Darwin Lake Holiday Village
A Unique Lakeside Destination in the Heart of the Peak District
Welcome to Darwin Lake — an exclusive 4-star holiday village, corporate retreat, and events venue nestled in 20 acres of private woodland near Matlock.
With beautifully appointed stone cottages, a serene three-acre lake, and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, Darwin Lake offers the perfect setting for weddings, group getaways, and business events — all year round.
Just minutes from Chatsworth House and The Peak District National Park, our private estate blends natural tranquillity with modern comfort. Whether you’re planning a family celebration, a corporate offsite, or an adventurous weekend, everything you need is here — all in one remarkable location.
Stay Together. Escape the Everyday.
4-Star Cottages in a Private Lakeside Village
Experience the charm of our eighteen individually designed stone cottages, each rated 4-star by VisitEngland.
Every cottage features stylish open-plan living, fully equipped kitchens, superfast Wi-Fi, and peaceful woodland or lake views.
Choose from romantic one-bedroom retreats to larger family lodges — with accommodation for up to 127 guests across the village. Hot tub cottages are available for an added touch of luxury.
Corporate Retreats & Business Events
Inspire, Motivate and Recharge in Nature
Darwin Lake offers a truly unique setting for corporate retreats, conferences, training sessions, and team-building experiences.
Unlike a traditional hotel, our private village gives your business exclusive-use access to meeting spaces, catering facilities, and accommodation — creating the perfect balance between productivity and relaxation.
The Darwin Hall
A fully equipped event space for presentations, dinners, and receptions (up to 150 guests).
Breakout & Outdoor Spaces
Ideal for workshops, wellness sessions, or casual networking.
On-site Team Building
Partnered with Peak Adventures for kayaking, climbing, archery, and bushcraft.
Catering & Dining
Freshly prepared meals, corporate dining options, and evening bar service.
Overnight Stays
17 four-star cottages available for multi-day retreats.
Contact Us
Call us For any enquire or booking.
We held our annual strategy retreat at Darwin Lake — exceptional facilities, beautiful surroundings, and the perfect atmosphere to reconnect our team.
– Corporate Guest, 2025
Celebrate Life’s Special Moments
Weddings, Anniversaries & Private Hire
Our exclusive lakeside wedding venue is one of Derbyshire’s most romantic settings. Say “I do” beside the water, dine in our beautifully restored hall, and celebrate surrounded by family, friends, and nature.
Darwin Lake also hosts anniversaries, reunions, and private events, with full venue hire available for up to 150 guests.
With accommodation, licensed spaces, and stunning backdrops — every celebration here feels effortless and memorable.
Celebrate Life’s Special Moments
Weddings, Anniversaries & Private Hire
Our exclusive lakeside wedding venue is one of Derbyshire’s most romantic settings. Say “I do” beside the water, dine in our beautifully restored hall, and celebrate surrounded by family, friends, and nature.
Darwin Lake also hosts anniversaries, reunions, and private events, with full venue hire available for up to 150 guests.
With accommodation, licensed spaces, and stunning backdrops — every celebration here feels effortless and memorable.
Adventure Awaits
Discover the Peak District with Peak Adventures
Step outside your cottage door and into adventure. With Peak Adventures @ Darwin Lake, guests can enjoy an incredible range of outdoor activities — both on-site and across the Peak District National Park.
From kayaking and orienteering to mountain biking and climbing, every stay can be as relaxing or as energetic as you wish.
- Team-building challenges & outdoor pursuits
- Family-friendly activities and guided sessions
- Yoga, wellness & retreat weekends
Explore the Peak District
Endless Things to See and Do
Darwin Lake’s central location puts you just minutes from some of Derbyshire’s best-loved attractions, including:
- Chatsworth House
- Heights of Abraham
- Haddon Hall
- Crich Tramway Village
- Matlock Farm Park
- Tissington Trail
- Alton Towers Resort
Whether you prefer scenic walks, cultural experiences or thrilling family days out, everything is within easy reach.
Celebrate Life’s Special Moments
Weddings, Anniversaries & Private Hire
Our exclusive lakeside wedding venue is one of Derbyshire’s most romantic settings. Say “I do” beside the water, dine in our beautifully restored hall, and celebrate surrounded by family, friends, and nature.
Darwin Lake also hosts anniversaries, reunions, and private events, with full venue hire available for up to 150 guests.
With accommodation, licensed spaces, and stunning backdrops — every celebration here feels effortless and memorable.
Corporate Dining & Group Experiences
Eat, Connect and Celebrate in Style
Just like Peak Edge Hotel, Darwin Lake offers fine dining and elegant hospitality for groups and businesses.
Our in-house catering team can design bespoke menus for meetings, networking dinners, or celebration evenings — from local Derbyshire produce to formal banquets and BBQs by the lake.
Combine business with pleasure, all within your private estate.
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 only 25 miles from the M1.
With easy access by car or train, plus free on-site parking, getting here couldn’t be simpler.
Approximate Travel Times:
- Matlock – 10 minutes
- Bakewell – 20 minutes
- Derby – 45 minutes
- Sheffield – 1 hour
- Manchester – 1 hour 15 minutes
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you’re organising a team retreat, planning your wedding, or booking a lakeside family stay, Darwin Lake offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort and privacy.
Latest Blogs
Stay up to date with news, tips, and guides from Darwin Lake Holiday Village. From planning your perfect getaway to hosting weddings and special events, our latest articles make every visit easier and more enjoyable.
Top Adventures to Try Around Darwin Lake
Top Adventures to Try Around Darwin Lake Home / Introduction Planning a holiday for a...
Read More
Planning Your Dream Lakeside Wedding in the Peak District
Planning Your Dream Lakeside Wedding in the Peak District Home / Introduction Your wedding day...
Read More