Its beautyPeak areaIt's never been disputed, but until recently the quality of local hotels rarely matched the scenic grandeur that surrounded them. While places likeCornwall,the Cotswoldsandlake areagained a seemingly uninterrupted stream of new housing, this part of the country stubbornly lagged behind.
Not anymore. Things are off to a good start in recent years, with a mix of revamped old favorites and exciting newcomers giving the accommodation world a much-needed boost and more in tune with 21st-century tastes. Whether you're looking to stay in the heart of the Peak District National Park or up and down from a base in the surrounding countryside, there's never been a better choice to stay, from luxury luxury hotels and cool country retreats to boutique holes and boho-chic inns .
Center photo: peacock at Rosley Hall, Baslow
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1. Fischer's Baslow Hall, Baslow
The best forfoodies
Many come to Fischer's just to eat - the excellent restaurant here has a long-standing reputation as one of the best in the Peak District - but budget permitting it's worth making a weekend of it and staying. There are 11 rooms to choose from, split between the main house and a garden annexe, all beautifully decorated in a modern cottage style, with bold floral prints, Farrow & Ball paint and Bramley scented toiletries. The grounds are also very beautiful, with beautiful borders, attractive trees and an impressive vegetable garden that provides plenty of fresh produce for the restaurant.
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2. The Peacock in Rowsley, Rowsley
The best forromantic weekends
One of the Peak District's first boutique hotels, the Peacock looks every inch the perfect romantic retreat. Pink roses roam the 17th-century facade and the River Derwent flows along the bottom of the garden. Inside, period features and antique furniture are combined with modern comforts and the restaurant (a holder of three AA Rosettes) serves creative, contemporary British cuisine. Two of the area's finest country houses, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House, are within easy reach and after a day's exploring why not relax with a drink on the terrace or by the fire in the cosy, dimly lit bar.
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3. Losehill-huis, Hope Valley
The best forhikers
If rural seclusion is what you're looking for, Losehill is perfect for you, tucked away quietly in a narrow cul-de-sac just outside Hope, and completely surrounded by fields and hills. It opened as a walkers' hostel just over a century ago, and although it's now on the luxury side of things, it's still a great base for anyone who likes a good walk (paths lead in all directions from here), followed by a decent dinner, an extremely comfortable bed and the chance to relax in an outdoor hot tub with a view.
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4. Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
The best forrelaxed luxury
The location alone makes the Cavendish an attractive choice: it's right on the edge of Chatsworth Park, with peaceful countryside views from the rooms and terrace. It's a gentle walk from here to the hall itself - or, for something wilder, head in the opposite direction, along the dramatic ridges that run north to the Dark Peak. Although it's one of the most stylish hotels in the area, with an excellent restaurant and luxurious rooms (think plush fabrics, thick white bathrobes and ultra-stylish bathrooms), the Cavendish also has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, making it a great relaxing base.
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5. Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
The best forunmatched rural comfort
Johnny and Laura Greenall did everything right when they took this derelict old pub under their wing a few years ago and set about bringing it back to life. The bar feels warm and inviting, with its wooden beams, fireplaces and cozy nooks, and the boutique hotel-style bedrooms tick all the boxes for luxury - think fine linens, hand-made tapestries and high-end bathrooms. Add to that good food (a mix of pub classics and the more adventurous), a well-stocked wine list and views of the lovely rolling Staffordshire countryside, and it's no wonder Duncombe proved an instant hit.
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6. Biggin Hall, Biggin-by-Hartington
The best forbig value
The Biggin gets the kind of repeat business that most hotels can only dream of, with repeat guests coming back again and again. The welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere helps, as does the hall itself, a characterful country house dating back to the 1600s and filled with period features and period furniture. You can stroll along a mini sculpture trail, play croquet on the lawn, or simply relax with a book or board game in the armchair-filled library. Prices are also very reasonable, with nice little extras like welcome drinks and packed meals included in your room rate.
