Darwin Forest, Matlock
Darwin Forest, Matlock
Site
Matlock, Peak District
DARF

Darwin Forest

Part of theMagnificentCollection

4.8

out of 5

Darwin Forest, part of our exclusive Magnificent Collection, is nestled in a beautiful woodland setting near Matlock and Bakewell, right on the edge of Derbyshire’s breathtaking Peak District. A proud winner of multiple accolades, including the prestigious Best in Britain award, this premier park offers a perfect blend of top-tier facilities and serene natural surroundings—ideal for enjoying quality family time at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone.

For those in need of some well needed relaxation and pampering, Evolution Health and Fitness provides a heated indoor pool, spa area, gym, and even indulgent beauty treatments to help you unwind. Then for those looking for more adventure, activities like tennis, mini-golf, body zorbing, archery, and Sea Scooters await, while numerous footpaths and cycling trails wind through the park, offering scenic routes for exploration. Little ones will delight in the multi-level fun at Little Monkeys indoor play centre, and older kids can head to the Activity Den for pool tables, air hockey, and arcade games. The Trim Trak obstacle course and orienteering are family favourites, or you can simply enjoy a tranquil woodland walk.

Outside the resort, the wonders of the Peak District await. Alton Towers promises a day of adrenaline-pumping fun, while the elegant Chatsworth House invites you for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Explore the scenic Monsal Trail, ride the Heights of Abraham cable car for stunning panoramic views, venture into historic underground caverns, or hike up Mam Tor and Bamford Edge for unforgettable vistas. There’s no shortage of natural beauty and exciting attractions to discover.
Please note, the park requires 72 hours’ notice if adding extras onto the booking:
  • Celebration Pack
  • Pamper Pack
  • Champagne and Chocolates
  • Indoor heated pool
  • Evolution health and fitness leisure centre
  • Spa*, steam room*, sauna* (over 16s)
  • Gym* (over 16s)
  • Massage and beauty treatments*
  • Foresters Bar and Restaurant
  • Explorers Café
  • Wi-Fi access
  • Trim Trak
  • Cycle hire*
  • Mini golf*
  • Archery*
  • Pool table*
  • Tennis court*
  • Little Monkeys Indoor Play Centre*
  • Childrens playground
  • SeaScooters*
  • Body Zorbs*
  • Orienteering course*
  • Woodland walks
  • DVD hire*
  • Parking for two cars next to lodge†
  • Shop, launderette*

†Two spaces is subject to size of the vehicles
††Age restrictions may apply to activities
All facilities available for all dates, except the Foresters Bar and Restaurant (shuts Christmas Day only). *Charges apply.

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Awards

    David Bellamy Gold

    Diamond Awards - Winner 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Features

Bar
Cafe/Take Away
Fishing Nearby - Within 3 miles
Golf Nearby - Within 3 miles
Gym/Fitness Room
Indoor Heated Pool
Kids Play Area
Launderette
Restaurant
Sauna
Shop/Supermarket
Spa And Beauty
WiFi

Overall holiday experience

Based on 359 reviews

4.8

out of 5

Value for money

4.4

Location and surroundings

4.9

Helpfulness of staff

4.9

Facilities

4.7

Overall rating

4.8

Verified Customer Review

5

out of 5

Really enjoyed our stay at Darwin Forest, our accommodation was the Spinney Spa 1 pet friendly lodge, it was clean and well kept with everything you need for a short break with the added bonus of a hot tub and a sauna. We enjoyed it so much we've booked again for next year!

12 Jun 2025

Verified Customer Review

5

out of 5

Great location. The forest (and forest trails) are awesome. The facilities, bar/restaurant, cafe, are great and the food/drinks are all lovely, and the staff are all friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend.

12 Jun 2025

Jayne

  • Cleethorpes

4

out of 5

Really lovely park spotless clean and kept .good distance to places to go and attractions. Would of been 5 star the on site pub wasn't impressed with menu or the food we had was OK not great .lovely inside n out staff ok ..just menu need some more basic on there too for picky eaters and people just had long journeys want something good quality and reasonable price... found the menu steep and fussy ok if you want a romantic meal out but sometimes you just want a family lunch or tea on site when your tired n hungry ...may be a sipnlebar menu as well as the high end be better .

10 Jun 2025

Location

Accommodation

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