From low-fi to luxe: the best places to stay in the Peak District

From treehouses and cool cabins to boutique hotels and luxury cottages, we’ve found the best places to stay across the Peak District.

The Cavendish, Baslow

newly refurbished bar and lounge at the davendish baslow

Owned by and overlooking the beautiful Chatsworth Estate, this luxe coaching inn with newly-revamped contemporary country house styling is perfectly placed for lovely walks from the doorstep. It’s a gentle walk to the grand house itself and there are wilder walks into the Dark Peak in the other direction. The gorgeous garden room restaurant and terrace are a brilliant addition, ideal for al fresco gatherings and the hotel’s slick new redesign by renowned interior designer Nicola Harding, has taken inspiration from Chatsworth’s art collection and interiors.

Treehouse at Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Treehouse at Wildhive Callow Hall Ashbourne

Who can resist a treehouse hidden in the woods? And the treehouses sleeping five) at Callow Hall are really something else. Relaxed, rustic and cosy but also stylish, spacious and sophisticated, this is a thrilling back-to-nature escape with all the comforts of a contemporary country house hideaway. And, if you want to get outside at any time of year, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are some amazing wellbeing classes you can book here too, like Barre and Sound Therapy. Play in the woods, yomp along Peak District paths or hop on a hotel bike and take to the Tissington Trail.

Beaver’s Croft, Derbyshire

Aerial view of holiday house next to Howden dam Peak District

Locations don’t get much more dramatic than this 17th century stone barn set within two acres of private gardens bang slap next to Howden Dam. Sleeping eight, there are three cosy bedrooms, a huge open plan lounge (with beamed ceilings and log burner), wonderful walks in every direction and, if the weather plays ball, a gorgeous al fresco dining area with pizza oven and fire pit . Costs from £390 a night.

Boulder Field Cabin, Derbyshire

Boulder Field Cabin Derbyshire Peak District

Looking for a romantic getaway? You’ll be hard-pressed to beat this timber and glass beauty. Nestled amongst the boulders at the top of Eagle Tor, this handsome hand-crafted cabin is surrounded by hiking, biking and climbing opps. If you’d rather kick-back, you won’t even have to leave your bed to drink in the 180-degree Peak District views. With a cedar wood-fired hot tub, Flintsones-style outdoor shower in the rocks, firepit and glass roof for stargazing, it sounds pretty darn perfect. Book via Coolstays.

Scaldersitch Farm, Hartington

Set slap bang in the middle of the Peak District, with some of the national park’s best walks on the doorstep, this luxury glamping farm is a stunner. Fairylight-studded yurts and tipis come with a wood-burning stove, sheepskin rugs, teak furniture and your own wood-fired hot tub. Oh, and there are hotel standard communal bathrooms and a beautiful big communal kitchen (complete with flagstone floor and oak work surfaces). The icing on the cake? There’s a choice of pubs, village shops and a farm shop all within a 20-minute stagger. From £375 for a two-night stay.

The Gathering, Edale

With iconic Peak District hikes and wild swimming hotspots a stone’s throw away, this little collection of luxury safari lodges are in a truly gorgeous spot. Dotted along the banks of the Grindsbrook stream in the glorious Edale Valley, the tents overlook heather, moorland and pastures, and are a perfect pick for families looking for a back-to-nature escape. Although the gorgeous surroundings do their best to steal the show, the tents are pretty spectacular with super comfy Hypnos beds, roll top baths and wood-burning stoves.

Bike & Boot, near Bamford

Bike&Boot bedroom

Got the dog in tow? This contemporary, youthful budget boutique hotel is perfect for pooches and outdoorsy types. With a bike maintenance facility, dog grooming and super-chill vibe, Bike & Boot’s second outpost (its big sister is in Scarborough) is perfectly placed for outdoor adventures. With cool, youthful design, a slick open all day bar/restaurant/café and stacks of freebies (including films and free cake at 4pm), it’ll keep everyone happy.

Darwin Forest, Matlock

Go off grid in style with a luxe forest lodge with Playstation for the kids and hot tub on the deck (oh yeah). Great for family groups, the 137 luxury lodges are nestled in amongst the trees and there’s something for everyone. From spa treatments and archery to soft play, tennis and even water zorbing.

Candle House, Castleton

Candle House Castleton

Taking the fam? Treat them to a chic stay at opulent Candle House, a former candle factory in the seriously scenic village of Castleton, (check out the view from the hot tub – oh yeah there’s an outdoor hot tub), which is perfect for families. Sleeping up to seven, there’s a large garden with a play area for children and an outdoor bar to keep big kids occupied – cheers!

Alstonefield Manor, Alstonefield

Bedroom at Alstonefield Manor Peak District

Hire the main house or one of the cluster of self-catering cottages dotted around the pretty village of Alstonefield or in the hills surrounding it. Great for a group of families who like their own personal space, or just a romantic hideaway for two, they’re all beautifully-decorated, shaker style, with earthy materials, vintage finds and traditional trimmings.

The Cow, Dalbury Lees

Bedroom at The Cow Dalbury Lees

At the southern tip of the Peak District and delightfully off the beaten track, this revamped village pub has been transformed into a stand-out restaurant with 12 New England-style rooms. Bedrooms feel boutique and luxe, with lots of high-end hotel touches like Netflix and Nespresso, brilliant bathrooms and monogrammed robes. The food is outstanding and, unusually for land-locked Derbyshire, the chef specialises in fish dishes (so dubbing the restaurant The Catch at The Cow). Perfect for romantic weekends.

Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

Bedroom at Peak Edge Hotel

If you’re looking for a boutique Peak District bolthole that’s as much mod cons and comfort as it is traditional and cosy, stick this one at the top of your list. The four-star Peak Edge is packed with character but has had a modern interior makeover. Beds are ridiculously comfortable, rooms are bright and spacious, and it’s in a fantastic location on the north-eastern edge of the Peak District to boot (only a 15 minute drive from Chatsworth but the the M1 is an easy 12 miles away).

The Maynard, Grindleford

Suite at Maynard Grindleford

Romantic escape, family adventure or Peak District meet-up with friends, you can’t go wrong with this beauty. With an stunner of a beer garden for sundown cocktails, a fabulous restaurant showcasing local food and views you could look at all day, the revamped Maynard is rightly enjoying its moment in the sun. Hard to fault.

The Boot, Repton

The Boot Repton Derbyshire gastropub

Perfectly placed for a stop off en route to the Peaks from the south, The Boot at the southern tip of Derbyshire is a destination gastropub with beautiful, boutique rooms. The two AA* rosette food is stand-out stellar.

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