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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.

Snowdrops at Hopton Hall

January 19, 2023
January 19, 2023 - Snowdrops at Hopton Hall
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The delicate white petals of snowdrops bursting through the undergrowth are one of the first signs that Spring is on its way. So lucky that Hopton Hall Gardens, which has one of the finest displays of snowdrops and aconites, is just down the road from Hoe Grange. A stunning sight not to be missed!

Stunning snowdrops

Pull on your coat and hat, grab your gloves and go for a local walk to see if you can find some snowdrops, peeking through the snow.

snowdrops

Despite the cold, frosty weather, these hardy yet delicate flowers can be found thriving in woods, ditches and orchards everywhere. Blooming between January and March their brilliant white petals and green leaves are a welcome sight. They are often described as one of nature’s brightest wonders and signal the growth of new life.

Snowdrops at Hopton Hall

Hopton Hall with it’s crinkle-crankle garden wall, is in the hamlet of Hopton, with views over to Carsington Water.

Snowdrops at Hopton Hall

Hopton  Hall snowdrop gardens open from 1st February until 29th February from 10.30am to 4pm.  If you're a keen gardener its a great place to get outdoors and beat the winter blues. Ideal for families too, as most of the paths are hard-surfaced and accessible for both young and old, although not all areas are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Admission is just £5 for adults, £2.50 for under 16's and free for children under 6 years.

Hopton Hall

The red brick house has roots back to the 16th century when it was built by Thomas Gell as a two-storey, three-bay manor house. It was extended and remodelled by Philip Gell in the late 18th century. Over the years it has entertained many esteemed visitors including Oliver Cromwell, Mary Queen of Scots and Princess Anne.

The original estate of some 3,700 acres was split up in the 20th century, and in the 1980’s more land was swallowed by the construction of Carsington Water. However the gardens and grounds that are left have been loving restored to their former glory by the current owners Bill and Julie Thomas.

Today you can admire the delicate drifts of snowdrops along the woodland walk. The dappled light through the trees makes the snowdrops sparkle and brings to life the colourful aconites, hellebores and primroses.

As you meander through the more formal walled gardens you will discover many unexpected delights. Even without the 2,000 summer roses in bloom the walled gardens are just as enchanting in winter, with an arboretum and pinetum.  Explore further and follow the walkways past the ponds to the wildlife lake, and wider estate where you will catch an enticing glimpse of Carsington Water in the distance.

Walk or cycle to Hopton

Getting to Hopton Hall from Hoe Grange is a easy. Cycle just 3 miles along the High Peak Trail to the bottom of Hopton incline, then down a short (steep) lane and you will see the red brick crinkle-crankle wall of Hopton Hall. But fear not...with our electric bikes that steep hill on the way home becomes a breeze!

ebikes photo by Visit Peak District

After a visit to Hopton Hall, why not call at The Miner’s Arms in Carsington, just minutes away, for a friendly pint and delicious pub grub?  Plenty of outside space with a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained.

We definitely recommend a visit to Hopton Hall Gardens, be it for the snowdrops in winter or the stunning displays of roses in summer. The snowdrop gardens are open in February while the summer gardens are open for three days a week from mid-June until the end of August.

Hopton Hall summer gardens

Whatever time of year you visit the homemade cakes are absolutely delicious!

Explore our website for more #lovelocal car free days out while staying in one of our log cabins or glamping pods.

Felicity 



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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • 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 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  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  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  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 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  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  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  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  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  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  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 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  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  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 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  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'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  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  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  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  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 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  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  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  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

    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  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  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

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