11 of the Best Boutique Hotels in the Peak District

The Cavendish

Boutique hotels are a popular thing these days, but not every region is as strict about their ‘boutique’ labels, and our Gurus have decided that ‘boutique’ is more of a sliding scale than a finite description. We love the Peak District, and against this gorgeous backdrop perfect for adventure, exertion or romance, we classify a boutique hotel as one that’s small and stylish, with individually decorated rooms, personalised service, great facilities and a more than decent restaurant. If that’s the sort of thing you’re looking for our list of 11 of the best boutique hotels in the Peak District is for you. We’ve also included some fantastic little boutique inns too, and some hybrid boutique/country house hotels, because we don’t want you to discount great places to stay in the Peak District just because they don’t have the right labels.

The Most Romantic Boutique Hotels

Peacock at Rowsley

  • Once upon a time the Peacock at Rowsley was the Dower House for Haddon Hall, the seat of the Dukes of Rutland, and you can still see some of the Rutland furnishings today, mixed with contemporary pieces to create a stylish, luxurious feeling collection of 15 boutique-feeling rooms and suites. This is the kind of hotel where you’ll be greeted with afternoon tea, and offered camomile tea before bed, there will always be a fire roaring if cosiness is required and the restaurant boasts 3 AA Rosettes. You’re surrounded by miles and miles of countryside to explore and the hotel will help you out there too, offering a ‘walk of the day’ recommendation every day at breakfast.
  • Fischer's Baslow Hall is a neatly symmetrical manor house in a fantastic location and with a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant, which is certainly the centrepiece of the hotel. It’s visually very chintzy, with floral drapes, fabrics and wallpapers, open fireplaces, antique furnishings and plenty of tassels, but the cuisine is very contemporary British, and quite innovative. There are just 11 rooms. And you’re very close to Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall.

Biggin Hall Hotel

  • The Biggin Hall Hotel is a converted 17th century manor house mid-way between Ashbourne and Buxton, in a fantastic Peak District location. Its direct access to the dales makes it good for walkers, and it’s affordable, but we also think this is a really romantic hotel, with an elegant lounge and library, as well as 21 rooms, many of them with canopied beds — all of them different. The building is Grade II listed, with an impressive collection of architectural influences, and there are many original features to spot in the rooms and the public areas. The hotel is also surrounded by gardens and lawns, and there’s an excellent restaurant.
  • The 24 room Cavendish Hotel isn’t exactly boutique, but it’s certainly small and luxurious, and offers lots of personalised touches, and it’s also stylishly traditional, with decor that’s elegant, if not exactly what you’d expect from a boutique hotel. You'll find open fires, exposed oak beams and antiques, wonderful views and plenty of estate to explore surrounding the hotel. The restaurant is award-winning, specialising in seasonal and local, with a rural twist.

The Best Boutique Inns

The Cow

  • The Cow is a boutique country inn just outside the borders of the Peak District National Park in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. The decor is a really charming mix of the inn’s original features, like beamed and wood ceilings, with some really contemporary ideas: think hewn stone sinks and polished concrete tiles. There are 12 rooms, all light and airy, decorated in a range of soft colours, and an atmospheric restaurant which serves modern British food and an excellent selection of ales.
  • The Lamb Inn might not be quite as boutique as you might find in a large city, but for the Peak District we think it qualifies. This fantastically historic little pub has three surprisingly contemporary, light and airy bedrooms. And underneath them is the pub, with its traditional stone fireplaces, cosy beamed ceilings and numerous intimate rooms where you can eat and drink heartily. Perfect for walkers too!

The Old Hall Inn

  • The Old Hall Inn is a really charming pub with 11 rooms and studios. Some of the rooms are within the pub and some in neighbouring Whitehough Hall, they range from country house hotel style guest rooms to contemporary-styled studio apartments. The property has been a coaching inn since the early 1800s, and there are some fantastic old features to appreciate while you also enjoy one of their excellent local beers or ales. There’s a restaurant too, cosy and romantic.
  • The George Hotel is similar to The Lamb Inn: boutique enough to consider. Plus, it’s a 500 year old country inn, reputed to be the original building behind ‘The Feathers’ in ‘Jane Eyre. It does have four-poster beds and a good collection of antiques and comfortable contemporary furnishings. And it also has an award-winning restaurant, one of the best in the area, with 2 AA Rosettes. And you’re within the boundaries of the Peak District National Park.

