Well that’s a wrap on our February half term, and the kids are back at school and 6th form tomorrow. It seems strange that the majority of the UK are just beginning their half term break, as we are going back. But the upside to a different half term is going away, and it being really quiet. If you follow me on social media, you will know that we were invited to spend 4 nights at Sandybrook Luxury Lodges in the Peak District. I have written a full review of our stay here, and below is a little a snapshot of what we got up to.
Relaxing in the hot tub
There is no mistaking that we love staying in lodges when we holiday in the UK, and if that lodge has a hot tub, well that’s the icing on the cake. We used the hot tub on the decking every day, and there really is no better feeling than relaxing in the bubbles. On our final day we woke up to a beautiful frosty morning, and it would be rude not to have a final dip before we checked out.
Exploring Ashbourne
The market town of Ashbourne is around 5 minutes drive from Sandybrook Park, so we spent a few hours on the Wednesday wandering around. It’s full of independent shops and little cafes, and of course we had to stop for refreshments. Katie indulged in a chocolate milkshake which looked amazing, and I’m pretty sure it had no calories in it !!! And can we talk about how amazing the charity shops were in Ashbourne. Just look at this pile of books I picked up, yes I know I DON’T need any more books, but you can’t leave them there can you.
Trying Cherry Bakewell Gin
Sadly we didn’t make it to nearby Bakewell so we could try out the world famous Bakewell Tarts. But I did get to try the next best thing….. Cherry Bakewell Gin. Oh my it was delicious, and I *may* have had a few when we went out on Valentine’s night.
Blue skies and little glimpses of Spring
We were incredibly lucky with the weather, and we had a few days of beautiful blue skies. I even went without my coat for 2 days, and as we walked around the park, we saw little glimpses of Spring starting to appear.
Cosy nights in the lodge
There is no better feeling than cosy nights in the lodge after a day out. We took full advantage of the hot tub, and then we would settle down for a film night. Does anyone else take their own pillow and cushion when they go away? It was lovely to spend the nights relaxing, putting phones down and spending time as a family.
We so need to get away and this looks fab Tracey, so glad you had a good half-term break.
It was just what we needed Lorraine. Sandybrook is such a lovely peaceful park, and also dog friendly if you ever decide to go x
The lodge and park look amazing Tracey and so relaxing. Cherry Bakewell gin sounds amazing, I’m not a big drinker but I could definitely polish off a big glass of that quite easily. You are the queen of finding awesome books in charity shops x
Derbyshire charity shops definitely get a big thumbs up from me. I couldn’t believe I managed to get so many newish books. The park was certainly relaxing, and was just what we needed. I can see us going back in the future as it suited us so well, plus only 90 minutes from home x
I have been following your adventures on Instagram and it looks like you had the best time! We are always looking for new places to stay so I will check this out. Have a great week.
Aw thank you for following along Natalie. The park is so lovely and in a beautiful part of the UK to x
It sounds like you had a lovely break – perfect for recharging the batteries. And you definitely couldn’t leave those books behind in the shop!
I couldn’t believe I got such a good book haul, and I recognised a few from your book reviews. I just need to lock myself in a room for a few months to get through them all. The break away was perfect for recharging our batteries. It was such a peaceful park which we love x
Sounds like the perfect break away. Sometimes that’s just what you need. Lodges are great, especially for families and love the look of the hot tub. Glad you enjoyed it xx
I agree, lodges are perfect for families and it was such a luxury having the hot tub on the decking. I could have stayed there for at least a month x
Jack and Joe always take their own pillows when we travel, I followed your trip and it looked like you had such an amazing time. And ooh Bakewell gin sounds fab, and I am all for cozy night in and movie nights when we travel x
I’m glad it’s not just me with the pillows (I also took my cushion and fleece blanket too lol). The Bakewell gin was amazing, it was like a pudding in a glass x
Looks like you had a lovely half term. Bakewell Gin, sounds amazing. We love cosy nights in, when we go away too.
You can’t beat them can you, especially after a day of exploring the area x
We’ve just finished half term, I usually see lots off the week before us but not as many this year. I think it’s lovely when a break away is peaceful. We’re off to this park next weekend, if you loved it here then I’d recommend you look at Darwin Forrest – we stayed there last year and loved it so much. I’m sad you didn’t make it over to Bakewell or Dovedale as they’re beautiful spots. Hope getting back into work went well
Thank you Kerri-Ann and have loved following your trip to Sandybrook this weekend, it’s such a peaceful park isn’t it. I am sure we would love Darwin Forest just as much, and yes we definitely need to return and explore more of the area x
I honestly think a hot tub really adds so much to a break. Nothing beats jumping in and relaxing for a bit under the stars! I am looking forward to your full review.
We’re off to the Peak District over Easter and are hopefully going to visit Bakewell. Eyam Plague Village and Alton Towers while we’re there. Busy, busy, busy!
We got an inflatable hot tub last year, as we love going on lodge holidays and jumping in the hot tub at the end of the day. Sounds as if you have a lovely Easter planned, and I didn’t realise that Sandybrook and Darwin Forest are so close to Alton Towers x
Oh my goodness, Cherry Bakewell gin sounds like my idea of heaven!! That sounds like a perfect half term to me.
It’s funny as usually February half term is abit non existent, but this one was really enjoyable for us all. The gin was amazing x