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Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.

A calm Peak District escape: 3-day autism-friendly itinerary

July 20, 2025
July 20, 2025 - A calm Peak District escape: 3-day autism-friendly itinerary
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Autism-friendly holidays at Hoe Grange

Every guest is different, and that’s exactly how we like it. At Hoe Grange Holidays, we welcome autistic guests and their families with thoughtful touches, flexible stays and a countryside setting that’s calm and comforting.

To help you plan your visit, we’ve created a gentle 3-day itinerary packed with sensory-aware suggestions. Nothing is fixed and everything is optional. Whether you’re an autistic adult planning a restful break, or travelling with a neurodivergent child, this guide offers ideas without the overwhelm.

Book your stay now and enjoy a Peak District break designed with sensory needs in mind.

Support before you even arrive

A wicker basket on a sofa containing sensory items, including lights, stimming sets and squishiesWe know that new places can feel daunting. That’s why we offer a free pre-arrival visit. You’re welcome to come and look around before your holiday - explore the cabin or pod, walk the farm, and meet us in person. We know it helps everyone arrive feeling more confident and at ease!

You may find our sensory story helpful to prepare for your stay, or our more detailed guide on what to expect.

You can also book (for free!):

  • A soft weighted blanket (great for deep pressure stimulation)
  • A sensory shower head with colour-changing lights
  • A sensory activities box with lights activated by touch or movement, squishies and stimming sets, tambourines and fidget-friendly toys, colouring books and pens, as well as sensory grounding and communication cards

You'll find photos and full equipment details on our accessible equipment page, and you can add items direct to your booking online!

Day 1: Ease into farm life at your own pace

A decking area looking out over green fields in the early evening. The table is set for dinner and there is a pizza oven roaring away, ready to cook.

After your journey, there’s no pressure to head straight out. Our accessible log cabins and cosy glamping pods are designed to be calming, quiet, and easy to settle into. There’s no rush to go anywhere or do anything. Guests often comment how peaceful and quiet the site is.

If you fancy a gentle start, come and say hello to our friendly animals. From curious pygmy goats to our friendly black cat and laid-back horses Rocco and Oliver, there are plenty of farm characters to meet. You’re welcome to wander the farm fields at your own pace. You may simply want to sit and relax on the decking eating our delicious home baked biscuits with a cuppa.

Later, you might like to book our popular pizza oven experience. It’s hands-on, sensory-friendly fun with familiar ingredients, perfect for families. We provide the oven, kindling and wood for the fire, the dough and passata. All you have to do is bring your favourite toppings.

Or if you’d prefer some time to yourself, and an extra special relaxing experience, you can pre-book a sensory spa treatment with The Wellness Brand. Whether it’s a massage or a holistic therapy session, it’s a lovely way to unwind and ease into your holiday.

If you're feeling ready for an outing, you could try a sensory Peak District walk!

Day 2: Water, wildlife and relaxing options!

Keep things flexible on the first day, we’ve got two lovely day out suggestions depending on your energy and interests.

Option 1: Carsington Water and Cromford calm

Two people looking out over the water at Carsington reservoir, where there are lots of water birds on the surface

Just 10 minutes from Hoe Grange, Carsington Water is the perfect spot for a few quiet hours in the morning. There are accessible walking and cycling routes, three separate play areas designed for different ages and abilities, and plenty of space to relax.

You might enjoy watching the boats from the shoreline, listening to the waves lap the shore, or visiting one of the bird hides tucked away from the paths, ideal for those who prefer low stimulation environments.

The on-site café is relaxed and child-friendly, or if you prefer your own space, you can bring a picnic to enjoy beside the water.

In the afternoon, head just down the road to Cromford Mills - not just any old mill, but the birthplace of the modern factory system. Built by Richard Arkwright in 1771, it was the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill and helped shape the Industrial Revolution.

What sets it apart though is its thoughtful accessibility. Staff are happy to fast-track autistic visitors through queues, and the site layout is open, flat and easy to navigate. Audio guides are available, and the site team are known for going the extra mile to help guests feel welcome.

