To help you book and plan your stay, we have put together a list of our most frequently asked questions. If your question has been not covered in the below, please don't hesitate to get in touch and we would love to help.
To confirm a booking we require 30% deposit of the booking cost. Once your booking deposit has been paid you will receive your booking confirmation, along with further details on how to pay the remainder of your balance.
If the date of arrival is less than 14 days away from the time of booking we will require payment in full to confirm the booking.
It's really easy to pay for your holiday at Knockerdown Cottages. Our online booking system is the fastest way to get everything set up and using this method means you can pay direct on your debit or credit card (no fees). We can also accept card payments over the phone call 01629 540525
If you use our online booking system you will receive your booking confirmation once you have paid your deposit (or balance) this is usually done within a matter of minutes after you have placed your booking.
Once your balance is paid we will email you full check in details including directions to Knockerdown Cottages and any other relevant information for your stay
Check in is from 4 pm on the day of your booking. Your keys will be in the key safe box located next to your cottage door, you will be provided with the code for the safe in the week leading up to your arrival, if you have not received this the day before your arrival, please call the booking line on 01629 540525.
Our standard check in time is 4pm. If you wish to arrive earlier this may be possible depending on other bookings and our cleaning schedules. If you wish to arrive early please discuss this by ringing the booking line in the week leading up to your arrival and they will confirm whether this will be possible or not.(charges apply)
On your departure day you are required to leave your property by 10am, This is to allow the owner/caretaker sufficient time to prepare the property for the next arrivals.
For holiday cottage bookings only you can cancel your booking free of charge until 14 days before arrival. Please see our cancellation policy on this link.
If you have booked an event on the site your cancellation policy will be outlined in your contract with us. Please contact our events team if you need to discuss cancelling your wedding or event.
Knockerdown Cottages can offer you holiday insurance to purchase direct with us through a 3rd party company via your booking process. We cannot recommend travel insurance companies as we are legally not allowed to give advice on financial purchases. We also cannot insist that a guest takes out holiday insurance as part of their contract with us.
However as a responsible travel company we think that it is prudent for guests to take out comprehensive cancellation insurance that covers UK self catering holidays. Things such as adverse weather, ill health, family bereavements, can and do happen in the UK. A good travel insurance policy is likely to cover cancellation of your booking due to most reasons genuinely beyond your control; some insurances even cover cancellation due to adverse travel and road conditions. This is an attractive feature as neither Knockerdown Cottages nor the Owner will be liable for events outside our control that prevent you accessing the property. We also strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers you for personal liability claims just in case accidental damage is caused during your stay.
To offer valued clients a simple and stress-free experience when booking with us you can choose to use the auto-payment service. This facility enables guests to choose whether or not to instruct us to automatically take a payment when it becomes due. We will only take an auto-payment when specifically requested, and on the due date; of course, your payment details will remain secure at all times. Provided that funds are available when we request payment, auto-payments do not incur administration fees.
Your balance payment is due 14 days prior to your arrival date.
Alterations to confirmed bookings will be charged a £75 administration fee (in addition to any changes in price of the amended booking).
All properties, have bed linen provided along with one bath towel and one pool towel per person provided per stay. Most properties have zip and link beds, so you will need to inform us on booking how you would like these beds made up for your arrival. If we are not informed of this the beds will be made up as a standard mix of double and twin beds.
We do not provide cots, stair gates or bed guards, but we do offer highchairs free of charge (no straps included). Please inform us on booking the property that you require a highchair, to ensure one is available.
We have four dog friendly cottages at Knockerdown so if you plan on bringing your four legged friends with you thats no problem whatsoever. We can accept 2 dogs in each of the four cottages. There is a small fee of £25 per dog for the duration of your stay.
Please see our dog friendly cottages for more information.
We work very hard with all the properties to ensure that you will have an enjoyable holiday. However, in the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with your accommodation, then it is very important that you register this straight away and do not wait until you return home, when the chance of actively helping you has passed. Even if you think nothing could be done to make your situation better, please inform us whilst you are on holiday so the Manager can inspect the complaint. If you have booked through an agent they must be notified of your complaint during your stay. In the majority of cases we can resolve the issue.
If you would like to offer us any suggestions or feedback, please click on this link.
