Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Darwin-Forest.jpg" alt="Darwin Forest Lodges at Darwin Forest Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-4847" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Darwin-Forest.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Darwin-Forest-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Darwin-Forest-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Darwin-Forest-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You’ll find this enclave of luxe wooden lodges nestling beside a perfect pine forest in 47-acres of woodland just north of Matlock in prime Peak District countryside. Centrally-located bang slap in the middle of the country (and only 20 mins from the M1), <a href="https://darwinforest.co.uk/">Darwin Forest Lodges</a> are in a super-convenient spot for getting everyone together if you&#8217;re spread out across the UK.</p>



<p>Surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and rivers, you can cherry-pick from 137 Nordic-inspired lodges to suit your style. If you’ve ever found yourself trying to please everyone when organising a big group gathering, you’ll love it here. You can tweak the lodges to suit each group. Pooch-friendly one for those bringing Fido? Tick. Bit of luxe for that hard-to-please pal? Go for a spanking new spa lodge. No-frills option for the budget-conscious? You can do that too. Yet you’ll still manage to be close enough to feel like you’re on holiday together (and the decks and open-plan living areas are big enough to get everyone round to yours).</p>



<p>Did I say screen-free? Er, better avoid the swish new ones that come with a Playstation 4 console then. The wifi is pretty darn good for the Peaks too. Drat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-pool.jpg" alt="Swimming pool at Darwin Forest Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6213" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-pool.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-pool-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-pool-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-pool-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s a holiday park but without that holiday park vibe. There&#8217;s a chilled, woodland feel and, although there are plenty of activities on offer, it’s not a scheduled, theme park-style offering. It’s relaxed with a slower pace of life. Guests seem to care more about quality time with their families and friends than filling that time with a schedule.</p>



<p>Lodges feel private, sympathetically interwoven with the natural environment, so you don’t feel like you’re sharing the place with your neighbours. Come here to slow down and catch up with what matters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-double.jpg" alt="Double bedroom in lodge  at Darwin Forest Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6214" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-double.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-double-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-double-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-double-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The lodge we stayed in (a three-bedroom ‘Elite Vogue’) was a beauty. Warm, welcoming and modern, it felt luxe for a lodge. The big open-plan living space and kitchen/diner has a pared-back Nordic feel: bleached wood walls and ceilings, tweedy checked curtains, faux woodburner in the corner. French windows open out onto a generous decking area that overlooks the pine forest beyond.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-lounge-1.jpg" alt="Lounge in lodge at Darwin Forest Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6215" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-lounge-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-lounge-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-lounge-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-lounge-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s no stinginess with space inside either. The three bedrooms are all a decent size, with either super-comfy twin beds or a king-size in the ensuite master bedroom. The separate bathroom is huge for a lodge, with big bath and shower and swish lights around the sink mirror. There’s a TV in the master bedroom so that you can snuggle up in comfort once the kids have gone to bed and a huge, triple mirrored wardrobe that makes the room feel really spacious.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-dining.jpg" alt="Lodge dining room  at Darwin Forest Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6216" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-dining.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-dining-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-dining-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-dining-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The lodges have been thoughtfully placed around the park to optimise privacy. On one side, our neighbours were completely obscured by trees and rhododendron bushes, on the other side the cabin was closer, about 10 metres away, but hidden by willow-woven fences. We could just about make out next door’s hot tub, which my kids eyed up with envy. Opt for one of these Spa Lodges and it’ll cost an extra £170.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Foresters.jpg" alt="Foresters restaurant at Darwin Forest Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6217" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Foresters.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Foresters-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Foresters-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Foresters-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Kitchens are well-kitted out, with dishwasher, oven, microwave and plenty of utensils. We were happy with pizzas and salads but you could happily whip up something more gourmet if you fancied. If I was nit-picking I’d have like to have seen sharper kitchen knives, but if you’re not planning a fancy feast you’ll be fine.</p>



