The famous Boxing Day Raft Race takes place annually, starting at Matlock Bridge, and each Autumn the fabulous Matlock Bath Illuminations and Venetian Nights are held. In recent years crowds upwards of thirty thousand have attended the Grand Finale of the Venetian Nights Festival to see the spectacular firework display and the parade of ulluminated boats on the river Derwent. In the summer months you can hire a rowing boat and take to the beautiful River Derwent, which must remain Matlock Bath’s major natural attraction.
Matlock makes an ideal centre or base for visiting neighbouring attractions, such as the nearby Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, including Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mill, Canal and Wharf, and the massive red brick Masson Mill on the A6 between Matlock Bath and Cromford.
Crich Stand and The National Tramway Museum are only seven miles away, just two miles from Florence Nightingales former home at Lea Hurst, Holloway. Also within a twelve mile radius are the stately homes of Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, both open to the public and well worth a visit.
Matlock Live – A Celebration of the performing and visual arts in and around Matlock and the Derbyshire Dales every June
Matlock Victorian Christmas Weekend – Held annually on the first weekend in December, the annual switch-on of the Matlock Christmas lights is incorporated with a weekend of markets, festivities and fun for all.