Gulliver's Kingdom (also known as Gulliver's Matlock Bath) is a theme park aimed at children aged 3-13 in the Derbyshire village of Matlock Bath, England. The park was founded in 1978 by Ray and Hilary Phillips as a model village, before later expanding to include a small train and some second hand rides. The Philips Family still own Gulliver's Kingdom in the present day.
History The park was opened on 27th May 1978 by Ray and Hilary Phillips as a model village, before later expanding to include a small train and some second hand rides.
Gulliver's Kingdom is close to the site of the Victorian Switchback rollercoaster ride, after which the theme park's main rollercoaster was eventually named.
In the early 1980s, a hotel and a number of chalets were constructed within the park. These facilities were shut in the late 1990s. In 2017, the concept was revisited with the development of a themed accommodation titled 'Explorers Retreat'.
Gulliver’s Kingdom celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2023.
Rides and attractions Water rides
NameAreaDescriptionLog FlumeWestern WorldA log flume rideBuddy’s Pirate AdventureSmugglers WharfSmall boat ride through an interactive pirate experienceDino FallsLost WorldDinghy-based, double water slide
Roller Coasters NameAreaDescriptionLog Roller CoasterLilliput LandA log themed roller coaster
Tracked rides NameAreaDescriptionCycle MonorailFairy KingdomSelf pedalled monorailSilver Mine RideWestern WorldInteractive track rideDino Explorer CarsLost WorldDinosaur themed track cars
Flat/other rides NameAreaDescriptionJumping StarsExplorer’s Play HouseA small tower drop rideFish RideExplorer’s Play HouseChild-friendly, fish themed rideChairliftSafari KingdomChairlift to lower and higher levels of the parkLadybird Ride Explorer’s Play HouseChild-friendly, ladybird themed rideDrop TowerSafari KingdomTower drop rideFlying BikesSafari KingdomAerial bicycle themed rideCrazy Barrel RideLilliput LandWaltzer-style rideCrows Nest QuestSmugglers WharfA high ropes climbable frameDouble Decker CarouselSmugglers WharfCarousel ridePirate ShipSmugglers WharfSwinging pirate shipRiggers RevengeSmugglers WharfZip line aerial courseSafari DodgemsSafari KingdomDodgemsJCB ZoneLilliput LandChild operated, small JCB diggers
Entertainment NameAreaDescriptionThe Hard Luck Bear ShowWestern WorldAn indoor animatronic show retrofitted from The Rock-afire ExplosionThe Western BearsWestern WorldAn outdoor animatronic show with the singing, western bears
See also Gulliver's Land Gulliver's World Gulliver's Valley
References
External links Official Website