This Seaside Town is 69.5 Miles From The Coast

A little van life park up in Matlock and a trip to the strange town of Matlock Bath.
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Welcome to my Channel,
My name is James and I live full time in my tiny van, however this is not just a van life channel. I enjoy travel, food and drink and making videos 🙂
When I turned 50 I decided I’d had enough of the rat race and working long hours just to pay rent and bills, life was passing me by and I needed a drastic change.
FAQ
Where is Helen?
Helen has a responsible full time job and two children so unfortunately she can’t join me on every trip. I really wish she could.
What equipment do you use?
My vlogging camera is a GoPro Hero 9 but I also use my pixel 6a phone and Lumix G80 camera for other footage
For editing, I used Premiere Pro on an old laptop but I’m saving to buy a more powerful computer.
Do you have children?
Yes I have a 6yr old daughter who lives with her mum but I see her quite a lot. I don’t usually put her on the vlogs and if I do, I block out her face for privacy reasons. I also have a grown up son.
How do you fund your lifestyle?
I don’t need as much to live these days since going full time van life but I receive a small percentage of income from the ads that KZbin put on the videos.
Why the sponsored videos?
I only accept sponsorship from companies I use and trust, this is my fulltime job and my income, it’s how I support my family. (I have Patreon if you prefer videos with no ads).
How do I contact you?
Please contact me here: [e-mail]

[@Shane55able]

I love that Helen put those Greggs packaging in the bin 🚮 I'm a volunteer litter picker and was made up to see Helen do that. 👏 Great video again, well edited too! 👍

[@samandjennysambrook]

I volunteered for that job,and when I asked if I needed any training,they said no training required, You'll just pick it up as you go along!!😆😂🤣

[@austinwalters]

Bad fish and chips + Noisy motorbikes = grumpy James 😂😂

[@kevinbennett2208]

Yeah he moans like a woman

[@independentpuppy7520]

Hells Angels.

[@davidmonkman1767]

Thank god your out and about james. I've been flicking through the youtube channels all day and got board of the same old youtubers then yours came up and I thought great by the curb is on fantastic..

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 😂😍

[@annieallcock8123]

Hi Helen & James, Was so great seeing you guys yesterday & thank you so much for the shout out. You are just the same off the screen as you are on. A wonderful couple.... Shame you didn't get to go on the heights of Abraham....but at that price I don't blame you!!!!....it's actually 40 years since Dale & myself went on them 😮 lol. We hope to meet up with you guys again & have a drink ❤......A & D

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, it was lovely to meet you both 🙂

[@annieallcock8123]

@@bythecurb Thank you & you guys ...take care 🍻

[@3180mick]

Don't go on a Sunday if you don't like motorbikes. The promenade gets full up with them.

[@markberry2969]

Same at Blidworth village and Byker Newcastle. That RHS stone guest house I have stayed there 2 nights Fountain?? The guy likes hats in there as there were many displays of them!!

[@tinastock8540]

I want Helen to take the camera and show us In side the charity shops 🤣 great vlog

[@Mokyjohn1800]

I subscribed after watching your Liverpool vids the other week (my hometown). My Nan was from Bakewell so I spend many weekends wandering around the edgy streets of Matlock bath as a kid. It brings back memories and the flat cap is a must in that neck of the woods by the way. Thanks to both of you for the videos, always entertaining! Cheers, John

[@stickemuppunkitsthefunlovi4733]

I bet the girls loved you and the boys hated you haha

[@deanmacartney7111]

Don't get him going Helen. If you go in summer you will see triple amount motorbike Lol😂😂😂

[@garygoldsmith3887]

As a chef student in the 70s, we used to put either Tia Maria or Drambuie into stouts/beers. Amazzzing pint, back in the day when a pint was about 35p.😊😊. Great videos, thanks for both being you.😊

[@theusefulchannel]

It's nice to see old folk out for the day enjoying life 😂😂

[@bluenose7984]

Surely their carers should be looking after them? 🤣😂🤣

[@IanLewisCymru]

@@bluenose7984 That's US!

