Our family recently had the pleasure of staying at Darwin Forest, an award-winning holiday park in the picturesque heart of Derbyshire. With its combination of stunning natural beauty, a wealth of family-friendly activities, and a range of fantastic on-site facilities, this park proved to be the perfect destination for a much-needed family retreat. From the moment we arrived, to the very last day of our stay, Darwin Forest exceeded our expectations on every level. In this post, I’ll share the intricate details of our experience, covering everything from accommodation and activities to dining and service, so you can make an informed decision if you’re planning your next family holiday.
Arrival & First Impressions
As we arrived at Darwin Forest, the first thing we noticed was how peaceful and serene the surroundings were. The park is nestled deep within the Derbyshire Dales, surrounded by lush woodlands and rolling hills. We were immediately struck by the park's natural beauty, with dense trees, meadows, and tranquil walking paths creating a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Upon arrival, the check-in process was swift and friendly. The reception team greeted us with warm smiles and a helpful overview of the park's amenities. They provided us with a map of the park, as well as details of the various activities available during our stay. We also received a comprehensive welcome pack, which was filled with useful information, including timetables for swimming, fitness classes, and a list of available activities for children and families. The staff made sure to let us know that they were always available for any questions we might have throughout our stay, which was reassuring.
Accommodation
Our accommodation was a premium lodge, a perfect home-away-from-home for our family of four. The lodge was spacious, tastefully decorated, and designed to be both comfortable and functional. It featured an open-plan living space with a modern kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and large windows that overlooked the beautiful surrounding forest. The wooden beams and natural materials in the decor added a rustic charm, fitting perfectly with the natural environment.
The kitchen was fully equipped with everything we needed, including a dishwasher, microwave, oven, hob, fridge, and even a washing machine—making our stay that much easier, especially when traveling with young children. The lounge area was a great place to unwind after a busy day of activities, with a large flat-screen TV and plenty of space for us to relax.
The bedrooms were equally impressive. We had a master bedroom with a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom, which our two children shared, was well-sized with twin beds and plenty of storage for all their belongings. Both bedrooms were immaculately clean and comfortable, and the beds provided a restful night's sleep after each fun-filled day.
Another highlight was the private outdoor space. Our lodge came with its own patio area equipped with outdoor seating, where we spent time in the evenings enjoying a drink, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. There was also a designated BBQ area, which would be perfect for a family cookout in the warmer months.
Evolution Health & Fitness
One of the standout features of Darwin Forest is the Evolution Health & Fitness Centre. This fantastic facility offers something for everyone, whether you're into fitness, swimming, or just looking to relax and unwind.
Gym
The gym at Evolution is one of the best-equipped I’ve seen in a holiday park. Open from early in the morning until late in the evening, it offers a wide range of equipment, from cardio machines and resistance machines to free weights and stretching areas. As someone who enjoys fitness, I was impressed by the variety of machines and the overall layout, which allows for a great workout experience no matter your fitness level. It’s also spacious, so even during busier times, I never felt cramped or rushed.
Swimming Pool
The highlight of Evolution for our family, however, was the indoor swimming pool. The pool is beautifully maintained and offers a constant depth of 120cm, making it ideal for young swimmers. The water temperature was set at a very comfortable 28-30°C, perfect for both adults and kids. We spent a lot of time in the pool as a family, especially enjoying the lane swimming area where I could get in some laps while the kids played. It was lovely to have a space where everyone could enjoy themselves, whether they were swimming, floating, or playing with the pool toys provided.
Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult in the pool, and this is strictly enforced, which was reassuring. The spa area, reserved for adults (16+), was also fantastic. We spent a few hours relaxing in the Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room after a busy day of activities. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge.
Fitness Classes
We also tried out a couple of the fitness classes offered at Evolution. Booking was simple, and the cost was very reasonable (£4 per class). I attended an aqua aerobics class, which was held in the pool, and found it to be both fun and challenging. The instructor was very friendly and made sure to tailor the class to all fitness levels, making it accessible for everyone.
The Foresters
After a long day of activities, there’s nothing better than enjoying a good meal, and The Foresters didn’t disappoint. This is the park’s main bar and restaurant, offering a cozy and relaxed dining experience for families.
Brunch & Lunch
The brunch & lunch menu was available every day until 3:00 PM, with a variety of options to suit different tastes. We enjoyed everything from hearty cooked breakfasts (perfect for starting the day right) to lighter meals like sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and salads. The food was fresh, flavorful, and well-priced. We especially loved the daily specials, which gave us something new to try each day.