None of our properties are suitable for disabled guests; however we do have a few properties that have ground floor bedrooms that are suitable for less mobile guests. Please contact the booking team for more information. Please look on our accessibility page for more information.
We will do everything we can to help those in your party with special requirements by suggesting properties that are especially suited - just let us have all the relevant information at the time of booking.
Telephone number for emergency Services (fire / police / ambulance): 999
Medical help, but not a 999: 111 (24 hours a day, 356 days a year)
Our number for emergency maintenance problems is 07398 743325.
We're good. But not that good. What we can offer is a warm cosy welcome in one of our specially selected properties. In the games room you will find lots of information for things to do whatever the weather. You are most welcome to either come and see us in the office, or telephone us, as most of our staff live locally and will be happy to share with you their favourite walks and activities.
Don't worry. You will not be left on your own. You can find information on the guest welcome log in, you can pop into the office or give us a call on 01629 540525 during office hours or 07398 743325 for assistance out of office hours.
Upon booking full instructions will be given regarding keys along with directions and useful information. Your keys will be in a key safe next to your cottage front door and you will be sent the code in the week leading up to your arrival.
Yes you can arrange for an online shopping delivery to be delivered to your cottage, but please ensure you arrange for the delivery to arrive after you have checked in as we are unable to accept it on your behalf. Pretty much all major super markets deliver to us. When searching for our address it will come up as Lenton Developments, Knockerdown Cottages.
We also have a local supplier called My Peak Event that will deliver to your door.
This is a great way to start your holiday as it saves all the hassle and time of going to find the nearest supermarket. All supermarkets who offer online services will be able to deliver to Knockerdown and we can also recommend My Peak Event - the Peak Districts local online supermarket. We just ask that you arrange your food delivery to arrive after you have check in as there will be no onsite staff who will be able to take your delivery for you. When searching for our address it will come up as Lenton Developments, Knockerdown Cottages.
There is a large communal brick built BBQ over looking the meadow, and a couple of barrel BBQ's located around the site for all our guests to use They all require charcoal etc, which you will need to bring with you,
We "start you off" with essentials like toilet rolls, j cloth, washing up liquid, tea towels, hand soap, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, salt & pepper sachets.
We do not provide shower gel, shampoo, conditioner or any kitchen condiments, so you would need to bring your own, such as oil, foil, cling film etc.
Yes we provide free WiFi in all the cottages and throughout the site, but we’re rural. You will be able to see your emails and see Facebook but things like downloading or streaming TV and movies, or online gaming will not be possible. We also hope you appreciate that we cannot guarantee WiFi if there are technical issues out of our control.
All our properties are non-smoking. We kindly ask you to use the outdoor areas and sand pots provided.
We are surrounded by countryside and there is a large meadow for children to play, along with a children's play area where we ask that children are supervised. Please ask on booking if you need specific details.
Knockerdown Cottages has a shared guest laundry room with 2 washing machines and 1 tumble dryer, which are coin operated. £1 coins are required. You will need to provide your own detergents.
We inspect all our properties to ensure that they are well maintained for your comfort and safety. When you stay in unfamiliar surroundings, you must take special care of yourself and your family.
In particular:
Check the layout of your property so that in an emergency you can get out quickly and easily.
Check for a fire extinguisher and fire blanket. And read the instructions on their use.
If the property has open fires make sure you use the fireguard, keep children under close supervision and ensure that the fire is out before you go to bed.
If you are unsure of how to use any electrical appliance, check your information pack or ask the owner/caretaker.
If your property has storage heaters, these must never be covered.
Take special care when moving around the property at night.
Look for any steep drops or steps, ensure that children or anyone at risk are supervised at all times.
In order for all our guests to enjoy their time at Knockerdown, we have strict noise policies in place. All outside music and activities which can be heard by neighbouring properties or which take place outdoors are prohibited after 10.00pm.
No this is not permitted.
Please complete a lost property form and we will get straight back to you
We have our very own bicycle repair station and pump along with bicycle rack for securing your bikes, located under the archway so keeps your bikes dry.
We have 2 x Electric Vehicle Charging Points in our car park for our guests to use; please take a few moments to read through this information.
