For some reason, we always hurry through Matlock on our way to other places, so on Saturday evening, on our way home, we thought we would park up and have a walk around. The castle on the hill is Riber Castle and was built by John Smedley as a home in 1862. I believe that it is currently empty and in bad repair.
It is a gorgeous little town - but very hilly! Fortunately all the shops and the park are at the bottom of the town.
I didn't have the stamina to walk to the top of the hill (perhaps next time), but you can see some of the very fine architecture that is dotted around this lovely little Peak town.
Lots of hot air balloons take off from near here - you'd never ever get me in one of those things!
It does have a great selection of independent shops. My favourite was "The Vintage Rooms". This is a fabulous little emporium of vintage goods for the home, garden and also clothing. It had some fabulous items for sale, and you can also get a cuppa in here too!
I only dare sneak a couple of photos in the Vintage Kitchen area, but I would highly recommend a visit.
Hubby had to drag me out!
20 comments:
I would hve wanted to stay in there too!
Oooooh, if it's vintage, you'd have to drag me out, kicking and screaming, lol. Very lovely place. You take the loveliest photos. These pictures make me want to visit the UK all the more!!!
Looks like a lovely place.
Looks like a lovely place.
Looks like a lovely place.
Oh that shop looks right up my street thanks for sharing, lucey x
I really like Matlock. I remember going to Riber Castle many years ago when it was still a zoo, and being sad at the tiny enclosures they had for the animals, it was all a bit run down. But the town is lovely - stone buildings, river, park, cafes, charity shops, a couple of vintage/collectables emporia, what's not to love?! The photos with the hot air balloons are great - they look so picturesque but no, I wouldn't go in one either! xxxx
Smedleys, are they the vegetable people?!
Love the look of Matlock and that tea room with so many little things to browse and oh and ah over, perfect!
Lisa x
Wowwwww, vintage kitchen section?? Hold me down!! x
Matlock looks fascinating! Yes, its always on the last leg of our homeward journey, so we never stop, either!
But I will try and get a special Matlock trip panned for this summer!
It is amazing the places that you pass by on the way to somewhere. You have just proved how good it is to stop and explore. Shame about the big house been run down. It sure looks a quaint place. I can visualise you being dragged out of the vintage shop.
I love the shops in Matlock too. I assume you have visited Matlock Bath too? That's a bit more full of tat and tourists but still has it's nice places and lots of lovely walks nearby.
I believe Riber Castle is being turned into apartments or something now. Last time I looked, it appeared to have new windows in (I zoomed in to the max with my camera!).
I have been in that very café, several times. I agree that one has to be dragged out!
That looks like my type of shop too! I much prefer visiting towns with independent shops.
Sarah x
I was passing by and saw your post
very interesting, I LOVE ENGLAND
and in April we will return .... how nice!
I was also in Matlock, very pretty.
If you must go with me, I am writing to your
enchanting kingdom!
Hello and see you soon
Love Susy x
I was born and bred in the shadow of Riber Castle - well almost anyway.
A walk up to the castle was a tradition in our family on most Sundays after dinner (dinner at lunchtime that is). It's a shame if it's in disrepair now, it has been through several incarnations, including functioning as a zoo at one point.
Looks like a lovely place to visit. That shop looks great. I agree with you I'd rather shop at independents.
June
Like you we mostly pass through Matlock on our way somewhere else - usually to visit my sister in Chesterfield - occasionally we stop and have a walk around the shops. I haven't seen that shop though, it looks interesting. Last time we stopped we went in an antique shop for a cup of coffee. I remember visiting Riber Castle when it was a zoo, shame it is neglected now:)
Thank you for stopping in Matlock then! Such a little gem!
Take care and have a good weekend!
xxxxx
What a lovely shop, I'm not surprised you had to be dragged out :)
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