Derbyshire family business leads the way with double gold at regional tourism awards

On a working farm in the Derbyshire hills, running an accessible and sustainable holiday business means no two days look the same.

One minute it might be baking fresh bread for guests. The next, getting down on your hands and knees to check accessible equipment, or helping visitors plan a nature walk through the Peak District.

That hands-on approach has helped Hoe Grange Holidays, near Brassington, build a loyal following over the last two decades - and this week, it was recognised again with two gold awards at the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards 2026.

The family-run business won gold in both the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category and the Regenerative Tourism category, with owner David Brown also picking up silver in the Unsung Hero category.

For David’s wife and co-owner, Felicity Brown, the recognition matters - but not for the reasons you might expect.

“Winning awards like this is always special, but what matters most to us is what happens when our guests arrive and settle in.

We want people to feel relaxed, comfortable and properly looked after from the moment they get here. If they leave feeling like they’ve had a real break, then that’s what we’re most proud of. As part of the awards process, this is something we were able to show really clearly.”

That focus has shaped the business since it began in 2006 as a farm diversification project.

Today, more than 70% of bookings include someone with access requirements, with guests travelling from across the UK to stay in accommodation designed with accessibility in mind.

At the same time, the farm has become a leader in low-impact tourism. Around 90% of electricity and all heating is generated on site using renewable energy, with the business running entirely on its own power through the summer months.

Recent work includes restoring a traditional dew pond in partnership with the Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, creating a habitat for rare great crested newts while preserving a piece of local farming heritage.

For daughter Caroline, who joined the business in 2023, this regenerative approach is rooted in something simple.

“My dad always says we’re custodians of the land, and it’s our job to look after it for future generations,” she said. “That thinking has shaped everything we do.”

That same mindset applies to the way the business is run day-to-day, something recognised in David Brown’s Unsung Hero award.

“Dad is often seen as the joker of the team, but no one works harder than him,” Caroline said.

“He’s always behind the scenes making things run smoothly and turning his hand to just about everything. If he ever retires, we’ll need at least three people to replace him!”

The awards ceremony, held at Pride Park Stadium in Derby, brought together more than 380 tourism businesses from across the region, with winners selected following visits and independent judging.

For Hoe Grange, these awards mark a moment to celebrate, but also reflect how the team have always run the business in line with their values. This is the seventh year their efforts have been recognised with gold at the regional tourism awards, with wins across both accessible and sustainable categories!

From two log cabins in 2006 to a multi award-winning destination, Hoe Grange remains rooted in the same idea it started with: offering a peaceful, comfortable place where people can properly switch off, spend time together and enjoy the countryside.

For more information, visit www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk.