Oaklands Country Lodges

Take a trip to the theatre this Christmas / Put your hands together for Panto!

2015-11-22T10:06:00.003-08:00

Nothing says Christmas like panto – and, if you’re wondering where to see a good one but can’t face London prices and queues, there’s plenty to choose from in the East Midlands.

So, if you’re coming to stay with us in December, or thinking of a festive break (we still have some availability) why not get properly into the Christmas spirit and check out some of the wonderful pantomime on offer in this region?

Nearby Nottingham is famous for its panto, and this year will be no different with two shows in town. Who wouldn’t want to get tickets for this year’s performance of Aladdin at the Theatre Royal, starring none other than Christopher Biggins as Widow Twankey? (http://www.trch.co.uk/aladdin) Joining him on stage will be Simon Webbe, from boyband Blue, and Nottingham favourite Ben Nickless.

This year is an extra special one for the Theatre Royal, as it celebrates 150 years. Visitors will also get the chance to enjoy a special interactive exhibition, 150 Years of Pantomime, which is on in the Upper Circle Foyer from December 5, 2015, to January 10, 2016, including dressing up for the kids! http://www.trch.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=29648

Meanwhile, talented actors down the road will be performing another traditional panto on the festive calendar: Dick Whittington. On at the Nottingham Playhouse, the show is directed by Kenneth Taylor, and promises to deliver all you could want in drama and laughter, not to mention fabulous scenery and frocks http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/family/dick-whittington/ Tickets are still available, but you’ll need to hurry to catch them.

Slightly closer to home, there is also a fine panto tradition in the city of Derby, and this year’s show is a rival production of Aladdin, featuring Natasha Hamilton from girlband Atomic Kitten, Dan Osborne from The Only Way is Essex, and Ritchie Neville from 5ive http://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/aladdin-2015

Younger audience members may also recognise the characters Ping and Pong, none other than Richard David-Caine and Joseph Elliott from CBeebies’ Swashbuckle!

So let’s hear it for panto … all together now …. “He’s behind you….!”

Website enquires

2015-07-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

For any enquiries please send to redfern751@btinternet.com due to technical issues with the website.
*August is now fully booked*

So much to do in the Summer Sun!

2015-07-26T12:23:00.002-07:00

The summer’s shaping up to be a scorcher and we know that if you join us at Oaklands, you’ll be in the best place to make the most of the wonderful weather and the great British outdoors with the Peak District on our doorstep.

There’s no shortage of fantastic activities to take part in – from leisurely cycling, walking and boating to the more daring tree top adventures at Go Ape (http://goape.co.uk/days-out/buxton), 80 feet of abseiling at Millers Dale Bridge (www.abseilingderbyshire.co.uk) or caving and a myriad of other activities with www.twinpeaksoutdooractivities.com/home.html - all in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District, and just a hop, skip and a jump away from Oaklands!

So you don’t believe there’s that much to do? Or you’re not sure exactly what you want to do? Then why not check out the best activities on offer on one of the specialist Peak District visitor information sites at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/ or www.peakdistrictinformation.com/visits/

If you’d like to know what top tips others have got for you, then take a look at what The Guardian said about the Peak District earlier this year at www.theguardian.com/travel/peakdistrict, Lonely Planet’s recommendations for what to do while you’re here (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/the-midlands/peak-district/things-to-do) or The Independent’s review of walking the Pennine Way www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/the-pennine-way-at-50-walking-the-cumbrian-leg-from-langdon-beck-to-alston-10193247.html?origin=internalSearch

And if the great British climate does fail you and the rain closes in, then just take another look at the visitor information sites – they’ve got plenty to do whether it’s rain or shine!

Whether you’re a dare devil, history buff, leisurely lifestyle lover or wildlife enthusiast, we’ve got something perfect for you. And if you’re not all about the outdoors, then why not visit an indoor attraction, swot up on historical facts at one of the county’s museums or visitor centres or have a blast on our social scene?

There’s always the classics like Chatsworth House, Alton Towers and many well established National Trust properties like Sudbury House or Keddleston Hall – or if you’re feeling less traditional you could always try fabulous family attraction Conkers (www.visitconkers.com) or recently rejuvenated Twycross Zoo (www.twycrosszoo.org)

Well, well, well – are you dressed yet?

