Matlock Meadows Farm is based on the real working family dairy Farm ‘Masson Farm’, which has been in the Dakin family since the 1930s. The quality, ‘farm assured’ milk from our own dairy herd is used to make our artisan Italian-style gelato. So you can meet the farm animals, have a play in all weathers and grab a bite to eat too!
Come and see some of The Peak District wildlife and spend the day at Peak Wildlife Park - a great option for those looking for a fun day out when visiting this area.
The emphasis is on the animals, but there is a secure outdoor play area and Jungle Bounce with a huge, bouncy castle – a theme park for little ones! There is a large sandpit and an indoor soft play area with two large jungle-themed levels, an array of slides, a ball pool, and a viewing area from which to sit and watch the Asian short-clawed otters play.
Mayfield Alpacas is a fantastic Animal Park just on the outskirts of the Peak District with a true focus on animal welfare, education and conservation. Absolutely a must for families with children to get an insight into animal management, educational and training programmes for schools and communities.
There's more than 170 animals here including, alpaca, llama, dwarf mongoose, skunk, meerkats, reindeer, exotic birds and much much more.
You can also grab a refreshment and a hot or cold meal and desserts from the coffee shop as well as purchasing handmade gifts made by local artists and designers.
Chatsworth Farmyard & playground is a great place to visit with all the family! The kids will love meeting the friendly animals from pigs to horses and mischievous goats and guinea pigs.
They can take a secret tunnel to the children's playground where they can have hours of fun with the swings, zip wire and climbing walls. They also have an Archimedes screw to fetch water from the stream and a huge sand pit play area.
Woodside Farm is the hub for all of our grazing animals.
Coming in at a huge 74 hectares, the nature reserve is on the site of the former Woodside Colliery, one of four that operated in this area until the 1960s. Part of the reserve once also formed car parks and fields owned by the American Adventure theme park.
Woodside Farm contains a variety of habitats, including woodland, hay meadows and grasslands, and a network of small woodlands. It is perfect for wildflowers, notably bee orchids, and attracts numerous pollinators, especially butterflies. It is also well known locally for its bird life, nuthatches, woodpeckers, tree creepers call it home and water voles and brown hare are known residents.
Although not open to the public this the sanctuary situated near Buxton covers almost 30 acres do hold several events and courses throughout the year.
Just on the edge of the Peak District is Blaze Farm which is famous for its 'Hilly Billy Ice Cream' all made at the farm, along with delicious homemade cakes and cute little tea room.
You can meet lots of animals and also from the farm head off on a nature trail which stretch across ancient woodland and meadows. Suitable for all ages with short and longer trails to choose from. Let the kids spot the many wood carvings and creations as they walk along the trail too!
