A Visitor's Introduction to Gulliver's Kingdom

Why Visit Gulliver’s Kingdom?

Gulliver’s Kingdom stands out as a family-friendly theme park dedicated to younger children, offering a variety of rides, attractions, and activities in a beautifully scenic location. Its compact size, manageable scale, and focus on child-appropriate entertainment make it an ideal destination for families with young children seeking a fun, safe, and engaging day out. With its range of themed zones, live entertainment, and seasonal events, Gulliver’s Kingdom is a place where children can explore, play, and make lasting memories in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District.

Gulliver's Kingdom Background

Gulliver’s Kingdom is part of the Gulliver’s Theme Parks chain, a family-owned business established in 1978. The park was developed with a focus on providing entertainment for families with young children, offering rides and attractions that are accessible and enjoyable for those under the age of 13. The Matlock Bath site, opened in 1978, was the first of the Gulliver’s parks and has since become a beloved destination, thanks to its friendly atmosphere, child-centric design, and stunning natural surroundings.

The park is designed around the themes of exploration and adventure, inspired by Jonathan Swift’s classic novel, "Gulliver’s Travels". As such, many of the park’s rides and attractions reflect the fantastical worlds encountered by the fictional character Lemuel Gulliver, creating a whimsical environment that stimulates children’s imaginations.

Highlights of Gulliver’s Kingdom

1. Themed Zones and Rides: Gulliver’s Kingdom is divided into a series of themed zones, each offering a variety of rides and attractions. These zones include:

Lilliput Land: A miniature world filled with gentle rides for toddlers and young children, featuring a carousel, Ferris wheel, and play areas.
Western World: Inspired by the Wild West, this zone has cowboy-themed rides such as the Pony Express and the Desperado Drop.
Lost Kingdom: A prehistoric-themed area where children can explore dinosaur-themed rides, fossil digs, and interactive play zones.
Toyland: An area filled with colourful rides based on classic toys, such as the Toyland Ferris Wheel and the Dodgems.
Each zone is carefully designed to be visually engaging, with vibrant decor and theming that immerse visitors in different imaginary worlds.

2. Rides for Younger Children: The park is well-known for its focus on young children, with many rides designed to accommodate smaller guests. Highlights include the “Log Coaster” in Western World, a gentle log flume ride, and “The Crazy Barrels,” a spinning ride that offers excitement without being too overwhelming. Most rides have height restrictions set at a lower level than typical theme parks, ensuring that even younger children can participate in the fun.

3. Adventure Activities: Gulliver’s Kingdom also offers several adventure activities, such as climbing walls, zip lines, and obstacle courses. The “Jungle Falls” area features water slides and splash zones, making it a perfect spot for cooling off on warm days. The “High Peak Adventure” zone provides a variety of outdoor challenges, including mini climbing towers and slides, tailored to different age groups.

4. Gully Town Tots Area: For toddlers and younger children, Gully Town Tots is a dedicated area with soft play zones, gentle rides, and sensory activities. This space is designed to be safe and accessible for the youngest visitors, allowing them to explore and play in a controlled environment.

5. Nerf Zone and Indoor Play: The Nerf Zone is an indoor play area where children can engage in safe, competitive fun using Nerf blasters. This attraction is particularly popular on rainy days or when families want a break from outdoor activities. The indoor play area also includes ball pits, climbing frames, and slides, providing a range of activities for energetic children.

6. The Chairlift: One of the unique features of Gulliver’s Kingdom is its scenic chairlift, which transports visitors from the lower section of the park to the upper hillside. The chairlift not only offers a convenient way to navigate the park’s steep terrain but also provides stunning views over the Matlock Bath valley and surrounding countryside.

7. Gully's Mini Golf: Gully’s Mini Golf is a fun and family-friendly activity where children and adults can enjoy a round of golf together. The course is themed around Gulliver’s travels and features whimsical obstacles and challenges that align with the park’s overall theme.

8. Live Shows and Entertainment: Throughout the day, Gulliver’s Kingdom hosts live entertainment, including puppet shows, character meet-and-greets, and interactive performances featuring the park’s mascot, Gully the Mouse. These shows are designed to engage children and provide additional entertainment beyond the rides and attractions.

9. Seasonal Events and Special Activities: The park offers a variety of themed events throughout the year, such as Halloween-themed “Monster Magic” and Christmas festivities that include visits to Santa’s Grotto, festive rides, and holiday-themed shows. These events add a seasonal twist to the standard attractions, creating a reason to visit multiple times a year.

Facilities and Visitor Information

Gulliver’s Kingdom is equipped with a range of facilities designed to ensure a comfortable visit for families:

Parking: Ample car parking is available on-site, with designated areas for accessible parking. Due to the park’s hillside location, a shuttle service operates from the parking area to the main entrance for those who prefer not to walk.
Accessibility: While the park’s hilly terrain can pose challenges, the park has made efforts to ensure accessibility where possible. The chairlift helps with movement around the park, and staff are on hand to assist visitors with mobility needs.
Dining Options: Several dining options are available, including themed restaurants, cafés, and snack kiosks. These include the “Western World BBQ” and “Lilliput Kitchen,” offering a range of child-friendly meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Baby Changing and Family Facilities: Family restrooms, baby changing areas, and feeding rooms are located throughout the park, making it easy for parents to care for young children.
Gift Shops: Gift shops are located in various parts of the park, selling souvenirs, toys, and Gulliver’s Kingdom merchandise.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Opening Times: The park is typically open from spring through to autumn, with opening hours varying depending on the season and school holidays. Special events, such as the Halloween and Christmas celebrations, often have extended hours.
Tickets: Gulliver’s Kingdom operates a dynamic pricing system based on the day and time of year. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance for both cost savings and to ensure availability, especially during school holidays and weekends.
Clothing and Footwear: Due to the park’s hillside setting, comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Visitors should be prepared for changes in weather, as the elevated location can be cooler and windier than the surrounding area.
Navigating the Park: The park’s steep terrain may be challenging for those with limited mobility or strollers. However, the chairlift and gentle slopes in certain areas provide some assistance. Planning routes in advance using the park map can help visitors make the most of their visit.

Nearby Attractions

Gulliver’s Kingdom is conveniently located near several other attractions in the Peak District, making it an ideal base for a family day out:

Heights of Abraham: Just a short distance away, the Heights of Abraham offers cable car rides, cavern tours, and hilltop views, providing a contrasting experience to the theme park.
Matlock Bath: Known for its riverside promenade and family-friendly attractions such as the Matlock Bath Aquarium and the Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath is a great place to explore before or after a visit to Gulliver’s Kingdom.
Cromford Mills: Part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, Cromford Mills provides insight into the region’s industrial history, with tours, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities.