Where Is Matlock: Quick Answer
Matlock is a town in Derbyshire, England, situated on the River Derwent in the East Midlands. It lies within the Derbyshire Dales, roughly 20 miles northwest of Nottingham and 25 miles northeast of Bakewell. The town is split into Matlock Town (the commercial centre) and Matlock Bath (the riverside village beneath the Heights of Abraham). By road it is accessible via the A6, and by rail the town is served by Matlock railway station on the Derwent Valley Line. These details form the core answer to where Matlock is and how to reach it.
Geographic Coordinates and Map Location
Matlock’s approximate geographic coordinates are 53.048°N, 1.659°W. This places it in the central part of Derbyshire, within the broader East Midlands region of England. The town sits on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, in a valley carved by the River Derwent. On mapping services, Matlock appears as a linear settlement following the river and main road corridors. The coordinates help pinpoint it for navigation, fieldwork, and location-based services, confirming its precise position within Derbyshire’s landscape.
Administrative and County Context
Matlock is part of the local government district of Derbyshire Dales and lies within the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. It is in the East Midlands region and within the United Kingdom. For parliamentary representation, Matlock falls under the Derbyshire Dales constituency. These administrative divisions are useful for understanding jurisdiction, public services, postal areas, and regional planning. The town also shares its name with the wider civil parish that includes surrounding rural areas.
Key Administrative Layers
| Layer | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremonial County | Derbyshire | Historic county for lieutenancy and shrievalty |
| Local Government District | Derbyshire Dales | Responsible for local planning, housing, and environmental services |
| Parliamentary Constituency | Derbyshire Dales | Current MP and electoral boundaries as defined by the Boundary Commission |
| Postcode Area | DE4 (Matlock Town), DE43 (Matlock Bath) | Used for mail delivery and geographic routing |
| Police and Fire Authority | Derbyshire | Statutory services for the county area |
Matlock Town vs Matlock Bath: Two Parts of One Area
Matlock consists of two main sections: Matlock Town and Matlock Bath. Matlock Town is the inland commercial and administrative centre with shops, schools, and civic buildings. Matlock Bath is the riverside village downstream, known for its steep gorge, cliffs, and historic spa interest. The two are linked by the A6 road and a frequent bus service, separated by a few miles along the valley. Understanding this distinction is important when asking where Matlock is, because the name can refer to either the town centre or the wider valley area.
Quick Comparison
- Matlock Town: Inland centre, administrative and retail focus, higher elevation
- Matlock Bath: River village, tourist and heritage attractions, lower elevation near the gorge
- Transport: Connected by A6 and regular bus route
- Postcodes: DE4 for Matlock Town, DE43 for Matlock Bath
- Parks: Proximity to Peak District National Park and country parks on both sections
Transport and Accessibility
Matlock is accessible by car, bus, and rail. The main road through the town is the A6, which runs between Luton and Carlisle and connects Matlock with Derby, Nottingham, and Manchester. Nearby major routes include the M1, reachable via the A6 and A52 to the east. Matlock railway station is on the Derwent Valley Line, offering regular services to Derby, Chesterfield, and Leeds with onward connections. Several bus routes link Matlock with Bakewell, Wirksworth, and surrounding villages, making it practical to reach the town from nearby cities and rural areas.
Travel Options at a Glance
- By Car: A6 trunk road; suitable distances from Derby, Nottingham, Chesterfield
- By Train: Matlock station on the Derwent Valley Line; typically hourly services to Derby
- By Bus: Regular local services; longer-distance coaches connect to major regional hubs
- Parking: Limited in the town centre, with park-and-ride options at peak times
Nearby Places and Landmarks
Matlock is surrounded by notable places and landscapes. Immediately to the south is Matlock Bath, with its gorge and cliff walks. To the north and west lie villages such as Crich, Whatstandwell, and Rowsley, popular for walking and heritage railways. The Peak District National Park borders the area, offering access to moorland, woods, and hillwalking routes. Further afield, cities such as Derby, Chesterfield, and Nottingham are within an hour’s drive. This network of nearby locations frames Matlock’s regional context and explains its role as a local transport and service hub.
Summary of Key Location Details
In summary, Matlock is a town in Derbyshire, England, located in the Derwent Valley within the Peak District area. Its coordinates place it at 53.048°N, 1.659°W, and it belongs to the Derbyshire Dales district. The town includes Matlock Town and Matlock Bath, is served by road and rail, and sits near notable landmarks and rural landscapes. These verified details provide a durable, practical answer to where Matlock is and how people can reach it and relate it to surrounding places.