Rivalling the Lakes, the Peak District has its fair share of lakes and reservoirs which add to the charm of this tranquil setting. Carsington Water is the largest and offers a wide range of water-based activities for all levels.
This is nature's playground at its very best and a superb setting for enjoying outdoor activities including walking, climbing, cycling, horse-riding, pot-holing, fishing and canoeing to name just a few. Rich in flora and fauna, the area attracts wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, who want to capture its pure natural beauty.
The Peak District is the oldest National Park in the British Isles and is located in Central and Northern England, making it one of the most frequently visited. Easily accessible, it provides a perfect environment for enjoying country living in the serene setting of the Derbyshire Dales. Read more
Designed for two, Thimble Cottage offers a romantic bolt-hole within the picturesque Derbyshire village of Youlgreave with a choice of three good pubs for a meal out and general store for provisions within walking distance. Perfectly placed for exploring the many prime attractions of the Peak District including Bakewell, Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, as well as a lovely retreat for those who enjoy walking and cycling.
Edge Cottage is perfect for guests who love being outside in the fresh Peak District air. With Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge and Baslow Edge all nearby, you are spoilt for choice of footpaths and cycling routes, while attractions like Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Hardwick Hall will appeal to less active guests. Bakewell, Buxton, Castletown, Edale and Hathersage are all other excellent destinations for a day out, with a variety of shops, museums, entertainment and places to eat and drink.
Shippon Barn is beautifully presented throughout and enjoys a lovely position on a quiet lane in the Derbyshire village of Great Longstone close to the church. Right in the heart of the Peak District National Park, this beautiful barn conversion sleeps up to eight people and is perfect for the discerning guest with an exceptionally high standard of presentation throughout. Two superb pubs are within walking distance, Bakewell is just three-miles away and the areas many attractions are within easy reach.
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Derwent House, Matlock 1. A beautiful Georgian House designed for togetherness. Derwent House blends period elegance with modern comfort, offering generous social spaces where groups can cook, dine, relax, and celebrate. From the large dining room to the cosy lounge with its log burner, it’s a home that brings people together effortlessly. 2. Perfect for groups, gatherings, and special occasions. Sleeping up to 12 guests across six stylish bedrooms, the house is ideal for family reunions, milestone birthdays, walking weekends, and friendship getaways. Guests love the sense of privacy and exclusivity — your group has the whole house to yourselves. 3. A prime Matlock location with the Peak District on your doorstep. Set just moments from Matlock’s independent shops, cafés, and riverside walks, Derwent House is also a superb base for exploring the Peak District. Chatsworth, Bakewell, and iconic walking routes are all within easy reach, making it perfect for adventure and relaxation alike. 4. Thoughtful touches that make stays feel special. From the well‑equipped kitchen to the luxurious beds, quality linens, and welcoming extras, every detail is designed to enhance comfort. Guests consistently comment on how easy it is to settle in and feel at home. 5. Exceptional hospitality and local knowledge. Your hosts are passionate about creating memorable stays. Whether it’s recommending scenic walks, or helping plan a celebration, the support is personal, warm, and genuinely attentive — the kind of hospitality that keeps guests returning year after year.
Sitting in a quiet lane near the church in Great Longstone, Top Shippon is a fantastic find. This gorgeous property sleeps up to six guests in a former barn that has been expertly converted to provide a superior standard of accommodation. Two excellent pubs, The Crispin and The White Lion, are less than five minutes' walk from the front door, while Bakewell is a three-mile drive, walk or cycle away. Explore Buxton, be awed by Chatsworth House, challenge yourself on the Monsal Trail and marvel at the natural beauty of the Peak District National Park. Top Shippon is at the heart of it all, providing a welcoming cocoon of comfort to which to return at the end of a fun-filled day.
If you're after a comfortable cottage that's rural without being isolated, look no further than No 1 Church View. It is in the charming village of Taddington, just a five-minute walk from The Queens Head pub and a short drive to both Buxton and Bakewell. Attractions like The Monsal Trail, Chatsworth House and Park, Haddon Hall and the Thornbridge Brewery are within easy reach, and there are a wealth of walking and cycling trails nearby. With space for up to six guests in three rooms, it is the ideal choice for couples, families and groups of friends who want to stay in a top-quality home-away-from-home that is luxurious enough to feel unique yet with an easy charm that lets you relax.
You would normally expect to have to sacrifice the convenience of staying in town if you have a large party or want a peaceful location, which is why The Barns is such a fantastic find! Expertly converted from two derelict farm buildings less than a five-minute walk from the centre of Bakewell, it is a luxurious property that sleeps up to ten guests in five bedrooms. In addition to a large garden and a private spot off a quiet lane, The Barns also has off-street parking for three cars which is exceedingly rare in a town as popular as Bakewell. All of Bakewell's shops, pubs, restaurants and history are on the doorstep, with places like Ashford in the Water, Buxton and Matlock being not much further. You can walk or cycle the Monsal Trail, imagine yourself as lord or lady of the manor at Chatsworth House, or simply lace up your boots and head off for a day of walking the beautiful countryside in the Peak District National Park.
