Visit Matlock Bath with your dog

June 8, 2023 By
Jubilee Bridge in Matlock Bath

If you fancy a visit to Matlock Bath with your dog, then you certainly won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of things to do to keep you and your furry friend amused.

Matlock Bath is just a short distance from Matlock in Derbyshire, but it couldn’t be more different. It sometimes feels like you’ve found a seaside town, even though you are miles from the sea!

There is the main parade that you can stroll down, which includes plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sit either inside or outside and watch the world go by.

If you’re a keen motor cyclist, then you’ll be interested to know that Matlock Bath seems to be a mecca for motor cyclists. It is not unusual to see row upon row of motorbikes parked up on the parade.

Dog Walks in Matlock Bath

The easiest place to take your pooch for a wander is by crossing the Jubilee Bridge and having a walk along Lovers Walk. This is a riverside walk and is relatively peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of the town.

Dog Friendly Cafes in Matlock Bath

The good news is, that most of the cafes and eateries have outdoor seating, so it is very easy for dog owners to find somewhere suitable.

M&A Cafe: 196 South Parade, Matlock Bath

The Riverside Kiosk Situated on South Parade, adjacent to the Pavilion car park.

Tucker Fish and Chips: 18 North Parade, Matlock Bath. This is dog friendly inside too!

Taste of the Waves: 22-24 North Parade, Matlock Bath – dogs allowed inside.

Dog Friendly pub in Matlock Bath

The Fishpond 204 South Parade, Matlock Bath. DE4 3NR

Dog Friendly Attractions

The Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham offers perhaps one of the most unusual modes of transport for dogs. This is because they are allowed to travel for free on the cable cars.

Once arrived, they can dine with you on the restaurant terrace (which is outside).

They can also use the “Waggy Tails Trail” which is a 25-30 minutes walk. It is designed to finish at the cave exit (Masson Cavern). Sadly dogs are not allowed in the cavern itself.

The Peak District Lead Mining Museum

The Peak District Lead Mining Museum, can be found at the Grand Pavilion, South Parade.

According to the website, in the Frequently Asked Questions section, they say:

“well behaved dogs are allowed into the museum – if kept on a short lead. They are also allowed down the mine, but be aware that on busy tours, they risk being trodden on.” The museum therefore reserves the right to deny entry with your dog, if they are deemed to be too busy.

It would seem advisable to check with the staff before entering.

Dog Friendly Hotel

Hodgkinsons: 150 South Parade. It’s a dog friendly hotel situated in Matlock Bath. It’s right in the centre of the action in Matlock Bath, so ideal for exploring the Parade.

Filed Under: Events, Where to Visit

Things to do in Matlock

June 2, 2021 By

You’ll be happy to know that there are lots of things to do in Matlock with your dog. So if you’re coming for a daytrip or perhaps you’re staying on holiday for a few days, then please read on.

Bandstand at Hall Leys Park Matlock
Hall Leys Park Bandstand in Matlock

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Dog Walks in Matlock

Matlock is a busy town in the Peak District, but you can escape the hustle and bustle by visiting the beautiful Hall Leys Park in the centre of Matlock or perhaps venturing further afield. We give you some options below.

Hall Leys Park

This is a beautiful park situated in the centre of Matlock. It is popular will everyone and has a play area for families and young children, a small boating lake and also plenty of space to wander around with your dog. There are always lots of beautiful flower beds to look at.

Set inside the park boundary there is the Cafe in the Park, which is dog friendly and a lovely place to enjoy lunch or a hot drink and a snack.

Public toilets are available in Hall Leys park at a small charge of 20 pence. You do need to have some change on you though.

Cromford Canal

The Cromford canal is a short drive from Matlock, but we couldn’t exclude this fantastic area from a dog walking perspective. You could spend a leisurely morning in Matlock and then head down to Cromford Canal for an interesting afternoon. If you park at Cromford Wharf, you can saunter down the canalside towards High Peak Junction (where there are refreshments) and then retrace your steps to the car park. In addition there is the Cromford Mills to visit, parts of which are dog friendly.

If you’d like details of a circular walk from Cromford Canal then check out our Weekend Walk from Cromford Mills

Black Rocks

This is another stunning walking area to visit, which is just a short drive from Matlock. From Matlock you need to head towards Cromford and turn right off the A6 towards Wirksworth. You’ll climb up Cromford Hill and you’ll find Black Rocks at the top of the hill on the left had side.

There is a car park with a cafe and there are numerous walks that you can do from the trail. You can turn left and walk down the high peak trail towards the Cromford Canal – but beware you’ll have a steep climb back up again! Alternatively you can head into the woodland areas following one of the many marked trails.

If you’d like more information about Black Rocks then please read our Black Rocks Cromford post. You’ll find a leaflet that shows you two walks from Black Rocks which your dog will love!

