In order to meet requests from guests, we have invested in many more private hot tubs over this winter. They are now available across a broader selection of lodge types at both parks. Demand is still sure to outstrip supply though, so do book early!
We now provide free Wi-Fi internet access in all lodges and main facility buildings at both Darwin Forest and Sandybrook Country Parks. This will be particularly beneficial at Darwin Forest where we are aware that mobile phone signal coverage is less than perfect.
Darwin Forest has followed up the recent confirmation of its 5 star holiday park status with a Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award - for the 14th consecutive year. Further confirmation of the popularity of the park came last week when the park earned the accolade of being crowned Hoseasons Best Lodge Park in the Heart of England.
A brand new phase of lodges is being rolled out at Darwin Forest. ‘Woodsman’ versions of the Elvaston, Riber, Sudbury and Hartington lodges are being made available during the autumn. The contemporary interiors feature large open plan living areas and wooden floors, whilst outside quirky waney-edge larch gives them that natural ‘cabin in the woods’ feel. Get in quick and request one for your next holiday – they are sure to be popular!
Children from 3 to 12 years of age may join in the fun this summer, during the school holidays, with regular Wednesday and Thursday afternoon sessions with Darwin Explorers Club. Each session is just £2.50 per child. Please download details here and pre-book as soon as you arrive at Darwin Forest.
TV and theatre actor Andrew Lancel, best known for his current role as ‘bad boy’ Frank Foster in Coronation Street, and formerly as DI Neil Manson in The Bill, took time out from his busy filming schedule last week to relax and unwind on a three-day short break at Darwin Forest Country Park. Andrew and his 3 year old son Isaac headed for Darwin Forest straight after a long day filming, but quickly felt at home in their comfortable lodge in the relaxing surroundings of the park. Continue »
We are delighted to have joined in with the Electric Bicycle Network to bring electrically assisted bikes to the Peak District for the first time. Anyone over 14 years of age may rent one of our new Giant brand bikes for up a day at a time. The battery power means that you don’t have to work nearly as hard to tackle the Derbyshire hills, making places like Bakewell and Chatsworth easy to reach by bike, even if you are not in top shape and have not cycled for years. We hope that you’ll try one on your next visit!
We are starting work now, on an extension and refurbishment of the changing rooms within the Evolution swimming pool, with a view to having everything operational before the end of July. This will create a much improved changing area, with more cubicles and showers, to provide better facilities for everyone. We’ll try our best to minimise disruption during the works and we aim to keep all facilities open to users all of the time, apart from 12-14th July, when the whole pool building (including spa and gymnasium) will be closed for 3 days. For those of you planning holidays at this time, we are offering a special discount to compensate for the non-availability of the pool.
We’ve now added Google Maps to the website to make it easier to find us and plan your route from home. Use the ‘Find Us’ button, then click on either park that you would like to visit and a new map shows our location (with the best routes), with a facility to plan your journey. This is particularly useful if you are visiting Darwin Forest as our postcode can direct you to a private dwelling, half a mile down the road!
The Hartington and older Elvaston lodges are the latest to be refurbished at both parks. All now sport new floor coverings, carpets, curtains, window blinds and where necessary new kitchen cupboards, beds and settees. The Elvaston lodge now boasts king-size beds in addition to the flatscreen TVs that were added last year.
