Top day out 40 minutes from Derbyshire's only city named one of the best family attractions in the UK

Derbyshire's own Matlock Farm Park is among the standout destinations drawing families in for mud-splattered fun.

According to new figures from holidaycottages.co.uk, searches for "farm day out" shot up by 42% last month, while "farm park near me" climbed by 38%, racking up over 67,000 Google searches already this month alone.

Meanwhile, demand for farm-based holidays across the UK has skyrocketed by 266% compared to July last year.

Leading the charge in Derbyshire is Matlock Farm Park, a family-friendly attraction known for its mix of hands-on animal encounters, unique activities, and expansive play zones. Visitors can meet everything from Highland cattle and alpacas to meerkats, wallabies, and even emus.

The park has earned a reputation for interactive experiences, including daily small animal handling sessions, meerkat talks, and seasonal highlights like lamb bottle-feeding. More unusual offerings — such as sheep and ferret racing, pony rides, and alpaca trekking — make it a hit with both kids and adults looking for more than the average farm day out.

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The adventure doesn’t stop there. Matlock Farm Park boasts three outdoor play areas, including the Enchanted Hamlet, crafted from rustic oak, and the UK’s largest jumping pillow. On rainy days, the indoor Rainforest Play Barn keeps little ones entertained. For horse lovers, an on-site riding school offers lessons and pony trekking across the surrounding farmland and forests.

Thanks to its relaxed no-prebooking policy, Matlock Farm Park is also an easy, stress-free option for families seeking a spontaneous day of fun.

Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, says the trend is part of a growing appetite for real-world, countryside experiences: "With the summer season here, many families want to make the most of the weekends, and a farm visit is the perfect way to do so. From learning about Britain’s farming history to meeting the animals and getting hands-on, there’s plenty of fun for all — rain or shine."

For families planning a summer adventure or weekend escape, Matlock Farm Park and other top UK farm parks offer the ideal mix of entertainment, education, and fresh-air freedom.

For more information on farm parks across the UK, visit: holidaycottages.co.uk/blog/uks-top-farm-parks-visit-half-term