Darwin Forest Lodges with Kids: Our Honest Family Review

Where is Darwin Forest?

Darwin Forest is a woodland holiday park near Matlock in Derbyshire, on the edge of the beautiful Peak District.

It's a brilliant location for families who enjoy getting outdoors, with walking and cycling routes directly from the holiday park and plenty of attractions within driving distance.

One of the things that appealed to us was the opportunity to enjoy a woodland break without needing to leave the site every day.

With only two nights away, we wanted to make the most of our time rather than spending the weekend driving between attractions.

Can you book Darwin Forest for two nights?

This was one of the biggest advantages of booking quite last minute.

Darwin Forest usually has a three-night minimum stay for many weekend bookings. However, because there was availability remaining close to our travel dates, two-night stays became available.

That meant we could arrive after school on Friday, enjoy Saturday and Sunday, and save more than £100 compared with booking three nights.

Our two-bedroom Chatsworth lodge

We stayed in a two-bedroom Chatsworth lodge, one of the upgraded accommodation options rather than the most basic lodge.

We deliberately chose a lodge without a hot tub, although Darwin Forest also offers plenty of lodge options with private hot tubs for families who would prefer one.

For a short, activity-filled weekend with young children, we decided we didn't need one.

What was the lodge like?

We arrived around teatime on Friday and immediately felt at home.

The lodge was lovely inside. It felt modern, comfortable and really cosy, particularly for an autumn weekend.

One thing that particularly stood out was how well equipped everything was.

We've stayed in several Center Parcs lodges over the years, and I actually thought our Chatsworth lodge felt like a step up in terms of the little extras provided.

We had shampoo and conditioner, a generous supply of dishwasher tablets, a proper bottle of washing-up liquid and a good selection of pots, pans and kitchen utensils.

They're small details, but they make a difference when you're travelling with young children.

There's nothing worse than arriving somewhere for just two nights and having to buy a whole bottle of washing-up liquid because you've forgotten yours!

The lodge also felt newer and more modern than some of the Center Parcs accommodation we've stayed in.

After busy days exploring, it was lovely to return to somewhere so cosy for a relaxed evening.

Things to do at Darwin Forest with kids

The biggest surprise for us was how much there was to do without leaving the park.

We filled our weekend with swimming, cycling, mini golf, woodland adventures and soft play, and still didn't manage to explore everything.

1. Swimming at Evolution Health & Fitness

We started Saturday morning with a swim at the on-site Evolution Health & Fitness Centre, arriving around 8.30–9am.

The indoor swimming pool was lovely and warm, with two lanes sectioned off and a decent area for general swimming.

It's nothing like the enormous tropical swimming complexes at Center Parcs, but we actually really enjoyed that.

There was plenty of room, and the quieter environment suited our two much better.

Our youngest has been going through a phase of being a little unsure about swimming, and the staff were incredibly kind.

They noticed he was a bit hesitant and offered us a rubber ring, a larger float and an inflatable beach ball to help him settle in.

It was such a thoughtful gesture, and made a real difference to our morning.

What about Splash Hour?

Darwin Forest also runs Splash Hours, when inflatables and additional pool toys are brought out for children.

We considered going, but thought it might be a little busy for our two, so decided to stick with the quieter session.

Swimming is included for lodge guests, making it a great activity that doesn't add to your holiday budget.

2. Cycling around the woodland trails

One of our favourite activities was exploring the forest by bike.

We'd brought both boys' bikes with us. Our eldest was on his Frog pedal bike, while our youngest used his balance bike.

I'd planned to bring my own bike, but a problem with the saddle meant I ended up hiring one on site.

Bike hire was £12 for a full day or £7 for half a day, which I thought was very reasonable.

They also hire out children's bikes, balance bikes and other family cycling equipment.

Are the cycling trails suitable for little kids?

Generally, yes!

We found the paths well maintained and mostly flat, although there were a few short inclines that were harder for our youngest on his balance bike.

There are several clearly marked walking trails, and you'll receive a map showing the routes and different things to discover.

Some trails aren't designed for cycling. For example, the blue walking trail has stiles along the route.

We found that sections of the wider trail network were easy to explore, although it's important to follow the cycling signs and be prepared to turn around where a walking route becomes unsuitable.

What made the forest particularly enjoyable was all the little surprises hidden along the way.

We discovered wooden sculptures, a wooden drum kit and a tiny hidden forest door.

Rather than just cycling along a woodland path, the boys had different things to look out for and investigate.

How good was the bike hire?

The price was excellent, but my particular bike wasn't in brilliant condition.

The saddle kept slipping down, and the gears weren't particularly smooth.

To be fair, the staff member offered me a newer bike, but unfortunately it was too big for me.

3. The Trim Trak woodland obstacle trail

Another highlight was the Trim Trak woodland obstacle course.

We'd spotted it while cycling on Saturday, but decided to save it for Sunday morning.

The course has different obstacles along the way, including balancing and climbing activities.

It's a really fun way to make a woodland walk more interesting for children.

We love activities like this because the boys can explore, climb and challenge themselves without needing any complicated planning.

Best of all, it's free.

