The best hotels in the Peak District
Moody windswept moors, deep dales, and far-reaching fields that feel right out of a Brontë novel, the Peak District has always lured in a set of literary wanders, and those who appreciate being outdoors. Its hotel scene though, has felt like it’s lagged behind its headline views. Over the past few years, a wave of design-led stays has started to slip into the scene, finally giving Britain’s first national park the places to match its epic backdrop. But it’s not just about the newcomers – longtime favourites and much-loved hideaways still draw muddy-boot-wearing fans. Now, you can trek the misty fields, bike along rugged ridges, feast on fire-cooked fare, and then crash somewhere seriously special – whether that’s a revamped country pile or a cosy-chic bolthole tucked in a tiny village. Even Chatsworth, home to Deborah Mitford’s legendary soirées, has inspired a new era of cool country living. From high-style hideaways to adventure-ready outposts, these are the best hotels in the Peak District.
- Anna Batchelor1/6
The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow
If proximity to Chatsworth House, the stately home in the Derbyshire Dales, is of top priority, this Georgian pile ticks all the boxes. Interior designer Nicola Harding has reimagined this much-loved country house hotel with colour-pop pow-wows, striking antique finds, and serious details that nod directly to the stately home. Deep-shaded sofas, curling armchairs, heritage prints, and carefully curated artwork (some straight from Chatsworth itself) keep things homely, but with a layered feel. Many of the rooms frame sweeping estate views too. The restaurant makes the most of its location, with menus that spotlight the best of Chatsworth’s own farm shop – estate venison, garden-fresh vegetables, and Peak District cheeses. Those who come from near and far for a sneaky peek of the house should also hike the gritstone trails, roam the gardens, or bring their bike to cycle through the rolling parkland.
Church Lane, Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1SP
Price from: £204 for a cosy double
2/6Wildhive Callow Hall, Mappleton
Wildhive Callow Hall swaps stiff formality for bold colour, playful patterns, and a refreshingly laid-back feel. Interior designer Isabella Worsley has given the Victorian manor a confident, contemporary makeover – Melissa White wallpaper, scallop-edged lampshades by Matilda Goad, and fabrics from London-based designer Susan Deliss or upholstery by Studio Atkinson add sweet touches to the historic bones. Beyond the main house, the timber-clad Woodland Hives and treehouses channel a more Scandi-modern aesthetic, blending into the 35 acres of wildflower meadows and ancient woodland. The restaurant turns to hyper-local Derbyshire ingredients, with produce plucked straight from the kitchen garden and Peak District suppliers taking shape on the menu. And with Chatsworth, Dovedale, and some of the UK’s best hiking trails close by, it’s as much about the great outdoors as the great interior here.
Mappleton Road, Ashbourne DE6 2AA
Price from: £180 for a cosy double
Mark Averill3/6The Peacock at Rowsley
The Peacock at Rowsley feels a bit like a history lover’s dream – maybe because it was one of the area's first boutique hotels it feels rather old-world. This 17th-century building sees lattice windows and rambling roses outside next to a more clean contemporary style (and a fresh lick of paint). All 15 rooms are cosy, perfect for sinking into after a day out and about around the Haddon Estate. The restaurant dishes up everything from comforting classics – think Derbyshire sirloin and duck in peppercorn sauce – to fresh takes on modern favourites. For those keen to stretch their legs, the Monsal Trail is practically on the doorstep (a 10-minute drive), offering some of the best hiking and cycling in the area.
Bakewell Road, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2EB
Price from: £125 for a deluxe double
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Anna Batchelor4/6The Beeley Inn
One for walkers on the move, The Beeley Inn is a smart village pub-with-rooms, just a short walk from Chatsworth, that feels both local and no-frills. The interiors are charming with a pretty neutral colour palette and of course, thick-stone fireplaces and dim lighting. The rooms are simple but snug, with sinking beds and all the essentials to rest and restore the legs. The food is spot-on (they aim to source ingredients within 30 miles): Moss Valley bacon chop, homemade pie and a very good Derbyshire Farm cheeseburger while breakfast kicks off with strong coffee and a solid full English. After exploring the estate or hitting the trails, there’s nothing better than kicking back with a local ale and a book and tucking into some seriously good food. The perfect mix of charm, comfort, and character.
Devonshire Square, Beeley, Matlock DE4 2NZ
Price from: £172 for a cosy double
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Jake Eastham5/6The Tawny, Consall
In the thick of beautiful woodland, The Tawny is all about being a quiet escape. Forget a countryside manor, it’s more about contemporary corners and being out in nature. There’s a collection of huts, treehouses, and boathouses, each space mixes bold colours and most with wide-sweeping windows – and they’re all equally laid-back and full of character. The food is fresh and simple, but breakfast is a real standout. Order a hamper to your door: it comes stuffed with muffins, jams, and orange juice for sipping. Come dinner, heartier more seasonal plates with ingredients pulled from nearby farms and the local landscape are on the menu. It’s the pool to make a beeline for though – fear not about it being outdoors, it’s heated. Make sure to wander over to the Consall Nature Reserve or stroll along the Caldon Canal.
Consall Lane, Stoke-on-Trent ST9 0AG
Price from: £265 for a shepherd’s hut
Jake Eastham6/6The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
Johnny and Laura Greenall knew pretty quickly that they had to save this crumbling pub from disrepair, so they purchased the boarded-up village property, pumped some love into it and turned it into a stylish, modern pub by 2012. Inside, exposed brick, warm timber beams, botanical wallpapers and flagstone floors are all on show while the 10 rooms – (there’s a sweet cottage and barn to take over as your own outside too) – are all you need for comfort, with deep-sprung mattresses, pretty bathrooms, and a mix of vintage and custom-made furniture. The food, like most spots around here, takes full advantage of the area’s seasonal bounty, and theme up classics with flair: spiced lamb shoulder pot pie, goat cheese sables sandwich. Pints (or a glass of wine, there’s a strong list) by the fire are the name of the game come wintertime.
Main Road, Ellastone, Ashbourne DE6 2GZ
Price from: £159 for a deluxe double