2015-05-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard of Well Dressing? If you’re not originally from Derbyshire, it’s quite possible that this ancient custom has passed you by completely. However, if you’re visiting us, we’d love you to take the time to experience these lovely traditional events and find out more about what Well Dressing is, and what it means to us.

The origins of well dressing - the decoration of wells with flowers taking place from Whitsuntide and throughout the summer months - is a little bit of a mystery. Historians believe that the tradition developed from a pagan custom to appease the gods and ensure a continued supply of water, and that the custom was later adopted by Christians. As to why this tradition developed in Derbyshire (almost alone) and why the custom in this county is so much more elaborate in its celebration of wells and water than the rest of the UK, is a question that remains unanswered.

The Well Dressing story says that Derbyshire’s Tissington is the true heart of Well Dressing. The village has spearheaded the custom since a foray of activity during the 17^th Century, due to (allegedly) giving a great deal of thanks through the practice of Well Dressings for the village surviving the plague, that was rampant at the time.

Beginning with simple flower arrangements around a well in early practices, the line of Derbyshire celebration progressed to making elaborate pictures crafted from petals pressed onto clay by the time the Victorians were around. And the well dressing enthusiasts didn’t stop at wells! Frankly, we’re keen to decorate all sorts of water-related items! Water pumps, taps or fountains are all recipients of this fantastic, gentle custom.

It also seems that when Derbyshire residents moved counties, they often took the tradition with them, so the Well Dressing phenomena can now be found into Staffordshire and beyond – although at Oaklands, being a Derbyshire family, we’d still argue that our Well Dressings are most certainly the best!
To find out more about Well Dressing and Well Dressing events in Derbyshire, log on to http://welldressing.com

Calling all culture fans!

2015-04-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

You might know Derbyshire for its stunning countryside, wonderful walks and famous historic houses, however, Derbyshire’s also home to some of the UK’s most fantastic cultural attractions, events and creations – so much so in fact, that Derbyshire’s even got its own Cultural Prospectus!

So if you’re a fan of culture, what can we recommend?

Derwent Valley Mills (www.derwentvalleymills.org) should certainly be on your ‘to do’ list! Registered as a World Heritage site in 2001, it’s the birthplace of the factory system and stretching 15 miles down the river valley from Matlock Bath to Derby it contains a fascinating series of historic mill complexes, including some of the world's first 'modern' factories.

If you’re looking for a fun-packed family time at then there’s no better time than each year during the October half-term school break. This nine day period is crammed with over 100 activities which allow people to enjoy the World Heritage Site in unusual, entertaining and informative ways so if you’re visiting Oaklands in October, it’s certainly worth a trip!

If you’re after tailoring a trip just for you, then why not take your pick of the best of Derbyshire by checking out the Made in Derbyshire website (www.madeinderbyshire.org)? Made in Derbyshire illustrates the wonderful diversity of Derbyshire and profiles some really interesting artists, inspiring exhibits and creative culture. Here you’ll find that the Arts Derbyshire-supported initiative hosts a wealth of information on independent artists as well as organised cultural events.

If you’re staying with us in September, then there are two key cultural events that you’ll not want to miss – the Wirksworth Arts Festival (www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk) and the Melbourne Festival of the Creative and Performing Arts (http://melbournefestival.co.uk). Both festivals are long standing events that attract thousands of visitors to the county each September and enable even the most local of artists to exhibit their work alongside award winning professionals.

And we wouldn’t want to forget Derby’s historic and attractive Cathedral Quarter that houses the Derby Museum and Art Gallery (www.derbymuseums.org/museumartgallery) – both the Cathedral Quarter and the Museum & Art Gallery are certainly worth a visit. Our suggestions are just the tip of Derbyshire’s cultural iceberg, so why not log on to www.visitpeakdistrict.com for some more ideas – or ask us when you book your stay at Oaklands?

Fun and fitness at St George’s Park!

2015-01-31T07:25:00.005-08:00

When you’re on holiday, we all like to relax, however, as relaxing means different things to different people, we know that some of you will want to stay active during your stay with us at Oaklands. For some of you this will mean enjoying one of the many countryside walking or cycling routes, or even bridleways that are close by, but some of you will want to take a different approach. If you’re looking for a fully equipped gym and swimming pool to use while you’re staying with us, then just down the road we have the stunning St George’s Park that you can visit.

