Pic Tor

Pic Tor Promenade has a peaceful character running between the cliffs and the River Derwent where former lead mine shafts can be spotted in the rock face. Riverside paths link the formal Knowleston Gardens to the Pig Tree Meadows. Shady paths through the woodland lead to the War Memorial on the summit which offers a panoramic view of Matlock and its surroundings.

The Origin of the Pic Tor Pleasure Grounds

Pic Tor Promenade is an Edwardian development of an area previously known for lead mining and converted into a public park. The Pic Tor Pleasure Grounds includes the Tor itself where the First World War Memorial can be found on the summit, the more formal Knowleston Gardens and the romantic riverside promenade leading to Pig Tree Meadows.

200 years ago Knowleston Gardens was a hive of industrial activity with hemp yards, lead mining and lime burning. In 1861 this area was landscaped into formal terraces by John Knowles who built the elegant row of houses opposite in 1857.

At this time neither ‘Pig Tor’ as it was known nor the Pig Tree Meadows were accessible from Knowleston Gardens. In the 1890’s John Knowles nephew Henry had a plan to link Matlock Town centre to Matlock Dale along the river.

Just before his death in 1898 he released the land on which the Broadwalk in Hall Leys Park was formed. To complete the vision, in 1902 Matlock Urban District Council purchased Knowleston Gardens, and leased both Pig Tree Meadows and Pic Tor from FC Arkwright.

In 1902 Matlock Urban District Council purchased Knowleston Gardens, and leased both Pig Tree Meadows and Pic Tor from FC Arkwright. The plan was to construct a Promenade as a tourist attraction with band kiosks, shelters and water fetes along the half mile promenade.

In 1906 the promenade finally opened but without these attractions, and under the formal name of ‘Pic Tor Promenade’. Apparently it was the only free promenade in the district as Matlock Bath had recently started to charge entrance fees to its riverside walks. Pic Tor has recently been renovated as part of the Matlock Parks Project, including a 'Monet' style footbridge that now provides a more direct link between Pic Tor, Knowleston Place and the popular Hall Leys Park.