Evening Menu
The evening menu (served from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM) was fantastic, with a range of delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Our family tried a variety of dishes—from fresh fish and steak to classic pub favourites like bangers and mash. One night, we enjoyed a traditional Sunday roast, which was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. The roast potatoes were crispy, the meat was tender, and the gravy was just right. The children’s menu was also excellent, offering smaller portions of the main menu items, making it easier for our little ones to enjoy the same delicious meals.
Pizza Menu
The pizza menu, available on Sundays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, was a hit with the kids. The pizzas were freshly made, with a variety of toppings, and they even offered a gluten-free option, which was a nice touch for anyone with dietary requirements.
Alfresco Dining
One of the things we loved most about The Foresters was the alfresco dining area, which was perfect for sunny afternoons. With a playground just adjacent to the dining area, it was easy to enjoy a meal while watching the kids play. The outdoor seating was comfortable, and the surrounding scenery added to the relaxing atmosphere.
Sky Sports
Sports Viewing: The Foresters has Sky Sports, so you can catch up on all the big sporting events while enjoying a meal or drink with friends or family.
Local Drinks Selection
Local Real Ales: The Foresters serves a variety of locally brewed real ales, including Peak Ales, so you can enjoy a taste of the local brewing scene.
Derbyshire Gins: A selection of locally distilled gins, including the unique Darwin Forest Gin, is available for gin lovers.
Afternoon Tea
The Foresters serves a delightful afternoon tea, perfect for relaxing and indulging with a variety of teas, sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
Dog-Friendly
We also appreciated that The Foresters was dog-friendly. We travel with our dog, and the bar area allowed well-behaved dogs to dine with their owners, which was a real bonus.
Little Monkeys
The Little Monkeys Indoor Soft Play Centre was another major highlight of our stay. This enormous play area kept our children entertained for hours. The structure is multi-tiered, featuring climbing walls, slides, trampolines, rope swings, and tunnels. It was a perfect place for our kids to burn off some energy while we enjoyed a well-deserved break. The soft play is designed to be safe and fun, with staff on hand to monitor the children and ensure everything runs smoothly.
For younger children, there is also a dedicated toddler play area, which includes a ball pit and interactive play equipment. It was ideal for our youngest, and we appreciated how much thought had gone into creating age-appropriate spaces within the soft play centre.
Multi-Tiered Soft Play Area
Climbing & Sliding Fun: Little Monkeys features a multi-tiered soft play centre, where children can climb, crawl, bounce, and slide. The play area includes various obstacles like nets, ropes, tunnels, and slides, perfect for keeping kids entertained for hours.
Toddler Play Area
Dedicated Toddler Zone: For younger children (0-3 years), there is a special toddler play area that includes a ball pit, interactive play equipment, and a small slide, designed to ensure that toddlers have a safe and fun space to play away from older children.
Adventure Play Equipment
Climbing Frames & Ropes: The main play structure includes a wide range of climbing frames, balance beams, ropes, and more, allowing children to test their physical skills and improve their coordination while having fun.
Trampolines: Little Monkeys also features trampolines where kids can jump and bounce, adding an extra layer of fun to their playtime.
Inflatable Fun
Bouncy Fun: The soft play centre includes inflatable features, such as bouncy sections and slides, adding an element of excitement for kids to bounce around and enjoy.
Play Sessions & Pricing
Affordable Entry Fees: Children can enjoy a 2-hour play session for £3.50 on weekdays and £4.50 on weekends. This makes it a great option for families looking for an affordable way to entertain their little ones.
No Pre-Booking Required: While it’s encouraged to check for availability, you generally do not need to pre-book for Little Monkeys, although some periods may require booking for tables.
Children's Meal Deals
Pay & Play Meal Deal: During term time (weekdays), the Children's Pay & Play Meal Deal offers a fantastic value package that includes 2 hours of play, a beaker of squash, and a children’s main meal for just £7.50. This option is available from 3pm weekdays during school terms.
Age Restrictions
Suitable for Ages Under 11: Little Monkeys is specifically designed for children under the age of 11 and with a height of 1.45m (4ft 9in) or shorter. This ensures that all the activities are safe and age-appropriate for younger children.
Free Entry for Babies & Adults
Free for Babies: Babies under 12 months old get free entry, making it a fantastic place for families with babies to visit.
Accompanying Adults: Adults can accompany their children free of charge, but they must supervise their children at all times.
Opening Hours
Open Daily: Little Monkeys is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, offering plenty of time for families to visit and enjoy the facilities.
