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.
We are absolutely thrilled with our triple success at The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards last week at a ceremony held at Buxton’s iconic Devonshire Dome.
We're celebrating winning the Gold Award for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism and a second Gold Award for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism. We also won the Silver Award for Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year. A brilliant result which makes all our hard work seem worthwhile!
It’s not just an excuse to bring out the DJ or a new party frock, although that's the fun bit!
It’s an amazing feeling to win, but that’s by no means the only reason why we enter. Taking part in regional and nationally recognised awards give us the incentive and extra push to maintain our high standards and improve the guest experience.
Tourism is an increasingly competitive market. With the likes of Airbnb and the big Online Travel Agents (OTA’s) such as Booking.com, it is essential that we develop a competitive edge to be successful. Winning awards makes our business stand out and gives guests confidence to book.
We can’t compete with the big boys on price, but we can add value. Smaller independent businesses like ourselves offer a more bespoke, personal service. We love sharing our local knowledge and offering you a real taste of the Peak District so that you go home with treasured memories of your stay.
From grocery deliveries of delicious Peak District produce, and sourcing local artisan produce for our little onsite shop, to collaborating with other local businesses who provide you with guided tours and unique experiences.
David has lived here at Hoe Grange Farm all his life so is a mine of information on hill farming, and the best local walks with the most stunning views. We know the local quirky events taking place, and the best visitor attractions. We make it our mission to review all the best pubs, cafes and restaurants - tough I know! We just #LoveLocal
Holiday makers have so much choice, so we need to stand out from the crowd and give you a reason to stay with us in the stunning Peak District countryside. Our log cabins and glamping pods are on a 250-acre working farm so we have always been conscious of our impact on the environment and wildlife.
You may not be looking for a sustainable get away, but the fact that we produce 85% of our own electricity needs from our wind turbine and solar panels and that you can charge your electric car for free, maybe a deciding factor when you book your holiday.
We support local charities such as Friends of the Peak District, Peak District National Park Foundation and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to help care and preserve our stunning Peak District landscape for future generations. Sustainability has been at the heart of our business from the beginning and we love sharing our special environment with everyone, and are definitely #peakdistrictproud. We have recently worked with Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group to restore the dew pond in the farmyard. Now the pond has refilled following the heavy rainfalls the Great Crested Newts have a safe place to breed.
Hoe Grange Holidays has also been awarded the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark and Green Tourism Gold Award for our sustainable practices.
We want everyone to enjoy their holiday and access for all has been a huge part of our journey. Hipley one of our first log cabins was designed with access in mind and fitted with a spacious wet room. From the start in 2006 Hipley was always booked up so there was no surprise when we expanded in 2010 that the two new cabins were wheelchair accessible.
Our range of additional equipment has also expanded over the years in response to feedback from guests, and is second to none. The two off-road wheelchairs which enable guests with limited mobility to explore the fields and trails are a huge hit. Being able to access the countryside really brings a smile to people’s faces!
Whilst it’s amazing and a thrill to win there is a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes at Hoe Grange. We certainly don't have time to stand and stare beneath the boughs as long as our sheep and cows! We are always looking to improve our facilities.
This week David has been busy replacing the log-fired log tub in the garden area. The wood panels of the old one were slowly rotting away and the tub was leaking. We now have a beautiful new tub just for two, so you can enjoy a romantic evening under the stars.
Overriding comments from our guests include, the high standard of cleanliness, the extra little touches and emphasis on #LoveLocal, the peaceful, relaxing surroundings and the countryside views.
There are just so many reasons why guests return time after time.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire commented “It is our privilege to celebrate some of the talented businesses who offer that extra special service and experience for some of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s 42 million visitors each year. Quality and innovation are essential to the tourism industry and all of our finalists are shining examples of success"
Check out all the other talented businesses that won Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.
Tourism in the region is vital to the local economy as it generates £2.3 billion, supports 30,000 jobs and attracts 42 million visitors annually. As Gold winners we are proud to go forward to represent The Peak District & Derbyshire in the National VisitEngland Awards for Excellence later in the year in June.
Exciting times ahead - wish us luck!
Felicity