Matlock Riverside was the terminus of Peak Rail,[1][2] a preserved steam railway of approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) in length.

At that time, it was announced that Matlock Riverside was being retained for special events and demonstration goods trains.

The station consists of one platform, situated on the Up (east) side of the former deviation, whilst the Down line is used as a run-round loop, which permits the use of a single locomotive on services (although top-and-tail operation occurred on Special Event Days).

Access to the station is via a public footpath from Matlock Town, the distance between the two being no more than one-quarter mile (0.4 km).

After this was frequently damaged by local vandals, the station became permanently unstaffed, with tickets required to be purchased aboard the train.