Gulliver's Kingdom
 Gulliver's Kingdom | |
| Location | Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, England |
|---|---|
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | 27 May 1978 |
| Owner | Phillips family |
| Slogan | Giant Adventures for Families |
| Operating season | March-November[1][2] |
| Website | https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk |
Gulliver's Kingdom (also known as Gulliver's Matlock Bath) is a theme park aimed at children aged 3-13 in the Derbyshire town 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.[3] The Philips Family still own Gulliver's Kingdom in the present day.[4][5]
History
The park was opened on 27th May 1978[6] by Ray and Hilary Phillips as a model village, before later expanding to include a small train and some second hand rides.[3]
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.[7]
Rides and attractions
Water rides
| Name[8] | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Log Flume | Western World | A log flume ride |
| Buddy’s Pirate Adventure | Smugglers Wharf | Small boat ride through an interactive pirate experience |
| Dino Falls | Lost World | Dinghy-based, double water slide |
Roller Coasters
| Name | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Log Roller Coaster | Lilliput Land | A log themed roller coaster |
Tracked rides
| Name | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Monorail | Fairy Kingdom | Self pedalled monorail |
| Silver Mine Ride | Western World | Interactive track ride |
| Dino Explorer Cars | Lost World | Dinosaur themed track cars |
Flat/other rides
| Name | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jumping Stars | Explorer’s Play House | A small tower drop ride |
| Fish Ride | Explorer’s Play House | Child-friendly, fish themed ride |
| Chairlift | Safari Kingdom | Chairlift to lower and higher levels of the park |
| Ladybird Ride | Explorer’s Play House | Child-friendly, ladybird themed ride |
| Drop Tower | Safari Kingdom | Tower drop ride |
| Flying Bikes | Safari Kingdom | Aerial bicycle themed ride |
| Crazy Barrel Ride | Lilliput Land | Waltzer-style ride |
| Crows Nest Quest | Smugglers Wharf | A high ropes climbable frame |
| Double Decker Carousel | Smugglers Wharf | Carousel ride |
| Pirate Ship | Smugglers Wharf | Swinging pirate ship |
| Riggers Revenge | Smugglers Wharf | Zip line aerial course |
| Safari Dodgems | Safari Kingdom | Dodgems |
| JCB Zone | Lilliput Land | Child operated, small JCB diggers |
Entertainment
| Name[9] | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Hard Luck Bear Show | Western World | An indoor animatronic show starring Billy Bob and friends |
| The Western Bears | Western World | An outdoor animatronic show with the singing, western bears |
See also
References
- ^ "Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park is now... - Gulliver's Kingdom | Facebook". Facebook.
- ^ "Christmas at Gulliver's | Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park, Matlock Bath". Archived from the original on 3 December 2011.
- ^ a b dt-admin (7 November 2013). "Gulliver's Story". Park World Online - Theme Park, Amusement Park and Attractions Industry News. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
- ^ Wakefield, Andrew (29 July 2022). "Moving tribute paid to founder of Derbyshire theme park". Derbyshire Times. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
- ^ Burn, Chris (27 July 2020). "Gulliver's Valley: Meet the family behind Yorkshire's newest theme park". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
- ^ "Gulliver's Kingdom Anniversary". Facebook.
- ^ "Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts celebrates 45th anniversary". Warrington. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ "Rides - Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath". Matlock Bath. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- ^ "Attractions and Experiences - Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath".