Peak District Highland Games in Matlock: book ahead
The Peak District Highland Games will take place at Matlock Farm Park on 30 August 2026, with the strength competition beginning at 11am and the wider event running from 9am to 5pm. Tickets are required, although the published event information does not state a price. Families and groups planning to attend are strongly advised to book an arrival time slot in advance.
The venue is Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Matlock, DE4 5LH. According to the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire event listing, tickets may be available at the entrance on the day, but only subject to availability.
Six strength events take centre stage
An eight-tonne tractor and a 120kg log are among the formidable equipment awaiting the competing strongmen and strongwomen. The programme includes the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge and Tossing of the Caber.
Competitors will also face the GIANT Stone Throw, 120kg Log Press and Stone of Destiny Carry. Together, the events offer several distinct tests of lifting, carrying, throwing and pulling strength rather than a single continuous contest.
Visitors booking an early arrival slot should note the two-hour gap between the event opening and the start of the main competition. That time can be used to explore the farm park activities, stalls and food concessions before the first strength event begins at 11am.
Animal encounters and play areas broaden the day
The programme extends beyond the Highland Games arena. Market, craft and games stalls are planned alongside food and drink concessions, while the farm activities include short children’s pony rides and small-animal handling.
Jungle Jo is also scheduled to appear with a collection of exotic animals. For children looking for more active play, the event information lists the Enchanted Hamlet and the indoor Rainforest playcentre among the attractions available around the park.
That mix makes the day suitable for families whose members may want different things from the visit: the strength competition provides the central spectacle, while the animal sessions, stalls and play spaces offer activities elsewhere in the venue. Visitors considering another nearby seasonal outing can also consult the guide to Matlock Bath Illuminations dates and firework nights.
Early arrivals can claim a breakfast discount
Ticket holders whose booked arrival slot is between 9am and 10am can receive 20% off breakfast dishes at the Cafe, Snap Cabin or Fodder Wagon. The offer runs until 10.30am, and proof of the qualifying ticket time slot is required.
The listing does not provide ticket prices, transport guidance or event-specific accessibility information. Visitors who need those details can contact Matlock Farm Park by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01246 590200 before booking.
Advance reservations remain the clearest practical step: visitors must select a time slot for arrival, while any tickets offered at the entrance on 30 August will depend on remaining availability.
Source: Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Events
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The date, venue, programme and booking guidance were checked against the published event listing.
- Confirmed the event date as 30 August 2026.
- Confirmed the wider event hours as 9am to 5pm and the competition start as 11am.
- Checked the venue address and advance arrival-slot guidance.
- Confirmed that no ticket price, transport guidance or event-specific accessibility details...
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- Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Events
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- Matlock
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- 2026-08-18 14:25
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