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
Manifold Cottage, a charmingly converted former cowshed and hay loft at Hall Farm, is a lovely two-storey stone holiday cottage in the heart of the Peak District National Park. One of Three cottages at Hall Farm, all cottages have access to our large playbarn, outdoor play area and large gardens. The cottage sleeps four, with a cosy double bedroom and a fun bunk room, both offering beautiful views over Thors Cave and the Manifold Valley. The open-plan living area includes a well-equipped kitchen, dining table, and comfortable seating with an electric fire, smart TV, Alexa Echo, and games. Outside, there's a lawn with seating, access to a play barn, a large rear lawn, and two play areas. It's located within walking distance of a pub and Tea room in Wetton and perfect for exploring the Manifold Trail, Thor's Cave, and nearby attractions like Alton Towers and Chatsworth House.
Who wouldn't want a romantic break in the Peak District? These former stables have been transformed into a stylish, contemporary holiday home which is ideal for couples but which can accommodate up to four people. There is a friendly pub just a five-minute stroll from the door, and stunning Curbar Edge is not much further. The Monsal Trail and favourite attractions like Chatsworth House, the Heights of Abraham, Gulliver's Kingdom, Bakewell and Buxton are all within easy reach to make The Stable convenient as well as comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
Ideally placed in a quiet area close to Bakewell town centre, this single level holiday home provides comfortable self-catering accommodation that is both child and pet friendly. A good base for exploring the Peak District National Park and the many attractions of Derbyshire.
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.
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.
Perfect for families and friends, this welcoming self catering cottage sits on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park and provides an ideal base for exploring both Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Excellent on-site facilities including play areas for the kids, a restaurant and a pool. Ashbourne is within walking distance and Alton Towers is a twenty minute drive.
A cosy home from home sitting on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire borders on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Enjoy the space of self-catering, the facilities of the holiday park for entertainment, and an abundance of attractions close by. Walking distance to Ashbourne and twenty minutes to Alton Towers by car.
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.
Rose Cottage is in the beautiful Peak District village of Ashbourne, close to the National Park and within walking distance of shops, cafes, pubs and other amenities. It sleeps five people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families. The fantastic Tissington Trail starts in Ashbourne, connecting visitors to the Pennine Bridleway and the High Peak Trail. It's a superb area for walking and cycling, with many stately homes, including the magnificent Chatsworth House. Alton Towers is 10 miles away, and other places like Bakewell, Buxton, Gulliver's Kingdom and Carsington Water are all only a short drive from the holiday cottage.
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.
Lovingly Restored Grade II Listed Stone Barn Now a Celebration House for Groups of 16+2 in the pretty Derbyshire village of Carsington, in the Derbyshire Dales. A wonderful location for walking, cycling, climbing, water sports & fishing. With a lovely Village Pub just a stroll from the Barn. Emily Barn is perfect for families & friends wanting to holiday or celebrate a special occasion. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The best of the Peak District National Park, Cheshire and Staffordshire are all within reach of Allmore Cottage. Surrounded by 14-acres of grounds, which include a coarse fishing pond, visitors can spend their days discovering the many attractions of the Peak District, relaxing or fishing on-site and walking for miles through beautiful countryside. The pet-friendly holiday cottage is light and spacious with a relaxing king-sized bedroom, cosy log burner and sunny conservatory, as well as a home gym and all the peace a couple could wish for. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
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.
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.
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:
AshbourneBakewellBuxtonChesterfieldLeekMatlockSome 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.
