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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.

The UK’s most inclusive farm stay: As seen in the Sunday Times!

September 8, 2024
September 8, 2024 - The UK’s most inclusive farm stay: As seen in the Sunday Times!
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Behind the scenes of our glowing Sunday Times review

Making headlines: Hoe Grange Holidays's star moment

"All farms are equal, but some are more equal than others."

We are beyond excited to share that Hoe Grange Holidays has been featured in The Sunday Times this weekend! Honestly, we're still pinching ourselves – it’s not every day a small family-run business like ours makes national headlines.

The piece in the Travel section highlights our dedication to providing accessible holidays, calling our log cabins "the UK's most inclusive farm stay".

Journalist Ben Aitken and his friend Anthony came to stay for a short break in Daisybank cabin in June, and have shared their experiences with a good deal of humour in this weekend's paper (the piece starts by comparing a moment in the hot tub to the time when Michael Portillo admired Ben's hot pink trousers).

So we thought we'd share our side of the story too!

So how did we end up in the national papers?

It all started with our big win earlier this year at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, where we were chuffed to receive the Gold Award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism.

The Hoe Grange Holidays team receiving the Gold Award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024

I'll admit it, I hate putting myself out there in a glitzy, glamorous setting like an awards ceremony - I'd much rather be chatting to our guests, spending time with the animals or walking through the fields and up the High Peak Trail. But in the spirit of networking (and perhaps after a glass or two of celebratory bubbly), I struck up conversation with some fascinating people.

A group of people in eveningwear networking at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

One of the other trophies up for grabs was the Travel Content Award. I ended up chatting to the silver award-winner, Liz Edwards of The Times who had written a piece on swimming in the Thames, and separately Anthony, wheelchair user and friend of Ben Aitken, the gold award-winner for his article on Miles without Stiles in the Lake District. I came away clutching Liz's business card like another trophy - one I hoped would help us spread the word about our accessible holidays.

I reached out to Liz a few days later to pitch a story with a quote from one of our guests. She emailed almost straight back to say she had been thinking about Hoe Grange, and wanted to commission Ben and Anthony to write about us instead! Ben's previous piece is an amusing and joyful take on accessible travel in the Lake District that really brings their friendship to life, and Anthony had seemed lovely at the award ceremony, so we were looking forward to welcoming them for a visit.

After a few emails back and forth, we found some dates that worked for everyone, and got them booked in.

Image credit: VisitBritain and Kevin Moran

First impressions count: preparing to host a journalist!

We were so excited to host a journalist for a national paper like The Sunday Times, but also quietly terrified – would they love Hoe Grange as much as we do?

Determined they would have an authentic experience, we didn't put any extra special effort into preparations for their visit. (We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, so we would have struggled to find anything extra anyway...)

Anthony meeting the Hoe Grange Holidays pygmy goats with Felicity during his visit now written up in The Sunday Times

The only concession we made to this being a VIP visit was that Felicity (queen of the laundry) made sure that her absolute favourite bedding was on the beds - because, you know, it's all in the little touches...

We treated them like all of our wonderful guests, sharing tips in advance on things to do and how to get here, sourcing local produce, showing them around the farm and sharing all our eco-friendly practices.

Anthony seemed to love bombing about the farm in his electric wheelchair with the enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas morning. Throughout the week, we'd be sat working in reception and he'd whizz past out of nowhere on his way to see the goats or say hello to the cats, grinning ear to ear.

A visit to the farm to remember

A black, grey and white baby goat looking at the camera, being held in the arms of a white man. The man is wearing a purple t-shirt with the Hoe Grange Holidays logo and the name David embroidered on it.The week that Ben and Anthony came to stay was memorable for another reason. Our pygmy goats were heavily pregnant and due any day. Anthony had become firm friends with them after joining in at feeding time.

One afternoon after lunch, David went to check on the pregnant goats in the field near the cabins and shouted for help. Raspberry had already given birth to one baby and her second kid was stuck, with only her tiny feet showing out of the birth canal. I raced to his aid, but his shouts had caught the attention of Ben and Anthony too, who'd been enjoying a drink on the cabin decking.

The next minute, Ben and Anthony were watching the twins take their very first wobbly steps in the world - talk about an unforgettable farm experience! It had us all completely captivated, and even old hat Farmer David was enjoying the magic of the moment. We couldn't have planned that better if we'd tried - thanks Raspberry (yes, you can have some extra treats for such a well-timed delivery!)

Once the twins had bonded with mamma goat, Anthony also had the honour of being the first guest to have a baby goat cuddle, starting their training as Guest Entertainment Officers early. The twins and their mum are both doing well and continuing to delight guests with their bouncy antics in the field.

What makes us special: Highlights from The Sunday Times feature

A hot tub in a rural setting at Hoe Grange Holidays with a hydraulic hoist"This corner of Derbyshire has it all, and it has it all for everyone."

Reading the paper this morning as a family over the breakfast table, there might have been a few happy tears shed, as well as a giggle or two at Ben's turn of phrase. He certainly has a talent for bringing his friendship with Anthony to life (though Anthony definitely has the best lines)!

Seeing our hard work and love for Hoe Grange reflected in print is a feeling that’s hard to describe. The fact that The Sunday Times called us "a top-notch getaway whatever your needs" has us beaming with pride.

What's next for Hoe Grange Holidays?

Daisybank log cabin at Hoe Grange Holidays at duskWe are very lucky to live in such a spectacular landscape and we're passionate about sharing it with guests like you. We're hoping that this The Sunday Times article will help spread the word about our accessible log cabins so that even more people with disabilities can enjoy the magic of a Peak District adventure.

We've recently been accredited as both Autism-Friendly and Dementia-Inclusive too, and we'll continue to explore how we can provide the best experience for people with different needs. If you've been to stay before and have any suggestions, we'd love to hear from you!

Feeling inspired? Book your accessible stay at Hoe Grange now!

We couldn't be more thrilled with our feature in The Sunday Times - you can read the full article online, or pick up a copy this weekend.

Feeling inspired by Ben and Anthony's antics? Now is the perfect time to plan your own countryside escape with us. Whether you're looking for a peaceful autumn break or hoping to witness your own live births on the farm (hint: go for April or May for baby lambs!), we're ready to welcome you.

Check out our facilities and equipment, explore accessible days out, or discover our local Changing Places map.

Don't miss out, book your stay today!

- Caroline

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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • 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 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  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  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  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  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  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  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 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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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

    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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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'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 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

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