Why Everyone Flocks to This English Town for Chips, Cable Cars, and Classic Arcades
It was a random Monday. We had no plans. Then we ended up eating chips by the river and losing £4.80 to a claw machine.
We’re lucky to live nearby, so Matlock Bath is one of those places we can just pop to whenever the mood hits.
It’s a bit of a Midlands rite of passage — the second the sun’s out, everyone flocks here. That means it gets seriously busy on weekends and school holidays.
But we visited on a random Monday in June and it was spot on. Quiet streets, no queues.
I don’t usually write about Matlock — but now that I’m in my Flipboard era, I thought it deserved a little feature in my magazine.
Here’s everything to do in Matlock Bath.
Take the Cable Car Up to the Heights of Abraham
If you’ve never done it, the cable car’s a fun way to see the town from above (and quietly panic if, like me, you’re not great with heights). It takes you up to the clifftop where there’s a café, some little walks, and a couple of caves you can explore if you fancy it.
It’s on the pricier side, but on a clear day it’s a lovely spot — and definitely something different for a Monday morning.
Grab Some Proper Fish and Chips
You can’t come to Matlock Bath and not get fish and chips. It’s basically the law. We went classic: chips, salt, vinegar, sat by the river, just watching the world go by.
Riverside Fish and Chips is probably the most popular spot, but we love The Promenade Fish Bar — it’s a bit quieter and the chips are always hot. Ideal road trip lunch, even if your fingers end up smelling like vinegar for the rest of the day.
Spot the Motorbikes (You’ll Know When It’s a Biker Day)
Matlock Bath’s a bit of a biker magnet, especially on sunny weekends. You’ll find hundreds of motorbikes lined up along the road, with riders chatting outside the chippies and engines rumbling in every direction.
It’s great to see — especially if you’re a bike enthusiast like Callum — but the parking situation is definitely a nightmare in peak season and on weekends.
We went on a Monday and it was much quieter, which made wandering around way more relaxed.
Stretch Your Legs on Lover’s Walk
Once you’ve crossed the little footbridge, you’ll find yourself on Lover’s Walk — a peaceful riverside path that winds through the trees and gives you a bit of breathing space from the main strip.
It’s a short, easy walk with a few hills if you fancy a climb, and there are some lovely lookout points tucked away.
Perfect for walking off your chips or just escaping the noise for a bit. Trainers definitely help — it’s a bit uneven in places.
Stop for a Coffee (Or a Proper Brew, If You’re That Way Inclined)
There are a few lovely little cafés dotted along the street, but we had to visit my namesake — Georgi Porgi. And yes, it was delicious.
I went for an iced latte with soya milk and a pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup (heaven), and Callum got his usual Fanta Lemon, which just hits different when you’re sat in the sunshine.
If you’re more of a tea person, don’t worry — this is England after all, you’re never far from a proper brew.
The Kind of Shops You Didn’t Know You Needed
Matlock Bath isn’t the place for high street chains, and that’s kind of the point. It’s full of little independent shops that feel like they belong in a different decade — in the best way.
We saw everything from bohemian boutiques to a full-on model train setup in one window, an old-school sweet shop packed with jars of pick ‘n’ mix and fudge.
There’s even and even an old-fashioned apothecary selling soaps, oils, and mysterious jars I was this close to buying just for the label.
It’s lovely for a slow wander and a bit of window shopping, especially if you like your souvenirs a little less fridge magnet, a little more “found in a witch’s cupboard.”
Relive Your Childhood in the Arcades
You can’t walk through Matlock Bath without hearing the sound of 2p coins tumbling and those slightly suspicious claw machines doing absolutely nothing.
We popped into one “just for a minute” and somehow ended up trying to win a stuffed llama we definitely didn’t need.
It’s all very nostalgic — flashing lights, old-school games, and that mix of excitement and regret that only a British arcade can deliver.
Check Out the Local Attractions
Matlock Bath’s packed with small, slightly quirky attractions that give the place loads of personality. There’s the tiny aquarium tucked into an old building, a chaotic round of crazy golf, and traditional pubs that feel like they’ve been there forever.
For families, Gulliver’s Kingdom is a big hit — especially with younger kids — and there’s also the Peak District Mining Museum if you fancy learning something while giving your legs a break. None of it’s flashy, but that’s the charm. Dip into a few, support the locals, and just see where the day takes you.
Walk Into Matlock for a Change of Pace
If you’ve got the energy (or just want to keep the day going), there’s a lovely riverside walk that takes you into Matlock town in about half an hour. It’s flat, scenic, and a nice way to swap the fish-and-chip chaos for something a bit more low-key.
Matlock itself has more of your usual high street stuff — Costa, Sainsbury’s, charity shops, antique spots, and a few bars and cafés if you fancy a second drink stop (no judgement). It’s not as quirky as Matlock Bath, but the two go together really well.
Quick Tips for Visiting Matlock Bath
- Park at Matlock Bath Station if you’re in a car—it’s within easy walking distance and PayByPhone makes it a breeze.
- For campervans, there are a few designated camper park-ups nearby, but watch out—getting into Matlock Bath is tight from any direction with bigger vehicles.
- Bring coins for the arcades! Most machines charge to withdraw cash, so get some change in advance—there’s an ATM at Sainsbury’s in Matlock.
- Coming from Nottingham? There’s a direct train, and the station drops you right in the middle of things. Easy peasy.
And There We Have It!
That’s it for our little Monday in Matlock Bath — a random gem we’re lucky to have on our doorstep.
Add it to your next road trip, and thank me later (preferably with a pint).
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