Wednesday 22 May 2019

TRAVEL: What to Expect at Sandybrook in the Peak District

TRAVEL: What to Expect at Sandybrook in the Peak District
*Advertorial Content - Press Trip
If you are looking to escape your busy life and truly relax while on holiday then Sandybrook in the Peak District is for you. It is one of two Landal GreenParks Pinelodge Holidays in the Peak District; the other location is Darwin Forest, which offers a larger array of lodges and facilities. Both Sandybrook and Darwin Forest aren't too far away from each other, which has the advantage of being able to use both Parks facilities if you would like to. We decided to stay at Sandybrook for a couple of reasons, but mainly because it is smaller, right next to the beautiful town of Ashbourne and is also opposite Dovedale Stepping Stones. The location is just perfect for exploring the outdoors, however if you are faced with a week full of rain like we were then rest assured there is plenty to do inside in the area too. 


As our holiday approached I received a couple of emails explaining how to book onto any Go Active! activities we may want to do while we were there, as well as directions and other helpful information to know prior to visiting. On the day we travelled up to Sandybrook we stopped off at Calke Abbey for a picnic and wander around, which was lovely and I'd highly recommend a visit if you're passing. While we were there I received a phone call from Sandybrook saying that our lodge was ready earlier than the expected check-in time, so if we were free we could check-in. This courtesy call was just the first of many incredibly positive customer service experiences we had during our stay there. All of the staff we encountered were very friendly, helpful and greeted us with a smile. 


As we had a Tesco delivery order (they deliver to Sandybrook lodges quite often, so if you just leave your lodge number in the messages then you'll get your delivery to your front door) coming at 4pm we decided to take advantage of the early check-in and head straight there. Check-in was simple, quick and we were even given a choice of which complementary fresh milk we would like. It's these little touches that make a holiday feel like that extra bit special, aren't they? You are able to drive up to your lodge and park outside (there is often parking for up to two cars), which was so convenient with two young children and a boot full of suitcases to unpack. 

When we entered our lodge (we were in lodge 14) we were impressed with how bright and light it was, the white washed wood panelling was really sleek and there were extra touches to make your stay that bit cosier. The living/kitchen/dining area was open plan and spacious, with plenty of room for the children to play. The kitchen is fully equipped and we were seriously impressed with the non-stick pans - so many places we go don't have non-stick and they are such hard work to clean! There was also a tray of complementary tea, coffee, sugar and long-life milk in the kitchen too. (Side note - remember to either order or pack kitchen roll, as we forgot and regretted it). 




There was a door going from the living area into the corridor where the bedrooms/bathroom was, which proved to be really handy to block out noise from the television in the evening once the girls had gone to bed. We were staying in a three bed lodge, which had two twin rooms, one double room with en-suite and one bathroom. I would say that the bedrooms/bathroom aren't quite as spacious as the front room, however there are built-in wardrobes, mirrors on the wall and bedside tables with drawers so there is ample storage. Isabella loved being able to choose which bed to sleep in, whilst the cot provided (if you request it) was a good size and very sturdy - don't forget cot linen though. We all slept so well during our stay at Sandybrook and I think the comfortable beds and peaceful location really helped.

But outside of the lodge is where the real excitement begun because on the balcony we had our own hot tub. Isabella couldn't believe her eyes when she saw it bubbling away and the fact that it was raining all week wasn't a problem, as you get wet anyway. Unfortunately Poppy and I had to pass on the hot tub due to being too young and pregnancy, however Poppy enjoyed splashing her feet on the edge. It is such a luxury having a warm hot tub ready to use whenever you like during your stay, especially as the Park was so quiet. We visited mid-week in May, which I know would naturally be quieter than the school holidays however we barely saw a car move or a person walking by during our stay. Our lodge location was ideal and had one of the more private balconies because some of the lodge's balconies face onto the road. 

The facilities on-site at Sandybrook include a swimming pool, Go Active! activities (such as snorkelling, bodyzorbing, waterwalkerz, archery and fencing), outdoor play area, mini golf, woodland walk, table tennis, toddler indoor play area, recreation field and the Coach House Bar and Restaurant, which offers takeaways too. The toddler indoor play area is located inside half of a converted lodge and it was honestly our saviour during the stay because of the rain. The room was filled with tents, play kitchens, duplo, slides, ride-on toys etc.; to see what it looked like go to my highlights on Instagram and you can watch our whole holiday there. 

During our stay we visited Dovedale Stepping Stones, Peak Wildlife Park, Museum of Childhood, Bakewell and Calke Abbey. Peak Wildlife Park was a lot of fun because you can walk with the penguins, lemurs and wallabies, as well as play on the outdoor bouncy castle or indoor soft play. A good one for both rain and shine!

Overall, we had such a lovely stay at Sandybrook and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to escape and relax. It is in such a beautiful location, has such friendly staff and the hot tub added that extra touch of luxury. 

Have you been to the Peak District before?

Feel free to leave a comment - I love reading every single one :)

Helen x
SHARE:

12 comments

  1. I love the Peak District, I stayed in a hired house for a wedding. These lodges look fantastic (also lovely and clean). Looks like it was a great stay.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The cabin looks wonderful, really nice and clean and fab decor. What a great area to stay in and explore.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That looks like a beautiful place to stay. We like staying in lodges.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have never been to the Peak district but it looks a lovely place.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This looks incredible, especially having a cabin with a hot tub. I've been thinking about booking a week away, will be seriously considering this one now

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dovedale is one of my favourites places to visit! It was where I saw my first dipper bird! I really want to go back now I've seen these lodges!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It seems a little like Bluestone Wales. That cabin looks very generously sized and very well laid out.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That lodge is so clean and modern! Also Dovedale stepping stones is a wonderful location, so beautiful xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. The lodges look lovely and a hot tub is always a great addition. We haven't really visited the Peak District so I might have to add this to my wishlist.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've never been to the Peak District before, it looks like a really lovely neck of the woods. The lodge looks nice and bright, yet still cosy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Peak District is on my wishlist, this looks like a fabulous place to stay

    ReplyDelete
  12. We stayed here last year - one of the best holidays we have had. The accommodation is perfect. Kaz

    ReplyDelete

© Treasure Every Moment. All rights reserved.
BLOGGER TEMPLATE BY pipdig