Award Winning Self Catering Holidays In the Derbyshire Peak District
Our self-catering log cabins are situated on a working farm on the southern edge of the Peak District, and are a fantastic holiday option for autistic people and their families.
Near to Ashbourne and Bakewell, Hoe Grange Holidays is an ideal base from which to explore everything the area has to offer. The natural environment around Hoe Grange is calming and you'll discover the many reasons why the Peak District was the first designated National Park!
We are proud to have won national awards for our accessible self-catering holiday cottages, including the Autism Friendly award 2023 from the National Autistic Society and try our best to be as inclusive as possible.
We welcome people with all types of disability, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other hidden disabilities. We are extremely lucky that Derbyshire is one of the most accessible tourist destinations in the UK. You’ll be sure to find suitable places to visit and activities for all interests and abilities.
For someone on the autistic spectrum we understand that a change of environment can be challenging and consequentially trigger anxiety. By holidaying in one of our self-catering log cabins you are able to set your own timetable and keep your regular routines without external influences. This means you can keep a calm atmosphere and allow everyone to relax and enjoy their stay.
Finding holiday cottages in the UK that are suitable and welcoming for people on the autistic spectrum can be difficult and we realise that organising a holiday break can be stressful. To help you plan ahead you'll find lots of useful information here on our website.
Through experience with regular returning guests we understand some of the challenges for autistic people and feel well placed to ensure that they have a wonderful holiday at Hoe Grange.
We know how important it is for autistic people to become familiar with where they will be staying before arriving for their holiday in our log cabins.
To help reassure you, our website has helpful information about each log cabin, including floor plans and virtual 3D tours. The photo galleries also help people on the autism spectrum to visualize where they will be staying, thus reducing anxiety and stress.
After you’ve booked your holiday you can view the 3D tours and photos many times before you arrive to give a feeling of familiarity. From our website and Facebook page you can create your own visual guide to help the autistic person know where they will be staying and what to expect. This reduces stress as there will be no surprises. We have also created a Sensory Story to introduce the sights, sounds and smells of a holiday on our farm.
Our site is only small so there is no mass hustle and bustle when you arrive, just a friendly welcome from David and Felicity, who will show you to your cabin. There is no need to worry as each cabin has its own parking space with level or gentle ramp access right to the door.
The log cabins have level thresholds throughout and are easy to get around. Three of them have spacious wet rooms with grab rails. The bedrooms have blackout blinds providing a dark space to relax.
Enjoy the stunning views from the open plan kitchen/lounges, whilst easily being able to keep an eye on your autistic child.
You will have your own safe enclosed decking area set apart from the other cabins. The gates to each cabin can be securely locked if needed, just ask.
The cabins are spacious and clutter free providing a calm environment. If requested we can remove non-essential items or furniture. No need to overload the car as our holidays cottages are fully equipped with everything you need. However you are welcome to bring personal items with you that are familiar to the autistic guest to help them cope and feel at home. There is plenty of space in the cabins if someone needs a little quiet time out.
The overriding comment from guests is the peace and quiet they experience while on holiday at Hoe Grange. No traffic noise, few people about, just the natural sound of birds singing and farm animals grazing in the surrounding fields, with the occasional passing tractor. Guests can spend quality time together relaxing on the decking and enjoying the views.
As well as cows, sheep and pygmy goats we also have a wealth of wildlife on the farm including, buzzards, magpies, pheasants, foxes, rabbits, and hares, so keep your eyes peeled!
Dogs are so much part of the family, and for autistic people they often provide much needed reassurance. Our pet friendly accommodation is ideal with wonderful walks from the door. As part of our dog-friendly holidays we also provide a doggy welcome pack and we can tell you the best dog-friendly places to visit.
We know that it can be challenging for people on the autism spectrum, their families and friends and that everyday is different. But we also know that with the right planning and preparation and use of our visual materials it can be a positive experience for the whole family. You will go home with memories to treasure.
We are here to help if you have any questions or specific needs. We are happy to rearrange furniture, receive delivery of additional equipment ready for your arrival or help arrange cakes and flowers to make your celebrations extra special. Let us know how we can help by calling David and Felicity on 01629 540262 or email info@hoegrangeholidays.co.uk
We appreciate that people on the autistic spectrum see, hear and feel the world differently to others and can become overwhelmed by things around them. We are a small family run business who are passionate about being inclusive and welcoming everyone. Unlike the big online booking agents we have time to help you make the most of your stay in the Derbyshire hills.
A staycation in the Peak District can provide opportunities for positive experiences and create memories to treasure for families and friends. Our accessible log cabins are also suitable for wheelchair users, and people with visual or hearing impairments too.
Find out more about our accessible holiday cottages and read our accessibility guides.
For more help and support visit the National Autistic Society
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