Matlock Farm Park
A vibrant farm park in the Peak District offering animal encounters, play areas, go-karts, and unique strongman challenges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Matlock Farm Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant farm park in the Peak District offering animal encounters, play areas, go-karts, and unique strongman challenges.
"Our favourite day out destination. Very accessible for wheelchair users. The changing places is a game changer for families like ours."
🎯 Check the Daily Timetable
Don't miss animal encounters! Grab a schedule on arrival for feeding times & ferret races.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm and play areas. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animal Encounters & Feeding
Various animal enclosures and small animal barn
Get up close with friendly farm animals, feed them, and learn about their care. A truly interactive experience for all ages.
Play Areas & Go-Karts
Designated play zones
Kids can burn energy in exciting play areas, including a sandpit and thrilling electric go-karts.
Reptile House
Reptile enclosure
Discover fascinating reptiles like meerkats and lizards, including the impressive bosco monitor lizard.
Strongman Stones
Near the entrance
Test your strength on the famous Highland Games stones, weighing up to 189kg!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check the Daily Timetable
Don't miss animal encounters! Grab a schedule on arrival for feeding times & ferret races.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm and play areas. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is available, but can get busy during peak times. Arrive early if possible. :car:
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Bring your own food! Plenty of picnic areas available, some sheltered. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check the Daily Timetable
Don't miss animal encounters! Grab a schedule on arrival for feeding times & ferret races.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm and play areas. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is available, but can get busy during peak times. Arrive early if possible. :car:
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Bring your own food! Plenty of picnic areas available, some sheltered. :sandwich:
♿️ Wheelchair Accessible
The park is very accessible, with a Changing Places toilet facility. 
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo ops with animals and the scenic Peak District backdrop. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Matlock Farm Park is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic family day out, with visitors highlighting the friendly and well-cared-for animals, engaging interactive activities, and excellent play facilities. The park's accessibility, particularly the Changing Places toilet, is a significant plus for many. While generally positive, some minor points of improvement could include clearer signage for timed activities.
"Our favourite day out destination. Very accessible for wheelchair users. The changing places is a game changer for families like ours. Animals all seem very happy and super well cared for. Staff always lovely. Given our own side room as several of us were wheelchair users. Nothing too much trouble. Second visit this year but been lots and will continue to :)"
cez brown
"Had a great time at the farm! The facilities are clean and well-maintained. Staff are friendly and helpful. Lots of fun and interactive activities with the animals. Kids will love the pony ride — don’t miss it!"
JoLie
"When we were on holiday, we visited l loved it!
It was around Halloween time, so they had pumpkins to pick. They had electric go-Karts, ferret races, loads of different animals. The staff were very kind and helpful. They have a big shop with children’s books, stuffed toys, sweets, ice-creams, children’s toys, etc."
DebbieBC
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Matlock Farm Park is located on Jaggers Lane, Matlock, DE4 5LH, in the heart of the Peak District. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those using public transport, local bus routes serve the Matlock area, though you may need a short taxi ride from the nearest bus stop.
Yes, the park is well-signposted from the main roads around Matlock. Many visitors mention its scenic location within the Peak District.
There is a good amount of parking available at Matlock Farm Park. However, it can get busy during peak seasons and weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
While direct public transport to the farm's doorstep is limited, you can take a bus to Matlock town centre and then arrange a taxi or a short walk to the park. Check local bus timetables for routes serving the Matlock area.
Absolutely! Matlock Farm Park is a popular day trip destination from cities like Manchester, Sheffield, and Nottingham, offering a refreshing escape into the countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Matlock Farm Park is typically open daily from 10 am, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially for seasonal events or bank holidays. +1
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to book online in advance for potential savings or to guarantee entry during busy periods. Check the Matlock Farm Park website for current admission prices.
Visitors sometimes look for discount codes or special offers for Matlock Farm Park. It's worth checking their website or social media pages for any promotions, or searching for 'Matlock Farm Park discount code' closer to your visit.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the gate, but booking online is often advised to avoid disappointment, especially during peak times or for special events.
