Derbyshire

Many people from the UK will have stayed at a Premier Inn, but one guest shared her experience staying at one of the company’s East Midlands hotels, including something she didn’t expect

Premier Inn is a popular budget hotel brand in the UK and can be recognised by its signature purple and white colour scheme. Most of the hotels have similar features, like the room layouts, but one location stood out to a hotel guest.

Kerri, a mum from Norfolk who works in the travel industry, recently stayed at the Premier Inn Derby City Centre Riverlights hotel and was surprised by one thing. Turning to TikTok, she said: “Well, this is new for a Premier Inn. I’ve got a room that I’ve never had before and I’ve stayed in so many Premier Inns I’ve actually lost count.”

The hotel guest first showed viewers the courtyard she could see outside of her room with potted plants growing in the middle hanging on a wooden structure, which she found “strange for one.”

She was also surprised to see tiles on the floor in and near the bathroom and discovered that when you close the bathroom door, it opens the wardrobe.

What Kerri really didn’t expect, however, was the long walk to her car from the hotel room.

The travel worker had to go down a number of corridors and through several doors to get out of the hotel and once she got out, she had to walk around the hotel, cross the road, go under a bridge, walk up some steps into the Derbion Shopping Centre, down some more corridors and down some steps into the basement car park where her car was.

At the end of the video when she finally made it to her car, she playfully said: “Let’s just say the last thing you wanna do is forget something in your car if you’re staying in the hotel. That takes forever.”

In the caption of her post, she wrote: “It’s a long a** walk to your car staying at this Premier Inn!

“Plus side – you get your steps in and it’s a great location for the mall!”

Premier Inn Derby City Centre Riverlights, located near the River Gardens, doesn’t have on-site parking but guests can park their vehicles at the nearby Derbion Basement Centre Car Park for a discounted rate of £8 for 24 hours by registering at reception.

It takes about 10 minutes to walk to this car park from the hotel. Kerri’s TikTok video has garnered thousands of views, hundreds of likes and more than 70 comments.

One user sarcastically said: “Omg the trauma.” Another added: “Haha I know Derby when I see it, I was a student there and it’s probably because the city centre is very pedestrianised and it’s just a bit of a pain to drive round.

“Car parks have always been scarce.” Someone who stayed at a different Premier Inn commented: “It’s like this for the Cardiff Queen Street Premier Inn – we have got lost so many times walking from the car park to the hotel.”

A spokesperson for Premier Inn told the Mirror: “Our Riverlights hotel is in a fantastic location right by the Derby river gardens and due to its central location, as indicated on our website when booking, there is no onsite carpark.”

The UK is home to several seaside resort and a visitor explored one town with all the usual bells and whistles, but it has one big difference compared to the likes of Brighton and Blackpool

For many in the UK, childhood summers meant trips to seaside towns, and today, families often return with their children to recreate those memories. These towns charm visitors with their laid-back atmosphere, pretty streets, amusement parks, traditional fish and chips, and of course, the beaches.

Famous resorts like Brighton, Whitby, Blackpool, Margate, and Bournemouth remain firm favourites, drawing crowds each summer. However, there are also lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered. One such gem is Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, a unique destination that captures the spirit of a seaside town, despite sitting in the heart of the Peak District, far from the coast.

It offers all the hallmarks of a traditional seaside town, from fish and chip shops and arcades to ice cream parlours, but instead of the coast, it sits in a river valley.

A local, known on social media as Gabs Life, shared a video on TikTok offering her 233,000 followers a peek at Matlock Bath.

Speaking in the video, she said: “If you’re looking for a gorgeous day out in the UK, Matlock Bath is definitely the place to go.

“This little town in England is centrally located and is a great mid-point for day trips or weekend getaways.”

The TikToker described it as a “beautiful, picturesque seaside town that is not actually near the sea.”

Gabs Life highlighted that Matlock Bath has “cute, little shops” and scenic walks.

She included a clip of people taking a stroll by the River Derwent, sharing that this is part of Lovers’ Walks, a series of footpaths along the riverside and up and over the cliffs.

