Category Archives: log-fired sauna

Everything you need to know about bringing your horse on holiday

February 20, 2019Derbyshire, Glamping, Group Holidays, Holidays, Horse Holidays, Horses, Hot Tub, log-fired hot tub, log-fired sauna, Peak District, saunaFelicity

Hoe Grange is a popular destination for those who want to bring their horse on holiday. Our stunning Peak District countryside is undulating and interesting to ride through. Trekking along you always want to discover what lies over the next hill or round the next bend.

You can stay in a cosy log cabin, a gorgeous glamping pod or even a vintage gypsy caravan – the choice is yours!

bring your horse on holiday

Riding holidays are a fabulous way of exploring the area, it’s amazing what you can see from the back of horse that you might miss when walking on foot or in a car.

10 reasons why bringing your horse to Hoe Grange is so popular!

On arrival the tarmac farmyard is large and ideal for unloading and there is plenty of space for manoeuvring. There’s no need to worry about reversing your trailer or parking your horse box.
All 6 stables are sturdy and spacious with plenty of room for larger horses and are disinfected ready for your use.
The farm is in a peaceful location and horses who arrive on holiday quickly settle in the grazing paddocks. There are two paddocks which can be split up into smaller areas with electric tape if you need to separate horses from one another.
Your horse will love munching on our Hoe Grange hay – our meadows are sustainably managed and the grass is sweet.
Tally ho! There is plenty of scope for a good gallop across the farm fields!
As riders ourselves we know all the best riding routes and can help you make the most of your horsey holiday. We have some amazing off-road trails and bridleways. Unsurprisingly the most popular ride is over the hill to the pub for a pint!
Hoe Grange Holidays is accredited with the British Horse Society Horses Welcome Scheme, which means you can book with confidence knowing that your horse will have 5 star accommodation! Also we only take one group of horses at a time which is better for infection control.
After a long days riding you can relax back on the decking and watch your horses and ponies at play in the paddock – a real treat especially if your horse is at livery and not kept at home.
Hoe Grange is a great place for groups and we offer extra experiences for you all to enjoy. What better way to spend the evening than toasting marshmallows round the fire-pit, relaxing in the log-fired hot tub under the stars, or creating and cooking your own pizzas in the outdoor pizza oven?
If you want to self-cater you can order #LoveLocal Peak District groceries to be delivered to your log cabin or glamping pod ready for your arrival. Or if you fancy a complete break from the kitchen we know the best places to eat out. We can recommend some amazing local pubs – we’ve made it our mission to try them all out especially for you – it’s a hard life!

There are many more reasons to choose Hoe Grange Holidays if you want to bring your horse on holiday. If like Oliver and I you have joined the Your Horse #hack1000miles challenge you will definitely have the opportunity to clock up some extra miles during your holiday in the Derbyshire hills.

The Peak District is also quite hilly so your horse should go home really fit.

If you want to know more watch our video of Frequently Asked Questions on bringing your horse on holiday or contact us via email info@hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

Happy Hacking!

Felicity

5 reasons to go glamping in Autumn

October 3, 2017#LoveLocal, Autumn, Derbyshire, Glamping, Holidays, hygge, log-fired sauna, Peak District, Posh campingFelicity

Autumn is a Magical time of year. Cool misty mornings followed by warm golden sunshine, and stunning sunsets. The fabulous array of changing colours as the Autumn leaves glow in the sunshine before fluttering gently down from the trees. Who doesn’t love the sound of leaves scrunching underfoot? It brings out the child in you!

5 Reasons to come glamping in Autumn

Summer may have slipped past, but there are plenty of reasons to come glamping in the Peak District in Autumn!

1. Magical misty mornings

Wake up to a stunning view from your pillow! Whilst you might need to turn up the heating inside your glamping pod to keep you cosy, the cooler temperatures outside with higher levels of moisture in the air create some magical misty autumn mornings. Imagine waking up to watch the mist slowly lifting to reveal the stunning White Peak landscape. Relax and watch the wildlife before they hibernate for winter.

