I’ve always struggled to find something to do on my birthday. Being born towards the end of the year, with miserable weather and short days can cause some limitations if, like me, you fancy doing something different on your birthday. Completely at a loss this year, and unable to get tickets for anything else I tried, I made a last ditch attempt and booked Matlock Farm Park. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s something different, so off we went.
The marketing implies that it’s aimed at young children, families. So with the people in the group being 62, 55 and a 16 year old, I wasn’t sure if we’d get much out of it. I really was pleasantly surprised. There’s certainly plenty for children and a few decent play areas, including an indoor one in case the great British weather plays the usual games, but it suits anyone of any age who likes animals.
We’d arrived late as I’d spent hours trying to find tickets for something. I phoned first to book tickets and was told to just come and pay at the door. When I did, they actually worked out which of their offers would be the cheapest option. I’m used to attractions trying to milk as much out of me as possible, and was (again) pleasantly surprised.
When you arrive, there is plenty of parking and an abundance of disabled spaces. I was concerned that they wouldn’t have enough for non disabled visitors they have such generous provision, but I spotted a second car park. The area the park is in is very level, so easy to negotiate if you have mobility issues.
We had a little explore, but as it was afternoon already and we’d missed several events, we decided to go to the one that was available, small animal petting. The handlers brought out a few crates into a secure area and left the rabbits and guinea pigs to come out in their own time. No tipping or forcing out. Which I was very glad to see. The rabbits seem to like people and didn’t mind the young children having a stroke. The guinea pigs were a little more reluctant, but eventually came out to meet their visitors. The dreary, cold weather probably put them off coming out. The handlers kept a close eye, were very happy to chat and answer questions. The mini beasties were rather sweet and very patient.
Once we’d had enough of the petting area, we had a wander around. The park is larger than I expected and there was a decent variety of animals. Several types of sheep, alpacas, ponies, donkeys, ducks, highland cattle and pigs on the farm side. They also have some unusual species. Wallabies, emus, deer, tortoises, some exotic birds and the incredibly cute meerkats. I haven’t even covered them all.
The animals have plenty of space and seem quite content to have human visitors – you can even get close to the deer. I have to assume that a lot of people buy the animal feed on offer, because many wander over to greet you. Himself was very amused by a friendly highland cow, less so when she decided to give him a lick. I thought she was adorable, but I wasn’t the one who got slobbered. They clearly understand their animals. Some pigs are kept apart from people by double fences that nobody can reach through. We have a couple of pigs and ours are docile, so you can pet them, but some breeds can be quite aggressive, and they are powerful animals. I was very reassured to see the safety considerations.
We didn’t get to see most of the events. I really wish we’d been in time for the sheep racing. If only because sheep aren’t known for their intelligence, so it must be hilarious watching the handlers trying to get them to comply. I didn’t mind too much. I’d already stroked the cutest little sheep I’ve ever seen. A Ryeland, which is a very small breed, but so very cute. I’d never heard of them, but they are one of the oldest breeds in the country. Of course, now I want some.
The park staff are around all day and happy to chat about the animals and caring for them. If one doesn’t know the answer, they will find someone who might. They have quite a variety, so they can’t all be experts in every animal. Saying that, they all seem to know most of the animals well, with some having additional knowledge about the more unusual ones.
We were getting a bit damp, so decided to try the cafe. Another pleasant surprise. My partner is coeliac, and it’s often difficult to find him a snack, but they did have gluten free options and they are kept separate from the rest of the food and prepared away from any contamination. The price was fair too. They have plenty of toilet facilities, which is handy. No long queues for the ladies loo, a bugbear of mine at many attractions.
After another quick look around, we had the highlight of the day. Feeding the meerkats. They are such funny little things. They took plenty of chopped veg and fruit, and everyone was invited to throw some. The meerkats scuttle everywhere trying to get their favourite bits. They clearly each have a different favourite food, but they all seem to love bananas. The keepers were giving a talk and teaching the children interesting facts about them. They are delightful, funny and cute little things. I’ve always found them quite entertaining creatures. They were acting in the usual way, taking turns to be on the lookout for their natural predators, but completely unphased by the human visitors and they certainly know food time. They line up ready as soon as they see their handlers with the food.
It was getting towards closing time by then and darkness was falling, so we went home, very glad that we’d made the effort and all of us enjoyed the day out. Whatever your age, if you like getting close to animals, this is definitely a day out you’ll enjoy.
