FAQs
This is a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions. if you don't find the answer you're looking for, please contact Reception.
You can find our terms and conditions here.
The opening hours can be found here.
A 20% deposit is due at the time of booking and the full balance of your holiday must be paid for 10 weeks in advance, however you are very welcome to pay instalments between these two dates. Many people choose to pay an amount weekly or monthly. This can be done either online if you have booked via our website or over the phone by calling Reception on 01629 732428.
We are located 4 miles from Matlock, 7 miles from Chesterfield and 8 miles from Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales.
Detailed directions can be found here.
We do not have a printed price list available as the prices can change due to fluctuating demand and/or special offers. The current price for every holiday can be found by checking the availability on our website or by calling Reception.
If you cancel your holiday more than 10 weeks before you are due to arrive then you will lose your deposit.
If you cancel your holiday less than 10 weeks before you are due to arrive then we will retain the full balance of the holiday. This is why we strongly recommend that you take out the Cancellation Guarantee Plan at the time of booking or ensure you have UK Travel Insurance.
If it is more than 10 weeks before you are due to arrive then we are able to move your holiday subject to availability. You will be charged a £35 Administration Fee. Your balance will be adjusted according to the cost of the new holiday.
If you are due to arrive within 10 weeks then unfortunately we cannot move your holiday.
You can find out more about our Cancellation Guarantee Plan here.
Our Accessibility Statement can be downloaded here. Please contact us if you have any additional requirements or questions relating to the suitability of the lodge, our facilities or park before you book.
Yes, cots and high chairs can be hired for £9 per short break and £12 per week. You can also hire black out blinds for a £20 refundable deposit.
Please note that cots and highchairs must be ordered in advance and we only have a limited supply of black out blinds.
IMPORTANT: Not all of the bedrooms in your chosen lodge type may be large enough to accommodate a cot. If you want to ensure that a cot will fit in your preferred bedroom then you must confirm this with Reception prior to arrival.
Please note that there are only a couple of lodges that are capable of accommodating two cots in one bedroom. If you require two cots in one bedroom you must check whether this is possible with Reception prior to arrival.
Please note that having a cot in any of the bedrooms will restrict access to beds, drawers and wardrobes.
Our cots measurements are 120cm x 60cm.
Please be aware that cots are only suitable for children under 2.
You are required to bring your own cot bedding.
If you have any further questions, please contact Reception.
Items for Hire
You can add Cots and High Chairs at the time of booking or prior to arrival by calling Reception on 01629 732428.
Cots and High Chairs - We hire wooden cots for £9 per short break or £12 per week. Please note that you are required to bring your own cot linen.
The items below can be hired from Reception on arrival and are subject to availability on a first come basis.
Bed Guards - We hire bed guards for a £10 refundable deposit.
Black out Blinds - These can be hired during your stay from Reception for a £20 refundable deposit.
Children's items - Plastic crockery and cutlery and a bathroom step can be requested from Reception.
BBQs - These can be hired during your stay from Reception. The BBQs are free but have a £10 refundable deposit which is refunded if the BBQ is cleaned. Due to the fire risk, you are only allowed to use BBQs we have provided. Charcoal is available to buy in the shop.
Parasols - These can be hired during your stay from Reception for a £20 refundable deposit.
Fans - These can be hired during your stay from Reception for a £20 refundable deposit.
Veranda Gates - We hire veranda gates for a £10 refundable deposit. Please note that all pet friendly lodges have a fixed gate.
Robes & Slippers - These can be hired for £10 per person. A £70 charge will be incurred for missing robes.
Hot Tub Steps - We have a limited number available for people with mobility issues.
Our ‘Spa’ lodges include a hot tub for you to enjoy whilst on holiday. Each ‘Spa’ lodge includes two complimentary bathrobes in each double bedroom. E.g. A three bedroom lodge that has 1 double bedroom and 2 twin bedrooms will include two complimentary bathrobes.