2. Hygge hot tub

The peaceful surroundings at Hoe Grange means that you can truly relax in the steamy water of our log-fired hot tub and soak up the atmosphere. Hygge means being aware of the moment, whether it’s simple or special. Why not add a glass of our homemade mulled wine, or a bottle of bubbly for that extra special touch? What better way to have a romantic Hygge holiday at Hoe Grange?

3. Stars that light up the sky

As the night-time falls, you can take time to gaze up at the starry skies as they sparkle into life. Our rural location with dark skies provides a wonderful opportunity for stargazing. With minimal light pollution and no distractions you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

4. Colours to lift your soul

Autumn brings the most amazing colours to nature’s palette. The splashes of vibrant reds, golden-yellows and rich browns produce a colourful and ever-changing landscape which inspires and lifts your mood.

The purple heathers stretching across the moors are a sight to behold and worth the climb – why not bring your dog on holiday with you?

5. #LoveLocal seasonal goodies

There is nothing better than the taste of seasonal produce, ripe and ready just as nature intended. If you want a complete break from it all on your glamping holiday you can enjoy the flavours of the Peak District by ordering delicious local foods from Sauced Here. Luke will deliver your tasty goodies direct to your gorgeous glamping pod ready for your arrival. We make it easy for you to relax – why do the hard work if you don’t have to?

There you have it – Autumn in a nutshell!

Why not make the most of the Autumn by staying in one of our cosy glamping pods in the Peak District? We would love to welcome you to share this special season. Wrap up warm and enjoy the wonderful walks from the door, and feel the warmth that the sight of the changing seasons brings!

Felicity

How to have a Hygge holiday

December 31, 2016Cycling, Derbyshire, Dog friendly, Eco, Family, Food and drink, Holidays, Hot Tub, hygge, hyggelig, log-fired sauna, Off-road wheelchair, Peak District, Posh camping, sauna, self catering holiday, Walking, Winter weekend breakFelicity

Looking back on 2016 one of the biggest trends has been the interest in “hygge”; so as the year draws to a close we thought you might like some inspiration on how to have a hygge holiday.

What is hygge?

The Danish word “hygge”, shortlisted by both the Oxford and Collins dictionaries for the word of the year, has no direct translation, but is often described as cosiness and a feeling of comfort; the enjoyment of everyday experiences.

How to pronounce hygge

To pronounce this phonetically challenging word make a pouting face and say HUE-gah!

8 ways to have a hygge holiday at Hoe Grange

Hoe Grange is the ideal place to stay in the winter as our log cabins and gorgeous glamping pods are warm and cosy, so you can relax and enjoy the good things in life with the people you care about around you. Hoe Grange provides a real “home from home” resulting in a happy, memorable hygge holiday.

1. Snuggle up in a cosy log cabin

What better way to have a hygge holiday than to stay in a Scandinavian-inspired log cabin? With our environmentally-friendly ground source heating, you’ll be snug as a bug, even in the depths of winter. It’s possible to hygge alone, wrapped in a woolen blanket with a cup of tea, but the true expression of hygge is lighting a lantern and joining with loved ones in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Hot tub under the stars

Relax in the steamy water of our log-fired hot tub with a glass of mulled wine, or unwind completely in the steamy barrel sauna. With Hoe Grange nestled so deep in the countryside, you’ll find yourself transfixed by the dark starry skies above. The tranquil peace and quiet is what our guests love the most.

Or visit the Stardisc at Wirksworth where all the stars are mapped out for you on the stone circle.

3. Comfort food with closest friends

Once you’ve explored the stunning Peak District countryside around Hoe Grange, rest your weary feet and sit down to a heartwarming supper of winter stew, with some mulled wine.

There’s nothing better than sharing food with friends.

4. Bring your four legged friends too!

We welcome dogs at Hoe Grange – think woolen-socked feet gently resting on a snoring Labrador after a long winter walk – cuddle up and connect with your trusted friend.

