About Us
About Darwin Lake
Darwin Lake Holiday Village in the Peak District
Darwin Lake is a privately owned holiday village and wedding venue located just outside Matlock, Nestled in the rolling hills of the Derbyshire Dales. Set around a private lake and surrounded by woodland, the village offers a peaceful setting for short breaks, group stays and special occasions.
The estate includes a collection of stone-built cottages and flexible event spaces, allowing guests to stay individually or together as a group. Whether you’re visiting for a family break, wedding or corporate retreat, Darwin Lake offers a relaxed and flexible setting to stay, gather and explore.
Our Story
Darwin Lake was created as a place where guests can enjoy the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside while staying in comfortable, thoughtfully designed accommodation. Located just outside Matlock, the village brings together traditional stone-built cottages, landscaped grounds and a peaceful lakeside setting in the heart of the Peak District.
The village takes its name from Charles Darwin, who had historical connections to the local area through nearby Sydnope Hall. Inspired by a sense of exploration and appreciation for the natural world, Darwin Lake offers a setting where guests can slow down, spend time together and enjoy their surroundings.
Over time, Darwin Lake has become a popular destination for families, couples and corporate groups. With a mix of accommodation and flexible event spaces, guests can stay individually or come together for weddings, celebrations and group retreats.
Each cottage and shared space has been designed to reflect the character of the Peak District, combining traditional materials with modern interiors that prioritise comfort and practicality, creating a relaxed place to stay, gather and spend time together.
Discover Our Peak District Cottages
Our village features 17 individually designed stone-built cottages, each offering its own character and comfort. From cosy one-bedroom retreats to larger lodges for families and groups, Darwin Lake is suited to both individual stays and shared breaks.
Whether you’re planning a quiet escape or bringing people together, it offers a relaxed setting to stay, connect and enjoy the Peak District.
Each cottage includes
- Comfortable living spaces for relaxed self-catering stays
- Bedrooms with countryside or lakeside views
- Outdoor areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings
- Easy access to lakeside walks and open green spaces
Why stay at Darwin Lake
- Dog-friendly cottages available at selected properties
- Hot tubs available at selected cottages (Dovedale and Hardwick only)
- Flexible catering services for groups, celebrations and longer stays
- Just minutes from Matlock and Chatsworth House
- An ideal base for exploring Derbyshire and the wider Peak District
A Venue for Every Occasion
Darwin Lake is more than a place to stay, it’s a setting for life’s most memorable moments.
- Darwin Lake is more than a place to stay, it’s a setting for life’s most memorable moments.
- Corporate Retreats team-building, strategy days and group stays
- Family Gatherings & Group Stays spend time together in a relaxed village setting
- Seasonal Events & Celebrations including Christmas parties and New Year escapes
Each event is supported by our on-site team, with flexible options to suit your plans.
Rooted in the Peak District
Located in the heart of the Peak District, Darwin Lake offers a convenient base for exploring some of the area’s most well-known attractions. From Chatsworth House and Bakewell to Mam Tor, Dovedale and the Heights of Abraham, there’s plenty to see and do nearby.
- Scenic walks and cycling along the Tissington Trail
- Family days out to Gulliver’s Kingdom or Matlock Farm Park
- Local cafés, country pubs and independent shops
Whatever the season, the Peak District offers space to unwind, explore and spend time outdoors, with Darwin Lake perfectly placed to enjoy it all.
Our Commitments
Memorable Stays with Heartfelt Hospitality
At Darwin Lake, we believe that every guest deserves a memorable experience. That’s why we combine the warmth of local hospitality with the standards of a luxury resort. We take pride in supporting local suppliers, maintaining sustainable practices, and preserving the beauty of our natural surroundings for generations to come.
Whether you’re joining us for a short break, a wedding, or a business retreat, our goal remains the same — to provide a peaceful, beautiful, and inspiring environment that feels like home.
Why Choose Darwin Lake
Darwin Lake offers a unique balance of comfort, flexibility and location, making it ideal for a wide range of stays. Whether you’re visiting for a short break, a family gathering or a larger group event, the village is designed to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
With a variety of accommodation, on-site facilities and adaptable spaces, guests can shape their stay around what matters most to them.
- Flexible self-catering stays with optional catering services
- Individual cottage bookings or larger group stays
- Dedicated spaces for weddings, events and corporate retreats
- Access to Peak Adventures and outdoor activities nearby
