You don’t always have to fly off to distant shores for a break away from routine, and with Leicester being so centrally located we’re lucky to have wonderful spots to escape to right on our doorstop. The Peak District is one of our favourite areas for a short weekend break away, just an hour down the road and picturesque enough to make you forget about any work of real life woes.

sandybrook country park
Outside terrace area

Sandybrook Country Park is perfectly situated just a few minutes from the centre of the picturesque market town of Ashbourne in the heart of the Peak District. The park provides luxury lodges of all sizes to suit couples, friends and families. Better still, they’re pet friendly so you can take along the dogs to enjoy your break with you.

sandybrook
Inside the lodge

Staying in a pet friendly Tissington Classic, we couldn’t have wished for a better base. The lodges come equipped to a very high standard with flat screen TV, dvd player, iPod dock, top kitchen appliances, new and tasteful furniture, plus a high quality bathroom suite and spacious bedrooms. With February weather being as you’d expect we couldn’t enjoy the outside decking area to its full potential, but with 2 little dogs in tow it proved very useful. Every lodge comes with outdoor dining furniture and some also have hot tubs to enjoy as well.

sandybrook
The lounge area

The site itself offers a host of other amenities, with children’s indoor and outdoor play facilities for families, mini golf, a games room for teenagers, a reception area with DVDs to hire, a swimming pool and sauna area and, most importantly, an on site pub and restaurant called The Coach House. The restaurant even does takeaway options so if you don’t fancy making the most of your lodge’s cooking facilities then just pop down there and pick up a pizza or one of their other menu items. The vanilla cheesecake comes highly recommended if you have a late night dessert craving!

sandybrook
The Coach House

The great thing about Sandybrook is the size of the park. The lodges are all in a close area so you’re never walking far to the reception or to the bar. If a group of friends or family go together then it would be a great option to make use of a few lodges and socialise between them.

Sandybrook Country Park can really cater for all ages and interests. With a country woodland walk path mapped out for you at the site, ramblers and nature enthusiasts will be easily entertained. However, if you’re not quite so keen on the walking boots (like us) then you’re only 5 minutes from the centre of the beautiful market town of Ashbourne, with an array of lovely pubs, shops and interesting finds. Make sure you check out the St John Street Gallery, which has a lovely coffee shop upstairs.

Ashbourne
Ashbourne town centre

For a short break away, whether it be for a couple, for friends or for a family reunion, Sandybrook Country Park is a fantastic location, with top notch facilities. We visited in February when the weather was dreary, but have already decided that we’ll be back in the summer to soak up to sun on the outside terrace!

Cool As Leicester rating 9/10.

 

A 2 bed (one double and one twin), pet friendly, Tissington Classic Lodge starts from just £256 for a midweek break. Availability, rates and booking can all be found on the Sandybrook Country Park website.

 

Many thanks to Pinelodge Holidays for inviting us to stay with them.