Twix and Crunchie love a little tummy tickle, whilst Fudge sneaks on to the sofa and is just plain spoilt – so adorable she gets away with murder!

5. Hot chocolate by candlelight

Light some candles and watch the flickering flames whilst you silently sip your hot chocolate – truly scrumptious.

There is nothing quite like the comforting taste of chocolate, and who cares about the calories!

The Danes buy the most candles and research shows that creating hygge with candlelight brings happiness, who can argue with that!

6. Country pubs with roaring fires

Wrap up warm and walk over the hill to the pub for a pint and toast yourself by the roaring fire. When something is hygge, you say it’s hyggelig (“HOO-gah-lee”).

You can definitely have a special hyggelig evening at Ye Old Gate in Brassington.

7. Cycle everywhere

Exercise increases levels of dopamine in your brain (the ‘happy hormone’), so cycling is very hyggelig. Why not borrow one of our mountain bikes? It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air and explore our Peak District countryside.

It would be even more hyggelig if you hire our off-road wheelchair or our vintage tandem for two!

8. Be kind to yourself

Take time out and relax in the dry heat of our barrel sauna, or wrap up in blankets, sit round the firepit, toast marshmallows and sing together – share your hygge and let the warm, fuzzy feelings flow.

Hygge is being aware of a good moment whether it’s simple or special. It’s all about experiences rather than material stuff, and booking a holiday at Hoe Grange is a great hygge way to get through the dark winter months.

It’s no coincidence that all the letters in Hygge can be found in “Hoe Grange Holidays”

Happy hygge New Year!
David and Felicity

Slow Travel in The Peak District

February 26, 2016Bradt Slow Travel Guide, Chatsworth, Derbyshire, Electric bikes, Food and drink, Harvest, High Peak Trail, Land Girls, log-fired sauna, Lumber Jills, Marmalade, Off-road wheelchair, Peak District, Solar panels, Spring CleaningFelicity

In today’s fast moving technological world we sometimes forget to slow down and take time to enjoy and explore the world around us.

However help is at hand from the latest Bradt Slow Travel Guide which celebrates our fabulous Peak District.This captivating and extensive guide is the perfect travel companion detailing where to taste the region’s best produce, which accommodation offers character and colour (naturally featuring our Hoe Grange Holidays self-catering log cabins!), travel tips on how to make the most of your stay and some fascinating facts surrounding the quirky traditions and stories of local folks.

Bradt’s Slow Travel Peak District brings a new perspective to this much-loved area. Slow down and let expert local author Helen Moat guide you to not just all the well-known places, but away from the crowds to uncover the hidden corners of the Peak District. The author’s love of interesting and colourful stories is linked to the natural and manmade features of the area, highlighting the quirky and unusual, places and points of interest off the beaten tourist track, from dales to abandoned mills, historical ruins, strange follies and irresistible pubs.

Helen moved to the Peak District in 1999 and has over time come to realise that “you could live a lifetime in the Peak District and still not cover every bridleway, packhorse route or public footpath. This book is only a taster – and hopefully an inspiration for your own exploration.

Writing Slow Travel Peak District has allowed me to engage with the Slow philosophy as never before: to look up, look down and catch the detail; to stand and stare and ponder; to wander down hidden dells or jitties. I’ve learned to stop and chat with strangers: National Trust volunteers, foodies, twitchers, ramblers,climbers and river swimmers, to name but a few – and found them eager to share their knowledge of and passion for the Peak District. I’ve learned to read the landscape, from the ruin on the hilltop to the tell-tale rise of an Iron Age hillfort or an abandoned mill. I’ve learned the songs of birds and to scan the hillsides for signs of life. It has been a life-enriching experience.”

As part of her research for the guide Helen visited us at Hoe Grange and loved our cosy log cabins nestled in the undulating limestone hills.

