Overview of Darwin Forest

Darwin Forest is a woodland lodge park near Matlock in Derbyshire, within easy reach of the Peak District. Set across approximately 47 acres, this park combines peaceful lodge accommodation with an indoor swimming pool, spa facilities, family activities, places to eat and woodland walks.

The accommodation consists entirely of lodges, with one to four bedroom choices sleeping between two and eight people. Every lodge has a private veranda, while selected lodges include a hot tub or welcome dogs. Accessible accommodation is also available.

Families can enjoy the indoor pool, Little Monkeys indoor play centre, playground, activity den, mini golf and recreation field. Couples can choose a one bedroom lodge, book spa treatments or spend time exploring the woodland and nearby Peak District towns.

Foresters Bar and Restaurant provides meals, drinks and takeaway choices, while Explorers Café is next to the indoor play centre. A convenience store is also available for groceries and holiday essentials.

Darwin Forest is ideal for families, couples, groups and dog owners looking for a lodge holiday with plenty to do on the park. Matlock, Bakewell, Chatsworth House and Matlock Bath are all within a short drive.

Darwin Forest at a Glance

Why is Darwin Forest a Great Holiday Park?

• Woodland lodge accommodation close to the Peak District
• One to four bedroom lodges sleeping up to eight people
• Private hot tubs available with selected lodges
• Indoor swimming pool included with lodge stays
• Indoor and outdoor activities for children
• Restaurant, café and convenience store within the park
• Dog friendly lodges and woodland walking routes
• Matlock, Bakewell and Chatsworth House within easy reach

FAQs About Darwin Forest

Does Darwin Forest have a swimming pool?

Yes. Darwin Forest has an indoor swimming pool within its leisure centre, with general swimming included for guests staying in the lodges.

Do the lodges at Darwin Forest have hot tubs?

Selected lodges include a private hot tub on the veranda. Guests wanting a hot tub should choose a lodge that specifically includes this feature.

Are dogs welcome at Darwin Forest?

Up to two dogs are welcome in selected dog friendly lodges. Woodland walks begin within the park, and dogs are also welcome in designated areas of the restaurant and café.

Is Darwin Forest suitable for families?

Darwin Forest is ideal for family lodge holidays. Facilities include an indoor pool, indoor play centre, playground, activity den, mini golf and organised activities on selected dates.

Is Darwin Forest close to the Peak District?

Yes. The park is near Matlock and provides easy access to Bakewell, Chatsworth House, Matlock Bath and the wider Peak District.

Does Darwin Forest have places to eat?

Foresters Bar and Restaurant serves meals and drinks, while Explorers Café offers snacks, light meals and refreshments beside the indoor play centre.

Accommodation at Darwin Forest

Darwin Forest offers one, two, three and four bedroom lodges sleeping between two and eight guests. The range includes accommodation for couples, families and larger groups planning a woodland break near the Peak District.

Every lodge has a private veranda with outdoor furniture. Inside, guests will find an open plan living and dining area, a kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom facilities. Kitchens include the main appliances and equipment needed for a self catering holiday.

Selected spa lodges include a private hot tub, creating a relaxing choice for couples, families and groups. Dog friendly lodges welcome up to two dogs, with gated decking available with selected accommodation.

Accessible two and three bedroom lodges are also available. These include ramped access, adapted bedrooms and wet room facilities for guests with additional mobility requirements.

Each lodge has parking for two vehicles, while extra cars can use the main car park. Bed linen, towels and WiFi are provided, although visitors may wish to bring extra towels for swimming or hot tub use.

Lodge Accommodation at Darwin Forest

Park Facilities at Darwin Forest

Darwin Forest has a strong range of facilities for family lodge holidays and relaxing Peak District breaks.

The indoor swimming pool is available to guests staying at the park. The leisure centre also includes a gym, beauty treatment rooms and an adults only spa area with a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

Little Monkeys is a large indoor play centre for younger children, with a separate area for toddlers. Older children can visit the Activity Den, which includes arcade games, pool tables and air hockey.

Outdoor facilities include a children’s playground, recreation field, mini golf course, tennis court and woodland trails. Bookable activities are available on selected dates and can include archery, sports and pool sessions.

Foresters Bar and Restaurant serves family meals, drinks and takeaway food. Explorers Café is beside the indoor play centre and provides meals, snacks and refreshments. The Woodland Store stocks groceries, local produce and holiday essentials.

The combination of indoor and outdoor facilities gives families plenty to do throughout their stay, while couples can enjoy the spa, woodland setting and nearby Peak District countryside.

Main Facilities at Darwin Forest

Facility	Information
Indoor pool	General swimming included for lodge guests
Spa	Sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi for adults
Gym	Exercise equipment and fitness facilities
Indoor play	Little Monkeys play centre for younger children
Activity den	Arcade games, pool tables and air hockey
Outdoor play	Playground and recreation field
Activities	Mini golf, tennis and bookable sessions
Food and drink	Restaurant, bar and café
Shop	Groceries, local produce and holiday essentials
Walking	Woodland trails around and beyond the park

Places to Visit Near Darwin Forest

Darwin Forest is close to many of the best known towns and attractions in Derbyshire and the Peak District.

Matlock is approximately four miles away and has shops, cafés, supermarkets and riverside walks. Nearby Matlock Bath is home to the Heights of Abraham, where cable cars travel above the valley to hilltop walks, viewpoints and cavern tours.

Bakewell is approximately 15 minutes away by car. Visitors can explore the town centre, riverside paths, independent shops and local food businesses. Chatsworth House is also within easy reach, with its historic house, gardens, farmyard and adventure playground.

Families can visit Matlock Farm Park, Peak Rail and Gulliver’s Kingdom. Crich Tramway Village combines historic trams with a recreated period street and woodland walks.

Carsington Water provides walking, cycling, play areas and water activities, while the Monsal Trail offers a largely traffic free route through tunnels and across old railway viaducts.

Guests can also begin shorter woodland walks directly from Darwin Forest, making it easy to combine days exploring the Peak District with quieter time close to the lodge.

Nearby Towns and Attractions