Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Park's facilities open all year round?

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.  Little Monkeys and the Explorers Cafe opens from 10am to 6pm each day.

Can you drive up to the lodge?

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

How far is it to the local attractions?

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.

Do all lodges have showers?

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.

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

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.

How much does electricity cost?

The cost of electricity for heating, lighting and cooking is now included in the cost of rental.  This new policy has been introduced after customers indicated that they would prefer the convenience of paying in this way.  

What is mobile phone coverage like at the parks?

At Darwin Forest, we have been battling away with the mobile phone companies to improve coverage for many years. As things stand coverage is very poor across the park - the best possibility for a signal is close to the entrance.  Ample public payphones and free Wi-Fi internet access (in Reception and Evolution) are provided.

Sandybrook has good mobile phone reception for most service providers, as well as free Wi-Fi internet access.

What additional charges are made for using facilities?

Use of the swimming pools and soft play areas are complimentary, but additional charges are made for other facilities as follows.

Darwin - Little Monkeys Play Centre £3.50 per child (£1 discount for guests staying on the park), spa/sauna/steam £3.75 per session, mini-golf £2 adults & £1.50 children, tennis court £4 per hour, short tennis £2/hour, full size snooker table £4 per hour, bikes £6 half day and £10 all day.  A limited number of bikes are also available at Sandybrook.  

How many pets are allowed in the lodges?

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.

Is there somewhere to walk dogs?

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.

Is there somewhere close by to purchase groceries?

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 confectionery. We will also collect a newspaper for you if it is pre ordered. Supermarkets are close by in Ashbourne.

Are the parks accessible to those with mobility difficulties?

Accessibility Statements are available for both parks and may be downloaded from the Customer Services page.