Holiday Village
Peak District
Cottages
Peak Adventures for Group Events
Group stays with activities on-site, including team building, corporate events and organised group experiences.
Weddings at Darwin Lake
A lakeside setting for wedding celebrations, with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces across the village.
A lakeside setting in the Peak District
Darwin Lake Holiday Village
Darwin Lake is a 4-star holiday village set within 20 acres of private woodland near Matlock. With stone-built cottages, a three-acre lake and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, it provides a setting for holidays, group stays, weddings and business events.
The cottages include kitchenette facilities for self-catering stays, with full catering services available for group bookings, corporate events and special occasions. Group stays can also be enhanced with Peak Adventures, offering on-site activities and organised experiences for team building, events and shared stays.
4-Star Cottages in a Private Lakeside Village
Stay Together. Escape the Everyday.
Discover seventeen individually designed stone-built cottages, each rated 4-star by Visit England. Interiors are designed for comfort, with a mix of layouts including open-plan living, Wi-Fi, and views across woodland or the lake.
Accommodation ranges from cosy two-bedroom retreats to larger cottages, with capacity for up to 130 guests across the village. Hot tubs are available with selected cottages, offering an added touch of comfort for longer stays or group breaks.
Inspire, Motivate and Recharge in Nature
Corporate Retreats & Business Events
Darwin Lake offers a flexible setting for corporate retreats, team away days, and business events. Set within a private village environment, guests have access to meeting spaces, catering options and accommodation, creating a balance between work and time to unwind.
A fully equipped space for presentations, dining and events, accommodating up to 150 guests.
Flexible indoor and outdoor areas suitable for workshops, wellness sessions and networking.
Freshly prepared meals, with options for private dining, group catering and evening bar service.
We held our annual strategy retreat at Darwin Lake exceptional facilities, beautiful surroundings, and the perfect atmosphere to reconnect our team.
– Corporate Guest, 2025
Weddings, Anniversaries & Private Hire
Celebrate Life’s Special Moments
Darwin Lake provides a unique setting for weddings, celebrations, and private events. Set beside the lake and surrounded by woodland, the venue offers a peaceful backdrop for your day, with space to gather, dine, and celebrate.
From ceremonies and receptions to anniversaries and private parties, our spaces can accommodate up to 150 guests. With on-site accommodation and flexible indoor and outdoor areas, everything you need is in one place.
Discover the Peak District with Peak Adventures
Your Peak Adventure Awaits
Step outside your cottage and into the Peak District. With Peak Adventures at Darwin Lake, guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities both on-site and nearby, from kayaking and climbing to guided experiences across the surrounding area.
- Team-building challenges and outdoor pursuits
- Family-friendly activities and guided sessions
- Yoga, wellness and retreat weekends
Endless Things to See and Do
Explore the Peak District
Darwin Lake’s location places you just minutes from some of Derbyshire’s best-loved attractions, including:
- Chatsworth House
- Heights of Abraham cable cars
- Haddon Hall
- Crich Tramway Village
- Carsington Water
- Tissington Trail
- Alton Towers Resort
- Cromford Mills (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
From scenic walks to cultural landmarks and family days out, everything is within easy reach.
Corporate Events & Catering
Corporate Dining & Group Experiences
Darwin Lake offers flexible dining options for corporate groups, events and private gatherings. Our in-house catering team designs bespoke menus for meetings, group dining and evening events, using locally sourced produce where possible.
From informal meals to more structured dining in The Darwin Hall, catering can be tailored to suit your group, whether for a single event or a multi-day stay.
What the customer says about us
Customer Reviews
Find Us
Easy to Reach, Hard to Leave
Located just outside the village of Two Dales, Darwin Lake is three miles from Matlock and around 25 miles from the M1.
With easy access by car or train, and free on-site parking, getting here is straightforward.
Approximate Travel Times:
- Matlock – 10 minutes
- Bakewell – 20 minutes
- Derby – 45 minutes
- Sheffield – 1 hour
- Manchester – 1 hour 15 minutes
Latest News & Updates
Keep up to date with news, tips and local guides from Darwin Lake Holiday Village. Whether you’re planning a stay, wedding or group visit, our latest articles provide helpful information and inspiration.
Top Adventures to Try Around Darwin Lake
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Planning Your Dream Lakeside Wedding in the Peak District
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