Sandybrook Country Park, Derbyshire
Buxton Road, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Situated just outside Ashbourne, the gateway to the southern dales, this park is set in the former grounds of Sandybrook Hall, an elegant 19th Century manor house. With old, walled gardens, stunning pinetum of mature specimen trees and woodland walks through a bluebell wood, this is a lovely place to relax. The friendly on-site warden Kevin reveals his grandchildren love coming to Sandybrook to visit him and it's not hard to see why.
The Holiday Lodges
The Pine lodges sleep families from 2 to 8 and each has its own veranda with outdoor furniture; fantastic for alfresco dining. If you want that extra touch of luxury you can hire a lodge with a private outdoor hot tub. All lodges are well equipped with flat screen TV and Freeview channels, DVD and CD players. Kitchens have conventional cooker, microwave, some even have dishwasher and washing machine. Linen, towels and electricity are included. There are around 50 lodges on this park dotted around a hillside with fantastic views of the stunning countryside. Dogs welcome in some lodges.
Park Facilities
An outdoor play area to entertain the children is located well away from the holiday accommodation at the bottom of the hill with no risk of interrupting other guest's peace and quiet. A large grassy area provides the perfect backdrop for ball games or to let off steam. For the more energetic, a heated indoor swimming pool, with sauna and spa, is just perfect to end your day's excursions. On the top floor of the old manor house you will find the games room suitable for older children and on the ground floor there is the under fives soft play area. The best bit about this place is just outside parents can relax with a drink in the cobbled court yard, whilst being able to keep an eye on the kids playing. A woodland walk around the park lets the kids discover nature; stunning in May when all the bluebells are in full bloom. The walk takes only 15 minutes which means even the little ones can manage it without difficulty.
Family Friendly Restaurant
The listed coach house has been lovingly restored to include an excellent family restaurant and bar, with a growing local reputation for delicious food. The dining areas are the original stables and it is wheel chair friendly, also with baby changing facilities. There is a handy selection of toys and books to keep children entertained whilst dining. I was particularly impressed with the large collection of dinosaurs ideal for my three year old - we could have comfortable stayed all night without fear of my kids fidgeting. Not forgetting conveniently next door was the indoor play area.
Location and Family Days Out
The location of Sandybrook is so handy for visiting the main attractions of the Peak District. Just minutes down the road you will find the picturesque market town of Ashbourne. It is here where you can hire bikes with tag alongs and trailers for experiencing the renowned Tissington Trail. This is a fairly flat and traffic free cycle route down 13 miles of an old railway track to Parsley Hay - an ideal way to take in the beauty of the Peak District.
Just down the road Dovedale Stepping Stones is a popular spot for family picnics and a worthwhile visit if the sun is shining.
All within 20 minutes drive you have the exhilarating cable car ride and exciting cave tours with the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, for theme park fans you have Gulliver's Kingdom also in Matlock Bath or travel in the other direction and you can experience the fun packed Alton Towers.
Lasting Impressions
With open views across surrounding countryside, Sandybrook is the ideal location for exploring the Derbyshire's Peak District. With lots of fantastic nearby places to visit and wonderful on-site facilities there is something here to suit families of all ages. Short breaks and full weeks are available and the park is open year round.