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
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 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.
Brimming with character and charm, this exquisite five star holiday cottage sleeps up to sixteen guests (12+4) and is located in the Peak District National Park within the Derbyshire Dales. Ideal for large parties of friends or family who want to escape for a luxury break with five en-suite bedrooms (+ an additional one by arrangement), sauna and hot tub available to hire and extensive grounds with lovely rural views. The bustling market town of Ashbourne is just a mile away with good range of shops and eateries. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Experience Derbyshire from the heart of the village at Eight The Green, a cosy stone cottage for two overlooking the green in the picturesque village of Middleton by Wirksworth, just a short stroll from two friendly pubs. This peaceful retreat suits couples or solo travellers, with walking and cycling routes from the doorstep and easy access to the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District. Explore the historic towns of Wirksworth, Matlock and Ashbourne, follow the High Peak Trail, or visit Cromford, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. After a day of discovery, unwind in front of the wood burner before heading up to the king‑size bed. Blending 200‑year‑old charm with modern comforts, it’s an ideal base for a self‑catering break in every season.
Enjoy the stunning Peak District from the comfort of this gorgeous first-floor apartment in a beautifully converted barn. Grange Barn is located at the owner's property in Ashford in the Water, within walking distance of two pubs and the village's famous 17th Century Sheepwash Bridge. It's less than two miles from Bakewell and close to the Monsal Trail and Chatsworth House. There are gorgeous walks from the door and lots of choice for road cycling and mountain biking. The Peak District is spectacular in every season, so book yourself a romantic escape in this wonderful holiday rental.
Planning a memorable holiday or event deserves a spectacular venue like Bleaklow Farm. This gorgeous property is a few miles from Bakewell in an incredibly peaceful location with panoramic views. It sleeps 30 people in 15 beautifully presented ensuite bedrooms and feels more like a boutique hotel than a self-catering holiday home. There is a catering standard kitchen, huge barn for entertaining (or corporate events), multiple living areas, spaces to congregate and socialise and areas to unwind in peace. It's ideal for hosting wedding parties, celebrating milestone birthdays and events, or hosting team building sessions.
The Carriage House is a beautifully furnished country holiday cottage tucked away on the grounds of Ashford Hall Estate in Ashford on the Water. It is a short walk from the village shop, a good pub and two cafes, two miles from Bakewell and five miles from Chatsworth House. There is plenty of space for six people to sleep in three ensuite bedrooms, making it an ideal choice for families or friends who want to walk, cycle, and eat their way around the Peak District.
Leapings Cottage has been extensively refurbished to provide luxurious holiday accommodation for large groups of up to twelve guests. Sitting in Yorkshire, close to the Peak District, guests can enjoy superb opportunities for outdoor adventures and attractions for day trips, alongside a high standard of self-catering that is perfect for large families, groups of friends wanting to catch-up or those looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Aitken House has impressed guests for a century. The owners have given this stunning three-storey house a sympathetic facelift to provide a high standard of accommodation for up to 10 guests in five beautiful bedrooms, with extras including a games room and an outdoor six-seater hot tub. The house is in the pretty village of Millhouse Green, less than a mile from the village shop/café and pub, and only two miles from the Peak District National Park. The Trans Pennine Trail passes close by, and there are gorgeous walks and bike rides from the door.
This character property is within walking distance of Thurlstone and its award-winning pub. The owners have carefully retained original features, like the gorgeous weaver's windows that let in lots of natural light, in the transformation of this building from utilitarian to luxurious with features like underfloor heating, a games room and an outdoor hot tub. Four lovely bedrooms sleep up to eight people, and the layout is ideal for families and friends. Thurlstone, Penistone and the Peak District National Park are all close, and there is a wealth of beautiful walks and bike rides from the door.
