Gulliver's Kingdom
Sightseeing attraction | Matlock Bath | England | United Kingdom
Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock Bath, England, is a family-friendly amusement park aimed at children aged 2 to 13, located amidst the picturesque landscape of the Peak District National Park. This unique park, originally founded in 1978 by Ray and Hilary Phillips as a model village, has since evolved into a versatile attraction operated by the Phillips family. Its location on a steep hill above the Derwent Valley not only offers spectacular views but also a special atmosphere that combines adventure and nature experience. With over 40 rides and attractions, Gulliver's Kingdom offers a mix of thrills, fantasy, and fun tailored specifically for young families.
The park spans several levels of a wooded slope, giving it a fairytale character. Highlights include rides like the "Switchback" roller coaster, named after a historic Victorian roller coaster nearby, as well as the "Log Flume," a water slide promising an exciting ride 300 feet above the valley. Other attractions include the "Crazy Barrel Ride," a spinning barrel ride, the "Pirate Ship," a rocking pirate ship, and the "Drop Tower," which excites particularly brave children. For younger visitors, there are gentler offerings like the "Ladybird Ride" or the "Dino Safari," where children drive through a prehistoric world in small vehicles. A chairlift and a travelator - a kind of rolling walkway - make it easier to ascend to the upper levels and make the park accessible for families with strollers.
In addition to rides, Gulliver's Kingdom also offers interactive experiences. The "JCB Zone" is a popular area where children can operate construction machinery and participate in themed activities, while the "Blast Arena" is an indoor attraction open year-round guaranteeing action-packed fun. The "NERF Zone" targets children aged six and up, offering an interactive shooting game with foam arrows. For the little ones, there are play areas like the "Pirates Play Area" and "Western World," promoting creative play and bringing the Wild West or pirate adventures to life. Another highlight is the "Crows Nest Quest," a climbing structure towering high above the park, requiring bravery and skill.
The park is not limited to rides but also cleverly integrates the natural environment into the experience. The hilly location adds extra thrills and fantastic views over the Derwent Valley, especially from the higher attractions. For families looking to stay longer, there are accommodation options at the "Explorers Retreat," a themed area offering family suites available in themes like Princess, Pirate, Wizard, or Promenade. These accommodations provide a convenient way to extend the adventure over one or more days.
Gulliver's Kingdom places great emphasis on family-friendliness and affordable fun. Picnics are welcome, and there are numerous picnic benches scattered throughout the park, while an on-site café offers Costa Coffee as well as a selection of snacks and meals prepared with ingredients from its own ecological garden. The park has expanded significantly since its beginnings as a model village, with many of the original rides acquired second-hand, giving it a slightly nostalgic character. However, regular investments in new attractions are made, such as the recent "SpyZone," introducing modern elements to the offering.
The atmosphere at the park is often described as relaxed and friendly, with staff particularly attentive to the safety and well-being of younger guests. However, there are also minor criticisms: the steep paths can be challenging, especially for families with very small children or elderly visitors, and some attractions show signs of aging, like peeling paint or occasionally non-functioning interactive elements. Nevertheless, enthusiasm for the variety of offerings and the spectacular location outweighs these concerns, setting Gulliver's Kingdom apart from larger, more commercial amusement parks like Alton Towers.
Gulliver's Kingdom celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2023 and remains a destination specializing in affordable family vacations. It consciously targets a younger audience and offers shorter wait times and a manageable size compared to larger theme parks, allowing for a relaxed day trip. The combination of traditional charm, natural beauty, and a wide range of rides makes it an ideal destination for families seeking adventure in the Peak District without the hustle and bustle of major amusement parks. Gulliver's Kingdom is a place that sparks the imagination and creates unforgettable memories, nestled in one of England's most picturesque regions.
