Hall Leys Park, Matlock

An attractive town on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Matlock has a lot going for it. It rose to prominence in the 19th century, when John Smedley developed the town as a desirable spa destination.

Today it makes for a great base for exploring the national park. There's some lovely walks to the south around Matlock Bath too, where High Tor and the Heights of Abraham boast sublime views. A host of amenities and accommodation can be found in the town, with many of its cafes, pubs, restaurants and independent shops clustered around Dale Road and Crown Square.

Until the early years of Queen Victoria's reign, Matlock was a hamlet whose principal activity was farming with lead mining and quarrying as subsidiary activities.

A ford originally crossed the river at this point, and the side became a major crossing point. A settlement developed around the bridge, known as Matlock Bridge, which later became part of modern Matlock.The downstream side of the bridge dates from the 15th century.