Last year we had a perfect stay at Darwin Forest Country Park so when we were approached to review its’ sister site, Sandybrook Country Park we jumped at the chance! Sandybrook is a 5* and award winning luxury lodge site located just outside of the Peak District town of Ashbourne and near to attractions such as Dovedale and the Tissington Trail. But the question is would the site live up to our super high expectations from our stay at Darwin Forest?CHECK IN AT SANDYBROOK COUNTRY PARK

Check in at Sandybrook Country Park was helpful and efficient. We were given a map of the site and despite a relatively late check in time starting at 4pm you can use the facilities on site for the whole arrival and departure day.

I loved the fact that we could drive straight up to our lodge and there was car parking for two cars directly outside. I hate it when I have to park our car miles away from your lodge. I always forget and have to traipse miles to retrieve something so this was very much appreciated.

PEAK DISTRICT LUXURY LODGES AT SANDYBROOK COUNTRY PARK

I was really excited to get into our lodge. We were staying in lodge 21 a Haddon Classic Vogue Lodge with two bedrooms and most importantly for me a hot tub! We were not disappointed with our Peak District luxury lodge.. There was one double bedroom and a bedroom with two single bedrooms. The luxury lodges are not equipped with cots or high chairs but could be hired for minimal charge. The bedrooms are bright and airy and are beautifully designed.

The lounge was super comfortable with two lovely sofas and a lovely fireplace which thankfully we never had cause to use.

One of my favourite parts of the lodge was the open plan kitchen which was perfectly equipped for families. There was a large fridge freezer, oven, microwave, kettle and toaster. While our lodge didn’t have a washing machine there is a 24 hour launderette on site, and there are luxury lodges available with washing machines if this is important to you.

The kitchen was also stocked with washing up liquid, tea towels, dishwasher tablets etc. One of the things I hate most about self catering cottages is that there is always one things you forget but at Sandybrook Country Park, the essentials had already been taken care of. While in comparison to Darwin Forest the onsite shop was far more limited – just milk and chocolate, but there are plenty of supermarkets in the market town of Ashbourne, roughly a 7 minute drive away.

But my absolute favourite part of the lodge and my new essential for holiday cottages was the hot tub on the deck! There was nothing like taking a relaxing dip in the hot tub after the little one had gone to bed. What is more relaxing than being in a hot tub surrounded by beautiful woodlands!

AMENITIES AT SANDYBROOK COUNTRY PARK

Sandybrook Country Park is filled with amenities for families. There is a nice sized heated swimming pool on site.  The pool was perfect for families being heated but also for parents with large family changing rooms!

The site also has an outdoor play area and most importantly since it is holidaying in the UK, there is a beautiful soft play for under 5s. My little one loved playing with the lodge which was stocked with tents, slides, lego and kitchens to name but a few.  It was fab and spotlessly clean like everything else on the site.

The site also had a short but nice woodland walk which while we were there was brimming with bluebells.

There are also lots of additional paid for activities on site such as crazy golf, archer to name but a few.

There is also an on-site restaurant, The Coach House for those wanting to eat out but be able to walk back to their lodge.

WHAT’S NEAR SANDYBROOK COUNTRY PARK

One of the great things about Sandybrook is its’ proximity to many attractions. Nearby are the cycling and walking paradise of Tissington Trail and Dovedale. For those wanting more cultural activities you can easily reach Chatsworth House and for the adventure seeker you are a short drive from Alton Towers and Cbeebies Land!

OUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE AT SANDYBROOK COUNTRY PARK

Sandybrook Country Park is somewhere we would definitely return to in a heartbeat! This Peak District Luxury Lodge was literally the perfect family friendly accommodation. It was one of the cleanest places we have ever stayed and offered everything a family could want on a UK family break! It was the perfect blend of rural and luxury and is the perfect family friendly accommodation in the Peak district. It is somewhere we would love to return to