Matlock Farm Park is not generally dog-friendly and does not allow dogs into the main farm park, except for guide or assistance dogs. This policy is in place due to close contact with animals. However, dogs are permitted on the camping site adjacent to the park.
Please note, due to the close contact with our animals, we cannot allow dogs into the farm park. For information on guide/assistance dogs, please see our accessibility guide. Closest Train Stations: Matlock or Chesterfield.
We have lots of picnic benches and grass areas dotted around for you to sit and enjoy your lunch. Are dogs welcome? Yes, we are one of only two Wildlife Parks in the country where you can bring your dog!
Matlock sits on the banks of the River Derwent, where you and your furry four-legged buddy can enjoy scampering about and a game of fetch. See if your pooch looks being on the water when you hire a rowing boat on the lake in the award-winning town park Hall Leys Park.
How much time should you allow? Allow a good three hours at Matlock Farm Park. However, you can very easily spend most of the day here with younger children.
Matlock Farm Park is a family friendly attraction, providing a great day out with varied activities for all the family. The park has a large selection of animals to see including llamas, goats, Highland cattle, pigs, alpacas, ducks and deer to name a few.
Our staff will advise you about this as you enter. Dogs are welcome providing they are kept on a lead at all times. Photography is allowed through out all of the Exhibitions. Food, Drinks, Slush & Ice cream are not permitted.
The "5-second rule" for dog walking is a safety test for hot surfaces: place the back of your hand on the pavement or asphalt; if you can't comfortably hold it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can burn quickly on surfaces much hotter than the air temperature, so walk during cooler times like early morning or late evening.
The best-known dog-friendly zoo in the UK is the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, which welcomes dogs on leads (except in indoor areas like the Reptile House or Restaurant). Other dog-friendly animal attractions include Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park, Filey Bird and Animal Park, Borth Animalarium, and London's Golders Hill Park Zoo, but rules vary, so always check specific park policies for lead requirements and restricted zones before visiting.
It's legal to take your pet in the car with you, so long as you properly restrain them. Rule 57 of the highway code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly.
A few asking if dogs are welcome at Matlock Christmas Market… they most certainly are 🐾 We would warn though, the market can be very busy, but we do have large areas you can escape to very easily as the market isn't enclosed!
Dogs. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the Illuminations, but owners should be aware that the fireworks at 8.30pm on Saturdays and the final Sunday are loud and can cause distress to some animals.
Matlock Farm Shop is a delightful destination nestled in the scenic Derbyshire countryside. This family-owned farm shop offers an array of fresh, locally sourced produce, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and artisanal products.
Studies show that when dogs don't get walked regularly, they can show signs of stress, lethargy, and even canine depression. They rely on the physical activity and fresh environments to release endorphins and keep their brains buzzing.
The "7-7-7 Rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, suggesting that before 7 weeks old (though often adapted for later, post-vaccination stages), a puppy should experience 7 new surfaces, 7 different people, and 7 new objects/challenges to build confidence and prevent fear, fostering a well-adjusted adult dog. Key elements include varied textures (grass, carpet, tile), meeting people of different ages/appearances, and gentle exposure to things like toys, crating, sounds, and simple obstacles (steps, tunnels).
In conclusion, dogs are sensitive creatures that can remember and react to raised voices. While they don't hold grudges, repeated negative experiences can impact their behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding your dog's emotional states and body language is crucial for building a strong and loving relationship.
No dogs allowed within Matlock Farm Park, except highly trained assistance dogs that meet Matlock Farm Park's biosecurity measures. For more information, please email [email protected]. Dogs must not be left in vehicles. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Managing Director and founder Allan Finlay said: “We've really surpassed everything we set out to do. My background was hospitality and my wife Virginia has always been in farming – we started the park off just as a little something to do together.
What is the meaning of the phrase “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”? The phrase is a paradoxical statement from George Orwell's novel “Animal Farm,” which is used to criticize the hypocrisy and corruption of the pigs who take over the farm.
