Best Paid Adventure Playgrounds in Derbyshire Dales for Kids (2026)
If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting than your local park, the Derbyshire Dales has some brilliant paid adventure playgrounds and family attractions that are well worth the money.
These are the places where kids can properly climb, slide, explore and burn off energy — and where a simple outing turns into a full day out.
We’ve visited a lot of these over the years with Kimi and Eliza, and they’re the kind of places that feel like a treat but genuinely keep the kids entertained for hours.
💡 Top tip: If you’re planning to visit more than once, always check for Derbyshire annual passes or return tickets — they can make a big difference in price.
Table of Contents
🏆 Which Adventure Playground is Best?
- Best overall day out: Chatsworth
- Best for toddlers: Matlock Farm Park / Bluebell Dairy
- Best value for money: Crich Tramway Village (return visits)
- Best full-day adventure: Gulliver’s Kingdom
- Best relaxed day: Thornbridge Estate
🐑 Chatsworth House Playground & Farmyard
📍 Chatsworth, Bakewell, DE45 1PP
💷 £££
🌐 https://www.chatsworth.org
One of the best adventure playgrounds in Derbyshire, and easily one we go back to.
The playground is huge, with climbing structures, long slides, sand and water play, and areas for different ages. Add in the farmyard, and you’ve got a full day out without needing to leave.
💡 Top tips:
- Book ahead — it gets busy
- Go early to make the most of it
- ✔️ Annual passes available — worth it if you’ll visit more than twice
🐐 Matlock Farm Park
📍 Jaggers Lane, Matlock, DE4 5LH
💷 ££
🌐 https://www.matlockfarmpark.co.uk
A really easy win, especially with younger children.
There’s a great mix of animals and play areas, and the kids naturally move between the two without getting bored.
💡 Top tips:
- Check feeding times before you go
- ✔️ Annual passes available
- Works well as a half or full day out
🚋 Crich Tramway Village (National Tramway Museum)
📍 Crich, Matlock, DE4 5DP
💷 £££
🌐 https://www.tramway.co.uk
This is one of those places that’s a bit different — and surprisingly good with kids.
There’s a large play area, tram rides, woodland walks and loads of space to explore.
💡 Top tips:
- ✔️ Free return visits for 12 months (huge value)
- Take a picnic
- Plan a few hours here — there’s more to it than you think
🌿 Thornbridge Estate (Thornbridge Estate)
📍 Ashford-in-the-Water, Bakewell, DE45 1NZ
💷 ££
🌐 https://www.thornbridgeestate.com
A more relaxed, slower-paced option.
There’s natural play, open space and woodland — it’s less about big equipment and more about letting kids explore.
💡 Top tips:
- Great for a quieter day
- Take a picnic
- Check seasonal events
🦓 Peak Wildlife Park
📍 Winkhill, near Ashbourne, ST13 7QR
💷 £££
🌐 https://www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk
A great mix of animals and play, making it feel like a full experience rather than just a playground, but it’s still a great addition to our paid adventure playgrounds in Derbyshire Dales. One large play frame by the wallabies walk through with sand play and a toddler area. Along with an indoor soft play as well.
💡 Top tips:
- ✔️ Annual memberships available and you can pay monthly instead of all upfront
- Go early or later to avoid crowds
- Plan a full day
🚠 Heights of Abraham
📍 Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT
💷 £££
🌐 https://www.heightsofabraham.com
An adventure from the start with the cable cars, and then plenty to explore at the top, including play areas and caves. The have two main play areas and a huge slide for those that dare to go on it.
💡 Top tips:
- ✔️ Often includes return visits within 12 months
- Best on a clear day
- Wear layers
🎢 Gulliver’s Kingdom
📍 Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT
💷 £££
🌐 https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk
This one is a bit different — and one we’ve got a real soft spot for.
Gulliver’s is aimed more at younger children, so it’s not about big thrill rides like some of the larger theme parks. That said, it’s such a unique place and perfect for younger families. They have a big go ape style climbing frame along with lots of soft play areas and the fab ride, the kids strap into a harness, climb a ramp, and then fly through the trees.
Kimi’s now 12 and starting to prefer places like Warrington and Rotherham for the bigger rides — but he’s only just got to that stage, and he still enjoys a day out here.
The park itself is built into the hillside, so it’s really steep, which actually adds to the adventure.
💡 Top tips:
- Take the cable car up and work your way down — it makes the day much easier
- Check height restrictions in advance
- ✔️ Season passes available
💬 Honest take: We genuinely love it. It’s one of those places that feels completely different to anywhere else.
👉 You can read our full review of Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock here.
🐄 Bluebell Dairy Farm
📍 Locko Road, Derby, DE21 7AR
💷 ££
🌐 https://www.bluebell-dairy.co.uk
A lovely mix of play equipment and areas, animals and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus a jumping cushion.
Perfect for younger children and easy to do without overplanning.
💡 Top tips:
- ✔️ Season passes available
- Go earlier in the day
- Don’t skip the ice cream
💷 How to Save Money on Derbyshire Days Out
- Look for annual passes (Chatsworth, Matlock Farm Park, Peak Wildlife Park)
- Take advantage of return tickets (Crich, Heights of Abraham)
- Book online in advance
- Visit off-peak where possible
❓ FAQs: Adventure Playgrounds in the Derbyshire Dales
Are there adventure playgrounds in the Derbyshire Dales?
Yes — most are part of larger attractions like farms, estates or parks rather than standalone playgrounds.
Which is best for younger children?
Matlock Farm Park, Bluebell Dairy and Gulliver’s Kingdom are ideal.
Are any worth the money?
Chatsworth and Crich Tramway Village offer the best value when you factor in how much there is to do.
Can you get annual passes?
Yes — several attractions offer annual passes or return tickets, which can significantly reduce the cost.
💬 Honest Take
Paid adventure playgrounds in the Derbyshire Dales are less about one play area and more about the overall experience.
👉 You’re getting:
- play areas
- attractions
- space to explore
And that’s what makes them worth it — they turn a simple outing into a proper day out.
Pair This With Free Playground In Derbyshire Dales Options
👉 If you’re looking to mix in lower-cost days, take a look at our guide to free playgrounds in the Derbyshire Dales.
🧠 Quick Picks
- Best overall: Chatsworth
- Best for toddlers: Matlock Farm Park
- Best value: Crich Tramway Village
- Best adventure: Gulliver’s Kingdom
- Best relaxed: Thornbridge Estate