Guests say
The Buxton lodge in Ashbourne generally receives positive feedback for its cleanliness, comfort, and location, with guests praising the well-equipped and spotlessly clean accommodations. The lodge is described as cosy, beautifully decorated, and situated in a great location for exploring nearby attractions. While most experiences have been excellent, a few guests noted issues with noise, maintenance, and the size of the lodge.
Most guests found the lodge to be clean and tidy, with several reviews highlighting its spotless condition. However, one review mentioned cleanliness issues such as sticky stains and marks, slightly lowering the score.
The location is generally appreciated for its proximity to local attractions and the countryside setting. However, the score is affected by a complaint about noise from a nearby busy road.
Guests often describe the lodge as comfortable and cosy, with a few noting that the size and seating could be improved. The presence of a comfortable bed and the lodge's overall cosiness contribute to a high comfort score.
While guests are pleased with the general state of the lodge, specific references to facilities and maintenance issues such as the lack of coat hooks, blinds, and entrance lighting, as well as the suggestion for A/C, prevent a definitive score. No consistent feedback is provided to accurately assess this category.
There are no mentions of gifts or special touches that would indicate the level of thoughtfulness in the service provided. Therefore, it is not possible to score this category.
About this property
This stylish one-bedroom lodge is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway in the heart of the Peak District. Surrounded by beautiful countryside views, relax on the decking, and enjoy the woodland views. The master double features en suite shower room, the contemporary open-plan living space has living area with TV and comfy sofa, dining area looking onto the decking from the patio doors, the fully equipped kitchen area has fridge/freezer, slimline dishwasher, and microwave (no oven).
Images are representative and may not be the specific accommodation assigned on booking.. Rivendale Lodge Retreat is part of our Evermore Lodge Holidays Collection. In the heart of the Peak District National Park, Rivendale Lodge Retreat offers luxurious lodge and treehouse accommodation, perfect for breaks away in this beautiful part of the UK. With walks and cycle trails from the park, perfect for your furry friend to enjoy, and for those muddy paws there’s a dog wash available. Rivendale Lodge Retreat is ideal for a family holiday, the Peak District has lots to offer, with walking, cycling, horse riding, climbing, fishing and water sports, something for everyone.
Dovedale nature reserve is famous for its steppingstones a hot spot for fossil hunters. On the Tissington Trail you explore some of Englands most scenic countryside, with trails and cycle ways for all ages. Or take a spectacular cable car ride on the Heights of Abraham to the award-winning park with adventure playgrounds, Masson Pavilion Film Theatre, guided show caverns and woodland walks. For something different, a 45-minute guided walk through the spectacular Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Park Poole’s Cavern, the most spectacular natural cavern in the Peak District. Famous for its unique crystal formations including the longest stalactite formation in the area.
Gulliver’s Kingdom Amusement Park, for family fun has a drop tower, play area and log flume, set in a stunning hillside location. If you like escape rooms, you’ll love The Hunt Team Adventure Park, with three different mission types, spy game, post-apocalyptic or mythical, all with their own escape room style clues and challenges. Rivendale Lodge Retreat is perfectly placed with Birmingham 1¼ hours, London and Cardiff 3 hours and Manchester 1 hour.. Rivendale Lodge Retreat is part of our Evermore Lodge Holidays Collection. In the heart of the Peak District National Park, Rivendale Lodge Retreat offers luxurious lodge and treehouse accommodation, perfect for breaks away in this beautiful part of the UK. With walks and cycle trails from the park, perfect for your furry friend to enjoy, and for those muddy paws there’s a dog wash available. Rivendale Lodge Retreat is ideal for a family holiday, the Peak District has lots to offer, with walking, cycling, horse riding, climbing, fishing and water sports, something for everyone.
Dovedale nature reserve is famous for its steppingstones a hot spot for fossil hunters. On the Tissington Trail you explore some of Englands most scenic countryside, with trails and cycle ways for all ages. Or take a spectacular cable car ride on the Heights of Abraham to the award-winning park with adventure playgrounds, Masson Pavilion Film Theatre, guided show caverns and woodland walks. For something different, a 45-minute guided walk through the spectacular Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Park Poole’s Cavern, the most spectacular natural cavern in the Peak District. Famous for its unique crystal formations including the longest stalactite formation in the area.
Gulliver’s Kingdom Amusement Park, for family fun has a drop tower, play area and log flume, set in a stunning hillside location. If you like escape rooms, you’ll love The Hunt Team Adventure Park, with three different mission types, spy game, post-apocalyptic or mythical, all with their own escape room style clues and challenges. Rivendale Lodge Retreat is perfectly placed with Birmingham 1¼ hours, London and Cardiff 3 hours and Manchester 1 hour.. Pets Welcome
Shop
Restaurant & Bar - advance booking recommended.
Delivery Service
Dog Wash
Bike Wash. Opening times and dates of the on site facilities will vary throughout the year, without prior notice.