4. Mini golf

We played mini golf on Saturday and enjoyed it so much that we returned for another game on Sunday.

It was included in our stay, with equipment available from reception.

It's a simple activity but perfect for young children, particularly if you want something fun that doesn't take hours.

5. Little Monkeys indoor soft play

Darwin Forest has a large indoor soft play centre called Little Monkeys.

We paid £4.50 per child for our weekend visit and thought it was great value.

It's a substantial soft play centre, rather than a little room with a few toys.

Both boys loved it.

Something worth knowing is that Little Monkeys is also open to visitors who aren't staying at Darwin Forest.

There were birthday parties taking place during our Saturday visit, and it was fairly busy.

That didn't spoil our visit, but it's worth bearing in mind if you're expecting a quiet soft play session.

It's also a brilliant option for a wet-weather day.

6. The Activity Den

On Sunday we explored the Activity Den.

It's an indoor games area with arcade machines, air hockey and pool tables, with additional charges for some games.

There's also a small free soft play room for under-fives.

It's nowhere near the size of Little Monkeys, but it's useful for a quick play with younger children.

7. Playground and recreation areas

There are also outdoor play areas around the site, including a playground near the Foresters and open recreation space.

We noticed these during our stay but didn't have time to make full use of everything available.

8. Bonfire Night at Darwin Forest

One lovely bonus of our November stay was that Darwin Forest had organised a bonfire and fireworks.

The bonfire was huge and created a really lovely atmosphere around the park.

The fireworks were also really good, although our boys aren't particularly keen on them.

As it was approaching bedtime, we ended up watching the fireworks from our lodge instead.

It was a lovely seasonal extra and made our autumn weekend feel that little bit more special.

Of course, these events aren't available every weekend, so check what's happening during your stay.

Other activities you can book at Darwin Forest

Although we managed to fill our weekend with free activities and a couple of paid extras, Darwin Forest also offers a range of instructor-led activities.

We didn't try these during our stay, partly because our boys were still quite young and partly because we already had plenty to do.

However, they're worth knowing about if you're visiting with older children or staying for longer.

Archery

Darwin Forest offers instructor-led archery sessions for children aged 7 and over.

This would be a great option for older children who want to try something a little different.

Axe throwing and crossbows

There are also axe-throwing and crossbow sessions for older children and adults.

Both are aimed at ages 12 and over, so these weren't suitable for our boys just yet.

Water-based activities

In addition to normal swimming sessions, Darwin Forest offers bookable pool activities.

These include mini jet skis for children aged 3–7, SeaScooters for older children who meet the swimming and height requirements, and Waterwalkerz inflatable water balls for ages 5+.

Availability and suitability depend on the individual activity, so check the requirements before booking.

BodyZorbing and sports

At certain times of year, there are also activities such as BodyZorbing, along with tennis, short tennis, pickleball and organised children's sports sessions.

Some are only offered during school holidays or in warmer months.

For our two-night visit with a three- and five-year-old, we didn't feel we were missing out by not booking any of these extras.

There was already more than enough to keep us entertained.

Eating at the Foresters Bar & Restaurant

Darwin Forest has an on-site restaurant called the Foresters.

We visited twice during our weekend.

Saturday lunch

After swimming and cycling on Saturday morning, we headed to the Foresters for lunch.

I'd describe it as fairly standard pub food.

Nothing particularly special, but perfectly enjoyable and convenient when travelling with young children.

There was a children's menu, which made things easy for the boys.

One thing that really impressed us was the choice of gluten-free food.

My husband is gluten-free, and the restaurant had a particularly good range of options.

That's something we really appreciate when eating out as a family.

Sunday lunch: definitely recommended

We returned to the Foresters for Sunday lunch, and this was a completely different story.

The Sunday roast was excellent.

We really enjoyed it, and the boys had children's Sunday roasts too.

The children's portions were still a decent size, and both boys loved them.

If you're staying over a weekend, I'd definitely recommend considering Sunday lunch here before heading home.

My only slightly controversial observation is that the sticky toffee pudding came with clotted cream rather than ice cream.

Personally, I'd have preferred ice cream, so that's something I'd ask for next time!

Our two-night Darwin Forest weekend itinerary

One of the reasons this weekend worked so well was that we didn't try to squeeze in lots of attractions outside the park.

We had plenty to do without leaving Darwin Forest.

Friday: Arrive and settle in

• Leave after school and arrive around teatime.
• Unpack and settle into our two-bedroom Chatsworth lodge.
• Enjoy a cosy evening before a busy Saturday.

Saturday: Swimming, cycling and soft play

• Early swim at the Evolution swimming pool.
• Hire a bike and explore the woodland trails.
• Lunch at the Foresters.
• Play mini golf.
• Visit Little Monkeys indoor soft play.
• Return to the lodge for an easy dinner.
• Enjoy the seasonal bonfire and fireworks.

Sunday: More woodland adventures

• Explore the Trim Trak obstacle course.
• Play another round of mini golf.
• Head back out with the boys' bikes.
• Visit the Activity Den and small soft play area.
• Enjoy an excellent Sunday roast at the Foresters.