St George's Park is the English Football Association's national football centre on a 330-acre site at Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire (about 15 minutes drive from us) and was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in October 2012. Conveniently St George’s Park has a Health Club & Spa (www.healthclubandspasgp.com) and for just £49 a day, you can have access to the Health Club and Spa, a light lunch for one as well as one of the following 45 minute treatments; Comfort Touch Back Massage, Repair and Protect Facial, Spa Day Pedicure or Spa Day Manicure.

We can recommend the Health Club from personal experience too, as we’re monthly members! I know you’d think we’d get enough exercise with all our work on the farm, but sometimes it’s lovely making time for a break and taking a dip in the swimming pool at St George’s to get away from the hard graft of the farm. You may fancy a leisurely dip in the pool or more intensive exercise at the gym but, either way, we suggest that if you’d like a slice of fitness fun during your stay with Oaklands, then take some time to try St George’s, it’s a lovely environment and we think it’s super value!

Treat yourself to a Derbyshire Christmas - even in November!

2014-11-15T09:57:00.003-08:00

This year at Oaklands Country Lodges we are fully booked for Christmas week itself, but we’ve still got some availability in the festive weeks running up to the big day. In Derbyshire we like to celebrate Christmas during November and December, so even if you visit us this week you’ll find that our very best festive events are running, so that you and your loved ones can enjoy them.

If you love a traditional Christmas event, you’ve got a wonderful choice. From Chatsworth House’s Christmas in the Farmyard (www.chatsworth.org), Haddon Hall’s Christmas in the Hall (www.haddonhall.co.uk) or one of Derbyshire’s Christmas Markets (www.christmasmarkets.com).

If you’ve got some little loved ones that want to see Santa, then there’s lots of events to choose from too. Just over the border in Leicestershire, Conkers’ Winter Wonderland will let you see Santa, ride a train and take part in the fabulous visitor attraction that is Conkers itself (www.visitconkers.com/events/winterwonderland). And just down the road from us, although over the border into Staffordshire, at Amerton Farm you’ll find a whole variety of festive fun from visiting Santa, painting a pot and enjoying a traditional Christmas roast (www.amertonfarm.co.uk). If you’d rather cook your own in front of a toastie log burning stove at your temporary luxury Oaklands home, then why not visit of Derbyshire’s superb farm shops to get all of the excellent quality ingredients you’ll need.

Hackwood Farm Shop near Radbourne (www.hackwoodfarm.com) has a butchery, farm shop and deli, as well as a tea room in case you need to take a break from tantalising yourself with all its yummy food! On the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, Denstone Hall’s farm shop and café now stocks more than 500 local lines from Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and has a special Christmas Food Fair on November 20^th too (www.denstonehall.co.uk). Family-run Bluebells Dairy & Farm shop (www.bluebelldairy.co.uk) will give you a different taste of Christmas as it’s a homemade ice-cream specialist, as well as a farm shop! And if you’re already attending the Chatsworth House’s Christmas in the Farmyard event, then you can pop into their renowned farm shop for some tasty locally sourced treats.

If you are looking for super-local luxuries, then don’t forget you can always ask us! We know pretty much everything that’s available on our door step, as we use most of them! And don’t forget, you don’t have to venture far if you don’t want to, you might want to spend your whole holiday tucked up in your lodge, enjoying the cosy, quality of Oaklands, and to give yourself a real break before you do home.

Get daring in Derbyshire!

2014-09-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

If you’re not one for enjoying a sedate pace, or perhaps you just fancy a change, then why not take a tip from us and enjoy the daring side of Derbyshire?

Try taking a peak at the county from high in the sky. You can choose from para, hand or traditional gliding, or a hot air balloon flight - you could just take a spin with an instructor or you could sign up for a spot of training if you’re feeling braver! If having your eyes in the sky isn’t something that floats your boat then why not try an adventure on the water?

Canoeing is a popular pastime up in the Peaks or perhaps you’d prefer trying your hand at windsurfing? But if you’re handy with a rope then, there’s even more for you to dare to do. There’s climbing, abseiling, caving, a variety of activity centres and of course, the well-known and wonderful Go Ape experience!

