Peak District Highland Games in Matlock: book for 30 August
The Peak District Highland Games returns to Matlock Farm Park on Sunday 30 August 2026, offering a ticketed day out for families, groups and spectators of strength sports. The park is open from 9am to 5pm, with the competition beginning at 11am.
Admission prices are not stated in the event listing. Visitors are strongly advised to buy tickets in advance and reserve an arrival time, although a limited number of tickets may be sold at the entrance if capacity remains.
According to Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Events, the annual fixture will bring leading strongmen and strongwomen to Matlock Farm Park on Jaggers Lane, Matlock, DE4 5LH.
Six strength challenges lead the programme
The competition programme contains six named tests, ranging from traditional Highland Games disciplines to challenges built around unusually heavy equipment.
Competitors will face the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge and Tossing of the Caber. The programme also includes the GIANT Stone Throw, 120kg Log Press and Stone of Destiny Carry.
Those names give spectators a clear sense of the event’s scale: the log alone weighs 120kg, while the tractor pull involves eight tonnes. The listing does not identify individual competitors or publish a running order, so visitors should plan around the confirmed 11am competition start rather than expecting a particular discipline at a stated time.
Animal encounters and play areas fill the rest of the day
The Highland Games is designed as more than a strength competition. Elsewhere around Matlock Farm Park, visitors can browse market, craft and games stalls alongside food and drink concessions.
Children’s activities are due to include short pony rides and small-animal handling. Jungle Jo will also appear with exotic animals, while the Enchanted Hamlet and Rainforest indoor playcentre provide additional play options for younger visitors.
The mix makes the event suitable for families whose children may want to move between the competition and the farm park’s animal activities. Groups can also attend, but the same arrival-slot booking advice applies.
Early arrivals can claim a breakfast discount
Ticket holders who reserve a 9am–10am arrival slot can receive 20% off breakfast dishes at the Cafe, Snap Cabin or Fodder Wagon until 10.30am. Proof of the qualifying ticket time is required, and the offer applies specifically to breakfast dishes.
That early slot leaves time for breakfast and other park activities before the strength competition starts at 11am. Visitors arriving later should still use the time shown on their booking rather than treating 11am as the general entry time.
Anyone planning more Derbyshire event days can also check the dates and booking details for Matlock Bath Illuminations.
The official listing does not provide admission prices, public transport guidance or accessibility arrangements. Visitors who need those details can contact Matlock Farm Park at info@matlockfarmpark.co.uk or 01246 590200 before reserving their ticket and arrival slot.
Source: Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Events
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The date, times, venue, programme and booking guidance were drawn from the published event information.
- Confirmed the event date and the 11am competition start
- Checked the venue name and Jaggers Lane address
- Verified the arrival-slot advice and conditional on-the-door sales
- Matched the listed strength events, family activities and breakfast offer
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- Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Events
- Scope
- Matlock
- Updated
- 2026-08-18 14:27
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