Q.

Are the Park's facilities open all year round?

A.

Yes. All facilities are available all year round. Reception is open 8.30am to 8pm each day. The swimming pool at Sandybrook is open 8.45am to 7.30pm and Evolution Health & Fitness at Darwin Forest is open from 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday.

Q.

Can you drive up to the lodge?

A.

Yes. All lodges have their own parking areas to take two cars. Additional vehicles should be left in the main car park.

Q.

How far is it to the local attractions?

A.

There are many attractions and things to do within a very short drive of both Darwin Forest and Sandybrook Country Parks, for example:

Chatsworth House & Gardens - 5 miles from Darwin.
Bakewell - 8 miles from Darwin.
Matlock - 3 miles from Darwin.
Matlock Bath & The Heights of Abraham - 5 miles from Darwin.
Carsington Reservoir (Sailing & Water Sports) - 12 miles from Darwin, 5 miles from Sandybrook.
Ashbourne - 1 mile from Sandybrook.
Dovedale - 3 miles from Sandybrook.
Tissington Trail - 0.5 miles from Sandybrook.
Alton Towers - 8 miles from Sandybrook.

Please contact us for information on these or any other attractions you are interested in.

Q.

Do all lodges have showers?

A.

Under the section 'Choose Your Pinelodge', a description of each bath/shower room configuration is given. Many baths have showers over them to provide greater flexibility.

Q.

Is linen provided? What else do we need to bring?

A.

All bed linen and towels are provided, with the exception of linen for cots. Beds are made up for your arrival. You may wish to provide your own towels for use in the swimming pool. We provide washing-up liquid and a dish-washing cloth (as well as dishwasher tablets where appropriate). Irons and hairdryers are also provided. A selection of the latest films can be rented on DVD.

Q.

How much does electricity cost?

A.

Electricity is charged out at a modest 9p per kw/hour, which is possibly less than you will pay at home. For your comfort some electricity is already on the meter (with our compliments) when you arrive.

Electricity cards are purchased from Reception. Any unused cards can be redeemed at the end of your holiday.

We continue to make charges for electricity in order to provide an incentive for lodge occupiers to reduce consumption and save energy being wasted.

Q.

How many pets are allowed in the lodges?

A.

Just one pet is normally allowed at the lodge, although two small ones may be allowed by arrangement. Some lodges are kept pet free. Please check before you book.

Q.

Is there somewhere to walk dogs?

A.

There is plenty of woodland in which to walk dogs, but please keep them on a lead at all times and clean up any fouling. Special bins are provided by the woodland walk.

Q.

Is there somewhere close by to purchase groceries?

A.

Darwin Forest has its own Woodland Store where you can select from a wide range of groceries and gift lines. There are also supermarkets close by in Matlock and Chesterfield.
At Sandybrook we sell milk and a range of confectionary. We will also collect a newspaper for you if it is preordered. Supermarkets are close by in Ashbourne.

Q.

Are the parks accessible to those with mobility difficulties?

A.

At Darwin Forest we have an Accessibility Statement which you may download at the bottom of the Darwin Forest Country Park main page. This should give you all the detail you need.
A similar Statement is being produced for Sandybrook which will be available shortly.