Bathrobes are provided for use during your stay and must be left in your lodge when you depart. Bathrobes are provided for use with your lodge’s hot tub and should not be taken off-site or to the swimming pool.
Please note that missing bathrobes will be charged at £70 per bathrobe.
Additional bathrobes can be booked in advance via Reception. These are charged at £10 per bathrobe and a £70 charge will be incurred for any missing bathrobes. We only stock a limited amount of spare bathrobes onsite, so please book in advance of your holiday to avoid disappointment.
Yes, you can find details of our App and download here.
At Darwin Forest, we have been battling away with the mobile phone companies to improve coverage for many years. As things stand coverage is poor across the park - the best possibility for a signal is close to the entrance. There are public payphones and free Wi-Fi is provided in each lodge, Reception and the main facility buildings.
We recommend that you use What's App, Messenger or email to keep in touch with friends whilst you are staying on the park. Many people use What's App to make mobile calls or use Wi-Fi Calling if your device is set up to use this facility.
Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi Calling lets you make and receive calls and send messages over a Wi-Fi connection when your mobile network signal isn't available. For this feature to work, your phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network, have an active SIM card and Wi-Fi calling must be enabled by your network provider. Instructions can be found here.
This feature is available on most phones but many people do not realise if they live in an area that has good mobile coverage.
Wi-Fi Information
We are happy to provide free Wi-Fi and we have a capacity that is considered sufficient to cater for reasonable use by our guests.
All lodges have Wi-Fi access which should provide a suitable connection for every lodge. This is a complimentary service to provide internet browsing for leisure purposes. This is normally a reliable service but being a free shared connection across the park, we can’t guarantee the levels of service, availability, quality or bandwidth etc for individual lodges. You may not get as fast a connection as you get at home as many people may be sharing the connection simultaneously.
Need Help?
The majority of the Wi-Fi connection problems our guests experience relate to the setup of the individual’s devices, rather than the quality of the Wi-Fi connection we provide. Please contact reception if you experience significant problems and one of our maintenance team will try and assist you. Please note that you should only be required to register once. Please click ‘Done’ if this page appears again.
Your Personal Information
Protecting your personal data is important to Pinelodge Holidays Ltd. For further information please visit https://darwinforest.co.uk/privacy-policy
Watching on demand TV
You can cast TV, Movies and Music from your mobile or tablet to the lodge TV located in the Living Room.
If your lodge has a Samsung TV you need to change the Source using the remote control to HDMI 3.
If your lodge has a Sony TV you need to change the Source using the remote control to HDMI 2.
The TV will initially load the Google logo followed by a full screen photo. It is now ready.
Netflix, IPlayer, ITV Hub, More4, Spotify, Youtube, Disney+ and BT Sport are compatible but unfortunately you cannot use SkyGo.
Find the App on your device that you want to cast to the TV. E.g. Netfix
Locate the Casting Button.
Press the Casting Button. A pop up will appear with your Lodge Details. Click on the Lodge Name to Connect.
The TV will now load with the relevant App displayed and it will say Ready to Cast.
Press Play on your Device to watch.
Using a games console
High bandwidth downloads are restricted via the general Wi-Fi to maintain the overall quality of the service provided.
If you would like to use an internet enabled games console or connect to a laptop to download or stream, you will need to connect to the lodge router using an Ethernet cable and connect a HDMI cable from your device to the TV. If you do not have access to these cables we have a limited number available to hire from reception for a £10 refundable deposit per cable.
Sky Sports is not available in the lodges but we do show all the big sporting events and matches in the Foresters bar & restaurant.
Our facilites are open all year round, but can close at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances and we do not gurantee availability throughout your stay.
