Darwin Forest
Darwin Forest, Darley Moor, Matlock DE4 5PL England
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Dining (31)
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#1 of 1 lodge in Darley Moor
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Travellers' Choice
Award winning Darwin Forest is set in 47 acres of stunning woodland between Matlock and Bakewell in the Derbyshire Peak District. A finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, Darwin Forest is one of the top holiday parks in the country. The luxury lodges are nestled within a woodland paradise and are furnished to the highest standards. They provide the perfect base for exploring the surrounding attractions or for simply relaxing in the tranquility of the park and enjoying time with your loved ones. The Park also boasts an impressive range of facilities including Evolution Health and Fitness Centre, Foresters bar and restaurant and Little Monkeys indoor playcentre. With an array of woodland walks also on your doorstep and an impressive range of sporting activities, you and your family will never be short of something to do. There are 8 types of lodge available sleeping between 2 and 8 people. Many lodges include a private hot tub on the veranda and many are pet friendly.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Game room
Mini golf
Indoor play area for children
Wifi
Hot bath
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Sauna
Restaurant
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Spa
Facial treatments
Massage
Steam room
BBQ facilities
Convenience store
Picnic area
Shops
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Private balcony
Seating area
Sofa
Iron
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
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Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Location
Darwin Forest, Darley Moor, Matlock DE4 5PL England
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Car HireSee all Darley Moor car hire
1491Reviews111Q+A100Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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We had a fabulous weekend couples stay at Darwin Forest in a one bedroom lodge. Check-in staff were friendly and efficient. We were a little early but the staff advised us that we would receive an email when our lodge was ready, so we headed to the bar at Foresters to have a quick drink while we waited. We were given 2 keys and a voucher for a complimentary pint of milk at the site shop (which was small but well stocked). Our lodge was easy to find with our own parking space right outside. Our 1 bedroom lodge was surprisingly spacious and had everything we needed. The kitchen was well equipped with a full- size oven and hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and dishwasher. Plenty of cooking utensils, glasses etc. Tea towels, oven gloves and washing up essentials were provided along with a few tea bags, coffee etc. The living area was very cosy with a corner sofa, table and chairs, and an electric fire. The lodge had its own WiFi and the TV had a chrome cast. The bedroom was spacious with a lovely comfortable bed, good quality bed linen and plenty of storage. The bathroom was huge with a large whirlpool bath, shower cubicle and even a sauna. Plenty of towels and even some toiletries. The site itself was immaculately kept, the lodges are well spaced out and it was wonderfully quiet. Facilities on site include the restaurant in Foresters, which was lovely, and the pool/gym/spa which was also very good. Overall we had a fantastic and relaxing weekend and we'll definitely be back. …
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: We booked the restaurant in advance and we were glad we did as it was busy. We tried to book...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Brilliant place to stay, the lodge was excellent, comfortable and clean. Plenty of room for two of us. Great facilities on site even out of season and so much to do in the surrounding area - will absolutely be back, in fact have already started looking and when we can book next year!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you for your 5* review, lucy b!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just returned from 4 night stay at Darwen Forrest. Cabin and the Areas / site were Clean and Tidy, well kept even at this time of year. 2 bedroom cabin, Main Bedroom was a bit tight for space, but manageble. Bathroom was Shower over Bath, Guess if we had gone for a better spec cabin, we night have got a walk in Shower, ( as we have had else where ) but we booked it in a rush at Time. Kitchen was fine, everything you needed for a few days. It was close to Chatsworth , so was good for our needs. We eat Two nights in the Restaurant, Service was very Good and the Food even Better, which was a nice Suprise. Thanks again to the staff.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: very country - good for walkers i beleive
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you whiteknight001 for your 4* review of Darwin Forest! We hope you had a great time exploring the lovely Christmas Markets and Chatsworth House!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Fantastic lodge with hot tub! The lodge was so clean and cosy! The beds are very comfortable and the heating was nice and toasty in November. Beautiful autumn leaves all around and I loved sitting in the hot tub at night looking at the stars. Even spotted some meteors as it’s the Leonids at the moment. Just lovely! The pub on site serves good food, drinks and coffees and is dog friendly. The little shop is brilliant too. All the staff are a friendly bunch! Thanks Darwin Forest team :)
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Try an Indian takeaway from Maazi in Matlock. They deliver and it’s the best Indian takeaway I’ve...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you Sophbro86 for your 5* review. We are so pleased you had a great time!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I have just returned after a 3 night stay and as usual it has been brilliant!! We're a group of friends and have been coming since 2016. It's our piece if heaven on earth 🌎 even when the park is full it's so quiet. There was an amazing bonfire and fireworks 🎆 on Saturday which was brilliant. We had a 2 bedroom lodge no. 47 and the only thing that would improve it is a walk-in shower. One of our friends has limited mobility so couldn't climb into the bath for a shower. One other thing and this seems to be the same every year the hot chocolate in the café is nowhere near hot. It's warm you can drink it on 1 go. We had to take ours back as did several other people. Although we have loved our visit again it may be our last as unfortunately the prices have gone up so much 😢😢 and we really can't afford it. So sad 😞 A wonderful place though ❤️…
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 1 week ago
Hi zante2017, thank you for your lovely review of Darwin Forest! If you wish to provide more details regarding your final sentence for the Management to look into please email customerservice@pinelodgeholidays.co.uk
