Hall Leys Garden Clock Tower, Matlock

      Matlock Derbyshire England

      Matlock is situated at the southern edge of the Peak National Park. From here roads lead also to Alfreton and Chesterfield and it is equidistant from Derby and Buxton. This busy town is a center for exploring the beautiful countryside around.

      Matlock, southern end of the Peak District Center of Matlock Center of Matlock

      Brooding over Matlock is the gloomy, haunted -looking building known as Riber Castle which was built, in the mid 19th century, for his residence, by John Smedley (a textile manufacturer at Lea and the founder of Smedley's Hydro) entirely to his own design, with stone obtained from a local quarry. It is seen to best advantage from the Hall Leys Garden, with it's gaunt embattled facade frowning on the town from a height of 800 feet. Unoccupied for many years, the Castle, with the sourrounding land, was acquired by a group of zoologists who developed the site as a nature reserve for British and European fauna. There once was a zoo, but it was closed in Sept. of 2000. Riber Hill can be climbed by one or other of the several attractive footpaths leading up to the castle proper.

      Riber Castle atop Riber Hill - currently unoccupied. Riber Castle atop Riber Hill as seen from town

      Kristina, Aunt Norma, Cousin Ashley, and Samantha head into Matlock town Hall Leys Garden Kids playing football (soccer) in Hall Leys Park, Matlock

      Boating at Hall Leys Park in Matlock Kristina at the Wheel of a motor boat Train ride in Hall Leys Garden Park in Matlock

            Links of Interest:
          • Matlock and Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
          • Matlock Information
          • Matlock Derbyshire - the town and its history
          • Riber Hall
          • Tour UK - Matlock
          • Derbyshire UK - Matlock

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