The seaside town fan added: “It’s just a really charming, chill place to explore, grab some food and slow down for a little bit. Matlock Bath is a hidden gem that you didn’t know you needed.”

The TikTok post has racked up thousands of views and more than 70 comments. Fellow users on the platform were captivated by the appeal of the Derbyshire destination.

One commented: “Feels like being at the seaside there!!” Another wrote: “It’s nice and all shops and cafes [are] fair priced surprisingly.”

A third piped up: “One of three of my favourite places for a day out from Manchester. Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton…All absolutely beautiful.”

Someone else noted: “Very good there always.” Others expressed their enthusiasm with remarks such as “how cute”, “I love it here”, “love Matlock Bath” and “next on my list.”

A different user offered advice for visitors: “Tip for you all as parking is horrendous. Park in Matlock at the train station.. catch a train into Matlock Bath. Cheap fare and much easier. Matlock born and bred.”

Matlock is a market town that sits alongside Matlock Bath and according to Trainline, prices for this journey begin from £1.40 when you book in advance.

The rail operator states that there are typically 18 trains per day running from Matlock to Matlock Bath.

Industrialist John Smedley transformed the market town into a trendy spa destination in the 19th century, using thermal springs for hydrotherapy treatments.

Matlock is home to Hall Leys Park, boasting its own boating lake, tennis courts, a skateboard park and a children’s play area.

The town centre of Matlock is filled with quaint, independent shops, alongside a variety of cafés, pubs and restaurants.

With its prime location, stunning landscapes, and excellent transport links, Matlock serves as a favoured starting point for those wanting to explore Derbyshire and the Peak District.

An abandoned village that was purposefully flooded to make way for a huge reservoir has exposed itself several times in the last 70 years – as visitors marvel at the remains

An abandoned village that was submerged underwater back in the 1940s mystically reveals itself due to a rare phenomenon.

For years, Derwent thrived as a vibrant village – one that seemed utterly irreplaceable to its residents. Situated in the heart of the Peak District, in Derbyshire, the tiny community boasted its own school, a stunning church, and an impressive country manor house with immaculately manicured gardens, ornamental trees and a large fishpond.

Locals resided on cosy streets in limestone cottages – with stunning views of the rolling countryside at their doorstep. However, between 1935 and 1943, plans to flood the entire village – along with the neighbouring community of Ashopton, were given the green-light.

READ MORE: Abandoned UK island untouched for nearly 100 years just yards from seaside town

Despite protests from locals, who had to evacuate the villages to the nearby Yorkshire Bridge estate, the entire area was transformed into a sweeping dam in 1943, just two years before the end of World War Two. Over time, rain and mountain-run off started to fill the valley, and Derwent slowly became completely submerged under water.

Now known as Ladybower Reservoir, this impressive sheet of blue can hold a whopping 27,869 mega litres of water – and serves the neighbouring cities of Derby, Sheffield, and Nottingham. It has become a popular site for walkers and nature lovers, and underwent major refurbishment during the 1990s to raise and increase the strength of the dam’s wall to reduce the risk of ‘over-topping’ in a major flood.

But, in 2018, the lost village exposed itself once again – following an ‘exceptionally dry and hot summer’ that drastically decreased the reservoir’s water levels. Images show the ruins of Derwent, which had long been forgotten about, still remain intact – including the foundations of the church and hall, along with some of the cottage’s walls.

The village appeared again in 2022, following similar weather conditions that lowered water levels in the reservoir. The phenomenon attracted swathes of tourists who flocked to the site to marvel at the remains of a railway that became temporarily visible.

At the time, a spokesperson for Severn Trent warned visitors to be ‘aware’ that the exposed reservoir bed was ‘extremely muddy and not safe to walk in’. “You can get a great view of both the chapel and the railway from the shoreline,” they added. “Please do not walk out to the ruins.”

If scorching temperatures continue to swelter the UK, the chances of Derwent revealing itself increases. However, with downpours of rain slated to brutally end the on-going heatwave – the village may remain underwater this year.

