Friday 6 June 2014

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

15 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful little town with much to see and do. Thank you for taking us for a visit.
    Meredith

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    Replies
    1. We always have a good day out there - no matter what the weather
      Caz

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  2. That looks like a great day out! I like taking the train instead of the car on outings sometimes too...it's a good chance to get some crafting done. It looks a very pretty town.
    Marianne x

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I do like taking the train too. Very relaxing.
      Caz x

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  3. What a treat it is to see how others spend their lives in such different parts of the world than mine. I have never gone on a train ride and it seems like a great way to mark the beginning of a journey, as well as the end. Enough time to think and take it all in. Love all of the architecture and park looks like a great place to spend the day out with the family.

    Have a great weekend!

    Birgitta xx

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    Replies
    1. That is the fun thing about blogging - having a peep into other people's lives from around the world. Hope you get to go a train soon
      Caz

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  4. We've wanted to go to Matlock for ages but never had the chance to. Now I really want us to go. The girls would love that little train and we might even try going on one of those boats. Thanks for sharing! I hope you're having a lovely weekend despite the rain. x

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    1. I hope you manage a trip to Matlock soon - you will have to blog about it!

      Delete
  5. I've never been to Matlock but you've made me want to go. It looks like a really fun day out - very like the seaside but in the middle of land. I just love all those quaint, picturesque houses, so full of interest. Thanks for sharing your day with us! x

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    1. It is a very popular place - and gets very busy at weekends.

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  6. wow what a pretty and fun place...I love our pretty country!
    bestest daisy j xxx

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  7. Saw your post over on LDJ I remember going to Matlock years ago on a Derbyshire walking about sort of holiday and it was lovely. Check out my blog I think you would like it from your blog list. Good to call in here and have a mooch around., Jo X

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    Replies
    1. Hello and thank you Jo - I'll pop over and have a look
      Caz

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  8. What a gorgeous spot! I want to go there right now. It's exactly how I imagine a quintessential English village to be :-)

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Hello, thank you for dropping in on my blog. I hope you found something of interest and I would love to read your comments.
Caz xx