Top Things to do in Peak District
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What to do and see in Peak District, England: The Best Farms
Discover the best top things to do in Peak District, United Kingdom including Matlock Meadows Coffee Shop, Hope Valley Ice Cream Thorpe Farm, Matlock Farm Park, Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre, Freshfields Donkey Village.
Restaurants in Peak District
1. Matlock Meadows Coffee Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Matlock Meadows is a modern purpose built ice cream parlour and coffee shop set within a working dairy farm. The farm has diversified by making italian style hand made ice cream here on the farm using the fresh milk from our dairy herd. The coffee shop serves 15 flavours of ice cream, also sorbet's, ice cream sundaes, a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks, giftware and local produce. We have a small outdoor play area and in the adjacent field and barn we have a micro pig, sheep, chickens, cows and calves. We are a real working dairy farm rather than a major visitor attraction. We do not charge any entrance fees and therefore rely on the income generated from the shop sales to maintain our facilities which include outside play area, free car parking, toilets, and baby changing. The farm has disabled access and facilites and can accommodate educational group/school visits also childrens birthday parties.
Reviewed By stuarthigg - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
We found this place by pure accident, but what a find it was!! I thought we were rocking up just for a bit of ice cream, but there is so much more to it, even with the Coronavirus restrictions in place. First thing to mention. It is free to enter. There's no obligation to buy anything, but if you don't it means you're far too stingy and lack of spending in these places risks losing them. And these kind of places NEED keeping. We headed straight in for a bit of ice cream, despite it being a cold day. We were spoilt for choice with the flavours, but also with how we had it. I elected for an Easter egg sundae, which worked really well with the ice cream served in half a chocolate egg. Much better than a cone!! I bought some food for the animals and headed outside to eat my own food before treating the pig, sheep, goats and bulls. There were plenty of places to sit, but being a kid, I was too excited to stay still. Once we had finished our food, my son and niece went to play on the awesome play park and I went around the friendly animals feeding them. OK, now here's the bit where we need to keep these kind of places: I headed back in to the shop to ask where the cows were, as I had only seen the bulls. I was greeted by the lovely wife of the farmer who offered a really detailed and comprehensive run through of how the farm worked, some of the plans they have for the future (such as a viewing platform for the cows being milked!!) and some of the difficulties dairy farmers face. This was so education, even for a person as old as me. I cannot wait to return when they are fully open as I believe the rest of my family would benefit from some hands-on knowledge of where their milk comes from. On to the only slight negative and even then it isn't the worst thing in the world - parking. There just isn't all that much room and I don't know the area well enough to park off-site and walk through. I wouldn't want to see any of the play areas or paddocks taken away, but I think for these guys to really succeed with their visitors they will need to take a look at it. Don't let that put you off though. Get to see these guys, interact with the animals and enjoy a working farm that is a real gem!
2. Hope Valley Ice Cream Thorpe Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 61tigerl - Hathersage, United Kingdom
We stopped here and enjoyed a hearty plate of chilli nachos loaded in quality beef chili (veggie version available). Prices were good and there's undercover heated seating area for the showers. Really tasty food and not silly prices.
3. Matlock Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 726 reviews
Matlock Farm Park is a family friendly open farm, 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, peacocks, meerkats, chickens, pigs, alpacas, ducks and deer to name a few. There are specially designed playgrounds and even a go-kart track for the kids and many places for the adults to relax if they wish.Group party bookings and children's birthday parties are also catered for, please ring for details.There is a licensed cafe serving hot food, a classroom and a gift shop. Horse Riding Lessons and Pony Trekking are also available with prior booking.
Reviewed By 445sallyy
Great day out for the family! We took my little boy on Saturday when the bubble man was there, he was fab and my 2 year old had loads of fun chasing the bubbles over the field. I know some reviews say it's over priced but to be honest all the prices are displayed on their website so if your not happy to pay the prices then chose something else to do. I had no issue with the prices, we have been pre pandemic and from what I can remember prices were no different (there were no pony rides or bouncy pillow then though) and there is the upkeep of the farm and feeding of the animals to think about so for a lovely day out in the fresh air that feels safe and contained for a toddler I have no issues. It's really clean and easy access for my son to feed the animals plus there will be more when the indoor bits can reopen. Was just lovely to be able to visit again! Great staff and enjoyable day out.
4. Beaver Hall Equestrian Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 72 reviews
Beaver Hall Pets Corner & Nature Trail just 3 miles from Leek A523 Open daily affordable fun just £2.00 per person babes in arms FREE ( Price includes petting sessions with the smaller animals & entry to our Nature Trail!)Our animals on site.Pigs, Donkeys,Meerkats, Sheep, Llamas, Ducks, Chickens, Ponies, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Bearded Dragons
Reviewed By Jazzmyn17 - Sturminster Newton, United Kingdom
We visit Beaver Hall Equestrian regularly for horse riding and find our visits very welcoming and friendly the cafe is great whether you require a cup of tea or a full English all is catered for. Overall in my opinion Beaver Hall is not really for holiday drop ins but if you want to educate your children into an equestrian lifestyle this is a great place to do so.
