I might be biased because I live just outside of the Peak District, but I think it’s an excellent place to go for a mini break. If you love the great outdoors, good food and drink and exploring picturesque villages and towns then I think you’ll love it too.
If you’re planning a getaway to this national park then read on for things to do and where to stay in the Peak District.
Places to stay in the Peak District
There’s no shortage of places to stay in the Peak District. You can choose from five star hotels, hostels, glamping and camping sites, B&Bs and luxury lodges.
Heathy Lea
I recently discovered a new favourite place to stay in the Peak District – Heathy Lea. This collection of grade II listed buildings is in the heart of the Peak District National Park within the picturesque grounds of the Chatsworth Estate.
They offer different types of accommodation including holiday cottages and glamping in luxury shepherd’s huts. I was invited to stay overnight here for inclusion on my blog.
The location is simply breathtaking – it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere and all you can see for miles around is rolling countryside. You’ll also have sheep and deer as your neighbours and you can head out on walks right from the front door.
That’s right – there are two different types of deer that live on the Chatsworth estate, red deer and fallow deer, and if you’re lucky enough you might just be able to spot them.
I spent a couple of hours sitting outside reading in the sunshine with a cup of tea and I honestly felt so relaxed – just what I needed!
If you’re looking for a relaxing escape to the country then you won’t go wrong with Heathy Lea.
They also do weddings with either a marquee or a tipi on the grounds during the warmer months and I honestly can’t think of anywhere better to say your I dos.
Darwin Forest
I stayed at Darwin Forest a few years ago in one of their lodges with a hot tub. We stayed during winter and it was so lovely to wake up in the forest with frost on the ground – a perfect winter wonderland.
Some of the cabins are dog friendly too and there is a swimming pool and gym on site.
Dog friendly places to stay in the Peak District
If you have a dog then it’s likely that you’ll want to take them with you on your break in the Peak District. And, let’s face it, there’s nowhere better to take them.
With miles and miles of dog-friendly walks, plenty of cosy pubs that welcome four-legged friends, and lots of welcoming accommodation, the Peak District is perfect for getaways with your pooch.
This list of dog friendly places to stay in the Peak District have been tried and tested by me and my dog Alfie.
Walks in the Peak District
If you’ve come to the Peak District for walking then you can’t go wrong. There are so many walks in the Peak District so whether you’re a long distance hiker or looking for a countryside stroll, you’re bound to find something to suit you.
If you’re staying at Heathy Lea, you have the whole of Chatsworth to explore, right on your doorstep. There are lots of different routes you can take here. I’ve done quite a few and seem to see different things every time.
One of my favourite walks in Chatsworth takes in the famous Hunting Tower (which you can stay in too!) as well as a beautiful waterfall where you’ll get views of Chatsworth House from the top.
If you’re looking to go further afield then some of my other favourites include Mam Tor, Win Hill and Stanage Edge.
Peak District towns and villages
If you’re looking for more of a potter and a rummage in some shops, then there are plenty of towns and villages in the Peak District to explore. Bakewell is one of the bigger ones and has plenty of nice shops as well as cafes.
Plus it’s home to the famous Bakewell pudding so you should definitely try that while you’re there.
Matlock has lots of vintage and antique shops as well as plenty of places to enjoy a cocktail. Check out my boyfriend’s second-hand record shop on Dale Road and then pop into the Remarkable Hare for dinner, followed by a glass of champagne at Bradman’s.
Just down the road you’ll find Matlock Bath which is famous for its fish and chips shops, amusement arcades and bikers. A lot of people say it’s like being at the seaside…just without the sea!
I love going here during autumn as they have illuminations and fireworks most weekends.
For Peak District villages, my favourites include Castleton, Hathersage and Eyam. Eyam is also known as the plague village and has an interesting history.
It shut itself off during the plague of 1665 so that it wouldn’t spread to the neighbouring villages.
Peak District attractions
One of the most well-known attractions in the Peak District is Chatsworth House & Gardens and it’s just a short walk away from Heathy Lea if you choose to stay there. You can buy a ticket to explore either both the house and gardens or just the gardens.
It can be expensive but I have really enjoyed it when I’ve visited. For children there is also the farmyard and adventure playground.
One of the best times to visit Chatsworth is at Christmas when they have lots of events on like their Christmas markets which are fantastic. They also open the house and decorate it according to a specific theme.
I went one year when it was Narnia-themed and it was just magical. They also have a Christmas lights display outside which you could walk round with a mulled wine – it definitely got me into the Christmas spirit!
Where to eat in the Peak District
Again, there are too many wonderful spots to mention here but I’m going to give you a few of my favourites.
Best fine dining restaurants in the Peak District
My very favourite restaurant in Derbyshire is Stones in Matlock. Situated on the banks of the River Derwent, it’s the perfect place for lunch and drinks in the sunshine or a celebratory dinner.
Their dishes are always super inventive and I love all the little touches that go along with it like their homemade chocolates.
The Peacock in Rowsley is another fine dining venue. It is a little bit more old-fashioned but the food here is just amazing and the staff are fantastic.
Other places on my list which I haven’t tried yet include Fischer’s in Baslow and Lovage in Bakewell.
The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow is one of my parent’s favourites and for a few years they’ve had a Laurent-Perrier Champagne & Seafood Terrace, offering outdoor dining with views over the Chatsworth Estate. We went and it was amazing – a beautiful setting, delicious seafood platters and chilled champagne, what could be better?
Best cafes in the Peak District
There’s nothing better than enjoying a sit down and perhaps a slice of cake while you’re exploring. One of my favourite Peak District cafes is Cool River Cafe in Matlock which does a great full English breakfast.
Best places for cake include Edensor Tea Cottage which is in one of the Chatsworth estate villages and Herbert’s Fine English Tearooms on the Green in Tissington (you can stop here on your way home from the Tissington Trail).
I’ve yet to try Riverside Kitchen in Bakewell but it looks gorgeous and there’s even a little balcony where you can sit and look over the river as you enjoy your cake.
Best pubs in the Peak District
If you want to ditch the car at Heathy Lea, then you can take a 20 minute walk into Baslow and sample one of the pubs there. These include The Prince of Wales, The Wheatsheaf (cheap and cheerful!), and the Robin Hood.
I’ve also got a guide to my favourite dog friendly pubs in the Peak District and Derbyshire which you can check out.
There are my top tips for a break in the Peak District. Let me know if there’s anything I’ve missed out!