Next to the mill is the peaceful Cromford Canal, with a level access towpath that leads up to High Peak Junction. You’ll find ducks to watch, benches for breaks, and calming views over Cromford.

Before you leave, don’t miss the Beyond the Mill Walls area - a riverside meadow with wildflowers, accessible picnic benches and tactile chainsaw sculptures for sensory exploration. It’s a lovely mix of history and nature, and it’s never too crowded.

Option 2: Peak Wildlife Park - for animal lovers

Autism-friendly days out at Peak Wildlife Park include meeting these little black and white penguins, shown here being fed by the keeper

If you or your child love animals, Peak Wildlife Park is another excellent option. Wide, open spaces make it easy to move at your own pace, and you can get close to lemurs, wallabies, and penguins in walk-through habitats. Go early or midweek to avoid crowds.

Return to Hoe Grange for a quiet evening and time to recharge. A simple supper and a familiar routine can round off the day gently. We stock delicious sausages and burgers from the local butchers and charcoal in our little onsite shop, so you can fire up the BBQ.

Day 3: Choose your calm: gardens, cafés and a flexible finish

Pick what suits your mood!

Option 1: Buxton’s green spaces and gentle sights

A grand Victorian pavilion set in manicured gardens

The elegant spa town of Buxton has some lovely, quiet places to explore:

  • Pavilion Gardens: Beautiful green space with a sensory garden, accessible paths, and plenty of benches. Children love a ride on the miniature train.
  • Buxton Opera House: One of the finest examples of a Frank Matcham designed theatre which offers some relaxed performances with softer lighting and volume. Check the latest schedule before your visit.
  • Poole's Cavern: A natural limestone cave. For some, the dark and echoey environment is fascinating; for others, it may be too much. Book a SEN tour with no blackout or UV effects, the opportunity to handle fossils and replica tools. and a small group of up to 12 people. The café and visitor centre have a quiet hour between 9.30am and 10.30am.
  • High Peak Bookstore and café: If you love reading, call at High Peak Bookstore. Plenty of space to browse so you can find a quiet corner to lose yourself in a book. There is an excellent children's section too.

Option 2: Chatsworth Gardens and Farmyard

Two small girls playing in the sensory-friendly adventure playground at Chatsworth

The Chatsworth Estate is about 25 minutes away, and while the house itself can be overwhelming, the gardens are a more peaceful choice. There’s space to run, climb and explore at your own pace, with sensory-friendly planting and sheltered spots to sit. You can take your own picnic to enjoy in the open spaces.

For younger guests, the adventure playground is spacious and well-designed with clear separation between noisy and quiet areas.

The farmyard offers structured animal encounters in a calm setting.

🌼 Top tip: If you're feeling peckish on your way home, stop off at the Chatsworth Kitchen at Peak Village in Rowsley. The menu is made with ingredients sourced from the estate and local producers, and the atmosphere is quiet and welcoming.

Plan your own adventure!

Got a particular interest, or want to avoid a certain type of attraction or activity? Get in touch with us and we'll use our extensive local knowledge to help you plan your perfect trip.

Before you go

A grey log cabin in the countryside with pink blossoms on the wall in front.

There’s no need to rush. If you need a late checkout or quiet space while packing, just ask - we’ll help where we can.

You’re welcome to take a final wander, say goodbye to the goats, or just sit and enjoy the peace. We want you to leave feeling rested, not rushed.

At Hoe Grange, we believe autism-friendly holidays should be freeing, not stressful. This itinerary is just a starting point - you can do as much or as little as you like. If you discover a local autism-friendly gem while you're here, we’d love to hear about it!

Ready for a countryside stay that works for you? Book your autism-friendly holiday at Hoe Grange today to start your next adventure!

-Felicity 

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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020

    star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019
  • star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019

    star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020
  • star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019

    star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019
  • star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020

    star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019
  • star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019
  • star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019

    star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019

    star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019
  • star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020

    star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020
  • star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019
  • star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019

    star rating  Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019

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