Woodlands Accessible Group Accommodation in the Peak District

Inclusive, Self-Contained Lodging for Groups with Additional Needs

Woodlands is a purpose-built, self-contained accommodation unit designed to support groups that include individuals with additional needs or mobility challenges. Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, it offers stunning views across fields and mature woodland, overlooking the Sky Ropes and Yurt. With direct access to the traffic-free Monsal Trail, it’s an ideal base for inclusive outdoor learning, family and group retreats.

Flexible Room Layout & Accessibility Features (Sleeps 10)

Woodlands sleeps up to 10 guests and offers a multi-use main living space that can be adapted as a:

• Comfortable lounge and dining area
• Bedroom with fold-down king-size bed and sofa bed
• Meeting or training room for up to 12 people

Main Living Space Includes:

• Bi-fold doors onto an enclosed decking and patio area with seating
• 50” wall mounted TV, Blu-ray player and Bluetooth speaker
• Dining facilities for up to 10
• Sofa seating for 5, plus padded chairs and a Colonsay high-back wing chair
• Coffee table

Bedrooms:

• Accessible Bedroom: Sleeps 5 (2 bunk beds + 1 profiling bed), with en-suite accessible shower room
• Second Bedroom: Sleeps 4 (super king bed that can be split into twins + bunk bed)

Additional Facilities:

• Fully equipped kitchen with an oven/grill, hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, pots/pans and utensils
• Shower room
• Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
• Fenced woodland space to the rear
• A small charcoal BBQ (guests can purchase charcoal when booking or bring their own)
• Free Wi-Fi

Specialist Accessibility Equipment

Woodlands includes a wide range of accessibility features and equipment:

• Level access throughout with wide doorways (see room plan for measurements)
• Maxi Sky remote controlled ceiling mounted hoist system (maximum weight 200kg) with a 2 point loop spreader bar (bring your own slings) which connects the accessible bedroom to the en-suite shower room
• Casa Lift 180E electric mobile hoist (maximum weight 180kg)
• Chiltern Invadex TRT3 shower trolley (maximum weight 190kg)
• Adjustable height sink, toilet with grab rails and emergency pull cord in the accessible bathroom
• Etac Clean shower commode chair & belt
• Invacare Accent single profiling bed (maximum weight 145kg) with a Countrywide Healthcare Picara low risk polyurethane foam mattress
• Emergency pull cord in the accessible bedroom
• Accessible outside toilet
• Disabled car parking space directly outside the entrance

Please note: While Woodlands is highly accessible, it is not designed for independent living by wheelchair users. It is expected that able-bodied group members will be present as part of the booking.

We have worked with AccessAble surveyors who have assessed our venue to create a Detailed Access Guide.

Sustainable Design & Energy Efficiency

Woodlands is built with sustainability in mind:

• Ground source heating system with underfloor heating
• Triple glazing and excellent insulation
• Kitchen surfaces made from recycled materials
• Cedar shingle roof and cladding
• Rainwater collection via water butt for garden use

Planning Your Visit

Helpful resources:

• Woodlands Room Plan (PDF, 0.3mb)
• Woodlands Bedroom List (PDF, 0.1mb)
• Woodlands Bedroom List (Word, 0.8mb)

Bedding provided: duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase, and fitted sheet (guests make their own beds).
Please bring your own towels.
No dogs allowed, except trained, registered assistance dogs (please notify us during booking).

Location & Site Access

Woodlands is set in a picturesque location with views over fields and woodland. It’s just 250 metres from the Monsal Trail access ramp, a flat, traffic-free route popular with walkers and cyclists that runs between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill near Buxton.

When booking Woodlands, you have exclusive access to:

• The building and its fenced patio/garden
• The rear woodland area
• A disabled parking space

Access to the wider Thornbridge Outdoors centre is limited to guests staying in the Farm House, Lodge, campsite, or pre-booked day visitors.

Arrival & Departure Information

• Standard Arrival Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4.00pm.
• Standard Departure Days:
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 9.30am
  • Sunday by 5.00pm

School Groups: Arrival and departure times differ. Please refer to our Residential Visits page for specific details.

Availability

Booking and Support Information

• Woodlands is available to schools during term time and to other groups during weekends and school holidays
• We’ve worked with AccessAble surveyors to produce a detailed Access Guide
• If you’d like to arrange a visit, we’re happy to show you around between 10.30am and 4.00pm, Monday – Friday

Prices

• Sole use of the building, for up to a maximum of 10 people.
• All prices include VAT.

* Contact us for the prices for bank holiday’s
** In school holidays

A £300.00 refundable bond is required for all bookings. This will be returned approximately 10 working days after your departure, provided everything is in order.

Extended Stays

If you’d like to stay longer than 4 nights please contact us to discuss availability and pricing.