If you want to take a trip to a cavern but don’t fancy caving, then you can explore several underground wonderlands all across the Peak District, both natural caves and manmade centuries ago. Enjoy stunning stalagmites and stalactites, fascinating fossils and at Speedwell Cavern you can even take a fairy tale boat ride through an 18^th Century mine!

Being a dare devil doesn’t always mean doing something unusual either, there are lots of cycle tracks and walking routes that need a strong will and firm determination to conquer!

Whatever type of activity you choose to undertake, you can be sure that when you return to Oaklands in the evening, you’ll get a warm welcome, cosy wood burning fire and a hot tub with a view. Enjoying the comfort of our four star lodges after a hard days dare devilling will make sure that you’re ready to take on the challenge of your next adventure in the morning.

Have Ewe been enjoying the sun?

2014-08-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

We have! Even though it’s been a busy few months on the farm… In May, we watched our herd of cows give birth to lots of lovely calves - with a little help from us where it was needed of course! June was haymaking and in the last few weeks we’ve been weaning our lambs off their mums (Ewes).

The weather has been a treat and it has meant that our combining has been going quickly and smoothly – so often we’re scuppered by torrential rain during the UK’s summers that some proper seasonal sun this year has been a real relief - if we’re struck with bad weather it can take us so much longer, not to mention the crop can be in danger of being ruined. So we’re all in a very good mood on the farm!

And our guests have been enjoying the sunshine too. What we definitely have here is lots of green open space and outstanding visitor attractions so let me tell you about two of our guests’ favourites.

Many guests have been in awe of the amazing Chatsworth House (www.chatsworth.org) this month, a property that has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. The Chatsworth in Wartime Exhibition has been getting excellent reviews from our guests, as has its Old Masters Drawings exhibit and of course its 1000 acre park, 105 acre stunning garden and farm shop with sumptuous goodies are none too shabby either!

Not everyone wants a visitor attraction quite as majestic, and luckily there’s plenty to choose from near us! Pretty much on our doorstep and over the border in Staffordshire is the lovely village of Tutbury. A superb historic church on the hill is a tourist favourite, although it’s Tutbury Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned and where (it is believed) Robin Hood was married, that is the most visited. The Castle has been home to regular ghost hunts and has hosted the UK’s largest event of its kind in previous years. You can find out more about Tutbury at its delightful village website: www.tutbury.org

We’ve won a Gold Green Tourism Award!

2014-06-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

At Oaklands Country Lodges we are really thrilled to have been presented with a Gold Green Tourism Award for our work to ensure that our three fabulous luxury lodges are as environmentally friendly as they can be. Awarded by the Green Tourism Business Scheme, it’s a tough award to get!

First of all you have submit an application and then you have to be audited – in lots of detail! The Green Tourism Business representative spent hours with us at the Lodges checking that everything we that we said we did, we actually did. It was a really thorough process, even the final audit report we received from the assessor was 16 pages long - phew!

Here is just a little bit of what they said in the report – we’re so proud!

“The business has achieved a Gold Level Green Tourist Award, a commendable achievement, reflecting the vision and determination of the owners. The properties make good use of air source heat pumps and solar PV... The environmental policy is well thought out and green matters are efficiently managed… A pond, fed by rainwater, is a notable feature and Oaklands has planted significant trees and hedges which help to support wildlife. A very good business.”

If you’d like to know more about our Environmental and Sustainability initiatives then why not take a look at our policy which summarises some of our recent eco work? See www.oaklandscountrylodges.co.uk/blog.php

If you’d like to know more about the Green Business Tourism Scheme then take a look at its website at: www.green-tourism.com

And if you’d like to talk to us in more detail about our environmental credentials, then please just drop us a line or pick up the phone, we’re always keen to hear your views and ideas.

Derbyshire: 10 Fun facts - How many do you know?

2014-05-30T09:51:00.003-07:00

When our guests arrive, they often ask us about our fabulous county of Derbyshire so we thought we’d find some fun facts to share with you. How many of these do you already know?

