Matlock Bath Aquarium and arcade — Attraction in Derbyshire Dales

I came to Matlock today on my day off and came across the aquarium I've been in this place before along time ago, I was on my own and I forgot what the place looked like.

I loved the experience, the smallness of it. Feeling like you're being portalled a 100 years ago, and the variety of aquatic life and items in there! The light show was lovely to stand in.

I think the only reason I didn't give it a 5* is because whilst seeing that the aquatic life is beautifully taken care off, the tanks are clean. They've got items in there and they look healthy. There was not alot of stimulation or something. I noticed a few of the fish kept going back and fourth, one of the sharks they have (cannot remember the name of the shark) kept trying to swim into a corner and was doing nothing else.

The blowup fish seemed like they wer going back and fourth, and I had an encounter with one of the bigger fish just before going to the turtle section. And all I did was interact with them, not trying to scare the fish at all and just be present. And they seemed curious and one kept swimming right up towards the end the tank where the exit was from the room everytime I tried to walk out.

I think they just need some stimulation or interaction of some sort, either encouraging people to not tap on glass but to be present with the fish, learning to just stand with them and show interest without expectancy and maybe do games. I did one with my hand, I placed my hand on the glass and the big fish (can't remember the name) eventually came to my hand curious, and slowly I moved my hand to snother part of glass and they followed.

I know it's seems strange to write this in a review, but I suppose like many animals that need some stimulation, then it would be nice to see that in some form or another. I felt dreadful leaving honestly because I wonder how long they stay in there without any sort of interaction or difference other than going back and fourth in their tanks. That's a presumption I know, but it just felt lonely.

I have no doubt the caretakers don't care or look after them so I hope this isn't misunderstood. It just seemed they needed a little extra attention from calm eyes and patient people.

But overall, I'm really grateful I got to experience that realisation that fish are more than what we see. And also see the history, and...

A great inexpensive way to spend a fun hour! We visited this on a whim, attracted by the idea of a petrifying well and fishes. Tickets are bought on the door and there are a number of stairs to walk up. The aquarium is small but has a great number of tanks, with a wide variety of fish and aquatic life. There are signs with information about what's contained in each of the tanks. The petrified well is worth a look, the process and items with are fascinating. There are displays of gemstones, fossils, animals and curiosities as you walk around. Following the aquarium you reach the restored Bath, with some great signage about the restoration of the baths and the huge amount of koi that now lives in it. Even as a group of 30/40 something's we very much enjoyed using the little machines to get fish food. Don't forget your 50'ps. After the Bath experience, there is a curious display of holograms, a walk of mirrors and the Illumate walkway. There is a section dedicated to the history of the Baths and Matlock. You come out into the arcade, which has a fun range of 2p & 10p cascade games, among yhe othet typical...

Matlock is beautiful and we walked up High Tor which I'd a steep climb but had plenty of benches along the way to rest if needed. Can be a but muddy in places after long periods of rainfall but this is throughout the walk and only in small areas. At the top the views are breathtaking but don't go too close to the edge. Cable cars weren't on when we went due to high winds and was told it was about 28 quid for 2 people to go up in them. There are plenty of fish and chip places along the front and arcades for those who want a quick gamble. The place was hammered when we went and thr crowds make it hard to get down the front. Seems to be popular with the motorbike folk. There are a few coffee bars and the front almost felt like the seaside without the beach. I'm not sure why they have so many arcades along the front nor what draws the crowds here as I've seen nicer places in the peaks. Overall had a good walk but not somewhere I'd stay over in as there's not really alot going on bar the caves and arcades. Also parking was a NIGHTMARE and gypsies have set up camp on...