Gulliver's Kingdom
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. The Philips Family still own Gulliver's Kingdom in the present day.
History
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.
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 chalets were built on the park.
In 2017, the themed accommodation area was rebranded as the ‘Explorers Retreat’.
Gulliver’s Kingdom celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2023.
Rides and attractions
Water rides
| Name | 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 peddled 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 | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Hard Luck Bear Show | Western World | An indoor animatronic show starring Billy Bob and friends |
See also
References
- ^ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=950437567129861&id=100064908781051&_rdr.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Christmas at Gulliver's | Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park, Matlock Bath". Archived from the original on 3 December 2011.
- ^ 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 Theme Park Resorts celebrates 45th anniversary". Warrington. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ "Rides - Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath". Matlock Bath. Retrieved 16 January 2025.