8 Hidden Gems Things to do in Matlock That You Shouldn't Miss

IT'S THE EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Acclimbatize is an independently owned and managed outdoor adventure activities provider. We are ideally located in the White Peak area of Derbyshire close to Matlock. Many of our activities utilise the natural environments within the Peak District National Park. We are a group of professional, extensively qualified instructors ready to provide you with an action packed day. Are you a family looking for fun? A company wanting to improve your teams dynamics? A stag looking for adventure? Whatever it is you're looking for we can provide it with tailor made days created for and by you. We can catered for any sized group, however big, down to individuals. We create meaning from the adventurous activities we provide by placing strong emphasis on team work, engagement and co-operation.

We specialise in White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing and River Tubing! Take to the water with Rapid Horizons. From family groups to stag and hen parties our aim is to give you the best experience on the river. Based in Darley Dale our main location is the River Derwent but we also operate in North Wales on the River Dee and also Nottingham at Holme Pierrepont. No Experience is required for any of our activities. Our staff and River Guides and highly qualified and experienced not to mention incredibly passionate abut their jobs!

Birdswood is an historic ex-working narrow boat belonging to canal restoration charity The Friends of Cromford Canal. The boat and gift shop at Cromford Wharf are run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Birdswood runs scheduled public trips from March to October. Additionally we operate theme events, school trips and exclusive charters, making the boat an ideal private venue for functions for up to 40 people. Come and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing journey along the scenic, rural Cromford Canal, get up close to the fabulous wildlife, and learn about the unique industrial heritage of the Derwent Valley.

Hollies Farm Plant Centre is a family run plant nursery and gardens, where you can wander round the gardens to see the plants growing as they should. you can take in the breathtaking views or watch the fish etc in the two large ponds, afterwards take a walk round the nursery and choose a plant or two. We always have a large selection of old favourites plus the rare and unusual

Contemporary Art Gallery - selling fine art & ceramics. Opened July 2017. The Old Lock Up Gallery is situated within a beautiful stone building, built in the 1700’s, in the beautiful and historic Derbyshire village of Cromford. The building itself is steeped in history – as it was owned by Sir Richard Arkwright and used as the village jail, one of the first of it’s kind in the country.

Currently closed due lockdown - hope to be open every day from the 3rd December. Find out about the lead mining heritage of Derbyshire from Roman Times to the present. Interactive exhibits, mock tunnels and shafts to climb, moving models. The new Matlock Bath Through Time exhibition tells the story of a village that was one of the top Georgian Spas in the country. Then visit Temple Mine and find out what it was really like working underground followed by a try at gold panning. Suitable for all ages. Family ticket £28 (2A and 3C)

The construction of the Cromford Canal by William Jessop and Benjamin Outram, partners in the Butterley company, was completed in 1794. It is 14.5 miles long and joined Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. The site has a wealth of industrial heritage and lies in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate. The 3.3km southern section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is a Local Nature Reserve. The canal is a haven for water vole, a threatened and declining species, and for grass snakes, little grebes, moorhen and coots. The southern end towards Poyser's Bridge is excellent for dragonflies. The canal can be explored from the towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, a distance of just over five miles. The walk from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction is suitable for pushchair's and wheel chairs. We manage the section from Cromford to Ambergate for recreation and wildlife. The canal has a very rich and diverse wildlife running through the attractive Derwent Valley and part of it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve can be accessed from the north end at Whatstandwell or at the southern end from Ambergate by a towpath off Chase Road. The old towing path which follows the canal is a public footpath - please note that this path is narrow and uneven in places. Birdswood, a restored narrow boat is run on scheduled trips through the year by the Friends of Cromford Canal. Open to all members of the public. Come and enjoy a peaceful journey along the canal, from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction, introduced by a booming announcement from the FCC President, Brian Blessed. Birdswood is also available for private hire and for specialist educational trips. Limited canoeing is permitted on the Cromford Canal between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction. Because of the sensitive nature of the canal, numbers are strictly controlled. There's a Changing Places toilet for use by the public in the car park at Cromford Wharf.