Matlock Farm Park Derbyshire Review

Matlock Farm Park
Derbyshire

www.matlockfarmpark.co.uk

Reviewed by Nia Lock

We visited Matlock Farm Park in Derbyshire on a snowy morning in January with a very excited toddler and a baby in a pram.

We started at the meerkat enclosure where we were greeted by the most inquisitive little creatures wiggling their noses, they really were very cute (daily talks are available to learn more about these wonderful creatures).

Walking around the park we were delighted to see a very impressive red deer stag who was keen to show off his remarkable antlers. We also saw friendly llamas, alpaca, pigs, wallabies, rhea and some goats who had a couple of tiny goat kids less than a week old!  We visited horses, donkeys, sheep, ponies and two sweet calves all of which were very friendly and happy to be patted, stroked and hand fed, even by a toddler.

Inside the barn we found guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and even a palm civet. A highlight was the adorable ducklings and tiny quail chicks. There was an opportunity to hold and stroke a beautiful fluffy rabbit and have a close up look at the tortoise. The peacock, chickens and turkeys roaming around outside were of great interest as were the numerous birds in pens.

There is an abundance of interesting play areas for children, there were at least 7 slides of various sizes dotted around the park and plenty of climbing areas and play houses, a big sandpit (which was full of snow when we visited) and a lovely old tractor to climb on. In the marquee, which provides extra seating for the cafe there was even a bouncy castle – a toddlers dream come true.

Pony rides for children were available for £2 and riding lessons and pony trekking are also held at the park and the surrounding woodland. There were plenty of hand washing facilities and sanitising gel dispensers dotted around.

We really enjoyed our visit to the park, it was an excellent day out for a young family as there isn’t too much walking to do and an excellent variety of unusual animals, all of which seemed very comfortable with the attention. There is also a cafe and a gift shop. The staff were friendly and helpful and there was plenty to keep little ones busy. We’ll certainly visit again and hopefully see some ferret racing next time. The park is all on one level and there are no steps making it easy with the pram.

Good value for money.

Rating: 5/5 

Tickets: £5.50 (3-14 years), £6.50 (adults), £22.50 (family ticket) and under 2’s are FREE.

Matlock Farm Park is open all year round and has special events throughout the year. They also cater for school visits and birthday parties. For more information visit www.matlockfarmpark.co.uk.

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