Current opening hours are:
- Foresters bar & Restaurant. The Foresters is usually open 7 days a week and serves a range of delicious meals throughout the day. Brunch and Lunch are served from 11.00 - 15.00 and evening meals are served from 16.00 - 20.00. Sunday Lunch is served from 12.00 - 18.00. A takeaway is usually offered daily from 11am until 8pm Monday - Saturday and 6pm - 8pm on Sundays. For further information please visit www.darwinforest.co.uk/foresters
- Evolution Health & Fitness. The swimming pool, gym and spa are open weekdays from 06.45 - 21.00 and weekends from 08.00 - 20.00. www.darwinforest.co.uk/facilities
- The Beauty Rooms. The beauty rooms are open for pre-bookable appointments. www.darwinforest.co.uk/beauty
- Instructor led Activities. We are offering a number of instructor led sessions such as archery, crossbow and mini jet skis. Further details about instructor led activities can be found at www.darwinforest.co.uk/activities
- Little Monkeys Play Centre & Explorer's Cafe. Little Monkeys Play Centre is open daily from 10am – 6pm. The Explorer's Cafe will be open when Little Monkeys is open.
- Activity Den. The Activity Den with games arcade, small soft play and pool tables is open.
- Guest led Activities such as mini golf, bike hire and tennis are available.
- Outdoor Facilities. Guests are able to use the playground, recreation field, trim trak and the forest trails.
We have 4 Electric Charging points onsite that are provided by BP Pulse
We have 4 Electric Charging points onsite that are provided by Pod Point.
The maximum stay between 8am - 8pm is 5 hours. Any cars that are parked in these spaces for longer than 5 hours will incur additional charges.
Please download the BP Pulse or PodPoint App before you arrive.
Please note that these machines can be out of order for periods of time whilst we wait for engineers. Please let Reception know if the machines are out of order so that we can also report the fault to the relevant company. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but unfortunately it is out of our control. Please be aware that you may have to find alternative charging points in the area during your holiday as we cannot guarantee the availability of the charging points onsite.
Further information can be found here.
Evolution Health & Fitness which includes the swimming pool, gym and spa is open:
Weekdays: 06.45 - 21.00
Weekends: 08.00 - 20.00
There is no need to pre-book. Swimming is free but gym sessions cost £4.00 (or £10 per block of 4) and spa sessions cost £4.00. Payment due on arrival at Evolution Reception.
Please note that Aqua Classes, Activities & Swimming Lessons may limit availability. Please refer to the pool timetable at Evolution.
To access the swimming pool you are required to sign in at Evolution Reception and show your lodge key. Children under 16 years old must be supervised at all times and will not be allowed into the facility without a responsible adult. Children under 12 years must be accompanied in the swimming pool by the responsible adult. Children aged 12 and over may be supervised by the responsible adult from the swimming pool spectator area. The gym and spa areas are strictly for people aged 16 years and over. Passes can be purchased from Evolution.
Please bring your own towels.
Use of the swimming pool and the small soft play area in the Activity Den are complimentary, but additional charges are made for other facilities as follows:
Little Monkeys Play Centre is £3.50 Mon-Fri & £4.50 weekends per child.
Spa Session (Including sauna, steam, jacuzzi and feature showers) is £4.00 per session or £10 for 4 sessions.
Gym Session is £4.00 per session or £10 for 4 sessions.
Mini Golf - £2 adults & £1.50 children. Mini Golf is currently free to park guests and clubs can be collected from main Reception. Please ensure you know your lodge number and the name of the lead booker to be eligible to play for free.
Tennis Court - £4 per hour. Short Tennis is £2/hour.
Bikes - £7 half day and £12 all day.
We also have a range of free and paid for activities available.
Our activities are extremely popular so we would recommend that you book in advance. You can view the timetable and book online here.
Alternatively you can book by telephoning Evolution on 01629 736222.
Yes, we recommend that you book a table in advance to avoid disappointment. Please note that if you are part of a large group we advise that you book tables at the restaurant in advance to ensure that you can be catered for together. You also need to pre-book afternoon tea.
To reserve a table at the Foresters please telephone 01629 736225 or book online.