Tweedle Dee Cottage is a romantic couple’s retreat where you can wake up in a hand-carved four poster bed made up with sumptuous Egyptian cotton sheets, and wrap yourself in a plush bathrobe and relax in front of the wood burner with a glass of wine after a day’s fun and exploration. The cottage is in on a quiet road in Youlgreave, an exceptionally pretty village with three good pubs and a general store all within walking distance. With prime Peak District attractions like Bakewell, Chatsworth House, Eyam and Haddon Hall nearby, as well as fantastic walks and mountain biking trails leading from the village, it is perfect for an enjoyable holiday for two.
A cosy holiday cottage for two that makes a wonderful bolt-hole for exploring the Peak District National Park. There is a village pub a short walk away from Brookside Retreat and lovely walks from the village. Matlock and Bakewell are close by and the many attractions of the Peak District National Park are within easy reach.
The Haven is a luxury self-catering holiday cottage in the Peak District. It is located in the picturesque village of Two Dales, within walking distance of the village pub, cafe and shop and close to Bakewell and Matlock. It's wonderfully spacious, with five bedrooms to accommodate ten people. The layout is ideal for families, extended families or friends and includes a games room and an outdoor entertaining area with a barbecue and a covered hot tub. The High Peak Trail, Monsal Trail, Chatsworth House, Alton Towers, and the Heights of Abraham are just a few of many nearby attractions.
Nestling within some of the most stunning countryside in England, Two Owls Lodge is a spacious yet cosy romantic holiday retreat which sits in forty eight acres of private woods and affords panoramic views over Derwent Valley. Located in the Derbyshire village of Derby Dale, the village pub is within walking distance and Bakewell, Matlock and Chatsworth are just ten minutes by car.
The Ideal Venue for Family Gatherings, Retreats & Celebrations Emily Barn is a large, beautifully converted stone barn set in the peaceful village of Carsington in the Derbyshire Dales, just a short stroll from Carsington Water. With 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a layout designed for families, walkers, groups, and special celebrations, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable stay in the Peak District. Inside, you’ll find original oak beams, stone floors, underfloor heating, and a spacious lounge-diner—ideal for big group meals and social evenings. The lounge is warm and welcoming, with comfy sofas and plenty of room to relax together. Outside, the enclosed south-facing garden offers outdoor seating, a BBQ, and space to unwind. The local village pub is just a short walk away, with walks and cycling routes from the doorstep. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Spacious and stylish, The Cow Shed is an excellent choice for getting together with friends and family and centrally located close to Buxton in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Sleeping up to ten guests in five bedrooms, this welcoming holiday home is beautifully presented, has stunning views in every direction and a hot tub on the patio for relaxing at the end of the day. Perfectly placed, The Cow Shed is a mile from the Derbyshire village of Peak Forest with a pub for a pint or meal out. Available for weekend breaks only
A romantic one-bedroom barn conversion near Hognaston in Derbyshire, Barn @ Lodge Farm sleeps two guests in peaceful countryside on the southern edge of the Peak District. Ground floor, self-catering holiday accommodation that combines contemporary comfort with rural tranquillity. Featuring a private garden and open views, it provides the ideal base for couples looking to explore Derbyshire's walking trails, cycling routes, market towns and historic attractions (Ashbourne, Wirksworth, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall etc.) before returning to a quiet rural retreat.
With Alton Towers just twenty minutes away by car, the Peak District National Park on the doorstep and superb on-site facilities to keep the children and adults entertained, Callow Top Holiday Park is an excellent self-catering choice for a family holiday. There is a restaurant and outdoor pool on-site.
A single storey self-catering cottage in the heart of the picturesque Peak District within easy reach of Bakewell, providing an ideal base for visiting the many local attractions of the area. Maigold Cottage is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peace, tranquility, lovely views and superb walking and cycling on the doorstep. Wi-Fi and off-road parking for two cars.
Albertine Barn has been converted into a lovely holiday cottage, accommodating up to eight guests. With exceptional views across the Peak District countryside, this is a perfect place to relax, enjoy excellent walks or visit the attractions of the area. Wi-Fi and off road parking for four cars.
Welcome to Lake View Lodge, a beautifully refurbished, ground-floor holiday cottage set beside the tranquil waters of Foxholes Lake, just outside Matlock in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.
