The area has been a major tourist destination since Victorian times (Image: Getty)
A spa town once dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’ by Byron and often listed among the UK’s most beautiful places has become a top holiday let hotspot for 2026.
Research carried out by Sykes Holiday Cottages showed that the charming town saw a 14% surge in bookings year-on-year, with holiday let owners earning 33% more on average compared to others across the UK. And with a range of quirky tourist attractions and amazing Peak District scenery, it’s easy to see why it’s becoming a holiday home hotspot.
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Matlock is set within beautiful Peak District countryside (Image: Getty)
Matlock in Derbyshire took the crown, beating Warkworth in Northumberland, which took second place, and neighbouring Castleton, which came in third. Matlock has long been a popular staycation destination, and the Victorians were the first to flock to this former farming town that offered healing thermal springs.
Today, you can still enjoy these warm waters at New Bath Lido, the only lido in the UK heated by spring water, where guests can swim in natural, non-chlorinated water. Visitors can book a swim session or enjoy the pool as a spa day with pampering treatments.
If you haven’t visited Matlock before, a good place to start exploring is the Heights of Abraham. Visitors take a cable car to the top of this 60-acre hilltop park, and can enjoy 360-degree views across the Derwent Valley and Peak District. At the top, you can take a tour of the park’s caverns, enjoy exhibitions about Matlock, or enjoy family-friendly attractions such as an adventure playground.
Take a cable car to visit Heights of Abraham (Image: Getty)
Visitors of all ages love the Peak Rail, a historic station that has vintage steam and diesel trains running on select dates, taking you through the Peak District countryside and charming villages. It also offers an occasional afternoon tea train for a unique glance into vintage train travel.
Just south of the town of Matlock is the smaller village of Matlock Bath, often described as a « seaside town without the sea ». The village sits on a riverbank, and as you stroll along the waterfront path, it looks a lot like a promenade in a seaside town. You’ll find fish and chip shops, amusement arcades, and gift shops, all set within charming Victorian buildings.
Matlock Bath’s North Parade is full of unique, independent shops, including an indoor vintage market, plus lots of old-fashioned tearooms and traditional pubs that contribute to the classic British seaside town atmosphere.
Explore the peaceful Lumsdale Waterfall (Image: Getty)
Visitors can explore the Peak District Mining Museum, which even has tours that take you underground to the mines for a glimpse of the difficult job carried out by miners. Afterwards, get some fresh air and sunlight at the nearby Matlock Bath River Path. This beautiful riverfront route is surrounded by greenery and flowers, and you can either explore it on foot or hire a giant swan pedalo to glide on the water.
Another popular walking route is the Lumsdale Waterfall. Close to Matlock Bath, it offers a calm hour-long walk through the countryside and offers lots of little paths and natural features to explore along the way.
Gulliver’s Kingdom can be found close to Matlock Bath, offering a family-friendly day out that includes a log flume, drop rides, and kid-friendly coasters, all set among the beautiful Peak District countryside.
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