Derbyshire

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About Derbyshire

Nestled in between Derby, Sheffield and Manchester, with the breathtaking Peak District as its dark heart, Derbyshire is a county of dramatic contrasts. Its magnificent flat peaks and windswept moorlands shrouded in their mist have inspired creative spirts like Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters; its diverse landscape supports a notably diverse range of plant and animal life too, and walking in these hills and dales is great for anyone looking for unusual species. The best places to stay in Derbyshire are certainly ideal for anyone hoping to escape to the countryside, but in addition it is a good destination for foodies and anyone who loves a good country house hotel. Our pick of the accommodation includes some pubs-with-rooms, spa hotels in the Peak District and luxury hotels, as well a couple of warm and welcoming B&Bs.

If you’re looking for country pubs and local ales along walking trails, plan your travels to go via the pretty villages of Alstonefield, Tissington and Hartington. And if you like a stately home you’re spoiled for choice with Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall, Calke Abbey, Sudbury and Tissington Hall, along with a long list of National Trust gems. And whatever your plans you must top it all off with a Bakewell Tart in Bakewell!

Other highlighs from the county include the underground caves and disused mines around Castleton, the Peak (steam) Railway from Matlock to Rowsley, and Dovedale, a valley in the Peak District best known for its limestone dales defined by narrow gorges, hump backed bridges, crystal clear brooks and drystone walls.

Don't forget that this region is incredibly popular year round. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Derbyshire, do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Derbyshire

Best Country House Hotels

The Peacock at Rowsley ticks all the boxes for a countrys house hotel. It’s a lovely 17th century manor, once the Dower House for the Dukes of Rutland, and first opened to the public as a hotel in 1820. Now it’s a 15 room country house hotel, with historic details, but a stylish, contemporary atmosphere. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant is friendly and impressive, but if guests want to eat in their room off a tray in front of the TV, then that’s fine too. It’s your holiday!
Fischer's Baslow Hall is an impressive, and luxurious country house hotel in beautiful grounds. The restaurant has 3 AA Rosettes, the decor is elegant but fresh with a creative mix of antiques and contemporary pieces, and the location is convenient for day trips.

For a Countryside Escape

The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley is a stylish country pub on the Chatsworth estate — with interiors designed by the Duchess of Devonshire, who’s gone for simplicity in the seven rooms, with feature headboards covered in lively fabrics and lovely bathrooms. Much of the food served in the restaurant is grown on the estate, and it’s all overseen by chef/patron Alan Hill, who also oversees their other pub, the The Devonshire Arms at Beeley. Charming walking right from the door.

For Foodies

The Merchant's Yard started out as a restaurant in 2015 — it has since been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for its ‘consistently good food’ — and has now expanded into a hotel, with five guestrooms. The decor is simple, in a palette of greys, favouring good quality furnishings. If you’re travelling as a family the hotel offers camp beds. There’s a chic cafe and bar, and a courtyard with seating too.
The Boot in Repton, is a 17th century coaching inn, with nine stylishly refurbished, light and airy rooms and suites, a charmingly traditional pub bar, a restaurant with 2 AA Rosettes, a micro-brewery, and an onsite bakery. This is an historic part of the county, with lots to do in the vicinity. Adults only.

For a Spa Break

Ensana Buxton Crescent is an elegant spa hotel, converted from a grand Georgian crescent of terraced townhouses. Ensana are known for their spa hotels, and Buxton Crescent has a huge spa, which includes CO2 infusion mineral baths, thermal pools and all sorts of treatments. There are 81 rooms and suites, decorated with contemporary style, in classic shapes and colours — expect boxy four-poster beds or huge bedheads — elegant wallpapers and plush fabrics. Some of the rooms would suit families. There are two restaurants, the Spa Cafe, with its healthy menu, and the Dining Rooms, which serve classic British cuisine.
Losehill House is a luxurious country house hotel and spa, set in a picturesque, Peak District spot with green-valley-views. The 23 rooms and suites are simply and comfortably decorated. The spa uses Thalgo products, and offers panoramic views, and the remote setting gives an air of peace.

For Romantics

Buxton’s The Old Hall Hotel claims to be the UK’s oldest. It’s in a fantastic location overlooking the the Pavilion Gardens. The interiors aren’t original, but they are traditionally decorated, with weighty fabrics and antique furniture in the 35 rooms and suites, and in the popular restaurant and bar. If you’re here for a special occasion we recommend booking a four-poster suite.
Kedleston Court Country House is a Grade II-listed country house conversion on the Kedleston Hall estate, just ten minutes from the centre of Derby. With only five rooms, this is an intimate stay, but its charming bar and restaurant have a pleasant buzz. We like the Georgian-era dining room and terrace overlooking the gardens — the perfect spot for an aperitif or cocktails.
Harpur's of Melbourne is a restaurant and bar with nine, individually decorated rooms. Housed in an elegant, old building, the interiors have kept some of the period features — like exposed oak beams — but most has been modernised, so that it has a fresh, contemporary feel, with a neutral palette and simply styled furniture. The Cocktail Club bar has a contemporary menu to match and there’s also a rooftop restaurant, and a pizza restaurant for the kids.

For a Peak District Escape

The Lamb Inn is an historic, three room inn in the heart of the Peak District. Recently renovated, the rooms are now light and airy, decorated in the colours of the local landscape, with contemporary bathrooms. The pub and restaurant downstairs are far more traditional, with classic, hearty pub food, roaring fires and a warm welcome too. We love the location, tucked amongst greenery, the views from the rooms, and the courtyard.
The Biggin Hall Hotel is an elegant country house hotel, converted from a beautiful, 17th century, Grade II-listed manor house in Biggin, which is in the heart of the Peak District, between Buxton and Ashbourne. This is a large property, with 21 rooms and suites inside, and eight acres of grounds. Interiors are traditional with antiques and original features, but the bathrooms are contemporary, and the food is very good. The lounge and library are the perfect places for pre-dinner drinks. Everything you need.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

The Farmhouse at Mackworth is a recently converted pub, restaurant and inn, with creative contemporary detail throughout. There are ten rooms and suites, all uniquely decorated in muted colours, with indulgent bathrooms, large beds, and original artwork. The restaurant serves modern British fare, with a regional slant, accompanied by local ales. Perfect for exploring Derby, or the Peak District.
The Devonshire Arms Beeley — sister pub to The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley — is another smart, bustling, village pub with rooms (also designed and decorated with the Duchess of Devonshire). This is a popular spot with locals as well as tourists, with an excellent menu and dining area that spreads from the original pub with its oak beams and flagstone floors, into a glass-walled brasserie. The rooms in the original inn are all dog friendly, then there are rooms in a number of neighbouring buildings.
The George Hotel is a five hundred year old inn in Hathersgate, with an award-winning 2 AA Rosette restaurant, 22 rooms, and was apparently the building Charlotte Bronte used as a basis for ‘The Feathers’ in ‘Jane Eyre’. Expect traditional decor, with a number of rooms featuring four-poster beds.

For Great Value

No 6 The Square is a totally charming, and tiny, teahouse hotel in the centre of Buxton. This may well be the only teahouse hotel on our radar — a popular teahouse downstairs, with four traditional rooms upstairs. Expect antiques, plush velvet and large sash windows.
Castle Donnington’s The Priest House Hotel is a 42 room hotel in a rather grand stone building on the banks of the River Trent — so close you can sit in the hotel garden and dip your feet in the water. The restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes, and there’s a very nice brasserie, as well as a welcoming bar. East Midlands airport is only four miles away, and the hotel is close to Derby, Nottingham, Alton Towers, Donnington Park and the Peak District National Park.

Best B&Bs

The Coach House Darley Abbey is an elegant B&B in the heart of Derby, converted from a gentleman’s residence, built in 1860. Today the stables have been converted into rooms, as well as the rooms in the house — there are seven all together, all uniquely decorated with bold colours, natty details and a mixture of design furniture and antiques. Time your visit to correspond with one of The Coach House’s Supper Clubs and you don’t even need to go out to eat. A romantic choice.
Glendon B&B is a charming, five room B&B, converted from a rather grand Victorian house in Matlock. The decor fits with the architecture — guests can expect four-poster beds and floral-print wallpaper. This is a great choice for cyclists (there’s bike storage), and for walkers because the location and access to trails is excellent.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

East Midlands Airport is Derby’s closest airport, just 17 minutes outside of central Derby by taxi. Manchester Airport may be closer if you’re planning to explore northern Derbyshire. If you’re travelling via London, the direct train leaves from St Pancras, and takes about an hour and a half to reach Derby.
If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
Derbyshire has that famously unpredictable UK weather, with showers that sometimes feel as if they’re springing from nowhere, but if you’re traveling to Derbyshire to enjoy the Peak District, and scenic countryside, the months between April and August will have the most sunshine and least rain. Derby is a lively city, with a richly packed cultural calendar of festival and event offerings throughout the year, as well as its historic and cultural highlights, so it’s a great choice for a city break in any season.

Still not sure where to stay?

Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in the Peak District
Refine your search to one of Derbyshire’s centres: the best places to stay in Derby or Buxton
Refine by the kind of hotels you’re looking for and consider just the best pubs-with-rooms in Derbyshire, the best pubs-with-rooms in the Peak District or the best country house hotels in the Peak District
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

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The best hotels in Derbyshire

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The Merchant's Yard

Derbyshire (Derbyshire)

A smart restaurant with just eight boutique rooms in the heart of the Peak District. Contemporary interiors include deep soaking tubs, Egyptian cotton bed linens and luxury toiletries. The food is award winning and the local scenery stunning. A chic, luxury base for exploring the National Park.

Foodies - Merchant's Yard has been awarded 2AA Rosettes for their delicious food
Local exploring - Excellent location in the heart of the Peak District
Restaurant - As well as a seasonal a la carte menu, you can enjoy afternoon teas and traditional Sunday lunch
Sights nearby - Close to both Chatsworth House and Buxton Opera House

from AU$381 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Harpur's of Melbourne