great pubs serving food are just a short walk away, and there are wonderful walks from the door, including routes through the dramatic Lumsdale Valley. Ideal for couples or small families, it’s a brilliant base for exploring the Derbyshire Dales, Chatsworth, Bakewell, and all the walking, cycling and scenery the Peaks have to offer.
Three stone-built barn conversions sleeping 2 to 20 set amongst farm fields and nature-rich rewilding land near the Peak District, ideal for friends, families and group celebrations. The three barns can be rented individually or joined together for groups of up to 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20.
For a big family holiday or weekend away with friends, recently renovated Portland House c1870 is the perfect holiday house with beautiful views from the sitting and dining rooms where everyone can be seated together. To celebrate a special birthday or anniversary you can hire a chef, book an afternoon tea party or create cocktails in the bar games room. Enjoy beautiful ensuite bedrooms, sunny BBQ area with outdoor seating, summer house by the water fountain and a private car park. On the edge of Matlock Bath, you are ideally located next to the Derwent River in the World Heritage Site with boat hire, wonderful walks and cycling. Take a short walk into the village for Victorian cafes, CAMRA pubs, restaurants and the famous tourist attractions of The Heights of Abraham and Gullivers Kingdom with Chatsworth House only a short drive away. If you’re looking for a super stylish historic home in a great location with lots of things to do from the doorstep then this is the best place to impress your friends and family! Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Couples love Hillside Cottage not only for its proximity to fantastic Peak District walks but for its Victorian charm and contemporary comforts. The owner has taken great care to ensure that the holiday cottage provides everything you need for a self-catering holiday, including a great night's sleep in a beautiful kingsized bed. The cottage is a ten-minute walk from the centre of Wirksworth and it is easy to reach shops, cafes and pubs like the Royal Oak. Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Matlock, Derby, and Buxton are all within a 30-minute drive, making this an ideal place for a Peak District holiday.
Croft House Barn is a superb choice for families or friends. The Peak District holiday cottage has three ensuite bedrooms, one of which is downstairs and can be set up as a twin or a superking room to suit your needs. The modern Shaker kitchen is perfectly equipped for self-catering, but you're only a short stroll from the Red Lion village pub in Waterfall if you don't want to cook. Alton Towers, Chatsworth House, the Monsal and Tissington Trails, Bakewell, the museums of Derby and Stoke-on-Trent are just a few suggestions for fun days out. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Popular towns in and around The Peak District:
AlfretonAlton TowersAshbourneAshfordAshford in the WaterBakewellBamfordBaslowBelperBurton upon TrentButonBuxtonCarsingtonCarsington WaterCastletonChatsworthChesterfieldCurbarDerbyDovedaleEdaleEyamGlossopHartingtonHathersageHigh PeakHopeHope ValleyKirk IretonLeekMatlockMatlock BathMonyashNewhavenTideswellWildboarcloughWinsterWirksworthYoulgreaveSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Derbyshire cottagesDerbyshire cottages with a hot tubOr search further afield:
Search within Central England
Although just over a mile apart, Matlock and Matlock Bath have a unique atmosphere and charm. Matlock’s bustling high street is a retail hub, lined with shops, cafes and local businesses. Its excellent amenities and public transport links make it ideal for a self-catering holiday as everything is on the doorstep. The town grew up around the banks of the beautiful Derwent River and a riverside walk is a lovely way to spend an hour on a sunny day. Alternatively, head for the award-winning Hall Leys Park where there are tennis courts, a boating lake, a skatepark and a play area.
Matlock Bath is smaller than Matlock, with a row of pretty stone buildings beside the waters of the Derwent. Although the health benefits of the spa waters were discovered by the Georgians, it is the Victorians who put the village on the map as a holiday destination, something which is evident in the grand style of many buildings.
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Matlock and neighbouring Matlock Bath. In town, you can take your time to stroll along streets lined with charming Georgian and Victorian buildings, browsing in windows and maybe stopping off for a restorative pot of tea and wedge of locally baked cake along the way. Outside of town, the landscape opens up with miles of footpaths that allow visitors to explore the Lumsdale Valley and the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site. Those who appreciate a challenge will enjoy scaling the Black Rocks, while less energetic walkers can meander along the towpath of Cromford Canal beside which is the impressive Cromford Mills. The Derwent Valley Heritage Trail passes through Matlock Bath, and there are also paths leading up to High Tor.
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Matlock - there is always something interesting to see and fun to do. First-time visitors should certainly put the Heights of Abraham on their itinerary. Take a ride on the cable car to the peak for wonderful views before delving into the magical underground world of the Great Masson and Rutland Show Caverns. The site also has a children’s adventure playground and some lovely woodland walks to offer a memorable day out for the whole family.
Attractions in Matlock and the surrounding area include Hall Leys Park and the Jubliee Bridge, Gulliver’s Kingdom, the Lead Mining Museum and the National Tramway Museum at Crich. Matlock is also close enough to Derby, Nottingham, Alton Towers, Chatsworth House, and the potteries at Stoke that you can easily plan days out.
You may find that you struggle to fit in everything you want to do on your first holiday in Matlock, which is why we find so many of those who rent our Peak District cottages are repeat visitors to the area.
