The Hotel Guru
6 of the Best Peak District Country House Hotels

6 of the Best Peak District Country House Hotels

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?

Browse through our recommendations for all the best places to stay in the Peak District,
consider our Guru’s collection of 7 of the Best Luxury Hotels in the Peak District, or the Best Spa Hotels in the Peak District, or the Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the Peak District.
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Peacock at Rowsley Rowsley, Derbyshire 15 rooms from AU$385
  
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  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.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  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. See More
  
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- Cavendish Hotel Bakewell, Derbyshire 24 rooms from AU$404
  
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  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
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Michelin Travel
  
  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. See More
  
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- Fischer's Baslow Hall Derbyshire 11 rooms from AU$389
  
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  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.
  
  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. See More
  
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- Losehill House Edale Road, Derbyshire 23 rooms from AU$582
  
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  Spa breaks  -  Unwind in the spoiling spa (using Thalgo products) and enjoy panoramic views over the Winhill and Hope Valley.
  Sights nearby  -  Find some of Britain's finest Country Houses including, Chatsworth, Haddon, Lymm Park and Hardwick Hall.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor heated pool
  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
  
  Relaxing rural retreat nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Peak District. Simply styled rooms feature large windows, soft hues and spacious bathrooms. Perfect base for walkers looking to combine the great outdoors with some R&R, thanks to its idyllic spa, restaurant and rooms. See More
  
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- Biggin Hall Hotel Hartington, Derbyshire 21 rooms from AU$182
  
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  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
  
  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. See More
  
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- George Hotel, Derbyshire Hathersage, Derbyshire 22 rooms from AU$216
  
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  Great walks  -  The Peak District is prime walking and climbing country
  Restaurant  -  The George's restaurants serves award winning food
  Traditional
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Michelin Travel
  
  500 year old inn in the north of the Peak District National Park. Traditional meets contemporary with flair and comfort. Award-winning restaurant. See More
  
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