Plenty to see and do expecially for young children as Matlock Farm Park reopens to visitors

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes and restrictions but for Matlock Farm Park, it is now – almost – business as usual.
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The family attraction has reopened as lockdown restrictions ease and, as so much of it is outdoors, a visit feels much like it did before coronavirus arrived in the UK.

Of course, you are still expected to keep your distance from other people and wear masks in the gift shop, but everything else about a day out at the farm feels refreshingly normal.

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Handwashing stations and sanitiser stops have always been a mainstay of farms, particularly ones like Matlock Farm Park where visitors are encouraged to stroke and feed some of the animals.

So regularly cleaning your hands feels like a natural part of the farm experience, rather than anything pandemic-related.

Matlock Farm Park is fantastic for younger children.

There are two playgrounds and a giant jumping pillow where they can burn off some of their energy and the animals are sociable, curious and gentle.

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Many of the animals can be hand-fed at Matlock Farm Park.Many of the animals can be hand-fed at Matlock Farm Park.
Many of the animals can be hand-fed at Matlock Farm Park.

Plenty of animals for youngsters to see

Bags of animal feed are available at £1 each and while a few of the creatures are out-of-bounds when it comes to hand-feeding, most will gratefully nibble the pellets off the nearest hand.

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As well as the usual farm inhabitants – donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs and cows – there are some more unusual animal,s including meerkats and wallabies.

You can actually walk around inside the wallaby enclosure itself and they clearly do not mind the intrusion as they happily jump past visitors.

Youngsters can pet many of the animals at Matlock Farm Park.Youngsters can pet many of the animals at Matlock Farm Park.
Youngsters can pet many of the animals at Matlock Farm Park.

For an even more hands-on experience, there is a small animal handling area where you can have a cuddle with a range of creatures, including chicks, rabbits, tortoises and guinea pigs.

As you would expect in spring, the farm has a number of baby animals, including a host of tiny lambs, some wearing coats to protect them from the elements.

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There is also the chance for your child to try horse riding for a small additional cost.

The café and indoor play centre are currently closed, but takeaway food is available from kiosks and there is plenty of outdoor seating.

Spring means lots of lambs at Matlock Farm Park.Spring means lots of lambs at Matlock Farm Park.
Spring means lots of lambs at Matlock Farm Park.

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