Darwin Forest in Derbyshire: the Peak District's mini Center Parcs style resort

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at Darwin Forest

This was our first visit to Darwin Forest in Derbyshire

We had heard about Darwin Forest quite some time ago but we finally got to visit it for ourselves recently. 

I have to say, we were utterly impressed and found that Darwin Forest offers a lot more than we were expecting. ​

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First impressions of Darwin Forest

As the name suggests, Darwin Forest is a leafy resort. However, I would say that it is leafier than your average forest park. The word does tend to be used quite liberally to describe any holiday park with a couple of trees but in this case I would say it's deserved. 

When we first arrived, I was taken aback by the size of some of the larger buildings, which form part of the resort facilities. We have also visited sister-park Sandybrook (read the blog) but Darwin Forest is much bigger.

There was much more to do at Darwin Forest than we expected

The soft play building is particularly big at Darwin Escapes

The swimming pool and leisure centre is a big building at Darwin Forest

The pool at Darwin Forest looks like this (this photo isn't ours, but the rest are)

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Getting to know Darwin Forest

As we explored and got to know Darwin Forest a little better, we figured out that there are quite a few facilities that are used by guests and also by non-guests. This is a good model because it means that they can provide good facilities but don't just have to rely on bookings, which may well slow down during the winter months. 

So, if you're staying at Darwin Forest you get access to a swimming pool in a large modern building. There's also a very slick restaurant on the site called Foresters. I would say this is a step up from your average holiday park restaurant. You certainly wouldn't get a crooner in a shiny jacket belting out tunes in here. 

This classy restaurant is called Foresters

Besides that, there's also a very large soft play area as well as a decent (if not huge) playground. You can take a walk along the woodland path or sign up for things like archery. There's also an activity hub and an amusement arcade.​

The Little Monkeys Soft Play area at Darwin Forest

The main playground at Darwin Forest Holiday Resort is modern but not huge

We also found this smaller playground for younger children

Table tennis one of several sports at Darwin Forest

An exercise route called a Trim Trak is provided for guests

Archery will cost you extra at Darwin Forest

There's plenty of green space at Darwin Forest, including this football pitch

The Activity Den is home to an amusement arcade among other things

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General vibe at Darwin Forest

The general vibe and feel at Darwin Forest is something of a mini Center Parcs. To be clear, this is nowhere near the scale of Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, which has about 800 lodges spread over 400 acres. Darwin Forest has about 100 lodges and the facilities are on a much smaller scale. 

However, you do feel when you're walking between the lodges that you are well surrounded by trees rather than there just being one or two spaced out around the site.

Darwin Forest isn't too crammed in, so there is space to explore nearby

Tall trees dominate the accommodation area

The park is on a much smaller scale than Center Parcs

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Accommodation at Darwin Forest

Darwin Forest is certainly not a caravan park. The accommodation is pretty sizable lodges that fit in with the woodland aesthetic. 

The site is a flat one, so you don't really get spectacular views, which is something of a shame when it is in quite a pretty part of Derbyshire.

There are about 120 lodges at Darwin Forest

The lodges are larger and more substantial than holiday caravans

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Location of Darwin Forest

Of course, the location of Darwin Forest in Derbyshire means that you will not be heading off to the seaside. You've only got yourself to blame if you book a holiday in Derbyshire and bring your bucket and spade. 

However, the surrounding area is lovely, with the ups and downs of the Peak District and views that go on for miles from the high points.

You can pay to hire bikes at Darwin Forest if you want to set off and explore

There are a few suggested walking routes round the site

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Final thoughts

We were impressed with Darwin Forest. The facilities are looking in good condition. The central area is very smart with onbrand signposts and plenty of things to do.

Some of the paths further out from the centre are perhaps looking a little bit worn but this is only a very minor point in what is a very classy and nicely done holiday resort. 

One thing to consider is who this resort will be most popular with. Whilst the onsite facilities are excellent and the woodland vibe is great, Center Parcs offers this on a bigger scale and is not too far away. 

However, Center Parcs is considerably busier, with queues to get in and a requirement to plan and book each day's activities (and it is generally more expensive). You also don't tend to leave Center Parcs during your stay, whereas Darwin Forest is ideal for people who want a woodland country park type vibe but also want to get out and explore this part of Derbyshire.

If you want a slightly more chilled holiday, with good facilities on site and the Peak District on your doorstep then I'd say Darwin Forest is an excellent choice. ​

We loved this woodland carving at Darwin Forest

See our guide to where to stay in Derbyshire for more ideas.