Small theme park named one of the UK’s best opens new ride in time for summer which is ‘not for the faint-hearted’

A THRILLING new ride has arrived in Gulliver's Kingdom.

The theme park in Matlock Bath has announced the addition of a new 'Tree Top Drop' ride.

People riding a pirate ship ride at Gulliver's Kingdom.
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There are around 30 rides and attractions around the theme parkCredit: Gulliverskingdomresort
Person in a large dinosaur costume at Gullivers Theme Park.
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You'll also find animatronic dinosaurs around Gulliver's KingdomCredit: Instagram

Gulliver's Kingdom in the Peak District has more than 30 rides - including this new one which comes with a word of warning for visitors.

The drop ride at the park gives riders an incredible view of the park before suddenly plunging 15 metres.

Manufactured by SBF Visa, the ride is set to be one of the most popular at the resort.

Hannah Marsden, resort manager at Gulliver’s Kingdom, said: “We are really excited by the reaction we have had to our new Tree Top Drop ride. It’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted but the views are absolutely fantastic from the top looking down on the whole valley below so not to be missed!

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“We are always looking at ways to enhance our park and bring new experiences and memories for families to enjoy, and this new ride does just that.

“With a jam-packed spring and summer planned this year, we are really looking to this season and hope to see as many people as possible come and join in the fun with us.”

Aimed at children between two and 13 years old, Gulliver's Kingdom also has a log flume, spinning barrels, monorail, swinging pirate ship and carousel.

There are also plenty of attractions, shows and activities, from animatronic dinosaurs to the Dino Falls water ride.

For anyone travelling further afield to get to Matlock Bath, you can actually stay at the theme park.

They have Pirate Cabins, Promenade Rooms, Princess or Wizard Suites and new The Willows accommodation on-site and prices start at £59 per night.

Check out the Gulliver's Theme Park Dino Dens on the Adventurers Village
Family riding a wooden boat down a slide at Gulliver's Kingdom.
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The rides include classics, like the log flumeCredit: Gulliverskingdomresort

Gulliver's Kingdom was the very first of the four Gulliver's theme parks to open in the UK, in 1978.

It was also named among the best small theme parks for families at the UK theme Park Awards in 2021.

It was given the gold in that category along with Gulliver's World in Warrington and Gulliver's Valley in Sheffield (Gulliver’s Theme Parks).

One of our Sun Travel writers recently visited Gulliver's Kingdom, and believes it's still one of the best.

She even goes as far to say her family loves it more than Alton Towers.

The firm favourite with her three sons is the Milton Keynes site where they have the Dino & Farm Park.

She says that it's perfect for anyone not bothered about big name rides and is after theme park staples like a log flume and rollercoasters instead.

Another plus side is that families with small children can easily keep their little ones entertained, without having to walk for miles.

Found in Milton Keynes, JCB Zone is like a theme park within a theme park, focusing on all things digger related, including demolition dodgems, the Crazy Crane drop ride and child-sized machinery to operate.

Another factor in Gulliver's favour is affordability; tickets for Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath start from £16.

Whereas tickets for Alton Towers start at £29 online, with a walk-up price of £68.

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Here's a unique UK theme park with safaris, water park rides that everyone can enjoy.

The best value UK attraction was also recently revealed with a lesser-known theme park crowned the winner.

Use these tips on your next theme park trip

Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.

  1. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
  2. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer - this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
  3. Download the park's app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
  4. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out "birthday badges" that can get you freebies.
  5. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
Tree Top Drop ride at Gulliver’s Kingdom with riders.
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The Tree Top Ride is one of the new additions to Gulliver's KingdomCredit: Supplied