Category Archives: 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

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

5 Reasons to go Glamping in the Peak District

March 2, 2016Camping, Chatsworth, Derbyshire, Food and drink, Glamping, Holidays, Hot Tub, Peak District, Posh camping, saunaFelicity

Our Glamping pods bring a new twist to regular camping. Forget the pet-hates of regular camping under canvas and enjoy all the great benefits of Glamping. If you haven’t heard of Glamping before, it’s a glamorous version of camping with the joys of traditional camping, but with modern facilities; and you don’t even have to struggle to put your own tent up!

Here’s our top 5 reasons why you should go Glamping in the Peak District.

1. Gorgeous glamping for two

Our gorgeous glamping pods are ideal for couples; warm and cosy with plenty of space for two, with fabulous views of the Peak District countryside. We know that it’s the small things make all the difference, such as sleeping in a real bed, boiling the kettle for a cup of tea in the morning, having a spacious shower and a proper flushing toilet without having to creep across the campsite in the dead of night!

Here’s another sneaky peek at our amazing glamping pods under construction by James and his team at My Shire Houses. We also have a few extra little touches, including LED mood lighting in the porch and the beautiful colouful stained glass window whose design was created by local artist Juliet Forrest and inspired by our special landscape.

These delightful luxuries really help to enhance your regular camping holiday, and there’s more! After a day out exploring all that the Peak District has to offer you can relax and unwind in the outdoor Swedish hot tub under the stars, or ease any tired muscles in the log fired sauna.

2. The Peak District is a central location

The Peak District offers activities for all, inclusive of those with disabilities and is an ideal central base for meeting up with family and friends and from which to explore the wonders of The Peak District. From lazy walks on accessible trails with picturesque views, to energetic water sports and breath-taking cycle routes. The Peak District is truly a playground for all, from finding a cosy country pub to visiting Chatsworth House, the jewel in the crown, to exploring underground caverns with unique Blue John gems or taking a tram ride back in time at Crich Tramway Village.

3. Glamping is so much more than just camping

Glamping means, arriving at your holiday destination with all of the hard work done for you. As soon as you arrive you can relax and start enjoying your break rather than having to get in a tangle setting up the tent and pumping up the air beds. A spot of rain won’t dampen your spirits as you’ll be lovely and dry in our Glamping pods which are well insulated and have double glazed doors. Unlike sleeping in a drafty tent, you won’t be exposed to the elements, you’ll be protected no matter what the weather and the infrared heating will keep you warm and cosy.

If you want to take a break from it all our country location is peaceful and quiet, but if you want to stay in touch our Glamping pods also have electric sockets to keep your phone and tablet charged throughout your stay.

4. Fire-up the BBQ

Whilst Glamping you can sizzle your sausages on our BBQ, or enjoy toasting marshmallows round the fire-pit. The Peak District has a wealth of artisan food producers so you can easily source fresh produce for a scrumptious summer BBQ. You can enjoy the outdoors, eat alfresco and sup your wine whilst watching the sun setting over the hillside.

Our glamping pods have an induction hob and a combination microwave so you can easily cater for yourselves, and you can also have local foods delivered directly to your glamping pod. However if you want a break from the kitchen and don’t want to cook, we can help! At Hoe Grange, we offer a fabulous take away breakfast service or why not treat yourself to a farmhouse cream tea?

5. Year round Holiday Destination

One of the great benefits of Glamping pods is that you can enjoy them all year round. Even when it’s wet and windy, you’ll feel warm and cosy, come snow, rain or sleet. This is because the Glamping pods are made from timber, are well insulated and have double glazed doors. So heat up some hot chocolate and enjoy the stunning views through the massive circular window .

Glamping offers great value for money as well as an eco-friendly alternative to a foreign holiday. There’s so much to do whether you want to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the Peaks or go on an adventure. Our farm welcomes everyone and when staying with us you can even bring your horse on holiday.

Read more about our Glamping pods here. Why not give glamping a try? Choose either Swallow or Skylark when you book online or call us on 01629 540262.

We know you’ll love it!

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

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