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Sheriff Lodge - Matlock

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Cosy Peak District B&B

The bustling Derbyshire town of Matlock (together with its neighbour, Matlock Bath) is the perfect place to base yourself for a weekend in the midst of the Peak District’s endless diversions. Buzzy enough not to feel isolated and yet quirky and historic enough to feel a real part of this huge, beautiful National Park, it’s a town deservedly well-loved by locals and tourists alike.

Two of Matlock’s biggest fans are Kate and Alan, the owners of Sheriff Lodge, a luxury B&B in the middle of town. They have transformed this former hotel into a laid-back, cosy and friendly place to stay that is rapidly climbing its way up the award listings. Traditional and homely décor invites you to drop your baggage (both in the Louis Vuitton and therapist-speak sense) and chill out, with homemade cakes and cookies on hand to help. Sheriff Lodge’s four comfy bedrooms all have huge beds, shiny en-suites, DVD players and gorgeous views over the Derwent Valley.

Breakfast really is an event, with a full, full English being offered alongside great veggie and gluten-free alternatives, plus Alan’s speciality Eggs Benedict if you’re feeling a bit exotic. Daily newspapers can be requested, as can fresh pastries, and orange juice and mineral water is complimentary all day in the guests’ very snug drawing room. Sheriff Lodge really is a home-from-home and the place to come back to after a long day’s walking on the Peaks.

Where is it?

Matlock lies 20 miles north of Derby, teetering on the edge of the Peak District. A big player in the industrial revolution, its past is laid bare, with its stone, 19th century architecture and historic railway, which now offers scenic steam train trips along the River Derwent from Matlock (www.peakrail.co.uk Tel: 01629 580381). It is a busy town, with a growing specialist shopping scene, and offers some of the best dining options in Derbyshire.

Nevertheless, it’s the smaller Matlock Bath, about a mile and a half from Matlock Town that is historically the most popular tourist destination. Essentially a seaside resort in the middle of some of the UK’s most dramatic inland scenery – a huge gorge, with high rocks on either side, the gaggle of souvenir shops, tea rooms and family-friendly visitor attractions on the bank of the River Derwent are undeniably attractive, albeit in a slightly kitsch way. Matlock Bath became hugely popular in the late 17th century, when thermal waters were found there, but has become a traditional Peak District jumping-off point since. Its most famous draw is The Heights of Abraham (www.heightsofabraham.com Tel: 01629 582365), a behemoth of a rock face, scaled by Britain’s first ever Alpine cable car system, and topped by some beautiful parkland, with caves to explore and some of the best views in the country.

But it’s the huge expanse of the Peak District and all it has to offer that is the best reason to come here. Everything is within an hour’s drive of Sheriff Lodge – Chatsworth is ten minutes away, as is the gorgeous town of Bakewell, while miles and miles of walking, climbing and other exhausting activities are on your doorstep. For all the best places to visit, see and eat in The Peaks, read The Weekenders Guide to The Peak District.

Where can I eat?

The foodie scene in Matlock is growing fast and there are some great independent restaurants that are definitely worth a look. G and T’s (www.gandts-restaurant.co.uk Tel: 01629 56061), right in the middle of town, is a buzzy place, with a patio overlooking the Derwent – perfect for summer al-fresco gnoshing. The seasonally-changing menus incorporate local ingredients into vibrant Brit/Med fusion dishes (and the G & Ts aren’t bad either!). For something a little more traditional, but still with a modern edge, the gorgeous Riva Restaurant (www.theriva.co.uk Tel: 01629 581662) in Matlock Bath is becoming a real local favourite. British classics, made with local and seasonal produce, including meats from the Chatsworth Estate, are outstanding and will make you wish your mum could have made them this well. The Riva’s comforting lunch menu is also perfect if you’ve managed to bag yourself a rainy weekend away.

If it’s sophisticated and world-class dining you’re after, the Michelin-starred Fischer’s at Baslow Hall (www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk Tel: 01246 583259), recently named one of the 25 best restaurants in the country, is just a fifteen minute drive from Sheriff Lodge. Head Chef Rupert Rowley’s British dishes are mouthwatering, and with a set menu priced at around £68 per person, shouldn’t break the bank.

For more great places to eat in the Peak District, read The Weekenders Guide to The Peak District.

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This former hotel has been transformed into a laid-back, cosy and friendly B&B that is rapidly climbing its way up the award listings.