[@barrieking5939]

That castle you could see is Ryber castle. It used to have a zoo up there. I remember hand feeding a great brown bear with custard cream biscuits. My wife thought I was barmy.

[@3180mick]

I remember it too, I was only very young and it was a bit heath Robinson and a bit run down. I'm sure something like a golden Eagle escaped once

[@heatherread5314]

That was a cracking little zoo. Linx owls raccoons the otters where great

[@mickfen8831]

Ryber castle zoo was our annual school trip,many many years ago 👍

[@timothylakin5035]

I remember the zoo agent there as a kid about 45 years age good day out

[@nickg0261]

Your both very watchable, and always put a smile on my face.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 🙂

[@peterjohnson5806]

Enjoyed your trip to Matlock. Everybody should have a Helen in their life. A breath of fresh air

[@johnspark8095]

You two are some act. God Bless. Matlock holds some very, very special childhood memories for me, thank you for this video. My grandad used to be the car park attendant and grandmother used to sell tickets in a little wooden hut for the rowing boats. Thanks for this video, I,m crying writing this because they were so very much happy times in my childhood. I,m 73 years old now I wish you both well. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Keep up your good work. It,s a bikers mecca because of the Harley Davison shop that was there when I was there, 60 odd years ago. Again thanks.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you for your lovely message John ☺️

[@mickfen8831]

Well said John 👍

[@catevansartist]

I have 2 flat caps - one made in SW Scotland (where my granny was from) and the other a vintage one from Lancashire. I also have a baker's style one which my dad gave to my stepmum. I have more than 20 hats in my collection, most are men's but that's my style! Another enjoyable vlog - Matlock is one of my old stomping grounds. 💖

[@BigDave1965]

I love Matlock Bath, that fish & chips looked nice, Next time I go there on my Motorbike I might have some 😂. Ashbourne & Bakewell (not far from there are really nice), Love Helens Flat Cap 😊

[@lawrencewatters5448]

Yes Helen the cap really does look great 😂

[@andrewgoulding7287]

You pair are stars I have lived in Dublin for 22yrs originally from Derbyshire , hearing your voices reminds me of home .. vlogs are so entertaining , they are real not just boring food reviews .. keep up the good work ...

[@andrewgoulding7287]

James / Helen have you been to Dublin ...with Helen having Irish heritage .. lol

[@jojoynes4823]

Matlock bath is a lovely place and all about the bikes for me,I love going there to look at them all parked up,and then having fish and chips,❤

[@kevjaffray]

Loved that review, spot on. Problem is, Matlock Bath is a biker's mecca and to be fair, you managed a quiet day! Next time you're both there, take Helen on Giddy Edge, she'll love it! ( I doubt you will though James 😁)

[@MrKevinbrindle]

I actually noticed a Boyes in Chester le Street the other day and I found myself smirking!!!!!!

[@booglewho86]

Another fantastic video, many thanks. Matlock.... Filming location for 'Dead Man's Shoes' a must watch if you haven't already.

[@Coco-mw8tz]

Brilliant film isn’t the ending that ‘castle’on the hill?

[@booglewho86]

I really can't remember... it's been some time since I last watched it... 'Dead Man's Shoes' evening coming soon.

[@grahamdaniel9534]

Dandelion and Burdock with Fish & Chips now that’s a class combo 😊

[@lindavis224]

I love you two!!! James, my hubby is exactly like you!!! 👍 🥰

[@yorkshiresfinestpair]

We love Matlock, we use to go there often on a weekend on the motorbikes 🏍️🏍️🏍️ 👍

[@aslandama]

Both places looked lovely to me, thanks for sharing as always. Helen, hat suits you but I think you'd look good in a black bin bag anyway. Cheers, loving this channel!