Some recommended dog walk books

Dog Friendly Pubs in Matlock

Once you’ve enjoyed a nice dog walk, you might be ready for a drink or a meal. We’ve compiled a list of dog friendly pubs in Matlock which you can view, but here is a summary of a few:

The Remarkable Hare: 77 Dale Road DE4 3LT

Twenty Ten: 16 Dale Road DE4 3LT – good to see that there are lots of reviews about how dog friendly this bar is.

The Sycamore Inn: 9 Sycamore Road DE4 3HZ

Duke of Wellington: 115 Wellington St DE4 3GX

Dog Friendly Cafes in Matlock

Matlock Cafe: 9 Bakewell Road DE4 3AU (across the road from M&S Foods).

The Mad Hatter: 34 Crown Square DE4 3AT (Just a little further along the road from Matlock Cafe).

The Black Cat Cafe: The Courtyard, Dale Rd DE4 3LT – a quiet courtyard setting off Dale Road

Butter Fingers: 109 Dale Road DE4 3LU – dog biscuits appeared from behind the counter!

Cafe in the Park: 38 Causeway Lane DE4 3AR – inside the boundary of Hall Leys Park

Dog Friendly Attractions

Peak Rail

Peak Rail is a preserved railway line using diesel and steam locomotives. The line runs for 4 miles from Rowsley to Matlock Platform 2. It was part of the old Midland railway line, which used to run between Manchester Central and London St Pancras. The old line closed in 1968 and has been lovingly refurbished to what you see today.

Dogs are allowed in the carriages, a maximum of two in each carriage.

From previous reviews that I’ve read on Tripadvisor, whilst the train is dog friendly, the cafes and refreshment places are not. It is worth knowing that there are plenty of dog friendly cafes and bars in Matlock, and the one’s on Dale Road are probably the nearest to the Matlock train station.

Locations of the stations

I’ve provided the postcodes of each station for Sat Nav purposes.

Ample parking is available at Rowsley South station DE4 2LF

Darley Dale Station DE4 2EQ

Matlock Station DE4 3NA

More attractions at Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath is just a short distance down the A6 from Matlock itself. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a different world!

There is a promenade, called the Parade. There is both a North Parade and a South Parade, but really it is all just one continuous road. You’ll find all kinds of pubs, cafes and shops, most have outdoor seating. Many of these are dog friendly.

There is a riverside walk that you can do, if you cross the Jubilee bridge and walk along Lovers Walk

We hope you enjoy Matlock

We hope that you’ve found this guide useful and hopefully you’ll find somewhere fun and exciting to take your dog.

You might also enjoy our Things to Do In Buxton article. We’ve got lots of dog friendly information on that post if you’re thinking of visiting the beautiful spa town of Buxton.

Alternatively if you want a more general guide, then please check out our 12 Things to Do in The Peak District with your dog.

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Things to do in Buxton

June 8, 2023 By
Buxton Spa Hotel is pet friendly
Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel (Dog Friendly)

There are numerous things to do in Buxton with your dog. In this post we are going to look at places where you can eat, drink and enjoy with your dog.

About Buxton

Buxton is a thermal spa town situated in the Peak District, Derbyshire. It has a myriad of Georgian and Victorian architecture, with beautiful parklands to discover too.

There are plenty of dog friendly bars, pubs and cafes as well as some unusual attractions.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we may receive a small commission when you click on that link and subsequently order something. There is no additional cost to yourself, our commission just helps us maintain and run this website.

Dog walks in Buxton

Here are a few suggestions as to where you can walk your dog in and around Buxton.

Solomon’s Temple and Grinlow Woods

Buxton is home to the Buxton Country park, and Solomon’s Temple is a favourite place for dog walkers to head to.

Solomon’s Temple, is a Victorian folly which was built at the top of Grin Low (hill). You can climb to the top of it and experience stunning views across Buxton and beyond. I wouldn’t recommend that you take your dog up Solomon’s Temple as accidents can happen, and dogs have fallen from this in the past. However, they will love running around the surrounding woods and fields. I must also mention that Solomon’s Temple is situated in part of a working farm, so there might be cattle up there on occasion.

Solomons Temple

You can find out more about this walk, please read our Weekend Dog Walk – Solomon’s Temple

The Pavillion Gardens

Buxton Pavillion Gardens is a 23 acre magnificent Victorian park, containing a boating lake, bandstand, landscaped grassland and play areas. It is very popular with families and dog walkers.

You can while away many pleasant hours walking around the park. For instance you could sample the refreshments from the Pavilion itself or even just bring a picnic.

There is also a small scenic train that follows a short circular route inside the parkland. Not one for the dogs though, but small children love it!

Goyt Valley Walks

Just a short trip up the road (follow Long Hill out of Buxton), you will find the Goyt Valley.