Party Rooms & Packages
Children’s Party Packages: Little Monkeys offers special party rooms and party packages designed for birthdays and special occasions. These packages ensure that both children and parents can enjoy a hassle-free, fun-filled celebration with everything arranged for them.
Café & Refreshments
Explorers Café: After a fun-filled session, parents and children can head over to the Explorers Café (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM) for a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and light bites.
Special Events & Themed Activities
Holiday & Event-Based Activities: During peak times such as school holidays or special events, Little Monkeys may offer extra activities or themed sessions for children to enjoy, adding more excitement to their visit.
Outdoor Activities
In addition to the on-site facilities, Darwin Forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities. We took advantage of the circular walks, which were relaxing and provided great views of the surrounding countryside. There are also forest trails, perfect for a more immersive outdoor experience. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can hire mountain bikes to explore the park's extensive cycle routes.
For a little family-friendly competition, we enjoyed the mini golf course and had a blast trying out the Trim Trak—a fun, outdoor obstacle course with climbing walls, monkey bars, and balance beams
Other available activities include:
Splash Hour: A fun-filled hour at the swimming pool with inflatables, noodles, and balls available for play. No booking required, and it’s free! Held on select days and times (e.g., Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons).
Charlie’s Challenge: A treasure hunt-style activity where you follow clues around the park to discover sculptures, forest games, and more. Complete the challenge and receive a certificate!
Circular Walks: Explore the scenic beauty of Darwin Forest with free circular walks around the park. A great way to take in the natural surroundings while getting a little exercise.
Forest Trail: A 2km trail through the forest where you can learn about the local flora and fauna, with educational notice boards along the way.
Mini Golf: A fun activity for all ages, with free mini-golf for park guests. You can hire equipment from reception.
Orienteering: Test your navigation skills with this fun, map-based activity. Free maps are available, and it's suitable for all ages.
Trim Trak: A forest obstacle course with climbing walls, monkey bars, and balance beams. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
Woodland Games & Sculptures: Explore the park’s woodlands to discover various interactive games and sculptures, such as noughts and crosses, a drum kit with guitars, and wooden sculptures.
Recreation Field
Ideal for a family picnic or a game of rounders, this open space is perfect for some relaxed outdoor fun. The field also doubles as a great spot to play football or enjoy other family activities.
Bookable Activities:
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, the Go Active program offers a variety of bookable activities. We tried Water Walkerz, which was an absolute blast. Running around in a giant inflatable ball was hilarious and gave everyone a good laugh. The archery session was also a great experience, and it was fun to learn the basics of bow and arrow shooting with the help of a knowledgeable instructor.
Other activities available:
Archery: Learn to shoot a bow and hit the target in this fun activity, suitable for children aged 7 and over. Sessions are £20 per person or £60 for a group of up to 8 people.
BodyZorbing: Bounce around in a giant inflatable ball! Available from April to October, BodyZorbing is suitable for children over 6 (max weight 14 stone) and costs £60 for a group session.
Crossbow: Try your hand at shooting with a crossbow. Suitable for ages 12+ and priced at £20 per person or £60 for a group.
Mini Jet Ski: Children aged 3-7 can enjoy a thrilling mini jet ski ride in the swimming pool for £10 per child.
Pickleball: A fun and fast-paced sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. A family-friendly activity, priced at just £2 per person for an hour.
SeaScooters: Glide across and under the water using sea scooters. Must be able to swim and meet the height requirement (140cm). Costs £10 per child for a 30-minute session.
Short Tennis: A more relaxed version of tennis, perfect for children or anyone wanting a slower pace of the game. £2 per session.
Waterwalkerz: For those over 5 years old, try walking on water in a giant inflatable ball! Sessions last 10 minutes and cost £10 per person.
A Perfect Family Holiday
Our stay at Darwin Forest was an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family fun. Whether we were lounging by the pool, enjoying a delicious meal at The Foresters, or letting the kids run wild in the Little Monkeys Play Centre, there was always something for everyone to enjoy. The park’s stunning natural surroundings, combined with the fantastic on-site facilities, made it the ideal place for a family getaway.
The level of attention to detail, from the accommodation to the variety of activities available, made our stay truly special. We felt like we could unwind and recharge while also having plenty of opportunities for adventure and excitement. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and family-focused.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in some self-care at the Evolution Health & Fitness Centre, enjoy outdoor adventures, or simply relax in a peaceful, scenic environment, Darwin Forest has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
We left feeling refreshed, reconnected as a family, and already planning our next visit. If you’re looking for a holiday destination that offers a little bit of everything—nature, adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly fun—Darwin Forest should be at the top of your list. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an experience you’ll cherish for years to come.
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