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 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.
Hopton Cottage is a comfortable, welcoming holiday home in the Peak District village of Youlgreave. Dating back over 250 years, it sleeps five people in three bedrooms with the potential to accommodate an extra child if necessary. Families love this house for its location, just a short walk from the village shops, bakery and a choice of three pubs, with easy access to the Bradford River and the long-distance Limestone Way footpath. Bakewell is four miles from the cottage, with Chatsworth House, Matlock and Matlock Spa also nearby.
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 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.
Sladen Lodge can accommodate 14 guests and 2 extras and 2 well behaved dogs. All bedrooms include a super king size bed that can also be made up into twin beds. Room 2 can have two extra single beds in for a one off charge for each bed. All rooms have a beautiful ensuite with a rainforest shower and soft, fluffy towels.
This cosy stone holiday cottage sits opposite the village green in Middleton by Wirksworth, just a short stroll from the pub. Eight The Green is a wonderful retreat for couples or solo travellers, offering easy access to some of the Peak District’s best walks and beauty spots. Spend your days exploring Middleton Moor, Wirksworth, Cromford, the High Peak Trail, and the Derwent Valley, and your evenings relaxing by the log burner before settling into your king-sized bed. The 200-year-old period charm is seamlessly blended with modern comforts, making this an ideal base for a self-catering stay.
Stay in a traditional Peak District farmhouse with an AGA, two log burners and an open fireplace. The Farmhouse and Annexe at Uppermoor Farm sleep 20 people in nine beautiful bedrooms, four reception rooms, fantastic self-catering amenities, and unforgettable views. It's wonderfully private, is set amongst 70 acres on a family-run farm 15-minutes from Ashbourne and within easy reach of favourite Peak District attractions, including the Tissington Trail and Chatsworth House. The big group holiday home is ideal for hosting a celebration, or any family and friends gathering or re-union.
As long as you've got the legs for it, you won't need a car once you arrive at Barn Cottage. The pretty one-bedroom cottage is in the Peak District village of Birchover, within walking distance of two friendly pubs serving food and having direct access to footpaths and cycling routes from the door. Walking, bouldering, caving and climbing are all popular, as are mountain biking and road cycling. Bakewell and Chatsworth House are just over five miles away, with other local attractions, including the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Spa, Buxton, and Alton Towers. Barn Cottage is ideal for couples or individual visitors, offering comfortable accommodation in all seasons.
The perfect marriage of traditional charm and stylish comfort, the Wriggly Tin is a unique holiday home providing large groups with plenty of space, peace and tranquility in a simply stuning position within the Peak District National Park. Nestling between Buxton and Bakewell in the Derbyshire village of Miller's Dale, there is a village pub a short walk away and super opportunities for walking and cycling.
A fabulous large dog-friendly holiday cottage for eight guests in the small peaceful Derbyshire hamlet of Bradbourne on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park. The market town of Ashbourne is close by, Carsington Water is just a mile away (as is a good local family pub!) and you can walk to Tissington and Brassington, possibly the Derbyshire Dales prettiest villages. Superb walking, cycling and horse riding with access onto the Tissington and High Peak Trails and an abundance of attractions within easy reach. All year round appeal with the use of a fabulous indoor heated swimming pool, log burner and stunning views.
Sleeping four guests, this welcoming dog-friendly holiday cottage has all year round appeal with a log burner, enclosed patio for alfresco dining and indoor heated swimming pool for guest use. The cottage sits in the pretty little hamlet of Bradbourne in the Derbyshire Dales on the edge of the Peak District National Park and is close to the market town of Ashbourne and only a mile from Carsington Water offering great water sports. Good family friendly pub serving food a mile away and within easy reach of Tissington and Brassington as well as the Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail and lots of attractions for day trips out.
The Peak District National Park is one of the nation's favourite holiday destinations not only for the stunning scenery but for the friendly towns and villages like Chelmorton, where James Cottage is located. This charming holiday home sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms, with a layout that is ideal for couples, families or friends. It's a short walk from the excellent local pub, five miles from Buxton and within easy reach of places like Bakewell and Chatsworth House. James Cottage is available for short breaks and longer stays all year round.
With incredible views and spectacular scenery every season, it's always a great time to visit the Peak District. Catherine Cottage is a charming period holiday home in the small village of Ashford-in-the-Water, just over a mile from Bakewell and within easy reach of Buxton, Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. The Monsal Trail runs close to the village, and there's bike hire available locally if you need it. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and has many original features, including oak beams and a fireplace with a log burner. It's also dog-friendly.
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
Set in a peaceful location above the charming village of Eyam in the Hope Valley, The Hayloft is a fantastic barn conversion that offers self-catering accommodation for six guests in three en-suite bedrooms. It is a mile from the Barrel Inn at Bretton, and close to popular attractions including Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Buxton and the Monsal Trail. There is ample opportunity for spending time outdoors walking, cycling, climbing or caving, and for discovering the delights of the Peak District National Park's friendly towns and villages.
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.
Popular towns in and around The Peak District:
AshbourneBakewellBuxtonChesterfieldLeekMatlockSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Peak District cottagesLuxury Peak District holiday cottagesOr search further afield:
Search within Central England
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.