[@maxineredfern3380]

O no don’t go in the summer if you don’t like the motorbikes it’s packed lol. I go kayaking down the river there from Darley dale to Matlock bath. The better chip shops are further down the road. Seeethee Maxx

[@eddiebushtracey4887]

Matlock Bath is our Blackpool 😂 big meeting place for bikers gangs. Gorgeous in summer, if ya like motorbikes 😂 ❤

[@KayeDavidson-oo4eg]

Another good video The fish pond pub do a nice jacket potato ❤

[@dazpreston9572]

Spent many Sundays in Matlock Bath On the Motorbike watching the world go by....Packed in summer...That's y there so many chip shops...

[@jobybell8543]

We went to Matlock Bath & did exactly the same as you two. Went to heights of Abraham & did a u turn when we saw the price. Perhaps we’re tight Yorkshire folk? Great video as always ☺️

[@user-vl8no2wy5k]

Hi guys great seeing your footage Helen you are amazing so natural straight to point so funny when have had a drink I think it kind of winds James lol . James would be nice to see a bit more about your van keep it up Henry

[@user-vl8no2wy5k]

I am at a stage in my life similar to yous had enough of working stupid hours and trying to see my girls would van life work or am I just dreaming Henry

[@jeremyclutson8244]

If you'd wanted a proper view of Matlock, including Ryber Castle, you should have just watched Shane Meadow's 'Dead Man's Shoes'!! Beautiful photography and lovely soundtrack.

[@booglewho86]

My thoughts also, I have just mentioned same said movie and now found your excellent comment ❤

[@user-vk3fm3fq6p]

Just caught up on vlogs. Dragon thought the the duck vlog was so funny as I’m Steve and I’m not the thinnest person she was crying laughing at me thanks you two 😂😂😂😂😂😂. Will have to go there looks good

[@yodaami]

Guinness and black! Lovely. Never thought about lime but of course lager and lime was a thing I had in my younger life! Matlock looks lovely, nice to see a northern town that is not in decline. ❤ Thanks for taking us around.

[@always.wondering.wandering]

Oh, it's your Mother's Day, ours is in May. Hope your mum had a nice one. When it said Matlock my head went to our tv show called Matlock with Andy Griffith, a mystery legal drama. I liked that park there with the ducks but the town looked a little too touristy and yes, it did have the feel of a seaside town. I love your new hat Helen, it suits you well. Good that you two got to spend time together and loved the banter as always. Have a good week and thanks for today's tour, always appreciated.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 🙂❤

[@ShelleyBentley-j7v]

Great Vlog,you've shown us another lovely place 😊 Loved the flat cap Helen really suits you😅 Yes love frosty Jack ,can't get it here in Hungary, will have to wait till I go home to see family in June 😊 Really desperate for fish and chips too,thanks guys x❤

[@lucygale336]

Peaky blinders o no its Helen and James 😂love the hat ❤good vlog guys 😊

[@stevemorgan976]

Loved it.... Helen lovely cap , James lucky lad... your adventures make me smile.. keep going

[@christinejervis5968]

Ah Helen I just need to be more Helen ❤ You are great James is alrert aswell 😂

[@lindagent9831]

“Booze fer baby” 🤣🤣🤣 love that. Also James very touching that you wished all the mothers present and departed a lovely Mother’s Day. Great vlog James and Helen. Peace 🧚

[@Montykoby]

Cheers Helen, won't sleep tonight with a vision of James in tights and leotard ! Looking fab in the flat cap, great video as always guys, be safe and happy travels x

[@adrianbackhouse7567]

We were just discussing that there weren't many motorbikes there!! It a well know ride out for all bikers!!! In the summer its packed with motorbikes!! You would love it!!😂😂😂

[@micro_adVANtures]

Awww Helen you look cute in the cap. Yup, our GI Jayne is special for sure. I and my ASD, feel her pain, the need to seek order in a chaotic world, dopamining (through the search for information and knowledge) etc… I really enjoy Helen because I can relate. James you are a great partner to Helen. Calm, relaxed, considerate… neurodivergent struggle with relationships with neurotypicals but this looks a perfect match!!! You’re made for each other. But hey, I truly enjoy the vids either way and without Helen. Keep up the great work.