We do not have a fully accessible cottage but we will try and help you in any way we can with some access needs. Please look on our accessibility page for more information.
It may be possible to hire equipment from a reputable company. Please get in touch with a member of our team to discuss this to ensure it is possible. Please look on our to hire page for more information.
No I am sorry we do not provide stair gates, you are welcome to bring your own.
Each property has one hair dryer, normally found in the master bedroom.
Yes each property has it's own iron and ironing board.
There are lots of local pubs in the area offering great food. there are also a number of great takeaways, you will find more information on these in your log in, in your cottage, or click here.
The Knockerdown pub serves a selection of local food and drink and is located just across the road, which can be accessed through our secret gate on site. The pub is dog friendly and has a large beer garden, children's play area and a restaurant with views over Carsington Water.
1 mile away is The Red Lion in the village of Hognaston where you will find, great food and a friendly atmosphere.
The nearest supermarket is in Ashbourne, where you will find a Co-Op, Sainsburys, M&S and Aldi.
Village Taxis – 01335 418080.
Ashbourne Taxis – 01335 345198.
Dee Jay Taxis – 01629 822072.
Please note that taxi's need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Yes, there are plenty of amazing walks and cycle trails nearby. One right from your doorstep is the beautiful Carsington Water. More details on local walks and cycling can be found in your guest log in or by clicking here.
There are an abundance of places to visit in the area, Carsington Water on your doorstop, Chatsworth House, The Heights of Abraham and Alton Towers to name but a few, you will find plenty of information in the Games room, which has lots of leaflets with information on all the local places to visit.
The nearest main train station is in Derby, it will take approx. 45 minutes (20 miles). There is a smaller train station at Cromford, which is approx. 7 miles (15 minutes) which has a limited service from Derby.
Generally we have very good mobile phone signal on site. Please use these handy links to check mobile signal for your stay and excursions out into the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.
EE Mobile Signals O2 Mobile Signals Three mobile Vodaphone Mobile Signals
The nearest changing places to Knockerdown, is Carsington Water. It is approximately 0.7 miles away. Click on the link to see further places not far from Knockerdown.
Yes, on our accessible days out page you will find a list of accessible days out local to Knockerdown. You will also find a link to the accessible page of each venue.
We are approx. 35 minutes to Alton towers (15 miles)
Weekends are the most popular choice for weddings and summer dates can be booked up a year or more in advance. In order to avoid disappointment we advise that you enquire as soon as possible and ask to see the venue’s availability for the next two years.
We appeciate planning a wedding or large event can be tricky so we can hold your proposed date for a maximum of two weeks from your enquiry date.
Our venue can accommodate up to 100 of your guests (Including the Wedding Couple) for your wedding day and 93 of your guests sleeping (over 16 cottages) in self-catering accommodation.
You can have your ceremony and reception at our venue. The venue has two rooms licensed inside & a wedding garden gazebo which is licensed for outdoor ceremonies. For Non–religious ceremonies then our suppliers can create a bespoke, non-religious humanist wedding ceremony for those couples wanting a unique, entirely personal experience.
Yes, a marquee can be sited and you can choose your own supplier. You can also add an extension marquee to our Wedding Room giving you the extra space for things like a bar area, photo booth, evening buffet or simply just a chill out area which creates more dance space at your evening reception.
The venue offers “Relaxed Weekend Weddings” so this gives couples precious set up time the day before, time to enjoy a relaxed “makeover” session on the Wedding morning as you will already be onsite followed by your wedding day itself and then another day to reminisce and gather all your family and friends together as a final farewell before Monday morning blues! For entertainment, the curfew is 12 midnight.
The venue hosts one wedding at any one time so you will not have another couple waiting in the wings! It’s all about the relaxed country vibe here at Knockerdown Cottages
Our weekend wedding packages start from Friday 4pm and you don't have to check out until Monday at 10am. However, if you need more time on the Friday to start your preparations, we will do our best accommodate you earlier on the Friday (subject to bookings). Timings can be arranged with your wedding coordinator.