“This pretty, immaculate farm, set in rolling countryside below the High Peak Trail offers four spacious log cabins, three sleeping four and one sleeping six. Owners, Felicity and David, have worked hard to reduce the business’s carbon footprint with solar panels and wind turbine, supplying much of the farm’s energy requirements. The couple are fastidious in their attention to detail and in their care of visitors, personally greeting guests on arrival, and welcoming them with homegrown flowers, home-made biscuits and bread, along with free-range eggs from the farm. The lantern lit barrel-shaped sauna and wood-fuelled hot tub on the edge of the farm also add a nice touch for total relaxation under the stars at the end of a busy day . But it’s the award-winning ‘access for all’ accommodation, along with stabling for horse owners that makes this accommodation special. A few hundred yards up through fields will take walkers, cyclists and horse riders onto the High Peak Trail, with stunning views of the countryside. There’s even a Boma 7 all-terrain wheelchair for guests with limited mobility.”

Whether following Helen’s favourite walks and bike rides, venturing into hidden dales, caves and ravines, ambling through the national park’s charming villages or biting into a freshly baked Bakewell Pudding, you’ll find the Slow Travel The Peak District goes far beyond conventional guide books in celebrating our special region and is an invaluable source of information – I can’t put my copy down!

Why not order your own copy of Bradt’s new Slow Travel Peak District guidebook?

For an exclusive 20% discount visit www.bradtguides.com and enter the code HOEGRANGE at the checkout.

Happy reading!

Felicity

Top 10 Christmas gifts inspired by the Peak District

December 9, 2015Accessible Holidays, Animals, Artisan producers, Chatsworth, Christmas, Derbyshire, Eco, Fashion, Food and drink, Holidays, Hot Tub, Local, log-fired sauna, Peak District, sauna, self catering holiday, watercolour paintingFelicity

Christmas shopping is simple when you know what to buy, but it can be a nightmare when you are lacking ideas!

We #LoveLocal and are sure you will too, so to help you get creative I have put together some gorgeous gift ideas inspired by our beautiful Peak District – things that are produced locally here in the Derbyshire hills, some of which are utterly unique!

Top 10 Christmas gifts

1. Surprise the love of your life with a real gem of a gift, a unique Blue John stone – a word exclusive semi precious mineral that can only be found within the Blue John Cavern located in Castleton, Derbyshire in the Peak District National Park. The stone itself features striking purple, blue and yellow banded fluorspar which was first mined during the Roman Times and has since become one of the world’s rarest minerals. Each piece of stone is unique and varies in colours and veins and local jewellery makers C.W. Sellors in Ashbourne create a huge range of jewellry for every budget, from simple designs to stunning statement pieces.

2. Give her a warm hug. A Hugget is so cosy – a hug and a jacket in one, designed and produced locally by Katie who wanted something to keep her warm and cosy on a long flight, but would also enable her to look smart and professional for business – you’ll love the rich dye colours of her Peak Collection inspired by our colourful landscape.

3. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow! Full Grown is a revolutionary concept is taking place just a few miles from Hoe Grange. Creative furniture designer Gavin Munro, is growing trees directly into useful shapes to create stunning tables, chairs, lampshades and mirrors. Gavin likens the concept to 3D printing but which is organic and uses air, soil and sunshine as its source materials. By training and pruning young tree branches as they grow over specially made formers the designs take shape gradually over several years – a slow process but I think you’ll agree an amazing end product.

4. Cheers! Celebrate Christmas with a rich and warming mulled Ruby Port from Linday’s Still Room at Turnditch – again not far from Hoe Grange. A tasty tipple infused with freshly squeezed orange and it’s zest, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace.

5. Why not create a hamper, ideal for food lovers! Put together your mulled port with some Peakland Blue, a delicious creamy blue veined cheese made in the Parish of Hartington, some Miller’s Damsels biscuits baked in Ashbourne and some gorgeous cranberry and caramelised red onion chutney from Charlie’s Country Garden.

