Experience Derbyshire from the heart of the village at Eight The Green, a cosy stone cottage for two overlooking the green in the picturesque village of Middleton by Wirksworth, just a short stroll from two friendly pubs. This peaceful retreat suits couples or solo travellers, with walking and cycling routes from the doorstep and easy access to the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District. Explore the historic towns of Wirksworth, Matlock and Ashbourne, follow the High Peak Trail, or visit Cromford, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. After a day of discovery, unwind in front of the wood burner before heading up to the king‑size bed. Blending 200‑year‑old charm with modern comforts, it’s an ideal base for a self‑catering break in every season.
Catherine Cottage is a charming 300-year-old 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. 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 very well equipped for a self-catering holiday. It's also dog-friendly. When you stay here, you're at the heart of village life, right in the countryside, and only a couple of steps to two fine pubs, a tea shop and the village store.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leapings Cottage has been extensively refurbished to provide luxurious holiday accommodation for large groups of up to twelve guests. Sitting in Yorkshire, close to the Peak District, guests can enjoy superb opportunities for outdoor adventures and attractions for day trips, alongside a high standard of self-catering that is perfect for large families, groups of friends wanting to catch-up or those looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Aitken House has impressed guests for a century. The owners have given this stunning three-storey house a sympathetic facelift to provide a high standard of accommodation for up to 10 guests in five beautiful bedrooms, with extras including a games room and an outdoor six-seater hot tub. The house is in the pretty village of Millhouse Green, less than a mile from the village shop/café and pub, and only two miles from the Peak District National Park. The Trans Pennine Trail passes close by, and there are gorgeous walks and bike rides from the door.
This character property is within walking distance of Thurlstone and its award-winning pub. The owners have carefully retained original features, like the gorgeous weaver's windows that let in lots of natural light, in the transformation of this building from utilitarian to luxurious with features like underfloor heating, a games room and an outdoor hot tub. Four lovely bedrooms sleep up to eight people, and the layout is ideal for families and friends. Thurlstone, Penistone and the Peak District National Park are all close, and there is a wealth of beautiful walks and bike rides from the 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.