Information regarding free entry for very young children or toddlers is usually detailed on the Matlock Farm Park website. It's best to check their specific ticketing policy for age-related admissions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Matlock Farm Park boasts a diverse range of animals, including Highland cattle, llamas, goats, pigs, meerkats, reptiles like bosco monitor lizards, emus, and many more. You can often feed and interact with many of them.
Yes, there are excellent play areas for children, including a sandpit and other engaging structures. They also have electric go-karts for an extra fee, which are a big hit with kids.
Matlock Farm Park offers a variety of interactive experiences, such as animal feeding, grooming sessions, tortoise washing, and even ferret racing with betting opportunities.
The park is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a dedicated Changing Places toilet facility, making it a great option for families with specific needs.
Yes, pony rides are often available for an additional charge, offering a special experience for younger visitors.
Matlock Farm Park features large Highland Games stones, weighing up to 189kg, which visitors can attempt to lift. It's a unique challenge for the adventurous!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Matlock Farm Park has several areas for food and drink, including a cafe and various spots for picnics. You can also bring your own food to enjoy in their designated picnic areas.
The cafe typically offers a range of snacks, light meals, hot and cold drinks, and ice creams, catering to families looking for refreshments during their visit.
Absolutely! Matlock Farm Park encourages visitors to bring their own picnics, and there are plenty of designated areas to enjoy them.
While specific menus can change, farm park cafes often provide a selection of options. It's advisable to check with the cafe directly on the day of your visit for current vegetarian or vegan choices.
Yes, there's a shop selling a variety of items, including children's books, toys, sweets, and souvenirs, perfect for picking up a memento of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture adorable moments with the farm animals, the scenic Peak District views, and the kids enjoying the play areas and activities. The meerkats and baby animals are particularly photogenic. +2
Yes, photography is generally encouraged. However, always be mindful of the animals' welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at them, especially in enclosed spaces. +1
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the animals. Professional photography or filming may require prior arrangement.
Mornings and late afternoons often offer softer light, which can be ideal for photography. However, the farm is vibrant throughout the day, so any time can yield great shots.
The enclosures with the most active animals, like the meerkats, and the picturesque landscapes of the Peak District surrounding the park are great spots. The play areas also offer fun family photo opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1 The adventure playgrounds provide ample space for them to burn off energy, and the electric go-karts offer an extra thrill. +1 Many parents appreciate that the farm is 'just the right size,' making it manageable for a full day out without being overwhelming. Consider checking the daily timetable upon arrival for specific activities like tortoise washing or ferret racing, which are often highlights for younger visitors.
Bringing a picnic is also a great idea, as there are plenty of spots to relax and refuel. The park's focus on interactive experiences ensures that children are not just spectators but active participants in their farm adventure. +1💪 Fitness Enthusiasts & Strongman Fans
These impressive weights, reportedly weighing up to 189kg, are available for visitors to attempt to lift. It's a fantastic opportunity to test your mettle and experience a taste of strongman competition in a fun, informal setting. While not a primary focus of the farm, this feature has garnered attention from fitness enthusiasts looking for an unconventional workout or a memorable photo opportunity. ♿️ Visitors with Accessibility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Encounters: More Than Just Looking
+2 The daily timetable is key to unlocking these experiences; don't miss out on scheduled events like tortoise washing or the popular ferret racing, which even includes a betting element for added fun. Beyond general feeding, the park also offers specific animal encounters. You can meet the resident meerkats, known for their playful antics,
+1Family Fun Beyond the Animals
+1 One reviewer specifically mentioned a sandpit within the play area, perfect for younger visitors. +1Beyond the standard play facilities, the park often hosts special events and unique attractions. Visitors have enjoyed seasonal activities like pumpkin picking during Halloween
+2 The inclusion of activities like sheep racing adds a fun, competitive element that appeals to all ages. The overall consensus from visitors is that Matlock Farm Park is a well-rounded destination, offering a diverse range of entertainment that goes far beyond just animal viewing. +1Accessibility and Inclusivity at Matlock Farm Park
This is a crucial amenity for individuals with complex disabilities and their carers, significantly enhancing the park's inclusivity. Beyond the physical facilities, the park's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its approach to visitor experience. The staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, always willing to assist and ensure everyone has a positive time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit