Most of us have seen photos of the Peak District, of its rolling green hills topped by tors and rocky outcrops, of its wild, wind-whipped moorlands, its dense pockets of heather, and forests, and the limestone dales. Crossed by dry-stone walls and paths, and littered with stately homes and ancient stone villages with cosy pubs and chintzy tea rooms, this is the perfect backdrop for a country house hotel! The very best country house hotels offer an escape to green views and a genteel pace of life, and that’s exactly what the Peak District has in spades. Country house hotels in the Peak District aren’t as ‘on trend’ with the latest facilities as those you’ll find elsewhere, for example only one of our recommendations has a pool, but all of our picks for the best Peak District country house hotels have great restaurants, attentive, personalised service and elegant decor — plus some really, really incredible views and locations!
For an elegant stay
- In an ideal Peak District position, the Peacock at Rowsley has been a country house hotel since 1820. Before that this 17th century building was the Dower House for the Haddon Hall, the seat of the Dukes of Rutland. You can still see Rutland art and furnishings in the house today, mixed with contemporary pieces to create a stylish, luxurious feeling collection of 15 rooms and suites — some with four-poster beds. This is a country house hotel with all the bells and whistles: as soon as you arrive you’ll be offered afternoon tea, and before you turn in at night you’ll be offered camomile tea. If it’s chilly you’ll find a fire roaring, and if you want to have supper on a tray in your room that’s fine. But you will be missing out on a charming restaurant, with a full seven course seasonal tasting menu and 3 AA Rosettes.
For a romantic stay
- In a stunning spot on the edge of the Chatsworth House Estate, is Cavendish Hotel, a comfortably elegant country house hotel with 24 rooms, surrounded by incredible views on all sides. In addition to the lovely views, these rooms are spacious and traditionally decorated, with romantic extras like four-poster beds in some of the grander rooms, and exposed beams in some of those at the top of the house. The house is also full of antiques, and has just the right number of open fireplaces to feel cosy, and add to the intimate atmosphere. The restaurant has won awards for its championing of seasonal, local produce, and serving it up with a rural twist.
- Fischer's Baslow Hall is smaller and even more intimate. There are just 11 rooms in this neatly symmetrical manor house which is probably better known for its award winning restaurant, which offers innovative British cuisine. The decor in the rooms is contemporary classic with a suitably luxurious feel, there are also open fireplaces and antique furnishings. Baslow Hall is close to both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, and perfectly positioned for anyone who likes a stroll in the countryside.
- What many of the country house hotels in the Peak District are missing is a pool and spa, but don’t worry, if that’s a key element to a country house hotel break for you, then book Losehill House. This exception to the rule has a large Thalgo spa, a heated, indoor pool and an outdoor hot tub with a view. Its 23 rooms have similar rolling, green views, and simple decor. Losehill House also has an excellent restaurant and quiet gardens.
For great value
- In a beautiful spot mid-way between Ashbourne and Buxton, the Biggin Hall Hotel is the sort of place you’d find yourself strolling in to off the dales hoping for the perfect Sunday lunch, and then, upon finding it, you’d want to stay. And come back to it year after year. Which is what a lot of their guests apparently do. Built in the 17th century, this manor house is Grade II listed, in part because of its eclectic mix of design and construction styles. It has eight acres of grounds, and today 21 individually decorated rooms and suites, many with canopied beds and original features. There’s also a lounge and library, perfect for drinks before supper, and the kitchen will even do you a packed lunch for your ramblings.
Great Country Inns
- Some of the nicest country house hotel style hotels in the Peak District have a background as an inn so still have a fantastic pub. The George Hotel is a prime example, this 500 year old country inn in the north of the Peak District National Park is steeped in history and tradition, most prominently as the original building behind ‘The Feathers’ in ‘Jane Eyre’. These days it’s a little more luxurious inside, with four-poster beds and a good collection of antiques mixed with comfortable contemporary furnishings. It also has an award-winning restaurant, one of the best in the area, with 2 AA Rosettes.
Still not sure which to book?
