7 new lodges have recently been added to the top field at Sandybrook Country Park, with great views of the surrounding countryside.  The new phase includes Hartington Skyline lodges, a Riber Skyline and Elvaston lodges, one of which has its own private hot-tub.  You might like to request one of these lodges on your next visit.

We have recently introduced the new Sudbury lodge at Darwin Forest, with its cosy and contemporary interior.  Following feedback from guests, this 6 berth lodge has two double bedrooms (suitable for two couples) and a twin - so when friends go away there is no need to squabble over who will get the double bed!   The Sudbury lodge is available at the same rental price as the Peveril Skyline. 

Overnight snow at Darwin Forest last weekend, brought with it two very elegant visitors, that we suspect was the work of some of our guests.  Let’s hear from you if this was your handiwork - what artistic guests we have!  

Pulling out all the stops, we have been able to open Little Monkeys play centre a couple of weeks early.  Entry is being restricted to guests staying on the park for now, until more car parking can be made available. So come and play in the new £1m purpose built centre - just £3.50 per child (which is discounted for those staying on the park) for up to 2 hours of fun.

To help with a little seasonal cheer during these times of freezing temperatures, we are offering guests to Darwin Forest (over 16 years) complimentary access to the sauna, spa and steam room.  This would normally cost £3.75 per person and this concession applies until the end of January.   Guests at Sandybrook already enjoy complimentary access to the sauna and spa of course.   

As the big freeze continues its relentless grip across Britain, the Peak District has enjoyed its own covering of snow and on cold sunny days like today the scenery is superb.  All the main routes to both Sandybrook and Darwin Forest are clear and the high insulation in the lodges keeps them cosy.  It has to be said that apart from the delightful woodland walks, the most popular place at the parks right now has to be the sauna! 

May we also take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year from the Peak District.

The 4/5/6th December sees the Victorian Christmas Weekend taking place in Matlock.  This popular series of days out for all the family includes street entertainers, stalls in marques, mulled-wine, Santa’s grotto and switching on of the lights.  Throughout December and a must for visitors at this time of year is to see Chatsworth House, resplendent in its Christmas decorations and guaranteed to get everybody in the mood for the festive season. It’s a great time of year to visit the Peak District!

Darwin Forest has special reason to celebrate after scooping the award for Britain’s best holiday lodge park at Hoseasons annual awards ceremony.  The ‘Best in Britain’ award for Lodges and Parks is presented by Hoseasons based upon customer feedback covering over 440 parks, for which they act as booking agents.  It is a reflection on Darwin Forest’s ‘exceptional quality and outstanding customer service’.  Rest assured that we will be trying even harder to live up to the expectations that come with this prestigious award!  A big thank you to all our employees and guests who helped make this possible.

The 2010 brochure detailing all our lodges and parks is now available.  It can be downloaded using the button at the bottom of the home page or we can send you a copy by post - simply use the Contact Us page or give us a call on 01629 732428. 

A regular visitor to Darwin Forest, Kenny Wharton from Stockton on Tees, has a particularly keen interest in birds.  On his breaks at Darwin Kenny has managed to photograph robin, jay, long tailed tits, blue-tit, great tit and this marvellous example of a nuthatch.  A selection of some of his favourite Darwin photos, including snowy scenes, beech landscapes and squirrels can be found on this website  http://www.panoramio.com/user/1652645/tags/Darwin%20Forest   Thanks for the lovely bird pictures Kenny - we are already looking forward to seeing the results from your next visit!