The venue is quite flexible on bringing your own décor due to its “DIY” feel; however, you can ask for help with the venue’s recommended stylist. To give you some guidance confetti is allowed if it is biodegradable, hanging bunting (don't forget your ladders) and as long as you are not banging nails “so to speak” into walls then the venue is very flexible. The venue has an equipment hire list to help with the setup of your wedding room with a variety of items such like fairy lights, bar tables etc. More details of these will be provided by your wedding/event coordinator
Things which the venue do NOT allow are Candles, Fire-pits, Fireworks, Chinese Lanterns, Camping and Hay Bales.
Included with every booking:-
Outdoor set up for the Wedding Gazebo with benches and aisle poles if required
Brackendale Suite with white tablecloths, chairs and tables
Napkins you can hire from us, your caterer or you can bring your own.
Cutlery and crockery is usually provided by the caterer or hired in by yourselves. Alternatively you can use the venue crockery and cutlery but you must remember that we are a DIY venue so you would need to clear & wash these yourselves.
Glassware again is usually provided by your caterer or you can hire in from Majestic Wine or Sainsbury’s. Alternatively you can use the venue glassware but you must remember that we are a DIY venue so you would need to clear & wash these yourselves,
You have a few options when you are considering your caterers. We have worked with The Greedy Pig before. The beauty of hiring this caterer is that they will do everything on your wedding day from the drinks reception, wedding breakfast, and evening reception along with cake cutting as well as providing all the cutlery, crockery and glassware. They will even provide breakfast the next morning. Don’t forget to enjoy the Knockerdown pub next door over your weekend event for help with your first day/evening of your arrival or Sunday lunch before you say Farewell on the Monday!
You are of course welcome to bring in a caterer of your choice. We have a number of local businesses that we have worked with in the past, so please ask for our suppliers list.
You are welcome to bring in your own alcohol as our venue has its own license. We recommend purchasing from an outlet that can offer sale or return on unopened bottles. There is no corkage fee charged if you book our Weekend Wedding Package.
There are no bar facilities on site so you may wish to provide one for your guests depending on your budget and whether you want them to pay for their own drinks. You can bring in an outside bar at any time throughout your day.
An important question if you are planning on having a dance after the wedding breakfast. The venue can accommodate a band or a DJ and have ample outputs in the Brackendale Room itself. Obviously, this will depend on whether you are planning on having anything else plugged in so let your wedding coordinator know what your plans are and they will be able support you with the right options.
Please note on booking ; You must ask ALL suppliers if they have Public Liability Insurance and be able to provide a Risk Assessment. A TENS notice is required from Bars if they are selling alcohol on the premises. The venue will ask for copies 3 months prior & turn away any business who cannot supply a copy to the venue.
We have space for children entertainers or a play centre. Nothing entertains children more than having a few games or even a Disney movie on in the background, leaving the adults to enjoy the speeches and the dancing. Knockerdown has a games room, children’s play area and a meadow so plenty of space for the children to run around in. You could supply childcare for any babysitting duties while children are sleeping or having fun with the hire of a Mobile Creche!
We have a disabled toilet next to the main function room and two of our cottages have ground floor access along with wide doors but check with your wedding planner on steps into the cottages and around site as most of the site is mainly made up of gravel walkways. Please look at our accessibility page for more information.
Yes, the venue has a wedding coordinator personally dedicated to you so we strongly advise you to enlist their help! The coordinator will contact all your suppliers and will know how to provide you with a completely stress-free experience and that everything runs smoothly. Our Wedding Coordinators are included with our wedding package.
Yes, the venue will have enough car parking spaces for all your guests. There is a site map from the car park to help guide your guests around the site. On arrival, your Wedding Coordinator will be on hand to direct and show your guests into their accommodation if required.
Yes absolutely! If you have booked our weekend wedding package, you can relax in your cottages and bring in your own stylists to get you ready for the wedding. We can also supply a list of stylists who are local to Knockerdown Cottages if you are not sure who to use.
Yes absolutely. We have a comprehensive list of suppliers covering all manner of wedding requirements which we will provide to you as part of the booking process.
Please note on booking ; You must ask ALL suppliers if they have Public Liability Insurance and be able to provide a Risk Assessment. A TENS notice is required from Bars if they are selling alcohol on the premises. The venue will ask for copies 3 months prior & turn away any business who cannot supply a copy to the venue.
Yes our events team can help arrange corporate events with group acccommodation for up to 93 people. Please see our corporate events page for further information.