The first thing you'll notice about Gullivers Matlock Bath is the hill. Well, mountain. And the fact that the entire park is built on the side of it!

Entrance to the park is at the bottom of the cliff and you can use a chair lift to get to the top. The more energetic guests may want to walk it. (I walked from the bottom to the top in about 7 mins, but I walk fast and am relatively fit.) Ironically, although it's a family park, the cliff makes it's rather pushchair unfriendly.

The rides are what you'd expect in any family park; good fun "tame" rides suitable for most ages and heights. Thrill seekers won't find much here to occupy themselves with, which is handy as you can not get in without a child in your group anyway. Aside from the rides (main ones featured in this guide) there are plenty of other activities such as walk-thrus and discovery centres, again aimed at younger children.

The park itself is clean and tidy, although some of the themeing is starting to look a little tired and shabby in places. This shouldn't detract from a good day out as most people probably wouldn't even notice. Food is all done in-house and there is a good range. Burgers, chicken, jacket spuds, sandwiches and so forth. Some of the healthier options are made to order and waiting time can take a fair while during busy periods. It's more or less impossible to find branded fizzy drinks such as Coke or Sprite, the emphasis is on healthy eating. If you need that sugar rush to help navigate that steep cliff then perhaps take your own along!

All rides are inclusive of the very reasonable entrance price and merchandise - mainly kiddy stuff - is reasonably priced, too. The friendly staff get involved by encouraging the youngsters to scream etc. Young children between the ages of 4 and 10 will enjoy the park best of all.

Official Site: link

Click here to view the BBC five day weather forecast for Gullivers Matlock Bath