[@Simon-fr4ts]

Helen with the 'Sleeping With The Enemy' OCD in Boyes!

[@kevanparker908]

Should have written this first, Mainly for Helen (You would kill me if we ever meet) You can walk up to the Height's of Abraham without paying for Cable cars and you can see some of the attractions at the top for free, its a tough walk however.

[@liammcnulty7112]

The cap really suits Helen👍

[@stuartm0]

No No No salt 1st then vinegar as long as its Malt 😂 brilliant show as always

[@doctormong1]

Great video. Had me laughing out loud as usual.

[@Mach_One_Photos]

well after 63 years on this planet i finally went in my first Boyes yesterday. i had never even heard of the store untill i started watching By The Curb. and yesterday when my daughter wanted some boot polish i said Boyes will have some 😂😂

[@bythecurb]

Haha, it's a great shop, has everything you need and good honest value

[@craigmelvin5206]

Always good to watch you two 👍👍👍🙏

[@bythecurb]

Thank you :-)

[@LRHKEV]

That's what us with motorbikes say about vans and motorhomes

[@bigwideworld387]

Let's be honest though there are no vans or motorhomes causing any issues in these beauty spots. They aren't going up and down in vehicles they've had modified to have the world's loudest revs. It's ok for those sat on the bikes because they have a thick helmet protecting their hearing but innocent bystanders don't. The last time my partner and I went to Matlock Bath, we came back from walking on the hills and we barely reached Midland Pub and we could hear a guy sat on his moped revving away at the other end of Matlock Bath! The bloke was still sat revving it by the time we reached that.ebd and opposite him was families and couples eating fish and chips outside a restaurant and the fumes they had to eat in was awful. We went to Helmsley in North Yorkshire and again the motorbikers where all over the square revving non stop while people are trying to eat outside pubs including us. Why can't they just drive off instead of sitting for 30 mins revving and being a nuisance to other people also trying to enjoy a trip out. I totally share James's annoyance, it just puts non bikers off going back to these places or any other beauty spots that bikers swarm too.

[@dougalmcdougal286]

@@bigwideworld387dude, really. There's plenty of campervanners causing so many problems everywhere, leaving filth, emptying their toilets in public areas, that many councils, esp near the seaside, have stopped welcoming them. 100% agree about loud pipes, real noise pollution & very inconsiderate to others. Loud pipes don't save as many lives as advanced training. I speak as someone with a bike, that goes to Matlock & as a camper owner. I am considerate with both.

[@bigwideworld387]

@@dougalmcdougal286 dude, I don't have a campervan and I absolutely bet that was some do the awful things you mentioned but they aren't doing it on the main roads and squares of beauty spots making it unpleasant for people who also have a right to enjoy it.

[@markhodgson5803]

What that they make loads noise, idiot.

[@trevorbarnes4731]

Great Watch nice area Dead man's shoes made there one of my fav movies thank you for this😎😎😎

[@paulmorris6080]

Nothing wrong with motorbikes guys. Matlock is a great stop off town.

[@mightay6672]

Guinness and lime cordial 😢 i have to have a moment and question myself , James that is absolute sacrilege😮

[@samandjennysambrook]

Not been for a year or two, Always an Attraction for bikes, especially Sundays...glad you thought better of the cable 🚠 cars...£28.50??? Scandalous!! Really enjoyed it though so thanks for posting J+ H.👍✅

[@davidrichards7711]

Ey-up James & Helen. Welcome to Deryshire !

[@pauper177]

Lager & lime James great in the 70s !!!!! Or blackcurrant YUM !!!!!