1. Derbyshire covers an area of 255,071 hectares (630,366 acres) - which means it makes up around nearly two per cent of England!
2. The Peak District National Park is a... 555 square mile area (1,438 square kms) of outstanding natural beauty. It was the first national park in the United Kingdom to receive recognition in 1951.
3. More than 763,000 people live in Derbyshire with around 40,000 people living in the Peak District National Park.
4. The Peak District National Park accounts for more than a third of Derbyshire's total land area and stretches beyond Derbyshire into Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
5. If you’re a cyclist, you won’t have to look far to find some super cycle routes. The Peak District is packed full of them and even Derby, Derbyshire’s main city, has more than 100kms of on and off road cycle routes – imagine how many cycle routes we’ve got in the whole county!
6. More than 8.4 million people live within 30 kms of Derbyshire’s county lines and more than 80% of the UK’s population live within a four hour drive of the Peak District – so what’s stopping you paying us a visit?
7. As a country Derbyshire is great at green! We currently compost and recycle 43.3 per cent of the county's rubbish that’s up from 18 per cent in 2003/2004.
8. The Peak District National Park receives more than 10 million visitors each year – but luckily our visitors don’t come all at once!
9. Derbyshire is home to the renowned JB Kind which has been a timber specialist for more than 140 years and has been selling some of the UK’s most innovative wooden doors for more than 30 years! In fact JB Kind’s doors have just been featured in the Channel 4 Fisherman’s Church episode of Restoration Man!
10. We’re wizards with water in Derbyshire. From the ‘cracking’ Castleton Water and Cromford Canal to the Erewash Canal and the Trent and Mersey Canal – our water’s wonderful in Derbyshire so why not explore our county by narrowboat, windsurfing or canoe?

Going for Green!

2014-05-02T11:29:00.002-07:00

As farmers we are acutely aware of the environment and all things eco but we’d never really thought of ourselves as particularly ‘green’. However all this changed when we were asked to write our environment and sustainability policy and we started to take a proper look at everything eco we did – and were amazed!

Of course we’d made sure that we have renewable energies powering our luxury lodges with a mix of air source heat pumps and solar panels that supply heating and electricity, to the sustainable logs we provide for the log burning fires. We provide recycling facilities, collect rainwater, provide environmentally-conscious cleaning products and use local suppliers – but doesn’t everyone? Our feedback and research tells us, apparently not!

I suspect as farmers we’re always looking to encourage biodiversity and support the natural environment because it’s part of the way we live, it always has been, but so many people were surprised to hear that since we’d started work on the lodges in 2009 we’ve planted 600 metres of hedgerows, as well as 250 trees. Guests have been happy to hear that we designed the large pond that sits outside the lodges to make sure that we encouraged all of nature’s wonderful creatures and in support of their habitats and that we consider how to heal the land on which we work.

To start with we thought that writing down our environment and sustainability policy was just a bit of admin that we didn’t really have time for, but part way through listing all the things we did, we felt proud that we were doing so much, when many others appear to struggle to do even the simplest of positive ‘green’ tasks.

So thanks to everyone for their warm support of our new policy. If you’ve not read it yet, you can find it on our website at http://www.oaklandscountrylodges.co.uk/sustainability-environmental-policy.pdf

If you’ve got any ideas about anything more we can do, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Fancy a walk?

2014-04-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

The sun’s out, spring is here and it’s time to get out and about, even if you still might need to don a pair of walking wellies when the weather’s wetter! We’re lucky at Oaklands as we are situated in the middle of the wonderful Derbyshire countryside, a few miles from the Peak District - and we’re on the edge of the National Forest (which is in South Derbyshire and Leicestershire) – both of which have their 2014 Walking Festivals starting in April and May. Both Festivals are long standing affairs and have really varied programmes depending on the time you have and your level of ability.

Whether you are a hardy or hapless walker there’s a walk here in Derbyshire that will be perfect for you. As farmers we tend to be hardy (we’ve got no choice!) but don’t ever seem to get the time to take a nice relaxing walk and enjoy our surroundings – like this month, we’re into our third week of lambing - it gets you into the fresh air but it’s unlikely to be very restful!

If you’re already visiting us this year, or fancy staying here next year to coincide with the walking festivals, then this is where you need to look to find out more:

The National Forest Walking Festival runs from the 17^th to 29^th May, includes more than 80 walks and also coincides with the launch of the National Forest Way, which is a lovely long trail that takes walkers on a journey through our transforming rural landscapes. Log onto: www.nationalforest.org/involved/health/walking_festival.php or www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk for more information.

