From Toddlers to Teens – Darwin Forest Still Gets Top Marks
We recently spent a weekend at Darwin Forest with two mums, four kids (ages 11-15), and our pup Olive—who, at this point, is a teenager in dog years! It had been close to a decade since my last visit, when my own children were just 4 and 5.
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Back then, they had an absolutely brilliant time, and I wondered whether it would hold the same magic now that they were older. One thing I’ve learned as my kids have grown is that while lots of things get easier, finding days out and holidays that please everyone definitely does not. Luckily, Darwin Forest was just as much of a hit as it was all those years ago!
The Lodge – Clean, Comfortable & Pet-Friendly
We stayed in a pet-friendly lodge for six people with a hot tub, which was absolutely perfect for our group. On arrival, Olive even got a goody bag with dog treats and poo bags.
Our lodge was spotless on arrival—something I definitely appreciate more than the kids! The layout worked perfectly for our group, with one queen bedroom with an ensuite and two rooms with twin beds, plus a second bathroom, which meant each family had their own.
The large dining/lving area was great for meals, watching films and playing games, and we loved the electric fireplace in the evenings. The kitchen had everything we needed for self-catering, aside from salt and pepper, which we easily grabbed from the on-site shop.
And then there was the hot tub. All of us were in and out of it all weekend, and it definitely added extra fun for the kids and relaxation for the adults. A quiet cup of coffee in the hot tub before the kids are up is definitely something I could get used to! The lodge came with two robes for the adults as well, which was a nice touch.
While Darwin Forest is very pet-friendly, it would be nice to have a place for dogs to go off lead. That said, the woodland walks provided a nice bit of exercise for Olive, and we ended up walking almost ten miles just around the site one day!
Activities – Plenty to Keep Tweens & Teens Entertained
While my kids are too old for the soft play, which they loved last time, and no longer interested in the cute woodland trails, there was still loads to do:
- Mini golf & swimming were included in our stay.
- The games room was fun (most games were £1, but pool was free).
- The boys rented bikes and enjoyed cycling around the perimeter of the site.
- We paid £4 to rent the tennis courts for an hour.
- The trim trail had climbing frames and workout-style equipment dotted along the walk, which kept things interesting.
- The woodland walk with Olive was a nice way to break up the day.
- We also played table tennis—we brought our own paddles and ball, but you can rent them if needed.
- Waterwalkerz was a big hit with the kids and pretty entertaining to watch! It was £10 per child where they ‘walked’ on water in a giant ball like kid-sized hamsters.
- There are more activities we could have booked like axe throwing, zorbing or archery but honestly the weekend was full enough.
- With a longer stay, there is so much to do in the area, from great Peak District walks to villages to visit.
One extra bonus was that the mums paid £4 each to visit the spa, which, while small, had a sauna, hot tub, and steam room—a great little escape at a bargain price!
Dining – Self-Catering & a Handy Onsite Store
We opted for self-catering and had a big grocery shop delivered on Friday night, so we didn’t try the onsite café or restaurant, but they are a nice option for anyone who wants a break from cooking.
Final Thoughts
Darwin Forest continues to be a fantastic choice for families, even as the kids grow up. The mix of free and paid activities meant everyone had plenty to do, and the clean, spacious lodge made for a comfortable and relaxed stay. The hot tub, games room, spa, and bike rentals were big winners for us, and having Olive with us made it even better.
Would we return? Absolutely. Finding places that work for tweens, teens, and adults is tough, but Darwin Forest delivered once again!
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