[@kathyhayden2499]

Hi James and Helen another funny vlog,love the cap Helen,funny when James said I don't think the white dress would suit me❤

[@tomm5228]

Matlock bath across the bridge nice river walk to next bridge and walk through park on other side of river

[@user-cx1un9qq6p]

Very interesting vlog James and Helen thanks for that Helen suited the cap.

[@colinburton66]

You two are so down to earth you make me and my wife laugh bso much

[@sueterry7300]

Loved your vlog. Been on the ride many years ago but scary. Nice place but like u say not much there. Nice to see u both out n about ,take care x

[@robertclarke7230]

You should have walked up to the heights of Abraham. I had some exercise before going for a drink and fish and chips Yes as well. It's a very busy place on Sunday. It's on a great motorbike run

[@carrieboultby7516]

ooo I LOVE Boyes shops! We have one here in Nottingham, in Arnold, if you're ever this way. However, it's not very 'touristy' or pleasant, as such. I also tidy up the cottons if they're in the wrong place! At04.10 - the castle is Riber Castle and Zoo, as was. They're now turning it into apartments... you can walk up there. You can drive up there, too. It's a bit tight in places, and uphill.... Yes, it's Matlock Bath that is more 'lit up' and touristy, but I think I would rather live in Matlock town, given the choice - more shops, and more choice of shops, plus you have the park... At 08.59 - I hope you went into the Antiques Centre - it's great! It's got loads of floors, plus a cafe. Really interesting At The Heights of Abraham - that price is astonishing! My family and I have never been - and I don't think we will be! Those motorbikes are almost a permanent fixture at Matlock Bath.

[@elizabethdunn2992]

The donuts 😂😂 Great video as always ❤

[@liammcnulty7112]

Hiya you two, another very good video, you are great together😊

[@davenash1801]

Keep up the good work .. bit of a suggestion for you try Thirsk go alot lovely place with market Square and a few nice pubs on it charity shops . Love woodland lake and lodges .. if you fancy a lodge and hot tub . Few miles from Thirsk ... 🍺🍺😁😁

[@nataliesmith303]

Totally agree. Went to thirsk in November for my birthday. It’s a great place to get a drink with a few charity shops 😊

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Good show James & Helen 👍🐕🚐👊

[@andystreet1479]

love Helen's new cap blimey that attraction was way overpriced would be mega busy in the summer, that;s what I hate about Greggs everyone thinks its acceptable to drop Gregg's bags on the floor well done Helen for picking up.

[@rachelshonahague5718]

I'm sure theres a miniature railway in that park too.😉

[@bythecurb]

I think there was but it wasn't running

[@rachelshonahague5718]

@@bythecurb nice to know its still there anyway.👍

[@murta]

I have fo d memories of going there as a kid and always felt like it had a seaside feel

[@blueviking8216]

Glad you enjoyed Matlock enjoyed watching your day even tho you cramped my style Steve the duck 🤣

[@bythecurb]

😂😂

[@barnsleymat]

I work out that way pretty regularly and it always looks like a bit of a tourist trap as I'm driving through in the van.

[@MariosEleftheriades]

Love Steve the duck , so funny 👍😂🇨🇾

[@andywright3450]

Hi James and Helen how U doing U 2.. Matlock its ok but nothing to do really .... Cracking video as always ..

[@janeevans4758]

Matlock bath is a beautiful place and lots of beautiful walks to do. The thermal spa that you chose not to go in is actually really interesting and still has the exact inlet into the building, the fish really aren't just some fish..they are absolutely massive and swim in the spa water in the old pool. The mirrors & viewing cabinets are a additional bit of fun the whole place is well worth the couple of pounds entrance fee. Matlock bath is known for its bikes. Lots of eatery places yes but they are very much needed in the summer months as the place gets packed. You are the first people ive ever heard of to have a negative view on the place. I actually didn't think when I suggested you going the other week that there isn't many pubs for you both. I said about Stoke being a terrible place to visit but they have stacks of pubs so you may find that better,interesting to see what you make of it.