Boutique Hotels for Walkers

Duncombe Arms

  • The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley qualifies in the above category too, or the category below, but it’s just such a great choice for walkers, with trails leading right out the door and all over the Chatsworth estate and surrounds. The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire own the inn, having it transformed it from one of the estate pubs into something a bit more special. The Duchess has chosen the decorations in the seven rooms, and opted for bright, cheerful colour accents against white and neutral colours, natural materials and really excellent bathrooms. The food is excellent too, by Alan Hill, the Chef Patron of the estate, and much of it is sourced straight off the estate too.
  • The Duncombe Arms also qualifies twice, it’s a great inn, with chic decor and it’s very popular with walkers. In Ellastone, Staffordshire, the Duncombe Arms isn’t within the park, but the spot is certainly beautiful and rural, and there are plenty of local country walks, as well as it being just a short distance into the park proper. There’s a cosy feeling to these ten rooms, and to the gastro pub, with the sort of country chic you’d see in home decor magazines.

Best Value Boutique Hotels in the Peak District

Farmhouse at Mackworth

  • Not quite in the Peak District, but very close, in Mackworth, Derby, The Farmhouse at Mackworth is an 18th century farmhouse recently turned into a small hotel with a lively bar and colourful, design-decorated restaurant. There are ten rooms, all different, but all with a great rural-chic-fun to them, with exposed brick walls, well re-upholsted antiques, indulgent bathrooms and contemporary art. The restaurant serves modern British fare, and surprise! there’s a chic cocktail bar.

Still not sure which to book?

11 of the Best Boutique Hotels in the Peak District

Peacock at Rowsley
Peacock at Rowsley

Derbyshire

A 17th-century manor first opened as a hotel in 1820, in the middle of the Peak District. Recent renovation has created a stylish mix of traditional and contemporary, with luxurious trappings and outstanding food. Come for walking and fly fishing on a seven mile stretch of river. True English charm.

  • Total relaxation - They go the extra mile to help you relax- afternoon tea on arrival, camomile tea for bed and roaring fires in the cosy bar.
  • Country Escape - A historic country hotel in stunning surrounds, well placed for fishing, golf and walking weekends.
  • Fishing - Access to a 7-mile stretch of fly-fishing along the Wye and Derwent where rare Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout can be caught.
  • Local markets - Foodies flock to Bakewell's farmers market, the second largest in the UK, it boasts the cream of the local produce.
from $260 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley
The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley

Derbyshire

Stylish country pub with occasional antiques and great bathrooms, interior designed by the Duchess of Devonshire. Good food from the Chatsworth Estate, and walks from the door.

  • Great walks - Extensive walks around the estate.
  • Sights nearby - Close to Chatsworth.
  • Restaurant
from $100 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Cavendish Hotel
Cavendish Hotel

Derbyshire (Baslow)

Part of the Chatsworth Estate, this long and low Georgian hotel has been given a modern country house look that still retains its Georgian charms. Wonderful artworks cover the walls, there’s a choice of two dining rooms, and a sun-trap terrace for warmer days.

  • Great walks - Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its gardens are a pleasant 20-minute walk across parkland
  • Sights nearby - Haddon Hall, a wonderful medieval, Tudor and Elizabethan house is five miles away
  • Fishing - River fishing nearby
  • Traditional
from $273 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
George Hotel, Derbyshire
George Hotel, Derbyshire

Derbyshire

500 year old inn in the north of the Peak District National Park. Traditional meets contemporary with flair and comfort. Award-winning restaurant.

  • Great walks - The Peak District is prime walking and climbing country
  • Restaurant - The George's restaurants serves award winning food
  • Traditional
from $146 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Fischer's Baslow Hall
Fischer's Baslow Hall

Derbyshire (Derbyshire)

An imposing manor house with sumptuous interiors and a seriously good restaurant. Eleven individually designed rooms boast Egyptian linens and an opulent feel. The restaurant has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes and serves innovative dishes using local seasonal produce. The perfect rural escape.