6. For the garden perhaps a sculpture or a gate. Dave Turner is a traditionally trained artist/blacksmith and although he still works using centuries-old techniques the design doesn’t have to be! Sometimes a traditional design can look right … sometimes contemporary looks stunning.

7. Everybody loves to watch a good Disney film at Christmas. If Bambi is your favorite then why not have him round for dinner. Best venison is available from the Chatsworth farm shop, This is no Micky Mouse operation, with 1000’s of locally sourced products to make your mouth water.

8. A little reminder of the Peak District landscape in your living room. Enjoy gazing over a sunny country scene even in the cold dark winter with one of Roger Allen‘s water colour landscape paintings. so detailed you can smell the grass!

9. Keep calm and drink more beer!! inspired by trips to India Thornbridge brewery’s Jaipur is an excellent option, and if your in a hurry to “Keep calm” try the frighteningly powerful Jaipur X, at a leg buckling 10% you will certainly get in the mood to party in double quick time!

10. And last but by no means least, buy your loved one a Hoe Grange Holidays voucher to come and stay next year and share are special place. You can relax in the hot tub, de-stress in the sauna. You could also visit all the fabulous businesses mentioned in this blog and perhaps get ahead by starting next years Christmas shopping early!

Derbyshire has a wealth of artisan producers, so for further inspiration there are lots more interesting and unusual ideas from Made in Derbyshire and Peak District Environmental Quality Mark businesses – happy shopping!

Boma off-road wheelchair — Time for tea! Octobers photo.

Don’t forget to order your 2016 calender featuring Hoe Grange’s menagerie of animals. Help support 12 fantastic charities, all helping the lives of disabled people across the country! ORDER NOW!

Felicity

Cosy up in our log cabins for a winter weekend break

November 20, 2015Chatsworth, Derbyshire, Family, Food and drink, Holidays, Hot Tub, log-fired sauna, Peak District, self catering holiday, Snow, Walking, Winter weekend breakFelicity

Enjoy a cosy winter break at Hoe Granges’ log cabins in the Derbyshire Peak District. Hoe Grange is the perfect winter spot to experience the best of the Peaks during the winter months. Why not escape the city and take time to enjoy the peaceful Peaks this winter?

Defrost in the steamy hot tub

Exciting news! To make your stay even more relaxing we have we have recently installed a hot tub on the decking of Daisybank log cabin, so you can take in the beautiful scenery, whilst relaxing in the hot steamy bubbles. Or even better take an evening dip in the dark and view the stars with a bottle of bubbly! After a bracing winter walk along one of the many local trails or picturesque dales, you’ll find our hot tub is the perfect way to round off the day, or you can toast yourself in our log-fired barrel sauna.

Winter break activities

There’s lots to do at Hoe Grange, even in the winter months. Imagine crisp winter walks across the Hoe Grange farm fields, a hike along the Limestone Way, or a casual stroll along the Cromford Canal, followed by a cappuccino at the cafe. If you’re more interested in wildlife you can enjoy birdwatching at Carsington Water.
And if you’re not the walking type, why not cuddle up in our log cabin, watch the farm animals and take in the views or simply melt away in the hot tub?
We recommend you tickle your taste buds with a trip to one of our fabulous local pubs or restaurants – there’s nothing like home cooked pie and chips, or stew and dumplings to warm you through.

During the winter months the Peak District turns into a winter wonderland, with picturesque views. If it’s snowing in the peaks, the hills and sky turn white and the farm’s sheep camouflage against the snow, it’s truly breath-taking. Have no fear David keeps the farm drive clear with his snow plough and we have sledges so you can have some good old-fashioned fun in the snow – you don’t need to be a child, grown ups can join in too!

Christmas Winter Break

Chatsworth House at Christmas — Chatsworth House decorated for Christmas

Derbyshire has a wealth of Christmas markets and events for you to enjoy, or add something extra special to your festive family fun with a Santa Special train or boat trip.

We are already fully booked for Christmas this year… so if you want an extra special Christmas holiday, with all the trimmings and a real Christmas tree, you’ll need to book early for next year!