Arrival Information: Darwin Escapes check-in’s are available from 16:00. If you are likely to arrive later than 18:00, please call our resort reception team on 01335 310 441 to let them know. Please note any guests under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Departure Information: Check out time is at 10:00am on the day of your departure. Darwin Escapes kindly ask that you leave your accommodation as you found it.
Hot Tub Information: Please note due to water change and maintenance your hot tub may not be up to the correct temperature when you first arrive. By using the hot tub you are agreeing to Darwin Escapes’ terms and conditions, and agreeing that you have read their hot tub safety information, found here.
Travel cot hire: You can request a travel cot on your booking. Please note, there is no bedding provided and the mattresses are folding, thin and firm and is provided by manufacturer. We require you to follow the safety instructions, which state not to use a secondary mattress or any padded bedding such as pillows or quilts. You must bring your own bedding (e.g infant sleep bags). Please contact reception for mattress dimensions should you require. For further information on safe sleeping in travel cots please refer to information available from sites such as the Lullaby Trust. Important travel COT information Manufacturers instructions are provided at the point of issue and cots are cleaned in line with these after each use. Please also be aware that travel cots may not fit in double/master bedrooms in selected units, please call reception on 01335 310441 for more information if a cot is needed.
Pets: Please make sure that you have included your pet in your booking. If your pet is not included, Darwin Escapes will either relocate you to a pet-friendly lodge, if there is one available, or holds the right to refuse access to the resort. You may be liable for any charges incurred.
Resort Facilities: Rivendale’s restaurant is currently working at a reduced capacity and pre-booking for food is essential. Please book by calling the resort reception on 01335 310 441.
Additional Information: Please note your car registration number will be requested upon arrival for Rivendale’s security barrier system. Please read Darwin Escapes’ park rules found here.
Group Bookings/Party Types: A security deposit may be requested on arrival.
Work Parties: No Work vehicles or Workwear will be permitted on site. Un-authorised Work Parties will not be allowed to stay.
Can I park next to the accommodation - No, parking is allocated in small carparks around the resort.
Additional extra’s: Bathrobes are available to hire for £5.00 per bathrobe. Please note bathrobes are only available on a request basis when you arrive at the park. A £10.00 refundable security deposit will be payable to the reception on arrival (cash only)
Explore by bus from Rivendale Lodge Retreat - Wayfarer bus passes which are valid from 01 August to 02 September 2024 – each Wayfarer card is a group ticket valid for travel for 2 adults and up to 3 children. The ticket will be valid for the duration of their stay. We’re delighted to be working with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Council to offer you the opportunity to explore our fabulous destination by bus this August with a free bus ticket available for the duration of your stay. Brand new for this year is the extended Peak Sightseer open top bus – route details can be found here. The complimentary Wayfarer ticket will not cover this service but will provide guests with a discounted rate £5.50 per person. Subject to T&C’s – Please contact the park directly for further information.
Any guests staying on 21st October 2025 there will be a national grid power outtage from 8:30am-4:30pm on this day only.
Nearby points of interest
- Dovedale
- Gulliver's Kingdom Matlock
- Alton Towers
- Thor's Cave
- Lumsdale Valley
Reviews (23)
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Renee
previously stayed at this site in April (Lodge No. 30) and had an absolutely perfect experience — so much so that I recommended it to friends and family, several of whom have since booked. Because of that, I was genuinely looking forward to returning, especially after recently being unwell and hospitalised. Unfortunately, our stay in Lodge No. 3 has been very disappointing.From the moment we arrived, we noticed several issues: sticky stains on the bedside tables, marks on the window ledge, no coat hooks or anywhere to hang wet items, and no mop provided. The bedroom has no blinds, leaving a clear view directly into the neighbouring lodge’s bedroom and even into my bathroom, which felt extremely uncomfortable. There is also no lighting at the lodge entrance, making it unsafe to walk the dog at night.However, the biggest issue has been the constant noise from the busy road just a few metres behind the lodge. Traffic begins as early as 4 a.m. and continues throughout the day, with lorries passing so fast that the lodge often shakes. As someone recovering from illness and needing proper rest, this has made sleep almost impossible. If I had known about this, I would never have booked this lodge.What has made the situation even more disappointing is Darwin Escapes’ response when I contacted them directly. Despite explaining everything and offering videos and photos of the issues, they showed no interest in seeing any of it. Instead, I was met with a dismissive response quoting their terms and conditions, stating: “Please note your booking terms and conditions and as part of limitations we as your holiday destination are not liable for noise or disturbance which comes from beyond the boundaries of the accommodation, or which is beyond the Owner’s control.”This felt like being completely shut down, with no acknowledgement of the problems or the impact they had on our stay.To be fair, the on-site staff I spoke to during the stay were kind, responsive, and genuinely tried to help where they could. But overall, this experience was nothing like my wonderful visit in April, and I left feeling very let down — especially given how much I had looked forward to this break. No holiday you go on, you should be contacting customer services repeatedly because of problems with the accommodation regardless if they brought products up when I complained.
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Dawn
The accommodation was cozy and you had everything you needed.
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Confirmed Guest
Really lovely little lodge, perfect for two people. Really nicely decorated and clean