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
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.
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.
Hartshill is a modern stone holiday home located ten minutes walking distance from the centre of popular Bakewell. This small bustling market town is situated in the Peak District National Park and is perfect for visiting the many attractions of the area or enjoying outdoor activities.
A stone holiday home ideally located a ten minute walk from the centre of the market town of Bakewell. This small market town sits in the heart of the Peak District National Park and is ideally located for enjoying outdoor activities or visiting the many attractions of the area including nearby Chatsworth House. Hosting lots of festivals throughout the year, Bakewell is a joy to visit whatever the season.
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.
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.
Herdwick Barn is a stone holiday barn on a family-run farm near Leek and Buxton in the Peak District. Apart from the owners, your nearest neighbours are their flock of 100 white-faced, fluffy Herdwick sheep that thrive in these spectacular upland surroundings. The location is perfect for walking, mountain biking, fishing and visiting favourite attractions that include Chatsworth House and Alton Towers. Herdwick Barn sleeps four people in two bedrooms, one of which can have two single beds or one kingsize bed. The flexible layout is perfect for couples, families or friends, and the cottage welcomes guests all year round.
Highfields Barn is so idyllic that you'll never want to leave! The charming holiday barn is in the Staffordshire Moors in the Peak District National Park, a few short miles from Leek and Buxton and within easy reach of favourite attractions that include Alton Towers and Chatsworth House. This area is famous for its beautiful walks with routes to the Roaches, Monsal Trail, and Mam Tor being favourites with guests who stay here. There is room for eight people to sleep in four bedrooms, making the property suitable for families and friends. Providing flexible accommodation to meet the needs of your holiday, and the number of people within your group. The barn can accommodate either 2,4,6 or 8 guests. Highfields Barn a great place to stay, providing flexible accommodation to meet the needs of your holiday and the number of people within your group. You are able to book the rooms which you require, individually priced for the number in your group. Couples and solo travellers have the option of closing off the upper floor and exclusively using the downstairs of the barn. Super king size bedroom at a discounted rate. The prices advertised are based on 4 guests staying. If you are a larger group or a couple, please contact the owner for further details on the price for your stay. Weekly breaks start on a Saturday and short breaks are available from a Friday or a Saturday for 3-4 night stay
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
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
Matlock offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with the Peak District on the doorstep. 5 River View is a beautiful self-catering holiday home sleeping eight people in four bedrooms, downstairs toilet. A 5 minute stroll from the town centre's shops, cafes and restaurants. It's just across the road from the Derwent River and within easy reach of Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Alton Towers, and the Crich Tramway Museum. The house sleeps eight people in four bedrooms and is child and pet friendly, suiting friends and families. The Property has 1 Allocated parking space with an over night car park just a short distance from the property should you need to use it.
You don't have to decide between town and country when you stay at 3 Riverside Cottage. The pretty period cottage is only a short walk from the centre of Bakewell, yet close to the beautiful countryside that attracts countless visitors to the Peak District National Park every year. Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Buxton and Alton Towers are all within easy reach of this pretty period cottage which comfortably accommodates up to six people in three bedrooms and is ideal for couples and families.
This luxury self-catering cottage in Bakewell provides all you can want and need for your staycation in the Peak District. 2 Lumford House sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms (one ensuite) with a gorgeous country decor inspired by the age of the house and the surrounding countryside. 2 Lumford House offers peace and tranquillity overlooking the River Wye and is only a ten-minute stroll from Bakewell's shops, cafes, restaurants and market. It's convenient for Chatsworth House, the Monsal Trail, Buxton, Hardwick Hall and other favourite sights and attractions in the Peak District. Holiday bookings are available all year round with short breaks (minimum of three nights) possible depending on availability.
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 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.
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.
Ashford Mill gives guests a rare opportunity to stay in a Grade-II listed riverside holiday cottage in the Peak District. The winner of multiple awards for the high standard of renovation and accommodation, the holiday home sleeps seven people in three bedrooms with the option to sleep two more on a sofa bed. The mill is on the banks of the River Wye in Ashford on the Water, convenient for Bakewell, Buxton, Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House, and other popular Peak District attractions. Dogs are welcome and, depending on availability, short breaks are possible all year round.
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.
