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.
Today is Changing Places Awareness Day, and a chance to spotlight the toilets that truly change lives. TO help raise awareness here in the Peak District we're sharing our handy guide on where to find Changing Places toilets in Derbyshire, as well as delving into why they're so important! #CPAD25
These specially designed toilets are more than just conveniences; they are vital lifelines for many individuals with severe disabilities and complex needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Changing Places toilets are, who they serve, why they are crucial, and where you can find them near Hoe Grange Holidays and throughout Derbyshire.
Did you know that over a 1/4 million people in the UK need Changing Places Toilets to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities which many of us take for granted?
Changing Places toilets are advanced facilities that cater for the needs of people with profound disabilities. These specialised toilets are more spacious and go far beyond standard accessible toilets with extra equipment. Most significantly, Changing Places facilities provide ceiling hoists and adult changing benches for people who cannot stand to get onto the toilet or who use incontinence products.

Photo credit : Changing Places Toilets
These features ensure that individuals who cannot use standard accessible toilets have a safe, dignified, and hygienic space to attend to their personal needs, with the aid of their carers — something which should be a basic right for everyone whilst out in public!
In places which only have standard accessible toilets, these individuals are faced with the unacceptable option of changing on an unhygienic toilet floor or staying home and missing out.
Changing Places toilets are designed for people with severe physical disabilities, profound and multiple learning disabilities, or complex care needs:
These facilities ensure that every person, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can access proper toilet facilities while in public spaces. It's also good to remember that not every disability is visible.
For many people with disabilities, standard accessible toilets simply do not meet their needs. The lack of appropriate facilities can lead to:
Changing Places toilets provide a solution, allowing people to enjoy day-to-day activities and participate fully in society without the stress of finding suitable facilities. They promote inclusivity, independence, and dignity for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Hoe Grange Holidays, nestled in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District, is known for its dedication to accessibility. If you're planning your stay in one of our accessible log cabins, Derbyshire boasts many Changing Places toilets, some very close to Hoe Grange, check out our map.
Matlock Farm Park – a family-friendly attraction with a huge variety of animals.

Chatsworth House – this historic estate provides Changing Places toilets, ensuring that all visitors can explore the gardens and stately home comfortably.
Carsington Water Sailing Club – this sailing club offers sailability sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so it's ideal that they have Changing Places facilities too!
Parsley Hay - this cycle hire centre and refreshments kiosk sits where the Tissington and High Peak Trails meet, with adapted cycles and trampers available to explore Miles without Stiles routes
Buxton Pavilion Gardens – a stunning formal park with accessible paths and a café.
Cromford Wharf – next to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cromford Mills, you can discover the birthplace of the industrial revolution before walking along the canal tow path.
Peak Shopping Village – located in Rowsley, this shopping destination is wheelchair accessible with shops all at ground level.
Matlock Bath Pavilion – a popular spot for tourists, with a riverside walk.
Ilam Park – a National Trust property offering beautiful landscapes and a tea room.
Arc Leisure Centre – a modern leisure facility in Matlock, they also have a hoist to access the swimming pool.
Ashbourne Library – providing essential services and accessible changing places facilities in the town of Ashbourne.
Sudbury Hall – a historic house with a childhood museum and family friendly activities.
Calke Abbey – another National Trust property, with vast grounds and accessible amenities.
Hardwick Hall – a stunning Elizabethan country house with beautiful gardens.
Museum of Making – a contemporary space telling Derby’s 300-year history of making to inspire new creativity on what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory.
East Midlands Designer outlet – out of town discount shopping all on one level with a food court
As we observe Changing Places Day, it’s crucial to recognise the transformative impact these facilities can have on the lives of individuals with severe disabilities and their families.
Changing Places toilets are not merely about convenience—they are about dignity, inclusion, and equality. By raising awareness and supporting the installation of more Changing Places toilets, we can help create a more accessible and inclusive society for everyone.

So, whether you’re planning your holiday at Hoe Grange and what to do during your stay or simply advocating for better facilities in your community, remember the importance of Changing Places toilets. They are essential for ensuring that everyone can participate fully in public life.
For more information on Changing Places toilets and to find facilities near you, visit the Changing Places website.
- Felicity