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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This charming stone cottage is in a quiet location and only a five-minute stroll along the river from the centre of Bakewell. It can accommodate up to six people in two lovely bedrooms, with a layout that makes it ideal for couples as well as families. Everything you need for a relaxing self-catering cottage holiday in the Peak District National Park is included; and with the historic Bakewell market on the doorstep together with an array of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, eating well is not a problem. Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Buxton and Tideswell are just a few of the many places to visit during your stay, and there are fantastic footpaths and cycling routes from the door.
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.
If you love the idea of tucking yourself away in a romantic retreat which is a little different, then Haddy's Hut is perfect for you. This romantic shepherd's hut has everything couple's need for comfort, including underfloor heating and a log burner. It is the heart of the Peak District, on a family-run farm just outside the village of Hope and within walking distance of the 16th-Century Cheshire Cheese Inn. Nearby, beautiful footpaths lead to stunning locations, allowing you to combine a glamping-style holiday with some of the best sights and attractions in the Peak District.
Old Dairy Cottage is a fantastic country retreat for couples or individual travellers who want to immerse themselves in the heart of the Peak District National Park. The pretty stone cottage is on a family-run farm just outside the village of Hope and within walking distance of shops and a pub. Nearby attractions include Haddon Hall, Blue John Cavern, Peveril Castle, and Chatsworth House and Gardens. Buxton, Bakewell and Castleton are all only a short drive away, while Alton Towers, Manchester and Sheffield can be reached in around an hour. There are miles of stunning walks and mountain bike trails in the area, including beautiful walks to Win Hill, Lose Hill and The Derwent Dams.
This peaceful cottage is on the outskirts of Hope village in the heart of the Peak District National Park, close to Blue John Showcaves, Chatsworth House, Eyam, Buxton and Bakewell. The charming property has space for up to four people to sleep in two bedrooms as well as a sitting room with a log burner for snuggling up on winter nights. The stone cottage is ideal for families and couples, who appreciate that it is not only convenient for some of the Peak District's best sights but also because it is less than an hour by train from both Manchester and Sheffield.
This pretty stone holiday cottage is in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Manchester's Piccadilly station is less than an hour away, while Sheffield is even closer, making it easy to escape to the country with minimal effort. Losehill Cottage has space for up to four people to sleep in two bedrooms and is a favourite with couples and small families who appreciate being close to the welcoming village of Hope and within walking distance of the popular Cheshire Cheese Inn. Chatsworth, Bakewell and Buxton are all within easy reach, as are beautiful walks and bike rides.
Surrounded by glorious scenery, The Haybarn is ideally placed inside the Peak District National Park and is a great choice for families as well as couples who appreciate a high standard of holiday accommodation and the chance to enjoy outdoor activities. Beautiful dales, dramatic highlands, picturesque little villages, ancient towns and an abundance of attractions are just waiting to be enjoyed as well as pubs, eateries and shops nearby for convenience. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
An idyllic and private location set in some of the most spectacular scenery in the National Park. The perfect, romantic self-catering retreat for couples wanting comfort and luxury whilst on holiday. Explore lush, peaceful dales and wild romantic highlands or visit pretty villages with lovely old churches and ancient inns. Shops, pubs and wonderful places to eat close-by. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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.
