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
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.
Croft House Barn is a superb choice for families or friends. The Peak District holiday cottage has three ensuite bedrooms, one of which is downstairs and can be set up as a twin or a superking room to suit your needs. The modern Shaker kitchen is perfectly equipped for self-catering, but you're only a short stroll from the Red Lion village pub in Waterfall if you don't want to cook. Alton Towers, Chatsworth House, the Monsal and Tissington Trails, Bakewell, the museums of Derby and Stoke-on-Trent are just a few suggestions for fun days out. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Stay in the heart of fashionable Buxton in this boutique holiday home. Dolly Cottage is a short walk from bars, restaurants, shops, and other amenities you need for a self-catering holiday in the Peak District. It is perfect for a short break with spa treatments, golf, and great meals, but also ideal for a more extended holiday exploring the footpaths, sights and attractions that make this region a year-round favourite. Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Haddon Hall and Poole's Cavern are all within easy reach. The layout suits couples and small families.
Surround yourself with the beauty of the Dovedale Valley at Colshaw Farmhouse. It is only five miles from Buxton and a mile from the Flash Bars Cafe in Flash. All of the best Peak District National Park attractions are within easy reach including Chatsworth House, the Manifold Trail, the Heights of Abraham and Matlock, as well as charming villages and towns like Eyam and Bakewell. The cottage sleeps four guests in two bedrooms, and is perfect for couples and small families, with the option of further accommodation for larger groups in the owner's glamping accommodation.
Fabulous holiday house for large group holidays on the edge of the Peak District National Park and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and wine bars. Agricola House can sleep up to 14 guests in seven beautiful bedrooms and boasts an enormous kitchen, a spacious sitting room and a cinema room, as well as a private courtyard with a barbecue. The recently refurbished house was designed to make it easy for guests to socialise and have fun. It's high-quality amenities and a fantastic location make it the perfect choice for hen weekends, a holiday with friends, or a memorable Christmas with your extended family.
Matlock offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with so much to explore on the doorstep. River Walk is a Modern Contemporary self-catering holiday home sleeping eight guests over 3 floors consisting of four bedrooms. First Floor : 1 King- size with en suite. 1 Twin Room Family Bathroom . Second Floor : One Kingsize room and one Double Room. It has a seating Area on landing a great area for those quite reading moments. There is also an option of a Travel Cot. The property also has a Downstairs Toilet. River Walk location offers so much from the doorstep easy reach to the town centre's shops, cafes and restaurants. Matlock Bath is a 15 minute walk where Amusements / Cable Cars / Gullivers Kingdom and so much more to explore . The property has secure gardens & pet friendly with 1 Allocated parking space with an option of an over night car park just a few yards up from the property should you need to use it for any extra cars you may have .
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.
Mixon View is a newly renovated barn with all the 5 Star luxuries couples look for in a romantic holiday cottage. It's within the courtyard of Lane Head Farm – one of the oldest farms in Onecote in the Peak District National Park. Leek, and the stunning sights and attractions that make the Peak District one of Britain's favourite holiday destinations, are all within easy reach. You'll love the views of fields and farmland from both the house and the garden and the gorgeous footpaths and bike routes from the door. The one-bedroom cottage has been finished and furnished to a very high standard. It's a stunning spot for your next holiday. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
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.
A welcoming holiday cottage sitting in the Cheshire village of North Rode just a five minute drive from the Peak District National Park and within easy reach of Alton Towers, Chatsworth House, the cities of Chester, Manchester and a host of other attractions. Lovely country walks from the door.
This pretty one-bedroom self-catering cottage has everything you need for a romantic holiday. Tucked away in quiet rural village close to the Peak District National Park and within easy reach of Manchester, Chester and Alton Towers, couples can plan a holiday that includes countryside walks and bike rides, spa days, shopping, history and culture.
Coulsden Cottage 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.
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.
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.
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.
