In the heart of the Derbyshire Dales just outside Peak District National Park, Matlock and its near neighbor Matlock Bath are former spa towns compressed into a narrow gorge on the River Derwent. The area's beautiful scenery led Daniel Defoe to nickname this area "Little Switzerland." Some surviving Regency buildings in Matlock testify to its former importance, although it's less impressive an ensemble than that presented by Buxton.
Matlock Bath Illuminations, a flotilla of lighted and decorated boats, shimmers after dark on weekends in September and October, along the still waters of the Derwent; on Saturdays there are also firework displays.