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This village in Derbyshire is known as the “seaside town without the sea” but its beloved fish and chip shops, cable car rides and theme park make it a quintessentially British holiday destination

This famous town in Derbyshire has all the makings of a great seaside town, except the sea. Located 94.4 miles away from Skegness, this unique destination still has plenty to offer, including fish and chip shops, cable car rides and an exciting theme park.

The official Visit Peak District & Derbyshire TikTok account posted a video spotlighting the town of Matlock Bath, referred to affectionately as the “seaside town without the sea”. The video documents how visitors can spend a day in the colourful and charming town.

The TikTok video reveals that Matlock Bath is “known for its colourful shops and fish and ships restaurants”. One must stop destination highlighted is Halls of Derbyshire, the traditional ice cream and confectionery shop.

READ MORE: UK fishing town named one of Europe’s ‘hidden gems’ that many don’t know about

Halls is a must-visit stop for anyone passing through the area, easy enough to spot with colourful balloons outside and a window full of cotton candy. Another spot highlighted in the video is Kostas Fish Bar, which happens to be right next door.

Despite not being particularly close to the sea, Kostas’ over 50 years of combined history in the fish and chip industry means that the menu is sufficient to satisfy your seafood craving. According to the video, Matlock Bath has a “seaside vibe despite being landlocked”.

This is most likely due to its position along the River Derwent. The 66-mile long river flows between Matlock Bath and Derby, with Matlock Bath situated in the middle of the river’s path.

Visitors to the area can enjoy a stroll along the river’s path or opt for an elevated view of the town by taking a cable car ride up to the Heights of Abraham. As documented in Visit Peak District’s TikTok video, visitors can take a cable car up to the clifftop country park to enjoy picturesque views.

There are also caverns, trails and playgrounds to explore for those who make it to the hilltop park. Those interested in more family-friendly activities can also check out Gulliver’s Kingdom – a small theme park located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Gulliver’s Kingdom is ideal for a short-term break, full of kid-safe rides and attractions. Matlock Bath’s Explorer Package might be a cost-effective option for those planning to visit both the theme park and the hilltop park, as both are included in the cost of some accommodation bookings.

READ MORE: ‘Underrated’ UK seaside spot everyone should visit is ‘cleanest and happiest place’

That said, you can probably enjoy much of the town in an afternoon and staying overnight isn’t necessary given the convenience of its transport options. As shared in the TikTok video, Matlock Bath is easy to get to by bus or train.

If you’re looking to explore more of Derbyshire, another stop to add to your list is Castleton – considered one of the “prettiest” villages in the Peak District. Despite its small population – less than 700 residents – the village draws plenty of tourists each year with its quaint pubs, tea rooms and stunning stone architecture.

A PRIMARY school has been evacuated after a pupil brought a grenade to show and tell.

Students at Osmaston CofE Primary School in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, were rushed off the site after the shocking discovery on Friday.

Teachers were concerned when a boy pulled out a World War Two hand grenade.

Headteacher Jeanette Hart did not know if the weapon was live or not so quickly took it and put it behind a large tree outside.

Despite not being “100 per cent happy” carrying the old bomb, she said she “didn’t want to take the risk” and leave it in the school.

The head teacher raised the alarm and Derbyshire Police arrived on the scene with army explosives experts.

Mrs Hart told the BBC: “It was quite an eventful assembly.

“It was going fine and there was a boy who brought an old bullet case in, which I knew about, but then his friend produced a hand grenade from his pocket.

“That, I was not expecting.”

Experts determined the heirloom was safe through X-ray analysis.

A spokesman for the Matlock, Cromford, Wirksworth and Darley Dale Police Safer Neighbourhood Team added: “Just a word of guidance for parents and guardians – double check what your kids are taking to show-and-tell, especially when they are family heirlooms.”

Mrs Hart the ordeal was completely “innocent” and the boy thought the grenade was “interesting” after learning about VE Day.

“His family didn’t know [he took it] and they were a little taken aback,” she added.

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