This is a walkers paradise! We have spent many a long hour here with one of our dogs. There are moorland walks to explore, some woodland areas and also a reservoir that you can walk around.

Dogs enjoying a walk around Goyt Valley
Dogs trotting along from Shining Tor

For more details about Goyt Valley walks, you should try this website. Or for a specific dog walk you can try our Weekend Dog Walk – Fernilee Reservoir

Recommended dog walk books

More unusual dog friendly activities

Here are a couple of more unusual activities that you can do with your dog!

Buxton “Tram” Tour

Discover Buxton Tours – you can travel on the Wonder of the Peak (a newly converted Victorian “tram” – previously a milk float!) and spend a leisurely time being chauffeured around the sites of Buxton. Dogs are welcome.

The Wonder of the Peak - Buxton Tram
Tilly waiting to board the Buxton Tram

Buxton Family Treasure Hunt Trail

Here is a more unusual activity that you can do with your family and the dog! The family treasure hunt trail takes you around the trail hunting for pieces of code where you are seeking the magical realm of the Goddess Arnemetia.

Dog Friendly Pubs

After a strenuous dog walk, you might be in need of some refreshments! We have listed below, some of the dog friendly pubs in Buxton.

The Railway – Bridge Street, SK17 6BS – you’ll find a dog friendly area in the bar.

53 Degrees North – 8a Hall Bank, SK17 6EW – people happily eat here with their dogs.

The Old Clubhouse – 3 Water Street, SK17 6XN – this is opposite Buxton Opera House.

Red Willow – 1 Cavendish Circus, Buxton SK17 6AT – This is a converted bank which is very dog friendly.

The Old Sun Inn – 33 High Street, SK17 6HA

Buxton Brewery Tap House – Old Court House, George Street, SK17 6AY – currently operating from Staden Lane

The Cheshire Cheese – 37-39 High Street, SK17 6HA – This is a great pub to eat with your dog.

The Duke – 123 St John’s Road, SK17 6UR – on the way out of town, near to Grinlow Woods for a dog walk after!

Dog Friendly Cafes in Buxton

If you would prefer to visit a dog friendly cafe rather than a dog friendly pub, then Buxton has plenty to choose from!

The Hydro Cafe: 75 Spring Gardens, SK17 6BP. They even have a special Doggy Menu!

Everything’s Rosy Vintage Tea Rooms: 4-8 Hardwick Street, SK17 6DH

Charlotte’s Chocolates: Unit 1 Cavendish Arcade, The Crescent, SK17 6BQ

Cafe at the Green Pavilion: 4 Terrace Road, SK17 6DR

High Peak Bookstore & Cafe: Ashbourne Road, SK17 9PY – Dogs are welcome throughout the bookstore!

Eat at No5 – 5 London Rd, SK17 9PA – there is outside seating provided, but it’s next to busy main road.

The Tradesman’s Entrance: 13 Scarsdale Place, SK17 6EF

Pooles Cavern Cafe: Green Lane Sk17 9DH – Whilst the cavern itself does not allow dogs, the cafe does.

Sacro Lounge: 22-23 Springs Shopping centre SK17 6DF

Carriages Restaurant: Newhaven, near Buxton SK17 0DU

As you can see, this is quite a list of dog friendly cafes in Buxton! Hopefully you will find one which suits your needs. 🙂

Dog Friendly Hotels

There are several dog friendly hotels that we have listed below.

The Palace Hotel: Palace Road SK17 6AG – dog friendly rooms are available.

Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel: A stunning recently refurbished 18th Century building.

The Old Hall Hotel: Sited next to the Buxton Crescent Hotel, The Old Hall is reputed to be the oldest hotel in England.

We hope that you enjoy your visit to Buxton with your dog. Please have a look at some of our other posts to discover more towns that you can visit in the Peak District with your dog.

Filed Under: Events, Where to Visit Tagged With: , , ,

Visiting Matlock with your dog

June 8, 2023 By

This post has been updated with Things to do in Matlock with your dog.

All the information below is still valid, but you’ll find more detail on the Things to Do in Matlock page.

If you’re visiting Matlock with your dog, you’ll enjoy beautiful countryside walks and a warm and friendly welcome from numerous cafes and pubs.

Black Rocks Cromford

Black Rocks Cromford

Please note that this post includes affiliate links and as such this website will earn a small commission if you click and subsequently order. There is no additional cost to you, it simply helps us continue to run this website.

Dog Walks in Matlock

Matlock is wonderful – that’s probably why you’re going there, to walk round and take in the beauty of the town. But your dog doesn’t need to be left out of it all. The town may be busy, but there are several picturesque walks to do when you are visiting Matlock with your dog.  

You could saunter through Hall Leys Park (town centre) or perhaps wander the banks of the River Derwent. Both allow well behaved dogs. You can walk along the Cromford Canal just outside of the town, which will stretch the legs a bit more.

