Bike and Boot Peak District Review

December 30, 2023

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you kindly choose to book via my links.

If you’re looking for dog friendly accommodation in the Hope Valley, look no further than the Bike and Boot hotel in the Peak District. With plenty of walks on the doorstep, gorgeous bedrooms, and facilities to make your dog feel welcome, it’s the perfect spot for a countryside break with your pooch.

| Press trip |

The Peak District location is the second branch of the popular hotel brand Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels with the first being in Scarborough. It’s quite new, having opened in September 2023. We visited with our dog, Alfie, to try it out.

Read on for my review of Bike & Boot.

The rooms

We stayed in one of the pet friendly family rooms which sleeps three people on one double bed and a sofa bed. The room was spacious and modern with facilities including a Smart TV, desk/dressing table, wardrobe, hairdryer, and coffee machine.

I loved the colourful decor and all the little Peak District touches in the room which really give the hotel a sense of place. There was artwork on the walls and the blind had an old Derbyshire railway poster design on it.

The bed was huge and really comfortable with lovely soft bedding. I had a great night’s sleep both nights of my stay.

Book a stay at Bike & Boot

There’s also a well-stocked mini bar if you fancy food or drinks during your stay, and you can order food to your room.

For dogs, there’s a bed, towel, and toy in the room, all ready for their arrival.

The en-suite bathroom has a huge walk-in shower and a really cool sink. Free Bike & Boot branded toiletries are provided and there’s even hair conditioner, which some hotels don’t provide.

Location

Bike & Boot has a fabulous location in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire. It’s near to both Hope and Castleton which are lovely little villages to explore.

It’s also ideally located for walks in the Peak District, with many fantastic routes starting right from the door. I did a Shatton Moor circular walk while I was there which had fantastic views over the Great Ridge.

The staff are really knowledgeable about local walks too, with one of them giving me some ideas for routes.

Facilities

One of the things that I loved about Bike & Boot was the social spaces that are perfect for dog owners and their pooches. You didn’t feel like you needed to be in your room the entire time, as there were other places to hang out too.

There’s a lounge where you can sit and relax, do some work, or read a book. You can help yourself to complimentary hot drinks here and cake is brought in at 4pm.

I made sure that I was around both days at 4!

There’s also a cinema room where Film Club shows three different films each day. While we were staying, it was Christmas films so we watched Die Hard in the evening – we’re still arguing over whether it’s a Christmas film or not!

Sometimes I write a separate dog friendly section on my reviews but for Bike & Boot there’s absolutely no need to. Dogs are welcome throughout the hotel, in every room including the lounge and cinema, and are made to feel very welcome.

There’s no need to worry about barking or hyper active pups, most people staying here are also with their dogs and completely understand. Outside there’s a grooming room for muddy dogs where you can give them a wash and blow dry after their walkies.

There are treats on offer in most of the social spaces too.

You can choose a bed and breakfast rate with your room. The continental breakfast includes toast, cereals, yogurts, pastries, and eggs.

A welcome addition to the breakfast is pancakes and bacon, a great way to set yourself up for the hills.

Outside, there’s a free car park with 120 spaces and electric car charging points. There are also terraces where you can sit when the weather is fine.

There’s free wi-fi throughout the hotel, although we did find it was stronger in the lounge than in our room.

If you bring your bike with you, there is secure bike parking and maintenance on site.

Bareca bar & restaurant

Bike & Boot has its own on-site bar and restaurant, Bareca, which is open to guests and non-residents for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We decided to eat here on both nights of our stay.

The food is hearty Mediterranean-style pub grub which is just what you need after a day of walking and they serve a variety of cocktails, craft beers, and wine. They also had a Christmas specials menu while we were there as we visited in December.

There is a lovely atmosphere and, of course, your dogs are allowed with you.

FAQs

How far is Bike & Boot from the centre of Castleton?

Bike & Boot isn’t far from the gorgeous village of Castleton which is home to cosy pubs, great walking routes and the Peak Cavern caves. It’s around four miles away which is about a seven minute drive.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Bike & Boot?

Check in at Bike & Boot inn in the Peak District is from 3pm. Check out is before 11am.

What is there to do at Bike & Boot?

At Bike & Boot you can take advantage of the social areas. There is a lounge where you can relax and read a book or catch up on some work while you help yourself to the complimentary hot drinks.

There’s also a cinema room which shows films three times a day.

Outside the hotel, there are some lovely Derbyshire villages to explore and some great walks right from the door. I’m not a cyclist but, as its name suggests, Bike & Boot is a great base for exploring some of the Peak District’s cycling trails.

Is there a restaurant on site?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site. Bareca serves food and drinks until 9pm. No reservations are needed.

What types of rooms are available at Bike & Boot?

You can choose from a small double or twin, medium double or twin or a large double or twin which sleeps up to three people and a child. Accessible rooms are also available.