Things to do near Darwin Forest with kids

Although we spent our whole weekend enjoying Darwin Forest, there's plenty to explore nearby if you're staying for longer.

That's one of the main advantages of its location near Matlock and the Peak District.

Crich Tramway Village

This was somewhere I really wanted to visit during our stay.

Crich Tramway Village is home to historic trams, a recreated period street, exhibitions and outdoor areas.

During our weekend, there was a special illuminated event with lanterns and lit-up trams.

It sounded lovely, but tickets would have cost us around £40 as a family.

Realistically, we would only have had about an hour there before returning for the bonfire and bedtime.

We decided it wasn't worth squeezing into such a short window, but I'd definitely consider it for another trip.

Matlock Farm Park

Matlock Farm Park would be a great option for families with younger children.

There are farm animals, animal encounters, indoor play areas and outdoor adventure activities.

It's the sort of place our boys would really enjoy, particularly if we were staying for a few extra days.

Heights of Abraham

If your children love a cable car, the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath is another lovely family day out.

You travel by cable car above the Derwent Valley to viewpoints, woodland walks, playgrounds and underground caverns.

Check the opening calendar, as the main attraction operates seasonally and special winter events may be offered.

Chatsworth House, Farmyard and Adventure Playground

Another popular attraction in the area is Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground.

Children can meet farm animals and explore the adventure playground, while the wider Chatsworth estate offers gardens and seasonal events.

This could easily fill a substantial part of a day.

Matlock, Matlock Bath and Bakewell

If you prefer a slower-paced outing, the surrounding towns and villages are worth exploring.

Matlock and Matlock Bath have riverside walks, cafes and family attractions.

Bakewell is another lovely option for wandering around independent shops and stopping for a treat.

The official Peak District tourism website is a useful place to find more family activities and seasonal events.

You can also explore Darwin Forest's own family days out guide for more ideas.

How much do activities at Darwin Forest cost?

One thing I particularly liked was that we didn't need to spend lots of extra money to entertain the boys.

Several activities are included in your lodge stay, while others have additional charges.

Prices reflect our November 2026 visit or published activity information. Prices and availability may change.

Across the weekend, we spent just £21 on paid activities:

• £12 for my full-day bike hire.
• £9 for the boys to visit Little Monkeys soft play.

That doesn't include accommodation, food or travel, but it shows how much you can enjoy without continually paying for extra activities.

For the latest prices, see the official activities information.

Our tips for visiting Darwin Forest with young children

Based on our weekend, these are the things I'd suggest before booking your own family break.

• Look out for shorter stays. We saved over £100 by finding two-night availability close to our travel date.
• Bring bikes if you can. The woodland trails were one of our favourite parts of the weekend.
• Check hired bikes carefully. Ask for a newer bike if available and test the gears and saddle.
• Try swimming early. We really enjoyed the quieter morning session.
• Make use of free activities. Mini golf, the Trim Trak, woodland sculptures and trails were all highlights.
• Expect soft play to be busy at weekends. Little Monkeys is also open to outside visitors.
• Consider booking Sunday lunch. We thought the Sunday roast was excellent.
• Check age requirements for instructor-led activities. Some are aimed at older children.
• Don't feel you need to leave the park. There's more than enough to fill a short weekend.

Is Darwin Forest better than Center Parcs?

We've stayed at Center Parcs several times, so it was impossible not to compare the two.

Both offer woodland accommodation, swimming and family activities, but they are quite different experiences.

Center Parcs has much larger swimming complexes, water slides and a broader range of organised activities.

If your children love spending hours in the pool, that's an important difference.

However, there were several things we preferred at Darwin Forest.

Our Chatsworth lodge felt newer and better equipped.

We loved the quieter swimming pool, well-maintained woodland trails and the range of activities included in our stay.

We also thought bike hire was reasonably priced, despite the issues with my particular bike.

Overall, Darwin Forest felt like a relaxed woodland getaway where we could enjoy simple outdoor adventures without needing to book lots of extras.

If you're considering a Center Parcs break, you can also read our UK family travel guides for more of our woodland holiday experiences and comparisons.

Our final verdict: Is Darwin Forest worth visiting with kids?

For us, absolutely.

We went away hoping for a cosy autumn weekend with plenty to keep the boys entertained, and Darwin Forest delivered exactly that.

The Chatsworth lodge was lovely, the swimming pool was warm and quiet, and the woodland cycling trails were a real highlight.

We loved being able to head out on the bikes, find little surprises around the forest and enjoy simple activities together.

The Sunday roast was another highlight, and the bonfire added something special to our November escape.

There were a couple of small drawbacks. My hired bike wasn't in great condition, and Little Monkeys was busy during our weekend visit.

But neither spoiled our stay.

What I liked most was how easy everything felt.

We didn't need a complicated itinerary, lots of expensive activities or long car journeys.

We could spend our days exploring at the boys' pace and return to a cosy lodge whenever we wanted.

Would we go back? Definitely.

I'd happily return for another autumn weekend, and next time I'd be tempted to stay a little longer to explore more of the surrounding Peak District.