The Hotel Guru
11 of the Best Boutique Hotels in the Peak District

11 of the Best Boutique Hotels in the Peak District

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

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.

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 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 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

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

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?

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, the Best Spa Hotels in the Peak District or the Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the Peak District.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Peacock at Rowsley Rowsley, Derbyshire 15 rooms from $263
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Fischer's Baslow Hall Derbyshire 11 rooms from $265
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Biggin Hall Hotel Hartington, Derbyshire 21 rooms from $124
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- Cavendish Hotel Bakewell, Derbyshire 24 rooms from $275
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- The Cow ASHBOURNE, Derbyshire 12 rooms from $186
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  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. See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Lamb Inn, Derbyshire Chinley, Derbyshire 3 rooms from $122
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- The Farmhouse at Mackworth Derby (Mackworth) 10 rooms from $122
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  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. See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley Pilsley, Derbyshire 7 rooms from $101
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability
- The Old Hall Inn Derbyshire 11 rooms from $135
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  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. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Duncombe Arms Ashbourne DE6 2GZ, Staffordshire 10 rooms from $206
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  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. See More
  
  Check Availability
- George Hotel, Derbyshire Hathersage, Derbyshire 22 rooms from $147
  
  See more photos
  
  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
  
  Check Availability