Idyllic village is seaside resort without sea and ‘incredible’ fish and chips | UK | Travel
The village has around 10 places serving fish and chips on one road alone (Image: Derby Telegraph)
Nestled within the rolling hills of Derbyshire lies a delightful village that captures the charm of an ideal seaside resort – without the ocean.
This lively little town situated in the Peak District has become a beloved day excursion destination for families throughout the Midlands, delivering a coastal-style experience.
Matlock Bath has attracted visitors since the 17th century and was even dubbed ‘little Switzerland’ by Lord Byron owing to its precipitous hillsides and spectacular vistas.
Nowadays, it evokes the feeling of being beside the sea, with a wealth of fish and chip restaurants, sweet shops, ice cream parlours and, of course, arcade amusements.
It offers all the hallmarks of a seaside resort, minus the wind and sandy youngsters, substituted instead with verdant landscapes, the meandering River Derwent and multiple walking routes.
People from all over Derbyshire flock to this village on a sunny day (Image: Derby Telegraph)
For family excursions, the location features both educational venues and those purely created for entertainment.
The Matlock Bath Aquarium and the Peak District Mining Museum are both within easy reach for those wanting a break from the wonderful sugary delicacies the village presents.
For a peaceful addition to your day excursion, the celebrated Lovers Walk is essential.
This picturesque riverside ramble provides magnificent views of cliffside structures, colourful floral arrangements and a park for a relaxing stop.
When conditions allow, visitors can rent a rowing boat and view Matlock Bath from the water. What distinguishes this village are its gastronomic offerings – especially its remarkable concentration of fish and chip establishments, all situated along a single thoroughfare.
There is a large amusement centre full of arcades (Image: Getty)
With up to 10 venues serving Britain’s beloved dish, diners face an enviable selection. Nevertheless, one appears to stand head and shoulders above the rest amongst tourists.
Based on TripAdvisor rankings, Tucker Fish and Chips claims the crown as Matlock Bath’s highest-rated chippy, achieving an outstanding overall review score of 4.5.
One enthusiastic review reads: “We go to Whitby every year, and as anyone will tell you, it can’t be beaten for fish and chips. Well, hold up.
“Because this little place is on par with the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. Staff are amazing, the food is absolutely fantastic with melt-in-your-mouth batter, and the curry sauce is top-notch. If you’re in Matlock, make sure this is your first choice for fish and chips because you won’t be disappointed.”
Additional chippies along the stretch include Matlock stalwarts such as Kostas Fish Bar, Route 66 Promenade Fish Bar and Taste of The Waves.
Yet they’re not the only attractions; interspersed amongst these are numerous sweet shops stocking traditional British confectionery, ice creams and other delectable treats.
Along the promenade sits Derwent Amusement Centre, housing the village’s entire collection of arcade entertainment, from traditional two-penny slots to air hockey, claw machines and even a gambling area restricted to adults.
Youngsters could spend countless hours here, regardless of weather conditions, following a visit to the village’s tempting confectionery offerings.
Situated just one and a half miles south of the larger town of Matlock, Matlock Bath provides an appealing retreat whilst remaining conveniently close to the public houses and high-street retailers its neighbouring town features.
Numerous visitors opt to undertake a pub crawl from Matlock down to Matlock Bath, catching the train between these two picturesque destinations.