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We came as a family of 16, with several different lodges. Everyone loved it! Comparing with Centreparcs, it is quieter and less commercialised. We had booked the restaurant and pre ordered food, so that worked well with having 3 small children ( and 3 older ones as well). We contacted the parc with many and varied queries before our stay, and were never made to feel that we were bothersome. The check in and out and reception was perfect, quick and informative. Unlike Centreparcs, you can park next to your lodge which made the unpacking into less of a chore. We called at Highfield House tea shop for lunch on the way - highly recommend doing that, and the food in the farm shop is fabulous. Having said that, the shop on site is there for essentials and is open till 5.30. It was bonfire weekend, which we hadn’t anticipated and which was a welcome bonus. Fireworks were great and everything felt very safe. The lodge we had was for 2 people and the fire was on when we walked in so it was lovely and warm. The sauna in the lodge was amazing! As was the whirlpool bath. I honestly hadn’t expected everything to be as good as this, and think we have started a new family tradition! Many thanks, you aced it! …
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 1 week ago
Wow, thank you linda187069 for a great 5* review!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I love it here. The cabins are roomy, warm and clean and it's in a lovely part of the country. We went out most days - the site is close to Matlock and Matlock Bath, and not too far from Bakewell and Nottingham - but we had one very lazy day where we used the pool. It was quite busy, quite a few kids though I think it was half term in England that week. Part of the pool was cordoned off for children so we couldn't have a proper swim until that lesson finished which obviously wasn't ideal for us but you have to accept that, especially as I hadn't checked beforehand. There are a few comments about it being difficult to reserve a table in the restaurant - it was busy when we ate there and we did leave it too late to book one evening so we got a takeaway delivered instead with just a two pound delivery charge. I should add that the staff in the restaurant were very nice as was everyone really. I mention these points purely to address other comments as personally, I have nothing negative to say about Darwin Forest. It's been a log time since I had previously stayed here, hopefully it won't be as long before I visit here again.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you 454keitha for your 5* review of Darwin Forest!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
An amazing ,relaxing and welcoming place to stay .The accommodation fantastic, super clean and has everything you could want. Lots of lovely walks and extremely dog friendly. We will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 30 Oct 2023
Thank you so much 836bevb for your great 5* review!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our lodge was small but adequate and perfectly clean; the electric heaters are good at keeping the lodge warm even in October. The grounds all maintained to a high standard and there are some forest walks that are excellent for the kids or for exercising a dog. Bike hire is easy and not overly expensive, the track is not very long so would suggest the 4 hour hire - allows for a couple of laps with kids and a tea break. Staff all super friendly and helpful - thank you. It’s nice to have a pool onsite, but it’s a little too small as are the changing rooms. One quibble is changing into bare feet on entering the pool building isn’t great especially as the floor is dirty. You will get dirty feet before you exit. As many others have mentioned, the only real disappointment is the booking system for evening meals. You need to book the day before, and the number of early evening slots is limited. A couple of times we asked if they could squeeze us in as the restaurant was only 30-50% full, but they declined. This is a major drawback if you have young kids. Given the lack of other dining options nearby, you have to play Russian roulette with your kids meals. Sorry, but a family friendly resort need to be able to accommodate they way kids eat that’s a must have for us. The wifi in our lodge was good, but very poor in the bar - difficult to keep the kids amused these days without it. Would have given this a 5 rating if it weren’t for the dining booking system.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 24 Oct 2023
Dear BobsterGlasgow, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at Darwin Forest, we appreciate all feedback and do try to use it to improve. The pool changing rooms are kept shoe-free to avoid wellies and dirty trainers being walked through into the cubicles and toilets. We have tried different procedures over the years and this is by far the best way of maintaining a pleasant environment for all. The restaurant and bar are designed to offer different areas for different guests' requirements, from dog-friendly to family-friendly, and an area for special occasions or adult dining. Every evening the bookings could vary between the areas described and so different areas can seem quiet where others are full. The kitchen, unfortunately, cannot cater to an unlimited amount of diners at any one time and does require planning to be able to cook fresh, good-quality food. I am sorry if booking a table was not an option for you but I assure you that this is very normal in a restaurant serving a menu like ours. The staff, where possible, will always squeeze extra diners in if it will not be to the detriment of those guests who have already booked a table.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Landal Darwin Forest exceeded all our expectations. From the friendly helpful welcome whilst checking in, to the clean lodge, everything was just perfect. The food and particularly the service in the Foresters restaurant was excellent. Park is situated in an Excellent location to explore the Peak District. We didn’t use the swimming pool or any other on-site facilities so cannot comment on those but I’m pretty sure they would be up to the same standards. We stayed in the Chatsworth Elite Vogue 1 lodge number 111. Perfect for a couple, nice living space, ample room in the bedroom and large bathroom. Also quiet and private.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Lyndsey Grayson, General Manager at Darwin Forest
Responded 24 Oct 2023
Thank you JOnnyray69 for your lovely 5* review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay in the Elite Vogue 1 lodge at Darwin Forest.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
darwin forest country park hotel two dales
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandDerbyshireMatlockDarley Moor
NUMBER OF ROOMS
137
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Claim Your ListingDARWIN FOREST - Updated 2023 Reviews (Darley Moor)
Frequently Asked Questions about Darwin Forest
Which popular attractions are close to Darwin Forest?
Nearby attractions include Deception Escape Rooms (3.1 miles), Peak District Mining Museum (4.4 miles), and Heights of Abraham (4.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Darwin Forest?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Darwin Forest?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Darwin Forest?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Darwin Forest?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Shalimar, The Barley Mow, and Stones Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Darwin Forest?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Darwin Forest?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Darwin Forest?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Lumsdale Valley (2.6 miles), Haddon Hall (4.0 miles), and Masson Mills (4.9 miles).
Does Darwin Forest have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the park view available here.
Is Darwin Forest accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.