Our log cabins are dog friendly, so you don’t need to arrange a dog sitter during the festive period, just bring your four legged friend with you – could even be your horse – save on livery costs and bring your horse on holiday!

Hoe Grange Holidays offers the perfect winter getaway in the secluded peaks for a quiet, relaxing break. If you’re thinking about enjoying a winter weekend break look no further than Hoe Grange, our log cabins are cosy and warm. Call us today to discuss availability and get booking your perfect winter break.

Felicity

GoldStar for Hoe Grange Holidays

November 12, 2014Accessible Holidays, Awards, Derbyshire, Eco, Farm, Green Tourism Business Scheme, Hot Tub, log-fired sauna, Off-road wheelchair, Peak District, Renewable energy, self catering holiday, Solar panels, Wind turbineFelicity

Exciting news!
We are proud to announce that Hoe Grange Holidays was awarded a prestigious GoldStar Award for the ‘best Self Catering Accommodation’ at the Green Tourism conference 2014.

GoldStar Award for Green Tourism — Receiving our GoldStar Award from Satish Kumar

Finalists were selected from the highest qualifying tourism businesses assessed last year against rigourous criteria for their innovation, cost savings and green ambassadorship. The Judges then selected the most sustainable business in each tourism sector for the prestigious GoldStar.

Green Tourism is recognised as the worlds no 1 when it comes to environmental accreditation in the tourism sector and is independently verified. Does that make us the best of the best?

The judges were particularly impressed with our wide range of renewable energies, our dedication to preserving our environment and all whilst being as inclusive as it is possible to be; even our Boma7 Off-road wheelchair got a mention, along with the wonderful log-fired sauna and hot tub!

Andrea Nicholas, Director of Green Tourism, said: “The standard has been exceptionally high this year. Attaining the GoldStar Award honours the dedicated commitment David and Felicity have to the environment. They provide guests with great service and value for money while at the same time championing the cause of sustainability.”

It is fantastic to have all our hard work recognised in such a way. It all helps to be able to reassure our guests, that their holiday in the Peak District will support, rather than harm the special environment, all without compromising on luxury.

Don’t take their word for it, come and try us for yourself !

David

Green Tourism GoldStar Award winners 2014

Steamy sauna

February 12, 2014Accessible Holidays, Derbyshire, Eco, Family, General, Hot Tub, log-fired sauna, saunaFelicity

With the festive Christmas celebrations over January and Febraury can be a dull and dismal period, but here at Hoe Grange you can banish the winter blues with a relaxing session in our fantastic new Scandinavian barrel sauna.

New for 2014 – log-fired barrel sauna

The quirky barrel shaped sauna is in the small private garden created just off to the side of the cabins, next to the hot tub. The elegant wooden screens give the occupants privacy while allowing both hot tub and sauna to be situated close to your lodge.

eco log-fired sauna
the log-fired stove with heat retaining stones to keep you toasty

You can truly relax and detox and either enjoy the wooden sauna as a dry heat, or add a splash of Hoe Grange water with some essential oils for a steamy, sensual delight which will leave you glowing all over. The heat retaining stones ensure that even as the fire dies down you still feel the full benefit of the warmth seeping through your body. What better way to refresh both body and mind whilst on holiday with us in the Derbyshire hills?

For those of you with a strong constitution wanting the full authentic Scandinavian experience you can douse yourself with ice cold water under the bucket shower if you dare!

Whilst not suitable for everyone we have made an access ramp so that less mobile guests with small wheelchairs will be able use this wonderful new facility – just ask us if you need advice on access.

Your exclusive eco-friendly sauna session costs just £40 and can be booked for up to an hour and a half so with your cosy self catering log cabin so close you can dip in and out as often as you like. The sauna can seat up to 6 guests at a time, but is perfect for a romantic sauna for two – however with Valentine’s Day just around the corner you will need to book now to avoid disappointment!

Felicity