Don’t Book Darwin Forest Lodges Derbyshire Until You’ve Read This

Tucked between Matlock and Bakewell, Darwin Forest Lodges Derbyshire offers something special – a collection of luxury lodges scattered across 47 acres of ancient trees.

What Makes Darwin Forest Different?

The Grayson family has run this place since 1993. They’ve won “Best in Britain” at the Hoseasons Awards twice, plus Gold at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.

Every lodge gets built by their sister company locally.

The woodland setting is the real winner. Wake up to dawn chorus instead of alarm clocks.

Which Lodge Should You Pick?

Eight different types mean you’ll find something that fits. Classic Vogue cabins work brilliantly for families wanting solid comfort without breaking the bank.

Elite Vogue cabins step things up with open-plan living, wooden floors throughout, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light.

Want the full treatment? The Glade Exclusive cabins come with your own private hot tub. Picture this: stars overhead, bubbles below, and nothing but trees around you.

They’ve sorted pet-friendly options too. The Spinney Pet cabins mean your dog doesn’t miss out on the fun.

Lodge Facilities That Actually Matter

Feature	Details
Sleeping	2-8 people depending on type
Kitchen	Fully equipped with everything from coffee machines to dishwashers
Entertainment	Smart TVs with Chromecast for streaming
Parking	2 spaces per property right outside
Linen	All bedding and towels included
Private Bubbles	Selected properties only

What’s There to Do On-Site?

The Evolution Health and Fitness Centre rivals hotels. Indoor swimming pool, adults-only area, gym, sauna, and steam room all under one roof.

Book a massage or facial and you’ll understand why people return year after year.

Kids get their own kingdom at Little Monkeys indoor play centre. Just £3.75 for two hours.

Outside, you’ll find mini golf that actually challenges adults, tennis courts, and miles of woodland walks threading through the 47 acres. They’ve marked orienteering courses too if you fancy testing your navigation skills.

Food Without the Faff

The Foresters Bar and Restaurant serves food seven days a week. Local ingredients, generous portions, and a menu that works for fussy eaters and foodies alike.

Can’t be bothered leaving your accommodation? They do takeaway. Local delivery services will also bring food straight to your door.

How Much Does It Cost?

A summer week for four people starts around £1,065 in a standard property. Add private bubbles and you’re looking at £1,400.

Off-peak three-night breaks drop to £335 for four, which is genuinely reasonable for this level of quality.

Dogs cost £30 for a short break or £45 per week. Worth every penny when you see how much they love the woods.

What About the Surrounding Area?

Location might be the secret weapon here. You’re 10 minutes from Chatsworth House, where the Duke of Devonshire’s family has lived since 1549. The house, gardens, and farmyard could easily fill a full day.

Haddon Hall sits equally close – a medieval manor house that’s appeared in Pride and Prejudice and feels frozen in time.

Bakewell town offers the famous pudding (not tart, locals will correct you), Monday markets, and that classic market town atmosphere.

Matlock Bath feels like someone dropped a seaside resort into the middle of the countryside. Cable cars, amusement arcades, fish and chips by the river, and the Heights of Abraham attraction all pack into this quirky Victorian town.

Trails and Adventures

The Monsal Trail runs 8.5 miles along an old railway line between Bakewell and Chee Dale. Six tunnels, spectacular viaducts, and limestone scenery make this one of Britain’s best traffic-free cycling routes.

Hire bikes at Hassop Station (complete with cafe) and you’re set for a brilliant day out.

Should You Book It?

If you want accommodation that feels like real homes rather than rentals, yes. If your idea of paradise involves relaxation and zero pressure to do anything, definitely yes.

The swimming pool and activities mean families with young kids stay entertained. The spa facilities keep adults happy. And that location puts you right in the heart of everything the Peak District offers.

Three-night breaks run Friday to Monday. Four-night breaks cover Monday to Friday. Week-long stays start Monday, Friday, or Saturday.

The Practical Bits

• From M1: Exit Junction 29, follow A617 to Chesterfield, then A632 towards town, turn right onto B5057 (about 20 minutes total)
• Nearest stations: Both need onward travel by car or taxi
• Check-out: 10am (the only real downside)

This place has welcomed guests for over 30 years. The reviews tell you everything – people book their next stay before they’ve even left.

That setting, those properties, and the location right on your doorstep? It’s hard to beat.