<p>Although we didn’t eat out, we popped into the Foresters bar and restaurant. Like a giant version of one of the lodges, it has painted wooden beams, flagstone floors, big windows and pub-style chairs and tables. There’s also a good-sized al fresco dining terrace. Great if you’re here with several families and you want to gather the whole gang together. If it’s a quick coffee or paninis and wraps you’re after, try the Little Explorers’ café next to the Little Monkeys soft play area (that littlies will love).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activities">ACTIVITIES</h2>



<p>With three teenage kids in tow, we swerved the adventure playground and soft play (both brilliant for tots) and opted for an archery session instead. Channelling Katniss Everdeen, I got quite into it and the kids and I battled it out in various team games, getting crazy competitive. Finishing on a high, having burst five balloons, the time whizzed by and everyone left with big grins.</p>



<p>The swimming pool here is excellent. Only short, so lane swimmers will be turning around every 15m, but there’s plenty of space for splashing about fun and my kids swam every day. Despite the park being pretty full, we always found the pool stayed quiet. The only snag is it’s not lifeguarded, so under 16s need to be watched by an adult.</p>



<p>Upstairs there’s a spacious, well-equipped gym with up-to-date Life Fitness cardio and weights machines, plenty of free weights and fab views over the swimming pool and across to the forest. The spa, beauty rooms and hot tub (over 16s only, much to my 15-year-old’s disgust) are good too and the powerful, hot showers and roomy changing area are a big bonus.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-climbing-wall.jpg" alt="Climbing wall in the woodland at Darwin Forest Matlock Derbyshire Peak District" class="wp-image-6227" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-climbing-wall.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-climbing-wall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-climbing-wall-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-climbing-wall-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>But it’s the woodland trails that did it for us. Gorgeous pine forested routes right from the doorstep were perfect for morning runs and lazy evening walks. And the trim trail, with wooden obstacles or exercise stations, is one of the best I’ve ever come across. Adult-sized challenges, like balance beams, climbing traverses and monkey bars, provide a proper workout set in the prettiest of riverside woodlands and my three loved it. Wooden sculptures, forest games and den building areas pepper the woodland, making it captivating for both the tiniest tots and too-cool-for-school teens.</p>



<p>Mini golf, arcade games, table tennis and pool tables keep big kids and adult groups happy. A smaller soft play area is next door for tiny tots and there’s also an on-site shop selling the basics. For more hands-on fun, try your hand at tennis, archery, and even water zorbing or sea scooters in the pool.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-woods.jpg" alt="Woodland  at Darwin Forest Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6218" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-woods.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-woods-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-woods-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Darwin-Forest-woods-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Minimum stay here is three nights, which is just as well if you want to have any hope of tearing yourself away to explore the Peak District proper. There’s enough to fill a fortnight, from free, outdoorsy fun like hiking and biking (the dramatic Dark Peak and family-friendly Chatsworth Estate are both close by). Take a cable car ride to the Heights of Abraham (dog-friendly and great for every age) or drive 15 minutes west to Bakewell, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth. Marvellous Matlock Farm Park is on the doorstep too &#8211; great for littlies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> A nature-infused Derbyshire de-frazzler. Perfect for big reunions of families, multi-generational gatherings, groups of friends. It’s a superb central location to meet up if you’re all spread across the country.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Although you could certainly have a romantic time of it in a hot tub under the stars, it feels a better fit for group gatherings here than for couples on their own.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p>Prices start at £479 for a three-bedroom Elite Vogue lodge (sleeping six) for a three night break or £649 for an Elite Vogue Spa Lodge with hot tub. Classic lodges start from £439.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://darwinforest.co.uk/">Darwin Forest Lodges</a>, Darley Moor, Two Dales, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5PL</em>. </p>



<p><em>Tel: <a href="tel:+441629732428">01629 732428</a></em></p>


Muddy reviews: Darwin Forest Lodges, Peak District

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