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.
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.
We 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!):
You'll find photos and full equipment details on our accessible equipment page, and you can add items direct to your booking online!
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!
Keep things flexible on the first day, we’ve got two lovely day out suggestions depending on your energy and interests.
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.
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.
Pick what suits your mood!
The elegant spa town of Buxton has some lovely, quiet places to explore:
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.
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.
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