a day out ....

... in Matlock, Derbyshire.

So it was the last day of the half term holiday and I was desperate for a day out. Now we probably visit Matlock and nearby Matlock Bath several times a year. It is not too far for us to drive, taking about 45 minutes but I much prefer to take the train which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, including one change.

Of course, a journey on the train means a chance to read the newspaper, try my hand (or should I say, my brain) at the crossword and Sudoku, and to catch up on my portable project - my blue socks!

I love some of the stations we pass - the architecture is so much grander than anything we build nowadays. 

Matlock Bath is a bit of  a strange place in some ways - it is like a seaside resort but in the middle of the country, with fish and chip shops and amusement arcades found all along the man road. This place is heaving with people on high days and holidays!

The main street passes through a steep valley. I wonder what the rooms are like in some of these houses.

It really is quite a pretty place. The house at the back of this photo looks like a mini castle.

And just to make sure we get a bit of exercise, we always walk along the road, following the River Derwent, from Matlock Bath to Matlock - this photo is a bit deceiving because actually it is a very busy road.

And when we arrive at Matlock, there are lots of little shops and cafés to wander round but also this lovely park, complete with a miniature train....

that runs a very straight track.....

and is pulled by an engine called Little David!

There is a boating lake .....

and a children's playground with fountains (and WET children on what was quite a cool day!), pitch and putt, table tennis tables, a skateboard park, a bandstand and lots of open spaces for ball games! We had lots of fun with a bat and ball. 

And all too soon is it time to head to the station, for our return journey home.

But I doubt it will be too long before we are back in Matlock again!

xXx