The Cromwell Hotel

Matlock Bath ~ Pride & Prejudice country!

by Jenniflower

Well, what can I say about this breath of fresh air? Derbyshire has to be the prettiest English county we have seen thus far... we have seen quite a few, and have many more to go, and this claims top spot!

Matlock Bath is quaint and picturesque. It lies in a gorge, running alongside the river. There are all kinds of shops and tea rooms and pubs... some are a tad commercialised (but in a small way), and others are old fashioned. All in all, we had a variety of things to do here, like going up Abraham Heights (cable car), going down a lead mine (with EIGHTY TWO bally steps to get out! *huff and a puff*), going for lovely walks, taking plenty of pics. Seeing grand homes like Chatsworth House and once-grand Haddon Hall.

An ideal getaway.

Chatsworth House is where the Matthew MacFadden and Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice was filmed. It was Darcy's 'Pemberly'. it stands on huge grounds (over 35,000 acres of it.. which encompasses a few villages!) and is itself very grand, yet homely and warm inside. We have seen many castles, 'houses', mansions and palaces since we have lived in the UK, and this is for us, the best.

This photo is of the Painted Hall, rather grand is it not? Feels even better when you are standing their yourself ;)

Here you are in the country, with village charm. On the Chatsworth Estate there is a lovely Farmyard where they have a variety of farm animals for the kids (and us!). We were there in lambing season, and it was such a joy watching these gorgeous little balls of fluff dancing over the shire.