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The best hotels in England
7. The three petals, Leek
The best forsurprises are in store
This family-run inn is a bit of a Tardis, with much more than meets the eye on the A53. The original pub has been greatly extended with a huge open dining room and a few dozen bedrooms, some simply but beautifully furnished and others a bit more luxurious, including some with their own outdoor hot tubs. You'll also find a large beer garden with great views of the Roaches (a dramatic ridge loved by walkers and climbers) and, unexpectedly, a rather lovely little spa.
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8. Peak Edge Hotel, near Chesterfield
The best foraccessibility
A 15-minute drive from Chatsworth, this four-star hotel is part 18th century inn, part 21st century. The restaurant and bar are in the older part, with stone walls, wooden beams and horn fittings. The property, meanwhile, is in a modern wing, built from local sandstone and slate and filled with luxury rooms, featuring Hypnos beds, air conditioning and underfloor heating in the bathrooms. Everything has been designed to make the hotel as accessible as possible for everyone, with many rooms on the ground floor, extra long corridors and a lift or ramp where needed.
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9. Buxton Crescent, Buxton
The best forspa guests
As Buxton locations go, it doesn't get any better than this. Right in the heart of the city, a short walk from the beautiful Pavilion Gardens and the Edwardian Opera House, this five-star hotel is housed in a beautiful Georgian crescent, built by the fifth Duke of Devonshire in the late 18th century for to welcome the spa-lovers of the day. The Grade II listed building recently opened after a 17-year, multi-million pound refurbishment and now boasts 81 beautifully decorated rooms and a spa over three floors, with hydrotherapy treatments, saunas, steam rooms, a salt grotto and an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool.
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10. Callow Hall, Mapleton
The best forrural relaxation
These are exciting times for Callow Hall, a beautiful Victorian country house set in meadows and woodland just outside Ashbourne. Reopened after a two-year renovation as the first venture of new hospitality brand Wildhive, the 15 bedrooms across the corridor have a fresh, serene new look, while rustic-chic forest cabins and treehouses dot the grounds. The revived restaurant promises to celebrate seasonality and local produce, there's a gym, sauna and treatment rooms in the old coach, and guests can borrow hotel bikes to paddle the nearby Tissington Trail.
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11. De Tawny, Consul
The best forget lost in space
This 'housed hotel' is set in the beautiful North Staffordshire countryside. Instead of traditional rooms, it consists of a series of lodges, shepherd's huts, boathouses and treehouses scattered around the landscaped grounds, woodlands and small lakes of the 70-acre Consall Hall Estate. Each room has a sleek, contemporary design, free minibar and outdoor pool, and shared communal facilities including the restaurant (rich in local produce), bar, games room, spa treatment room and a heated outdoor pool overlooking the valley.
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Price£££
The best hotels in Yorkshire
12. Devonshire Arms Beeley, Beeley
The best forvillage charm from a picture book
This quaint little inn is situated in one of Chatsworth's estate villages, within walking distance of the main house itself. The rooms (some in the main inn, others in three nearby cottages) are elegantly decorated but not boring - the Duchess of Devonshire oversaw the design and clearly enjoys the odd quirky touch, such as a hare-shaped lamp or a huge headboard from bed. The brasserie serves delicious food and the bar has a wide selection of gins and local beers.
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13. The Cow, Dalbury Lees
The best forquirky rustic chic
Off the beaten track but well worth a visit, this revamped village pub sits on the green at Dalbury Lees, six miles west of Derby. The bar is a cozy place to hang out, combining traditional elements with a quirky eccentric touch: wooden beams and wood stoves, old farm implements and antique paintings on the walls and high-profile bar stools made from tractor seats on top of old milk churns. The bedrooms have a pleasant feel, with super comfortable beds and all the little luxuries of a boutique hotel, from Netflix and Nespresso to superior bathrooms with Molton Brown toiletries and monogrammed bathrobes.
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14. Old Hall Inn, Chinley
The best forcraft beer lovers
Chinley sails under most visitors' radar, but as well as being conveniently located on the western edge of the park, with Castleton, Buxton and Lyme all within 20 minutes' drive, Chinley is also home to this cozy village pub. It's actually two pubs: the Old Hall Inn itself and its sibling, the Paper Mill Inn, just opposite. Together they offer 11 bedrooms, most of which are quite plain and narrowly paneled and some with larger proportions and four-poster beds. The kitchen serves great food, there is often live entertainment and beer drinkers can enjoy a great selection of beers from the bar.
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FAQs
14 of the best hotels in the Peak District - Times Travel? ›
It's no wonder that Buxton is one of the most popular places in the Peak District. Stroll around the elegant town and admire the Georgian and Victorian architecture—don't miss The Crescent—and discover beautiful gardens.
What is the best area of the Peak District? ›It's no wonder that Buxton is one of the most popular places in the Peak District. Stroll around the elegant town and admire the Georgian and Victorian architecture—don't miss The Crescent—and discover beautiful gardens.
Where to stay to hike Peak District? ›Edale – Best Place to Stay in the Peak District for Hiking
It's also a major stop on the Pennine Way, so it is an absolute must-see for hikers and ramblers. Despite its small size, we reckon Edale is the most convenient place to stay in the Peak District National Park.
It offers a wealth of outdoor activities including walking, cycling, climbing, horse riding, caving and watersports for people of all ages and abilities. The Peak District also has lots of safe, traffic-free cycling trails on former railway lines, including the popular Monsal and Tissington Trails.
Where in the UK is the Peak District? ›It covers 555 sq miles (1,438km) in the heart of England (that's about the size of Greater London). The Peak District reaches into five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
What is the best month to visit the Peak District? ›The best time to visit the Peak District is from April to October when the temperatures are warmer, rainfall is lighter and the days are longer. Though the Peak District can be visited all year round for a great getaway.
How many days do you need in Peak District? ›You can easily spend a week touring the Peak District and exploring the area by car or on foot if you enjoy hiking. Book accommodation in a central location in one of the pretty towns and villages such as Bakewell or Matlock and use this as a base for day trips to surrounding areas.
Where is a good base for the Peak District? ›Hartington, Ashford in the Water, Youlgreave, Monyash, Longnor, Ilam and Tissington are all perfect bases for relaxed walks in the area. Each of these villages has something to offer the visitor as well as being a good base for walking.
What is the most famous peak in the Peak District? ›The iconic Peak District summit, Higger Tor, towers over the landscape of the Burbage Valley. From this mountain, you can also spot the prehistoric hillfort at Carl Wark. There are claims that Carl Wark means 'The Old Man's Fort' in Old Norse, with 'Old Man' referring to the devil.
What is the most challenging Peak District walk? ›The Great Ridge and Win Hall walk is a challenging trail and one of the most popular ridge walks in England. The route offers magnificent views over the Upper Derwent Valley, and the Vales of Edale and Hope. This is a wonderful way to fully appreciate the picturesque gritstone ridges of the enigmatic Dark Peaks.
What is the most expensive area in the Peak District? ›
Analysis of new data reveals that Clifton and Bradley was the most expensive area to buy a house in the area last year. This was followed by Chatsworth (£569,000) and Norbury (£487,500).
Which is nicer Lake District or Peak District? ›If you're looking for a diverse range of landscapes and want to spend more time on the water, then the Lakes is for you. If you're keen on climbing and caving, then the Peaks is the better option.
Do I need walking shoes for Peak District? ›Shoe coverings
If you plan on doing one of our Peak District pub walks, don't worry about changing out of your boots. Most places in the Peak District welcome muddy boots (and paws!) Shoe coverings are sometimes available in the entrance.
It's easy to get to and has great road and public transport links with the north and south of the country. Derby is in the heart of Peak District and is a great base to explore the national park. The next closest cities are Manchester and Sheffield which are just a bus, train or one hour drive away.
What food is Derbyshire known for? ›- Bakewell Pudding. The world famous Bakewell Pudding. ...
- Stilton Cheese. An official watches as competitors participate in the Stilton Cheese rolling competition on Stilton High Street. ...
- Ashbourne gingerbread. ...
- Derbyshire Fidgety Pie.
Some, like actors John Hurt and Alan Bates, and TV soccer pundit Bob Wilson were born here; others like Brian Clough and Gordon Banks became `adopted' favourite sons – and yet others like Sir Joseph Banks, and WW2 fighter ace Johnnie Johnson lived here in Derbyshire, but found fame elsewhere in the world.
What do you wear to the Peak District? ›If you are visiting the Peak District National Park make sure you are well prepared in case the weather conditions alter. Carry enough food and water. Know how to use your map and compass. Clothing should be warm, windproof and waterproof.
What month is not peak season? ›When is off season? Because weather isn't as static or predictable as a calendar, off season can vary quite a bit around the globe. In the northern hemisphere, the off season is roughly November–February, excluding the holidays. In the southern hemisphere, it's roughly June–August.
Does it rain a lot in the Peak District? ›The Peak District receives significantly more rainfall than the rest of the country, receiving around 40 inches on average. Snowfall is often a common occurrence as well during the winter months due to the areas elevated height and high rainfall.
Do you need a car in the Peak District? ›The Peak District National Park enjoys an extensive public transport network, enabling you to have a full day out exploring the area without using the car. Getting to the Peak District couldn't be easier by train or bus, and regular services link many of the area's most popular destinations.
What towns are worth visiting in the Peak District? ›
- Bakewell. Bakewell is one of the most popular towns in the Peak District, attracting visitors all year round. ...
- Buxton. ...
- Castleton. ...
- Matlock and Matlock Bath.
Perhaps best known as walking country, the Peak District National Park offers a spectacular variety of scenery and routes to be explored – from steep sided limestone dales to the dramatic high moorlands.
Is Buxton or Bakewell better? ›Bakewell is certainly the better of the 2 towns on the basis of location and atmosphere. For a village I would recommend Ashford in the Water which has hotels, river, but little traffic and is only 2 miles from Bakewell and 5 from Chatsworth.
Is Buxton a good base for Peak District? ›For this reason, Buxton – while not cheap – is one of the best places to find budget-friendly options for accommodation. As for natural beauty, you will be well placed in Buxton to enjoy everything the Peak District has to offer. There are some incredible hikes only a short journey away.
What are the biggest towns in the Peak District? ›Bakewell. Placing fifth on the list, Bakewell is the biggest town in the Peak District and is idyllically situated on the banks of the River Wye. It is filled with mellow stone buildings and medieval five-arched stone bridges, and its quaint courtyards are a magnet for painters, photographers and sightseers alike.
What is the most beautiful peak in the world? ›Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet
No list of the world's great peaks would be complete without Everest. The mother of all mountains, she rises to more than 8,848 metres, jutting out of the Himalayas, on the Nepal-Tibet border.
The Derbyshire Three Peaks are Kinder Scout, Bleaklow, and Higher Shelf Stones.
What are the famous edges in the Peak District? ›The edges: Derwent, Stanage, Burbage Upper, Burbage Lower, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchen. It's a long distance walk beginning on the banks of the serene Derwent Reservoir at Fairholmes visitor centre, and ending near the quaint village of Baslow.
What is the danger area in Peak District? ›A popular Peak District road has been named on a list of the world's most dangerous roads which includes a cliffside road with a 3000ft drop into the Amazon jungle. The notorious A57, or Snake Pass, is the only road in England to be included in the list.
What is the deadliest peak to climb? ›1. K2, Pakistan-China. K2 is a monster and it's widely considered the world's toughest and most dangerous mountain to climb. Located on the border of Pakistan and China, it's the second highest in the world, standing at a whopping 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)–just around 250 meters shorter than Mount Everest.
What is the steepest road in the Peak District? ›
A brutally steep (28%) climb to Winnats Pass in England. Winnats Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 416m (1,364ft) above the sea level, located in the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England. The road to the summit averages over 10%, with a considerable section of 28% near the top.
What is the most expensive zone in USA? ›The average price of the most expensive neighborhoods in every U.S. state is $5,249,542, but America's most expensive neighborhood—Manalapan, Fla.,—far surpasses that at a whopping average house price of $39,761,000.
What town has the most expensive houses? ›1. Manhattan, New York. No place beats the center of the Big Apple when it comes to being the most expensive housing market in the U.S.
What is the most expensive region in California? ›Los Altos and Los Altos Hills tops the list for the richest and most expensive city in California. Los Altos is the affluent enclave of Silicon Valley's most affluent and influential leaders. It is one of the wealthiest cities in the US and among the richest areas in California.
Which is better Peak District or Yorkshire Dales? ›Tripadvisor names the Yorkshire Dales National Park the best in Europe and 11th in the world alongside spots for Peak District and York. Tripadvisor has named the Yorkshire Dales a number one spot for travellers around the world.
Which mountain has the best views in the Lake District? ›1. Wastwater. The view down Wastwater is iconic and has been voted as the UK's best view on multiple occasions! The deepest lake in the Lake District, Wastwater is situated in the Wasdale Valley, which is also home to England's tallest mountain and one of England's smallest churches.
What is the main town in the Peak District? ›Hathersage. At the eastern end of the Hope Valley, Hathersage is known as the 'outdoor hub' of the Peak District.
What is the prettiest town in Derbyshire? ›Chatsworth is probably at the top of any list of places to visit in Derbyshire, and once the delights of its House and Gardens have been explored, the estate villages of Edensor, Beeley, Pilsley (home of the famous Chatsworth Estate Shop) and Calton Lees, and nearby Baslow, all offer alternative places to eat and drink ...
What is the capital of the Peak District? ›The cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby are excluded from the National Park, its largest village being Bakewell which is the capital of the Peak District and contains the Peak District National Park headquarters at Aldern House.
What is the foodie capital of Britain? ›Edinburgh has been crowned the best city for foodies in the UK. Taking the top spot for the best city in the UK for foodies is Edinburgh.
What is the famous pudding from Derbyshire? ›
The Bakewell Pudding was created in the Derbyshire town in the 1800s following a mistake from a local cook.
What are traditional Derbyshire biscuits? ›Tharf Cake. These traditional Derbyshire biscuits are quite similar to the modern day flapjack. Thick, soft, and made with wheat flour, oatmeal, butter, dark sugar and fruit, tharf cakes have been a Halloween treat since the 1870s. The biscuits are not very popular today and are honestly almost impossible to buy.
What are the seven wonders of the Peak District? ›- Chatsworth House.
- Peak Cavern.
- Mam Tor.
- Eldon Hole.
- St. Anne's Well.
- Poole's Cavern.
- Ebbing & Flowing Well.
- Peveril Castle.
When is the best time to visit the Lake District? The Lake District is gorgeous all year round, but if you'd prefer to have the weather on your side, you should plan your trip between May and September.
What is the most lively town in the Lake District? ›Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere is the town at the heart of the Lake District. Known far and wide, it is often the destination most visitors will base themselves in whilst visiting the area. However, smaller than its neighbour Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere is still very much a bustling hive of activity.
Stanage Edge, or simply Stanage (from "stone edge") is a gritstone escarpment in the Peak District, England, famous as a location for climbing. It lies a couple of miles to the north of Hathersage, and the northern part of the edge forms the border between the High Peak of Derbyshire and Sheffield in South Yorkshire.
What celebrities are from the Peak District? ›Some, like actors John Hurt and Alan Bates, and TV soccer pundit Bob Wilson were born here; others like Brian Clough and Gordon Banks became `adopted' favourite sons – and yet others like Sir Joseph Banks, and WW2 fighter ace Johnnie Johnson lived here in Derbyshire, but found fame elsewhere in the world.
What are the natural wonders in the Peak District? ›The Peak District and Derbyshire is full of breathtaking and beautiful wonders with some of the most popular Peak District mountains and beauty spots including Mam Tor, Dovedale, Parkhouse and Chrome Hill, Stanage Edge, Derwent Edge, Curbar Edge, Bamford Edge, Monsal Head and Kinder Scout.