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.
The Orchards' views are so beautiful that you will be mentally moving in before the end of the stay. This lovely holiday cottage is near the village of Ilam in the Peak District National Park, surrounded by fields and woodland on the owner's farm. There are no near neighbours (unless you count the horses and lambs in the meadow!) and no passing traffic to interrupt your peace and privacy. The opportunities for walking and cycling are plentiful, and The Orchards is within easy reach of favourite attractions like Chatsworth House and Alton Towers. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families and couples.
Couples, families and friends love this charming holiday cottage. 17 The Lanes is in Bolehill, about a mile from Wirksworth and close to Matlock, on the edge of the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District. It has fabulous walking from the doorstep and is superbly located for exploring all the area has to offer. Matlock, Matlock Bath and Buxton are all within easy reach, as are favourite attractions that include Carsington Water, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Gulliver's Kingdom, Alton Towers, and The Heights of Abraham. The former miner's cottage is dog-friendly and has been refurbished to offer accommodation for four people in two bedrooms. Operating as a holiday cottage since April 2019, The Lanes has over 180 excellent reviews.
The Peak District is the perfect place for your weekend getaway, reunion, hen celebration, yoga retreat, or corporate event. The Lighthouse Barn is a stunning property in an unspoilt and very private location, with its own long drive and huge secure tarmac car parking area for up to 20 cars, with dawn to dusk lighting. It has the flexibility of sleeping 16-20 guests in eight ensuite bedrooms when combined with Coach House (approx. 30 metres away). The beautiful multi-functional celebration or events venue has enviable panoramic views over the surrounding rolling fields with pretty stone walling typical of the Peak District. Boasting high-quality fixtures and furnishings, and ample space for all your fun plans. Guests rave about the area, how welcoming the property feels, and how easy the owners made it to plan their special occasion with a large group of family and friends. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
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.
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.
This delightful holiday cottage is in the pretty Derbyshire village of Monyash within the Peak District National Park. It is 150 yards from the popular pub/restaurant on the village green and near to Bakewell and the areas many attractions including Chatsworth and Haddon Hall. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
Beautiful 5/6 bedroomed cottage with plenty of space for everyone to relax and have fun. The cottage overlooks the Derwent Valley and river Derwent which runs through the village. The cottage comfortably accommodates up to 15 guests in five upstairs bedrooms and one downstairs snug off the living area with double full-sized double sofa-bed. There are gardens to the front and rear with BBQ and outside garden furniture and garden games including swingball and garden jenga. Matlock Bath is known as the seaside town without the sea and you'll soon see why! There are shops, pubs, restaurants and amusements all along the main promenades plus loads of things to do right here in the village including boat trips, cable car rides, a children's theme park, a nine hole indoor crazy golf, an aquarium and even a Victorian lido crammed with giant Koi Carp. The cottage is nestled on the hillside of Matlock bath looking down over the village in a quiet location just five minutes walk from all the hustle and bustle with superb views and walks right from the door. Further afield the Peak District National Park is just a short car ride away with it's stunning scenery and fabulous stately homes including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Alton Towers is about 30 minutes away by car. Crow Pie Cottage is available for short weekend breaks (Friday to Sunday), long weekends (Friday to Monday), midweek and week-long breaks all year round - please contact us with your requirements and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Hog Cottage is located a short stroll from the heart of the Derbyshire market town of Wirksworth on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park. Offering cosy self catering holiday accommodation for four guests, the cottage is an ideal base for exploring the areas many attractions and taking advantage of the outdoor activities available in this vast outdoor playground.
Discover the allure of Shepherd's Cottage, a picturesque 5-star retreat approved by Visit England Tourist Board. Embrace the charm of two beautifully appointed bedrooms—one graced with a luxurious king-sized bed, the other with twin beds. Experience the convenience of two well-equipped bathrooms, including a relaxing upstairs bath and a practical downstairs shower room. This cozy abode accommodates up to four guests, showcasing original oak beams that accentuate its heritage. Stay snug with central heating, an electric log fire, and double-glazed windows. Entertainment awaits with a smart TV, Free sat, and high-speed Wi-Fi, while the kitchen boasts modern amenities like an oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, and fridge-freezer. Your comfort is our priority, with complimentary access to a laundry room featuring a washing machine and tumble dryer. Unwind in the private parking area and outdoor seating, offering stunning views of the valley and Castleton. Book your stay at Shepherd's Cottage for a harmonious blend of comfort and scenic splendour.
With a romantic four-poster double bedroom, use of an indoor heated swimming pool, enclosed patio for alfresco dining and log burner for cosy winter breaks, this welcoming dog-friendly holiday cottage has all year round appeal. Sitting in the lovely little hamlet of Bradbourne on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park, Dumble Cottage is a great base for exploring the areas many attractions. The market town of Ashbourne and pretty villages of Tissington and Brassington are close by, and Carsington Water Reservoir is just a mile away offering great water sports, walking and cycling. Guests can enjoy easy access onto Tissington and High Peak Trails, and a pub for meals out within a mile walk away.
This pretty stone cottage sits opposite the village green in Middleton by Wirksworth, within walking distance of the pub. Eight The Green is a wonderful holiday cottage for couples or solo visitors who want great access to some of the best walks and beauty spots in the Peak District. Spend your days exploring Middleton Moor, Wirksworth, Cromford and the Derwent Valley, and your evenings stretched out by the log burner before sleeping soundly in your king-sized bed. The period charm of the 200-year old cottage is brought into the 21st Century with modern features that make it ideal for your self-catering stay.
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.
A luxury 2 bedroom period stone holiday cottage, near Chatsworth House in the Peak District. Situated in the gorgeous village of Baslow, it sleeps 2-4 people and is ideal for walkers. Perfectly located within walking distance of the village green, shops, pubs and an award winning restaurant. There are lovely walks from the door, including routes beside the River Derwent and and up onto Baslow edge. Bakewell and Buxton are also within easy reach, as are favourite attractions like Haddon Hall and Pooles Cavern. Hall Cottage is perfect for couples, friends or families with older children.
Foggs' Barn enjoys a picturesque location with footpaths and cycling trails from the front door. Formerly used to house the cows, the barn has been brought back to life as a stylish holiday home which sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms. Located in the Manifold Valley in the Peak District National Park, Foggs' Barn is half a mile from the Black Lion pub in Butterton and within easy reach of Buxton, Bakewell, Chatsworth House, Alton Towers, World of Wedgewood and other favourite attractions. The layout is ideal for families or friends. The owners also have a second, similar holiday home and the two can be booked together to accommodate extended families or group of up to 14 friends.
Fenns Barn is a superb barn conversation with space for up to seven people to sleep in three bedrooms with a layout that suits families and friends, located on Fenns Farm in the beautiful Manifold Valley in the Peak District National Park. There are footpaths and cycling routes from the door and an excellent pub half a mile away in Butterton. It's perfect for a holiday at any time of the year as it is within easy reach of favourite attractions that include Chatsworth House and Alton Towers, and picturesque towns like Bakewell and Buxton.
Couples love Hillside Cottage not only for its proximity to fantastic Peak District walks but for its Victorian charm and contemporary comforts. The owner has taken great care to ensure that the holiday cottage provides everything you need for a self-catering holiday, including a great night's sleep in a beautiful kingsized bed. The cottage is a ten-minute walk from the centre of Wirksworth and it is easy to reach shops, cafes and pubs like the Royal Oak. Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Matlock, Derby, and Buxton are all within a 30-minute drive, making this an ideal place for a Peak District holiday.
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 Stoke-on-Trent and a host of other attractions. Lovely walks from the front 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.