The cliff tops also provide an exhilarating dog walk. You’ll experience views of the town and surrounding countryside from up on High Tor and around Riber Castle.   There is a footpath that is regularly used by dog walkers.

Some recommended books to read

These books are all good ones to read if you want to find a dog walk or a dog walk with a dog friendly pub at the end of the walk.

Dog Friendly attractions in Matlock

Several of Matlock’s attractions are dog friendly.  You can ride on the four-mile long Peak Rails heritage railway between Matlock and Rowsley with your pet. Or perhaps you’d like to visit the Crich Tramway Museum, located just outside Matlock in Crich. Dogs are welcome on the trams, some of which are almost open air. There is also a woodland walk and sculpture trail at the museum.

The Heights of Abraham is also dog friendly, and your dog will be allowed to travel on the cable car! There are woodland walks to try, once you arrive at the Heights of Abraham. Or you can also sit outside the café with your dog.

Dog Friendly pubs in Matlock

If you’re thinking a nice refreshing pint is on the agenda then the MoCa Bar on Dale Road is dog friendly. Other options within the Matlock area include, The Miners Arms in Brassington, and The Rising Sun on Middleton top. You’ll find dogs welcome at the The Boat Inn and The Bell in Cromford. Also The Red Lion in Birchover and the Flying Childers in Stanton in Peak.

Dog Friendly Cafes in Matlock

There is also a myriad of dog friendly cafes that can be found in Matlock. You can enjoy a light lunch and a hot drink with your dog by your side.

Filed Under: Events, Featured Attractions, Where to Visit Tagged With:

Feb Half term with dogs in the Peak District

June 8, 2023 By

With February half term rapidly approaching, here are a few dog friendly places and events that you can go with your dog:

Monday
Monday is market day in Bakewell. There are lots of interesting stalls and things to look at. Many people bring their dogs and have a mooch around the market (all of which is outdoors). If you need to warm up, you can visit one of Bakewells dog friendly pubs or cafes. Later you can take the dog for a walk around the Bakewell Loop, stopping at Hassop Hall bookshop for a drink in the undercover outside area, if it’s warm enough to do so!

Tuesday
Take a trip to Buxton and visit Grinlow Woods and Solomons Temple. Your dog can have a wonderful walk off lead, exploring the woods and fields around Solomons temple. If you walk up to the top of Solomons temple, you will be rewarded with far reaching views of Buxton town (assuming it is a clear day!)  You can finish off your walk with a lovely drink and a snack at Pooles Cavern coffee shop, which welcomes dogs. Later on, you could have a walk through Buxton Pavillion Gardens, whilst your dog will need to be on a lead, it is a very pleasant area to have a wander. Later you could visit Barbarellas – which is licensed (so unfortunately does not allow children). They do however welcome dogs and serve rather nice food. New dog friendly additions include the Buxton Tap house who are very welcoming towards dogs and will often offer a drink and a dog biscuit for their canine friends! Another is the Old Court House wine and coffee bar which is happy to welcome well behaved dogs.

Wednesday
How about having a wonder across to Hope Valley. There are some nice opportunities for a dog walk around Mam Tor and surrounding areas. Afterwards you could drive down to Castleton or Hope and visit one of the dog friendly pubs in the area. There are also some nice coffee shops that you could try.

Thursday
How about a visit to Matlock and Cromford? There is a great place for a dog walk at Black Rocks, or perhaps you might want to have a meander down to Cromford Canal.  There are several dog friendly pubs and coffee shops in and around Matlock that you might want to try.

Friday
What about visiting the Ashbourne area. There is the Tissington Trail that can be walked on with your dog. You could visit Dovedale. There are plenty of dog friendly pubs near Ashbourne that you could visit.

Have a great half term.

Filed Under: Date sensitive, Where to Visit

Half Term has finished and Easter is on it’s way!

February 24, 2013 By

Ring of Trees WalkWell half term is just about over and the kids go back to school tomorrow. We’ve had a mixed bag of weather here in the Peak District, with 4 days of beautiful sunshine followed by the rest of the week overcast and snow flurries!

We’re now looking forward to the next holiday time, which is Easter! The days are getting longer now, and it no longer gets dark quite so early, so Spring is definitely on the way. We’re looking forward to seeing lambs frolicking in the fields.

The Peak District tourism industry really starts to move up a gear once Easter starts, with all the local attractions opening up and particularly the camp sites beginning their business for the year.

We’ll be taking a look at all the dog friendly camp sites shortly, and will bring you a list of those, so that you can plan your next visit to the Peak District with your dog. Look out for our camping feature coming soon!

In the meantime, check out our web pages for details of dog friendly pubs and coffee shops that you can visit, as well as some lovely dog friendly holiday accomodation.

 

 

Filed Under: Where to Visit