[@bythecurb]

I don't think we had a negative view of it really. We had a nice day out, I think my natural grumpiness sometimes gives the wrong impression! 😂

[@janeevans4758]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@erikthenorviking8251]

Helen should do a KB tribute - trench coat and trilby! Peak District is lovely. Swap your van for a cansl boat just.l for a week...

[@user-jb2pb2th9b]

Hi Jamlen.Champagne & Guinness was called a black velvet, and a cider & Guinness was called a poor man's black velvet if my memory serves me right. Keep up the good work x

[@SamandCatsAdventures]

Castle is Riber Castle, was a zoo however I believe it is now the council headquarters 👍

[@neilt1889]

You should try the Fishponds pub matlock bath nice beers a food ( Burgers) 👍

[@darrenphillips5874]

Flat cap looks cool

[@user-td7du9ni2b]

Hi guys. Been watching for a while and love your content. You mentioned the castle on the hill. That is Riber Hall in the village of Riber. It used to be a very posh hotel. We stayed there one night about 25 years ago and it was special. Don't think it's a hotel now. Private residence but it's worth a look. Keep up the good work....cheers.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you 🙂❤

[@aimeewilde1564]

Found a shop in Benidorm old town yous would love, it had everything in it!!

[@john_halifax]

So pleased you finally visited Matlock Bath. Love the place so unique. Matlock is also really nice with some great antique shops

[@kevinmulligan6858]

I enjoyed that. In your recent visit to Buxton i suggested Matlock to you James along with Bacup. There is also Bakewell and Castleton that you should enjoy but to be honest these are the types of places that you need to visit in the summer when the weather is a lot warmer. Great entertainment again so thank you both.

[@user-kc6co4kd6y]

Great to see you too , nice cap Helen it suits you xx

[@stephenwood9104]

Another enjoyable vlog, really does look a lovely place, thanks for sharing guys ❤️👍

[@philswain9648]

Another great video. I am literally choosing where I visit on the basis of your vlogs so keep them comng.

[@G4RY1159]

Looked a decent place, think Id swerve it in the summer, ''think of all the bikes'' bit busy! Thanks again folks, enjoyed the tour along with you both.

[@howardcollins6748]

Great to have the Dynamic Duo back regards Howard from Cyprus

[@bythecurb]

Thanks Howard 😊

[@Lendahandquick]

We stayed in Matlock Bath a couple of years ago and there was nowhere to buy a pint of milk, I ended up walking all the way to Matlock lol 😂 Love the video, keep up the good work.

[@kronkite1530]

Matlock Bath is much better if you have children. Mine loved it when they were younger, though family days out at the Heights of Expense did need second mortgages (and more!) The Mining Museum is (surprisingly) interesting. If you are after REALLY good fish & chips, you should try George’s in Belper. A cut above. Trouble is, you have to go to Belper 😮

[@michaelbruchas6663]

You kids are a good pair!

[@stevestanley9691]

Enjoyed the walk about . Any antique shops around with old tools and phones . Keep posting .❤️✌️🇺🇸

[@stevelamb9453]

"when i used to be glamourous and stuff and now i live in a van" love that line the most down to earth van lifers! erm steve is a lamb not a duck :)

[@stephenjones9153]

Stephen is a Seagull not a Duck. 😂😂😂👍👍

[@janicemarsh823]

Visited Bridlington at the weekend and went into Boyes ...which like Helen I love ...went into the cafe and had steak pie which was delicious ...visited Boyes so many times and was oblivious to the fact that they had a restaurant until we saw it on by the curb....thankyou x

[@lcfcgrayforeverafox3603]

Matlock before the pandemic was rammed during summer months its a quaint little place we went to the spa and stayed one night

[@kitchenworker446]

I'm with you Helen...I tidy up displays in shops...I pick up and put in the bin, other people's litter...yep, that's me!! I must be special too James!!

[@denisroberts1206]

Nice cap Helen 😊 Another good vlog James.Must try a pub night stop this year, yet to do one.👍