5 of the Best Bed and Breakfasts in the Peak District

I was recently told that around 20 million people live within one hour’s journey time of the Peak District, so the second fact, that the Peak District National Park is the busiest national park in Europe, came as less of a surprise. But the thing about the Peak District is that it’s big, a collection of hills and dales and moorland rolling off the bottom of the Pennines, and covers about 550 square miles. So it’s unlikely you’ll feel too much busyness as you explore the green terrain with its ancient stone villages and sprinkling of beautiful stately homes. And if you're looking for a sense of rural solitude then the ideal places to stay are the best bed and breakfasts in the peak district. We at the Hotel Guru love a B&B for the local knowledge, personalised welcome and service, and because it often gives guests a chance to see the inside of some really beautiful old buildings in the local style of the area.

We think our recommendations for the best B&Bs in the Peak District are ideal for walkers or cyclists, but also for anyone looking for a romantic spot, or just a peaceful one. And we hope you agree!

For a Farmhouse B&B

• Dannah Farm is just outside the Peak District, but you wouldn’t really know it from the view out of the windows, which is of mature gardens and rolling green hills. With eight traditionally styled rooms, some with four-poster beds, some, higher up in the house, with exposed beams, and three with private hot tubs, plus several lounges, fire-lit when required, this is a homely but grand choice.

Best Value B&Bs

• Glendon B&B is a charmingly converted Victorian townhouse in Matlock, on the very edge of the Peak District National Park. It’s perfectly located between the town, the train station and the start of many a trek or cycling route, so it’s especially popular with those on a Peak District adventure. There are five rooms, decorated in period style, with floral print wallpaper and elegant antiques.
• Stanshope Hall is a magnificently positioned farmhouse built in the 16th century and overlooking acres of rolling, green farmland criss-crossed by drystone walls. This is a family home turned B&B with three large, traditionally dressed bedrooms upstairs — all with stunning views and murals pained by local artists. Downstairs there’s a comfortable drawing room with a piano, lots of books and maps, and an old record player. For breakfast there are home made jams and other delicacies and you can arrange supper, which will be locally sourced, much of it as locally as the kitchen garden.

B&B Inns in the Peak District

• Not exactly a B&B, but quite similar when it comes to the personalised welcome and service, The Lamb Inn is a fantastically historic little pub with three surprisingly contemporary, light and airy bedrooms. Below them are traditional stone fireplaces, cosy beamed ceilings and numerous intimate rooms where you can eat and drink heartily. Perfect for walkers!
• The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley is another pub with a B&B sort of feel. It has just seven rooms, all bright and cheerfully decorated by the Duchess of Devonshire, and they all have excellent bathrooms. Downstairs is the pub and a restaurant, which serves impressively put together meals with ingredients from the Chatsworth estate. Also perfect for walkers, and anyone visiting Chatsworth.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our recommendations for all the best places to stay in the Peak District,
• consider our Guru’s recommendations for The 5 Best Pubs with Rooms in the Peak District. our recommendations for 6 Dog Friendly Hotels in the Peak District, or 7 of the Best Luxury Hotels in the Peak District.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Dannah Farm Derbyshire 8 rooms from $192

    
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    Country Escape  -  A cosy farmhouse set in picturesque countryside.

    Sights nearby  -  Take a tour of Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

    Private Hot Tub  -  There are three rooms with private outdoor hot tubs

    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    A converted farmhouse set in mature gardens. Traditional rooms feature dark hues, antique beds and the best are split level. Offering hearty breakfasts and a cosy fire lit lounge. Its easy access to London makes this the perfect weekend getaway. See More

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  • Stanshope Hall Nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire 3 rooms from $141

    
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    Great walks  -  Lovely rambles along the River Dove. The Peak District location mean that it's a walker's paradise!

    Sights nearby  -  Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall within an hours drive

    Birdwatching  -  Go in search of the rare British White Breasted Dipper

    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

    

    Imposing 17th century manor with lovely garden in an unrivalled, rural position not far from Dovedale. Secluded, quiet, with great walks in all directions. Large, traditional, rooms with stunning views. A pub within walking distance. A lovely country bolt hole. See More

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  • Glendon B&B Matlock, Derbyshire 5 rooms from $122

    
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    Active Holiday  -  With cycle storage and easy hiking and cycle route access, this hotel is perfect for an active holiday in the Peak District

    Local exploring  -  Ideally located between the town, the train station and trekking or cycle routes, this hotel is great for local exploring

    Country Escape  -  Set on the cusp of Hall Leys park in the charming town of Matlock, book this hotel for an idyllic escape to the country

    Great walks  -  See the renowned hills and dales of the Peak District on great walks; enquire at the B&B for advice on the best routes

    

    This charming B&B is set in a lovingly restored Victorian property in Matlock, Derbyshire. The hotel's guestrooms are beautifully appointed, with oak, four-poster beds and floral print wallpaper. Set close to the train station, this hotel is the perfect base for Peak District exploring. See More

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  • The Lamb Inn, Derbyshire Chinley, Derbyshire 3 rooms from $122

    
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    Full of character

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    Traditional

    

    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. See More

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  • The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley Pilsley, Derbyshire 7 rooms from $101

    
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    Great walks  -  Extensive walks around the estate.

    Sights nearby  -  Close to Chatsworth.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    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. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Sunday, 5th May 2024