You can also enjoy the great outdoors by attending one or more of over 100 events and walks in the Peak District that run from the 26^th April to the 11^th May. As part of the Peak District Walking Festival. For more information visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/events/PDWalkingFestival.aspx

If you’re not sure where you’d prefer to walk, why not give us a call and we might be able to pass on some of our local knowledge about the towns and villages en route?

And if you don’t fancy a walk when you get here, then that sounds like a perfect excuse to stay in your four star lodge’s hot tub and look our divine Derbyshire view instead!

From mud baths to hot tubs - celebrating five years of Oaklands Country Lodges!

2014-03-01T03:21:00.003-08:00

This month is our five year anniversary – well of breaking ground for our three lovely log cabins anyway! In the first few months of 2009 the weather was atrocious, although not quite as bad as this year. You might think it odd that I remember the weather, but when you’re trying to get the foundations laid for a brand new project, then you really do remember. At one point it seemed like it would be easier to install mud baths rather than hot tubs!

Up until then I’d been a hard working farmer’s wife, helping out as a chef at local restaurants and tea rooms and, of course, raising my triplets – two boys and a girl. But in 2009 the triplets were teenagers and on the farm, we wanted to diversify to give ourselves a fighting chance – farming is challenging and incomes and profit margins can be unstable!

We’d spent a long time saving for our big investment and I was determined that our luxury cottages were going to be some of the best in Derbyshire. To begin with the rain hampered our attempts to build. It was frustrating at times and lots of hard work but somehow we managed to make sure the lodges were completed on time and open to guests within just a few months.

I think a few of our fellow farming friends thought we were quite mad to invest so heavily and include expensive facilities like hot tubs and renewable energies but my heart – and my business plan – said it would work and five years on, I really think it has.

Our guests really like some of the environmentally-conscious features we have, like the solar panels and our air source heat pumps that provide our under floor heating and the hot tubs have really been a hit! I think it’s because when you sit in them, you have a great view of our wonderful Derbyshire countryside. I’ve always found a view of Derbyshire relaxing, but I might be biased, I’ve lived here all my life!

For those of you that have already visited us, then take a look at the ‘before’ shots on Facebook, you’ll be amazed at what you see! https://www.facebook.com/peakdistrictlodges

And if you’re one of the people we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, then we’d love you to come and see us if you get the chance. If you want to find out more about us, just give me a call or drop me a line, I’d love to talk to you!

Perk up in the Peaks!

2014-01-18T03:00:00.003-08:00

January can be a bit of a miserable time for most of us. We’re back at work, it’s pretty chilly and our next holiday seems a long way away! So why not improve your mood by booking your 2014 holiday - or even just a short break to give you a little bit of respite before you take a longer holiday? You’ll find that once you’ve committed to some time away, you’ll feel much more relaxed and at lot chirpier!

One of the best things about Oaklands Country Lodges is that whatever the weather there’s always something to do. You could sit in the lap of lodge luxury, in front of your lodge’s log burning stove – or in your own private hot tub (all of our lodges have one) – and wile away the hours reading and admiring the country views.

If you’re feeling more energetic, then there is a lot to do. We’re on the doorstep of the Peak District, which you might think of a place you’d only visit in the sunshine, but how wrong you’d be! There are some great wet weather ideas from Visit Peak District is you log on to http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/thematic/wetweatherdays.aspx, you’ll be surprised how much you can do when our wonderful weather gives us wind and rain. From vintage trams and theme parks to cable car rides and museums, if you’ve got the energy, there’s no need to let a bit of rain worry you!

Of course if you’re happy to ‘weather’ the elements, then the amazing Peak District still very much open for business. There’s a plethora of cycling routes, walking guides and bridal paths for you to explore – and don’t think that you have to be super fit to enjoy these activities. There are plenty of more gentle activities for us that don’t like to push ourselves too hard when it comes to holiday fun.

Find out more about the Peak District at http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/see-and-do/active-peak.aspx and plan what you can see and do, all from your base at Oaklands.

Walkers are Welcome!

