Matlock owes much of its status to John Smedley, who built the imposing Smedley's Hydro, now County Hall, and Riber Castle, the imposing, mock medieval castle overlooking the town.

Public transport: Trains from Derby operate along the scenic Derwent Valley Line to Matlock. Journey time from Derby is just 32 minutes.

Main bus services to Matlock include the hourly Transpeak service from Nottingham, Derby, Belper, Bakewell and Buxton, with services every 2 hours from Stockport and Manchester. An hourly bus service also operate from Chesterfield. Services from Sheffield and other local towns also serve Matlock. A good network of Sunday bus services also serve the town. Throughout Matlock, local town bus services operate regularly Monday to Saturday.

Medical: Matlock has two doctors' surgeries - The Darley Dale Medical Centre on Columbell Way at Two Dales, tel 01629 733205, and Lime Grove Medical Centre on Limegrove Walk, tel 01629 581586.

There are two dentists in Matlock, one on Dale Road and the other at Holt House. Both are part of the Disa Dental Group and can be contacted on 01629 582218.