  • Country Escape - A picture perfect country house with excellent food, roaring fires and lovely surrounding countryside.
  • Foodies - A fabulous restaurant boasting a 3 AA Rosettes. Certainly the centre piece of the hotel.
  • Sights nearby - Just a short drive from Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall which make a great day out.
  • Great walks - The Peak District offers endless options for glorious walks.
from $263 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Cow
The Cow

Derbyshire (DERBYSHIRE )

A boutique country inn with easy access to the Peak District. Beautifully renovated rooms are light and airy with soft hues, parquet flooring, simple contemporary furniture and luxurious bathrooms. An atmospheric restaurant serves modern British fare alongside a choice selection of ales.

  • Country Escape - With the beautiful Derbyshire and Peak District countryside on the doorstep this is the perfect rural getaway.
  • Sights nearby - Take a tour of the imposing country manor, Kedleston Hall.
  • Great walks - Take long walks through the surrounding Peak District.
  • Traditional
from $184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Lamb Inn, Derbyshire
The Lamb Inn, Derbyshire

Derbyshire (​Derbyshire ​)

An historic inn which oozes atmosphere, in the heart of the Peak District. Three rooms have recently been renovated and are light and airy with sink-into beds and contemporary bathrooms. Downstairs is much more traditional with roaring fires, hearty food in the restaurant and a very warm welcome.

  • Full of character
  • Restaurant
  • Traditional
from $121 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Farmhouse at Mackworth
The Farmhouse at Mackworth

Derby (Mackworth)

Recently refurbished 18th Century farmhouse now boasting cool, slick decor. Rooms are light and airy with soft pastel hues, indulgent bathrooms, contemporary artworks and sink-into beds. Dine on modern British fare, sample regional ales and spend days exploring the beautiful Peak District.

  • Designer - Colourful chairs, exposed brick walls and mismatched furniture give this hotel a contemporary, designer touch
  • Lively - A playlist of club classics, champagne, cocktails and big groups give the bar a very lively feel
  • Country Escape - Just a stones throw away from the Peak District, this is a chic rural retreat
  • Weddings - Boasting an impressive venue 'The Folly', licensed for ceremonies
from $121 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Duncombe Arms
Duncombe Arms

Staffordshire (Ellastone )

This cosy pub with rooms is located in the Staffordshire village of Ellastone. Stylish suites have a country feel, with floral, artisan wallpaper, cosy throws and original artworks; book a family room for extra living space. Relax by the open hearth after a country walk; a charming rural retreat.

  • Foodies - Foodies will love the chic pub food at this hotel, which has been featured in the Michelin Guide and The Good Pub Guide
  • Local exploring - From scenic Peak District hikes to historic country houses, there is plenty to see local to this hotel
  • Country Escape - This charming village pub with rooms is an ideal base for a weekend away in the country
  • Sights nearby - Visit the historic houses of Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, as well as the variety of National Trust properties in the area
from $195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Old Hall Inn
The Old Hall Inn

Derbyshire (Chinley)

This charming B&B is nestled in the idyllic hamlet of Whitehough, Chinley. The B&B combines an early 1800's coaching inn and neighbouring Whitehough Hall. Accommodation ranges from contemporary studios to cosy, country-style guestrooms - perfect for a Peak District retreat.

  • Romantic Break - With charming rooms and a cosy pub with excellent beer, book this hotel for your next couples' hideaway holiday
  • Country Escape - Set in the tranquil hamlet of Whitehough, this traditional inn makes an authentic escape to the country
  • Local exploring - Set in the heart of the Peak District, this hotel is a great base for local exploring
  • Great walks - There are excellent walking routes accessible from this hotel, perfect for Peak District exploring
from $133 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Biggin Hall Hotel
Biggin Hall Hotel

Derbyshire

This hotel is nestled in a beautifully preserved, Grade II-listed property in the heart of the Peak District. Inside, original exposed beams and tiled floors are complemented by selected antiques and heritage-style furniture. Enjoy a classic Sunday lunch at the hotel restaurant after walks.

  • Romantic Break - With well-appointed rooms, a romantic restaurant and excellent walking nearby, book this hotel for a tranquil couples' getaway
  • Active Holiday - Set in the heart of the Peak District, this hotel makes an ideal base for an active walking holiday in the dales
  • Country Escape - Nestled within a 17th-century property in bucolic grounds, this hotel makes an authentic country retreat
  • Sights nearby - Take a day trip to neighbouring Buxton and visit Poole’s Cavern, a naturally occurring limestone cavern
from $123 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Back to articles

Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.