2013-12-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

If you’ve visited Derbyshire before, you’ll know that there are some superb walks, and whether you’re a seasoned rambler or a walking novice, there are a wealth of walks locally to choose from. Obviously we’ve got the Peak District and the National Forest just a hop skip and a jump away, but we’ve also got the first town – Melbourne - in Derbyshire to achieve the Walkers are Welcome national accreditation. Achieving this status means that the walking routes are maintained, that there are leaflets on the walking routes and that muddy boots are welcome in the eateries and shops in the town, so if you fancy a friendly walkers welcome, why not take a trip to the town of Melbourne in South Derbyshire, just ten miles away from us at Oaklands? Want to know more? Visit: http://melbournefootpathsgroup.wordpress.com/

If you’d rather stay closer to us during your stay then why not travel a mere three miles over to Tutbury to take a five mile turn around the town in an easy and enjoyable walk that takes in an historic corn mill as well the lovely village of Rolleston-on-Dove too. Find out the walk’s details at: http://derbyshire-peakdistrict-co-uk.leia.parcomweb.net/tutburywalk.htm

If you’re more of a focused hiker than a leisurely meanderer and really want a challenge then, as an experienced walker, you can choose from a several long distance routes in the Peak District (http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/getactive/getactive-walking). From the Pennine Way with its highest point at more than 2,000ft to the 55 mile long Derwent Valley Heritage Way that has been designated as a World Heritage Site, you’ll certainly find a route to suit you! When you’ve finally finished your day or walking, you can come home to Oaklands to rest your weary feet in your cabin’s hot tub and enjoy a real slice of luxury as a reward for all your efforts!

Enjoy a Brew in Burton

2013-11-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

Only eight miles away is the world famous beer brewing town of Burton, and so it fits that it is home to the very varied visitor attraction, the National Brewery Centre. Suitable for all weathers, this predominantly indoor attraction, The National Brewery Centre is a popular place for Oaklands visitors as it houses so much! For starters there’s the museum where you can learn more about the famous Bass family, the evolution of brewing and every detail of the brewing process. You can enjoy an informed guided tour to take your time and pursue the exhibits in your own time. Vintage vehicle enthusiasts will enjoy the range of machines on offer and those tempted by trains will enjoy the steam exhibition.

If you want a day with a difference, then you can enjoy a Dray ride with two stunning shire horses, as well as spending some time in the cafe or shop! It wouldn’t be a trip to Burton, however, without a traditional brew and most people can’t resist trying one of Staffordshire’s finest top tipples at the onsite bar and restaurant, the aptly named Brewery Tap!

For those visitors that want to stay and enjoy Burton’s beverages, there are regular comedy, jazz and other events, (from Buskers to Bavarian Oktoberfest), to enjoy into the evening. If you fancy popping along to Burton’s National Brewery Centre during your stay with us, then visit http://www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk/ for more information.

October availability!

2013-10-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

All the Lodges are now full for October! Check our Calendar Page to check for availability
http://www.oaklandscountrylodges.co.uk/booking-oakland-lodges.php

October Special Offer!

2013-10-08T12:25:00.001-07:00

Last space of the month!!
25th-28th October Waterside Lodge (sleeps 4) on offer £345 save a massive £100!

August Special Offers!!

2013-07-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

The only availability left in August is for Waterside Lodge (sleeps 4); Fri 16th - Mon 19th for the cost of £480 was meant to be £560 or Fri 23rd - Mon 26th for the cost of £500 was meant to be £535.

Mini break for the Christmas period!!

2012-10-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

One mini break left for the Xmas period!
Waterside Lodge- Friday 28th - Monday 31st, 3 night stay
Just £420 for 4 guests!!

Waterside Lodge last year!

Make the most of the Jacuzzi Hot Tub on your stay!!

October availability!

2012-09-30T10:14:00.003-07:00

Meadow View Lodge- Mon 1st-Fri 5th £500 & Mon 8th-Fri 12th £500.
Hideaway Lodge- Mon 8th-Fri 12th £310.
Waterside Lodge- Mon 8th-Fri 12th £310 & Fri 26th-Mon 29th £310.

September availability!

2012-08-20T08:50:00.004-07:00

One short break left!! Waterside Lodge 3rd- 7th September £445.

Summer availability!

2012-07-15T03:40:00.003-07:00

All of the lodges are now full for July and August! September and October are filling up fast!

June availability-

2012-06-03T03:23:00.001-07:00

Please that that all the lodges are full over the Bank Holiday and half term period until the 11th June.