Matlock was probably the largest spa town in Derbyshire its first thermal spring being discovered in 1698. In the 19th century the town expanded rapidly to cater for the hordes of visitors, and it is said that there were up to 30 hydros or hotels in Matlock in its heyday.
Most of the large hotels in Matlock were situated on Matlock Bank, including the biggest. Smedley’s Hydro was constructed in 1853 by the local entrepreneur John Smedley and boasted a frightening array of water treatments with luxurious accommodation in the grandest Victorian hotel. Smedley’s hydro closed in the 1950’s and is now home to the Derbyshire Country Council.
A unique cable tramway was constructed in 1893 to accommodate the many visitors to the hydros and hotels in Matlock, turning it into the San Francisco of the Peak District . With a gradient of 1 in 5 ½, it was the steepest in the world and charged 2d up and 1d down. The tramway closed in 1927 when cars and buses became more popular, but the former tram shelter and clock tower can still be found in Hall Leys Park – an extensive riverside pleasure ground right in the centre of town.
Many of the hydros and hotels in Matlock closed in the mid 1900’s when ‘water treatment’ became less popular, some of the most impressive can still be seen, but now serve other purposes.
There are however a handful of surviving hotels in Matlock which still offer luxury including The New Bath Hotel at Matlock Bath which opened way back in 1745. Here there is a plunge pool still fed by warm waters from a mineral spring.
Riber Hall is the ultimate hotel in Matlock for romance, being located on the top of the hill near to Riber Castle and with far reaching views over the town and the rest of the valley. This former 15th century manor house is all oak beams and opulence and is even registered for wedding ceremonies!
For a reminder of Edwardian splendour with a gothic twist, The Cromwell Hotel is more central, being just down the road from the 15th century Matlock Bridge, and is distinctive due to its turreted roof – yet another hotel in Matlock to tempt you to stay.
There are also hotels in Matlock from which to choose that offer comfortable accommodation for the more limited budget.
For more information about the town and hotels in Matlock, please browse through the following entries or click on Matlock