This riverside holiday cottage is in a peaceful rural location only a mile (and a 15-minute walk) from shops, cafes and pubs in Stocksbridge. The Peak District National Park is only two miles away and, being in the Pennines means there are miles of gorgeous walks and cycling routes from the door of Unsliven Bridge Barn. This dog-friendly conversion sleeps up to seven people in three bedrooms. It is ideal for families all year round, with thick stone walls and underfloor heating that keep it warm in winter, and a riverside garden for lazy summer barbecues.
Relax with your favourite people in this spacious luxury holiday house which dates back to the 1600s and blends modern features and luxurious touches that appeal to contemporary guests. It is close to the Peak District and a mile from Stocksbridge, giving visitors easy access to shops, cafes, pubs and stunning footpaths and cycling routes through the Pennines and the national park. There is space for up to 15 people to sleep in seven beautiful bedrooms, six of which are ensuite. Unsliven Bridge Farm is a warm, welcoming large holiday rental for extended families and friends, providing the perfect getaway at any time of year.
If you love the idea of tucking yourself away in a romantic retreat which is a little different, then Haddy's Hut is perfect for you. This romantic shepherd's hut has everything couple's need for comfort, including underfloor heating and a log burner. It is the heart of the Peak District, on a family-run farm just outside the village of Hope and within walking distance of the 16th-Century Cheshire Cheese Inn. Nearby, beautiful footpaths lead to stunning locations, allowing you to combine a glamping-style holiday with some of the best sights and attractions in the Peak District.
Old Dairy Cottage is a fantastic country retreat for couples or individual travellers who want to immerse themselves in the heart of the Peak District National Park. The pretty stone cottage is on a family-run farm just outside the village of Hope and within walking distance of shops and a pub. Nearby attractions include Haddon Hall, Blue John Cavern, Peveril Castle, and Chatsworth House and Gardens. Buxton, Bakewell and Castleton are all only a short drive away, while Alton Towers, Manchester and Sheffield can be reached in around an hour. There are miles of stunning walks and mountain bike trails in the area, including beautiful walks to Win Hill, Lose Hill and The Derwent Dams.
This peaceful cottage is on the outskirts of Hope village in the heart of the Peak District National Park, close to Blue John Showcaves, Chatsworth House, Eyam, Buxton and Bakewell. The charming property has space for up to four people to sleep in two bedrooms as well as a sitting room with a log burner for snuggling up on winter nights. The stone cottage is ideal for families and couples, who appreciate that it is not only convenient for some of the Peak District's best sights but also because it is less than an hour by train from both Manchester and Sheffield.
This pretty stone holiday cottage is in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Manchester's Piccadilly station is less than an hour away, while Sheffield is even closer, making it easy to escape to the country with minimal effort. Losehill Cottage has space for up to four people to sleep in two bedrooms and is a favourite with couples and small families who appreciate being close to the welcoming village of Hope and within walking distance of the popular Cheshire Cheese Inn. Chatsworth, Bakewell and Buxton are all within easy reach, as are beautiful walks and bike rides.
Nineteen at The George is a charming one-bedroom holiday apartment in a Georgian Grade II listed building in the heart of Buxton. Perfect for couples or solo travellers, this beautifully furnished rental offers all the comforts of home. You’re within walking distance of Buxton’s top attractions, like the Devonshire Dome, Opera House, and Pavilion Gardens, plus a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. After exploring, retreat to your cosy apartment. Buxton is known for its thermal waters and boasts stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. The Peak District is on the doorstep, offering endless adventure, with its hiking trails and historic sites like Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall.
Opera View is the place to stay in Buxton. This two-bedroom corner apartment in a Grade II listed building is right in the middle of all the action. You'll be just steps away from Buxton Opera House, with amazing boutiques, bars, and cafes right outside your door. Buxton has always been a top spot for travelers, known for its natural spa waters and beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings. Must-see spots include Buxton Crescent, Pavilion Gardens, and the Opera House. The town is full of exciting cultural events, including the Buxton Festival, and is convenient for top Peak District attractions like Poole's Cavern and Chatsworth House.
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.
