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
Cop Farm is a sensational large holiday home. It sleeps 14 people in five bedrooms so is ideal for gathering your friends or extended family for a special occasion or simply to catch up. The farmhouse is only a mile from the Devonshire Arms Pub in Peak Forest, and you can walk or cycle along the canal into Buxton if you want to stretch your legs. Bakewell, Chatsworth House, Blue John Cavern, and the Monsal Trail are all within easy reach to offer something fun for everyone.
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. Your nearest neighbours are sheep and lambs 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 or couples.
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.
A stylish well presented ground floor self-catering apartment in the highly desirable picturesque Derbyshire village of Castleton in the very heart of the Peak District National Park. Famed for its caves, the surrounding area is a stunning playground for a host of outdoor adventures including wonderful walking, cycling, hiking and caving. Short breaks offered all year round and a good range of pubs, shops and tea rooms on the doorstep. One dog welcome (please enquire with the owner should you wish to bring more).
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.
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.
Stay in a traditional Peak District farmhouse with an AGA, two log burners and an open fireplace. The Farmhouse and Annexe at Uppermoor Farm sleep 20 people in nine beautiful bedrooms, four reception rooms, fantastic self-catering amenities, and unforgettable views. It's wonderfully private, is set amongst 70 acres on a family-run farm 15-minutes from Ashbourne and within easy reach of favourite Peak District attractions, including the Tissington Trail and Chatsworth House. The big group holiday home is ideal for hosting a celebration, accommodating your wedding party or guests from out of town, or running a yoga or wellness retreat.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Manifold Cottage, a charmingly converted former cowshed and hay loft at Hall Farm, is a lovely two-storey stone holiday cottage in the Peak District. It sleeps four, with a cosy double bedroom and a fun bunk room, both offering beautiful views over 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.
Dovedale Cottage at Hall Farm is a highly-rated Peak District retreat for couples or small families. This delightful single-storey stone holiday cottage sleeps three in two bedrooms, featuring an open-plan living space with stunning Manifold Valley views, a well-equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, and a comfortable seating area with an electric fire, Smart TV, Amazon Echo, books and games. Outside, enjoy the sheltered garden seating and views. Located in the picturesque village of Wetton and two miles from the famous Dovedale stepping stones, the property is a great base for exploring local attractions like Thor's Cave, the Manifold Trail, and nearby villages. There is a village pub and tea rooms in the village. Onsite amenities include BBQ space, outdoor play areas, a heated play barn, a laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer, and our friendly resident Hall Farm hens. Top destinations like Alton Towers and Chatsworth House are easily drivable for fun days out.
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.
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.
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:
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.