Takeaway
We offer a Takeaway service from the Foresters bar & restaurant but this service may be unavailable during peak times when the kitchen is busy preparing food for restaurant diners.
However, there are plenty of options available locally, some of which deliver to the park. Please note that this list is based purely on locality and is not a recommendation. Please refer to Trip Advisor for reviews. For details of other places in the local area for a takeaway click here
Places to eat in the local area
All pubs and restaurants in the local area are extremely busy and we recommend that you book in advance. This list is purely based on locality and is not a recommendation. Please refer to Trip Advisor for reviews. For details of local pubs and restaurants please click here.
Darwin Forest has its own Woodland Store where you can select from a wide range of essential groceries and gifts. The Woodland Store stocks a range of local produce including milk from the local dairy, meat from the local award winning butchers and freshly baked bread. They also stock a wide range of essentials, tinned and frozen goods, toiletries, confectionery, alcohol, toys and gifts.
There is also a Sainsburys in Matlock, a Tesco and Aldi in Alfreton and a Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsburys and Aldi in Chesterfield. Please contact Reception for your lodge number should you wish to have your groceries delivered. Please state your lodge number and the name the booking was made under on the delivery details. If you are booking a delivery for the day of arrival please specify a delivery time of between 5pm and 7.45pm.
Yes, you can buy vouchers here.
Yes, we work with a number of fantastic local attractions to sell discounted tickets to our guests. These include Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Heights of Abraham, Peak Wildlife Park, Go Ape, Crich Tramway Museum, Matlock Farm Park and the Great British Car Journey Museum.
All discounts are automatically applied to the price shown when you check availability. However if you have stayed 3 or more times in the past 5 years you are eligible for a loyalty discount which can only be obtained by making your booking by calling Reception on 01629 732428.
We also have a range of packages that can be added to your booking such as Champagne, Chocolates, Beauty Treatments or Afternoon Tea.
Any special offers can be found here.
We have been made aware of websites and social media pages that are attempting to sell holidays at Darwin Forest for discounted rates. Please note that you can only book a holiday at Darwin Forest either direct with ourselves by telephoning Reception on 01629 732428, via www.darwinforest.co.uk or through Hoseasons and their accredited distribution channels.
If you are offered a holiday at Darwin Forest, especially at an apparent “discounted price” when compared to the amount that you otherwise could buy from us direct or via Hoseasons then please be aware that this will have been offered on a fraudulent basis.
Please be aware that these holidays do not exist so you are set to lose your money if you buy from these fraudulent operators. We would hate to see any of our customers affected by fraud and to arrive onsite to be disappointed that they do not have a holiday booked with us.
Please be vigilant and if you have any concerns, please get in touch.
Yes, customers who have booked direct with the park on 3 or more occasions over the past 5 years will receive a 5% discount, please mention this at the time of booking and our Reception Team will apply the Loyalty discount.
We offer short breaks from Monday - Friday (4 nights), Friday - Monday (3 nights) or 7, 10 or 14 nights.
2 night breaks may be available very last minute but these can only be booked by calling Reception.
We do not offer 1 night stays.
A deposit of 20% is payable at the time of booking if your holiday has an arrival date of more than 10 weeks away.
If you have booked online via our website you can pay your balance by logging into your account.
You can also pay over the phone by debit or credit card by telephoning 01629 732428.
Alternatively you can pay by BACS. Please quote your reference number on all correspondence.
All Classic Skyline, Classic Vogue and Elite Vogue lodges should be ready for check-in at 4pm. The Glade Exclusive and Spinney Exclusive Spa lodges benefit from an early 2pm check-in. The Coppice Pet Spa, Spinney Pet Spa, Meadow Lodges (New England Spa, Horizon Spa and Skyline Spa) and the Woodlands Spa Cottage benefit from an early 3pm check-in. You will receive an email if your lodge is ready early.
