For almost 300 years, the New Bath Hotel & Spa has stood at the heart of Matlock Bath, a village whose identity has been shaped by naturally warm mineral springs and a long-standing tradition of wellbeing. Founded in 1745 around one of these remarkable springs, the New Bath became an integral part of what established Matlock Bath as one of England’s earliest spa destinations. Today, that connection to water, restoration and hospitality remains woven into the character of both the hotel and its surroundings.

The story of the New Bath began with the discovery of naturally warmed mineral waters emerging from the limestone beneath the Derwent Valley. At a time when bathing in mineral springs was celebrated for its restorative qualities, visitors travelled from across the country to immerse themselves in the waters, breathe the fresh Derbyshire air and experience the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape. Long before the modern concept of wellness, Matlock Bath had earned its reputation as a place to pause, restore and reconnect with nature.

The word spa itself has its origins in places where natural mineral waters were valued for their ability to promote health, relaxation and renewal. Across Europe, spa towns flourished around these springs, becoming destinations where water, landscape and wellbeing came together. The New Bath was established as part of this tradition, distinguishing itself from the earlier Old Bath and helping to shape Matlock Bath’s place within Britain’s rich spa heritage.

As the popularity of spa travel grew throughout the Georgian and Victorian eras, the New Bath evolved from a spring fed bathing house into the hotel that stands today. Guests were drawn not only by the famous waters, but by the dramatic scenery of the Derwent Valley, the social life of the village and the sense of escape that defined Britain’s historic spa towns. Over the centuries, the hotel has continued to welcome those seeking relaxation, comfort and the restorative qualities of this unique corner of Derbyshire.

One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is its historic outdoor spring-fed lido dating back to 1934, where naturally warmed mineral water continues to flow today. More than a swimming pool, it is a living connection to the hotel’s origins and one of the few remaining examples of England’s historic open air bathing tradition. Beneath the hotel also lies the original eighteenth-century plunge bath, the only surviving bath of its kind in Matlock Bath, preserving an extraordinary piece of the village’s spa heritage.

While the meaning of wellness has evolved over the centuries, its essence remains remarkably familiar. The restorative power of fresh air, natural water, peaceful surroundings and time spent in nature continues to define the experience of staying at the New Bath Hotel & Spa. Whether taking a swim in the spring-fed lido, exploring the spectacular Peak District, walking beside the River Derwent or simply enjoying the calm of this historic setting, guests become part of a tradition that has endured for generations.

Today, the New Bath Hotel & Spa proudly celebrates this enduring legacy. Its name reflects not only the historic spring from which it was born, but also the wider heritage of Matlock Bath as one of England’s original spa destinations. It is a name rooted in place rather than facilities – a tribute to nearly three centuries of water, wellbeing, hospitality and the timeless connection between nature and restoration.