Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts turns 45 this year, marking a major milestone in the family-run company’s story.
The business was founded in 1978 by Ray Phillips and his late wife Hilary, who opened the family’s first theme park, Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath, beginning a life-long passion for the family to provide great value days out and short breaks to generations of children across the UK.
Today, the company boasts four parks across the UK, having launched Gulliver’s World in Warrington in 1989, Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes in 1999 and Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham in 2020.
And the Gulliver’s business is now headed up by Ray and Hilary’s daughter, Julie Dalton - managing director, along with her brother Nick Phillips, who is also a director.
Julie, said: “It is nearly half a century since we opened Gulliver’s Kingdom and we are so proud of how our family-owned business has progressed and thrilled to continue serving families in the Matlock Bath community and beyond.
“We are expecting strong visitor numbers this year with a growing number of people seeking great value days out and short stays in this much-loved part of the country.
“We are excited to share more about our plans to celebrate our 45th anniversary as the year progresses with plenty of special surprises at Gulliver’s Kingdom to excite the young and young at heart.
“While some things have naturally changed over the years, what remains the same is our commitment to providing first-class theme park resorts where families make magical memories.”
Gulliver’s has a host of special events and activities planned across all of its parks to mark the 45th anniversary, including a variety of themed accommodation, popular character appearances, a unique programme for school and residential visits as well as continuous plans to further develop the parks with new rides and attractions.