On the day of arrival we ask that you do not arrive onsite until after 1pm unless you have pre-booked the facilities or activities onsite. You can find out more about the facilities on our website. Your lodge should be vacated by 10am on the day of departure.
Please note that if a fault has been found in your lodge during the change over day your check-in time may be delayed. If you are affected by a late check-in we will contact you.
If you will be arriving later than 8pm, please contact Reception on 01629 732428 so that we can advise you of our late check-in procedure.
We are very proud to have been awarded:
- Hoseasons Best in Britain Award 2023. Winner of the large park category.
- Hoseasons Diamond Awards 2023. Best Relax and Explore Holiday Park in the Heart of England.
- Visit England Quality Assessment 2023. Awarded 5 Star Gold.
- Trip Advisor 2023. Certificate of Excellence.
- David Bellamy Awards 2023. GOLD.
- Green Key Accreditation 2023
- 2020 Gold winner in the Visit England Awards for Excellence
- 2022 Silver winner at the Visit Peak District Awards
Yes, you can see the location of the lodges on our park map. The map also shows the facilities, woodland walks and forest trail. For a more detailed look around Darwin Forest please click here for a virtual tour.
Yes, if you book direct you can choose which lodge number or area of the park you stay in. This is subject to availability. Please telephone Reception on 01629 732428.
You can find a lodge Inventory here.
Yes. All lodges have two car parking spaces. Additional vehicles should be left in the main car park.
Two dogs are allowed to stay in our pet friendly lodges. Some lodges are kept dog free. Please check before you book.
Dogs are charged at £30 per short break and £45 per week. The Coppice Pet Spa and Spinney Pet Spa lodges are especially designed with pets in mind and have a utility room.
Dogs are not allowed on the furniture. There is a dog wash area near the recycling area. We recommend you bring your own dog towels and blankets for post muddy walk washes!
No cats or birds are allowed.
Please read the full Terms & Conditions of bringing a dog on holiday.
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. Please read the full Terms & Conditions of bringing a dog on holiday.
If you want to make a group booking or reserve more than one lodge then please call Reception on 01629 732428. By booking direct with Reception we can ensure that your group is allocated lodges close together.
There is an abundance of cycling routes and walks in the local area.
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 additional towels for use in the swimming pool or if you have a Spa lodge. 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.
Plastic cups and cutlery are available in the Glade Exclusive, Spinney Exclusive, Spinney Spa Coppice Spa and Meadow Spa lodges. However, we are happy to provide plastic cups on request to other lodges. Please ask reception.
Yes, BBQs are available to hire from Reception for a £10 refundable deposit.
Please note that you are not allowed to bring your own BBQ (including disposible) or firepit. Please also be aware that BBQs including disposable BBQs or any form of open fire are not permitted in the open countryside anywhere in the Peak District.
All 3 and 4 bedroom lodges include a washing machine. All Glade Exclusive Spa, Spinney Exclusive Spa, Spinney Spa, Coppice Spa and Meadow Spa lodges include a washing machine regardless of size. Irons and ironing boards are provided for guests in all lodges. There is also a small laundry for guests to use.
Unfortunately there is no public transport to Darwin Forest and we advise that you will need a car to get around the Peak District. The nearest train and bus stations are in Matlock and Chesterfield.
There are several airports surrounding the Peak District. The two larger airports are Manchester (45 miles away/Approx 85 minutes drive) and Birmingham (65 miles away/Approx 75 minutes drive). The area is also served by East Midlands Airport (40 miles away/Approx 55 minutes drive) and Doncaster Robin Hood Airport (40 miles away/Approx 60 minutes drive).
The nearest ferry terminal to Europe is at Hull (90 miles away/Approx 100 minutes drive).
All vacancies can be found here.
To protect the privacy of our guests you are not allowed to fly a drone at Darwin Forest unless you have written permission from the Associate Marketing Director. To request permission please email cpovey@pinelodgeholidays.co.uk