With two en-suite flexible bedrooms, a log burner and an indoor heated swimming pool, Wood Shed Cottage is perfect for families or couples (one or two) who want to relax and unwind in the glorious scenery of the Peak District National Park. Nestling in the picturesque Derbyshire hamlet of Bradbourne close to the market town of Ashbourne and just a mile from Carsington Water, there are an abundance of attractions close by, as well as the Tissington and High Peak Trails for walking and cycling. Family friendly pub serving food just a mile's walk away for meals out.
Families, multi-generational families and friends love Morridge View. The spacious barn conversion is four miles from Leek in the Peak District village of Onecoat. There is space for ten people to sleep in five beautiful bedrooms, three with an ensuite bathroom and one accessible for guests who use a wheelchair. It is available for self-catering holiday bookings in all seasons. Attractions local to the 4-Star Gold holiday cottage include Chatsworth House, Alton Towers, The Roaches, and the Monsal Trail. It's an excellent location for a walking or cycling holiday in the Peak District and Staffordshire. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Popular towns in and around The Peak District:
AshbourneBakewellBuxtonLeekMatlockSome local suggestions:
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Bustling market towns and pretty little villages nestle amongst beautiful countryside offering farmer's markets, independent shops, country pubs and restaurants. Some of the most popular towns include Bakewell, the picturesque riverside market town, the spa town of Buxton, host to many festivals and events and Ashbourne, a fine old market town with interesting shops and antiques. The cosmopolitan city of Derby offers buzzing nightlife and beautiful little villages such as Ashover and Matlock Bath offer a taste of country living in the Derbyshire Dales.
Before booking your holiday cottage in the Peak District, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete Peak District Guide.
Each season in the Peak District brings its own unique magic. From the warmer sunny days of summer to the milder, blue skies of spring and the frosty, cold winters. Whatever the weather, you will be sure to find plenty of interesting things to do all in a beautiful setting.
Summers in the Peak District offer a mix of mild and warm days, with infrequent hotter days. There is also more daylight throughout summer, so you get more time to explore the great outdoors. Temperatures average around 20°C, making it a pleasant and comfortable time to visit.
The Peak District in spring is utterly breathtaking, with an array of spring flowers popping up all over the gardens and countryside. This is an excellent time to visit for those seeking to get active in the outdoors as the temperatures drop to around 14°C, making for comfortable hiking weather.
Winter in the Peak District is utterly magical. You will find frozen landscapes at every turn, festive lights illuminating the quaint towns and villages and numerous Christmas markets scattered throughout the county. Get cosy by the fire, or bundle up and head outdoors to witness the snow-capped peaks and brisk winter air. Temperatures average around 5°C in the Peak District during this time, so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes.
Family attractions in the Peak District are plentiful (see our things to do in the Peak District guide for more info) – take a ride on a steam train or a cable car up to the Heights of Abraham where you can admire the view and explore the show caves. Spend a day in a country or wildlife park or learn about mining methods and discover the network of caverns that run under your feet at Temple Mine. Alternatively, enjoy a fun day at a theme park with Gulliver's Kingdom for the children and Alton Towers for the older kids!
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to the Peak District, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 168 miles
Birmingham: 54 miles
Glasgow: 236 miles
Liverpool: 48 miles
Bristol: 148 miles
Manchester: 24 miles
Leeds: 31 miles
Edinburgh: 246 miles
Newcastle: 129 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to the Peak District. Its excellent public transport links mean you can journey by train or bus from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
Rich in heritage, the Peak District has an abundance of fascinating historic sites to visit. Discover prehistoric rock art or visit the ruins of the Norman Fortress, Peveril Castle. Romantics will fall in love with Bolsover Castle and Chatsworth House and Gardens. Or be intrigued by the mysterious stone circles at Arbor Low and captivated by the Peakland traditions and customs that are evident wherever you go.
The Peak District is brimming with beautiful places. From its multiple lakes to its mighty peaks, there is beauty no matter where you look. However, Hope Valley is known to be one of the nicest parts of the Peak District. Its incredible views over winding rivers and tall peaks make it a breathtaking sight to visit.
The Peak District is widely known for its incredible walking routes, impressive lakes and multiple towering peaks. However, it is also renowned for its cave offering, with its deepest cave being over 400 metres below the surface.
When deciding to visit the Peak District, you can make this trip as expensive or inexpensive as you choose. If you aim to spend most of your time outdoors, hiking up to the numerous peaks, then you will find your visit to be much cheaper. However, if you plan to visit the many towns in the county to enjoy delicious food in cosy pubs, or perhaps shop in the many small, local stores, your stay here will be more expensive.
The great thing about the Peak District is that you can visit for a short weekend break, or a longer stay and still have much to do and see. If you plan to wander around the stately homes, check out the many walking trails and stroll through the quaint towns, 3-4 days should be enough time. However, if you choose to extend your stay, you will have plenty of things to do, all as impressive as the next.
