Peak District STAYCATION guide - The BEST places to stay, eat and see
Peak District Staycation Guide - UK Travel
Peak District is well-renowned as one of the most beautiful areas of natural beauty in the UK. The country's oldest national park covers over 555 square miles and is full of acres of gorgeous rolling hills, serene rivers and an abundance of walking trails. This is one part of the UK where you can escape the crowds and maintain that social distance.
With underground caverns, magnificent gardens, beautiful hotels and some of the best food in the country, here are my favourite places to visit during your staycation in the Peak District.
Best Places to Stay:
The Cavendish Hotel (Baslow)
Situated just walking distance away from the magnificent Chatsworth House, The Cavendish Hotel is a beautiful Country House with a history of serving as an old coaching inn. The decor is classic with traditional touches such as grand fireplaces and luxurious seating.
Our room looked out onto Chatsworth House and it was lovely to sit and enjoy the sunset from the bedroom window. There is also an onsite award-winning restaurant and Garden Room Restaurant too.
Devonshire Arms Hotel in Beeley
Located on the Chatsworth Estate, the Devonshire Arms is a picture-perfect 18th century village inn. The hotel is made up of fourteen stylish rooms and suites, located in different buildings near the main inn. The rooms are modern and spacious and perfect for a relaxing break in the Peak District National Park.
The Devonshire Arms is also known for it’s on-site AA rosette restaurant which uses locally sourced food to create stunning, homely dishes.
Check availability and prices at The Devonshire Arms Hotel in Beeley
The Cow at Dalbury Lees
The Cow is an award-winning, luxury boutique hotel which offers 12 beautifully decorated modern rooms. The rooms are equipped to a high spec with up to date technology which doesn’t take away from the comfortable, cosy feels of the rooms.
There is also a casual dining restaurant and bar on the property which is ideal for spending a relaxing evening.
Best Places to Eat:
Tasting Menu at Fischer’s Baslow Hall
This award-winning, fine dining restaurant is located in a Grade II listed stone-built manor on the edge of Baslow. I enjoyed a stunning 8-course tasting menu here which was filled with fantastic, fresh, seasonal Derbyshire and British produce. Many of the vegetables and herbs used in the menu are grown in Baslow Hall’s lovingly tended kitchen garden.
This is a beautiful restaurant for a special occasion and a must-visit for anyone wanting to sample the finest local produce.
Fine-Dining at The Cavendish Hotel
The Gallery restaurant at The Cavendish Hotel has been awarded 3 AA rosettes for dining excellence and is a fantastic place to enjoy an elegant fine-dining experience in the Peak District.
Overlooking the Chatsworth Estate, the restaurant features a collection of artwork, much of which has been sourced from Chatsworth House. The Hotel also has a Garden Restaurant located in the Conservatory which is ideal for light day-time meals.
Cosy Dinner at The Inn at The Devonshire Arms
The Devonshire Arms is known for serving delicious locally-sourced food and brewed ales. There is an array of mouth-watering dishes on offer which have won a well-deserved AA rosette rating.
This is a great place to enjoy after a day spent enjoying the Peak District National Park, as although the setting is relaxed and informal, the food is fantastic. A roaring fire, exposed brick work and an array of beers and gins make this a cosy and relaxing restaurant. I loved their Chatsworth Estate Lamb Rump served with Olive Oil Mash, which finished off with an epic sticky toffee pudding.
Delicious lunch at The George at Alstonefield
The George is bursting with charm, with old beams, quarry tiles and a crackling log fire. This restaurant is known for its imaginative dishes made using the finest, carefully-sourced seasonal ingredients. I absolutely loved my meal here as each dish was crafted with such quality and oozing with delicious flavours.
They have a well-priced Prix Fixe menu for lunch which allows diners to enjoy the best of The George at a quick sitting if needed.
Casual dining at The Horseshoes Long Lane
The Horseshoes functions both as a pub and a modern restaurant. This award-winning fine-dining pub serves freshly-cooked food alongside an extensive wine list. They have a set-menu which is great value for money and perfect after a day exploring the Peak District.
Best Outdoor Sites to Explore:
Enjoy a walk along Curbar Edge
This amazing gritstone edge is a great place to soak up stunning views of the Peak District National Park. Although the full walk is long, this linear walk is flat and easy to enjoy. Keep an eye out for Chatsworth House below, as well as for rock climbers and even para-gliders who frequent the area.
Visit Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and is known as the ‘jewel in the Peak District’s crown’. It is full of wonderful galleries, as well as extensive gardens, water features and a farmyard on the ground too.
Explore the parkland at Chatsworth House
The magnificent Chatsworth Estate is one of the finest grounds in the Peak District, with over 1000 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. You don’t have to go into the House to enjoy the delights, as it is surrounded by magnificent parkland to explore with a host of wildlife including deer!
Visit Treak Cliff Cavern tour and stone polishing
Although the Peak District is best known for its hills and valleys, some of it’s finest treasures can be found underground! The pretty village of Castleton is famous for its show caverns and is the only place in the world where Blue John Stone is found. Visit Treak Cliff Cavern for a guided tour deep below ground and discover where the world-famous Blue John Stone is found and discover stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years. You even get the chance to polish your own piece of Blue John Stone!
Great Ridge from Mam Tor
Walk part of the famous Great Ridge from Mam Tor to Losehill and enjoy breathtaking views over the Peak District. This is a great place for a leisurely walk soaking up the beautiful sights, or you could cover the entire 6 mile walk if you wanted too!
Discover the delightful Dovedale Stepping Stones
One of the Peak District’s most famous beauty spots. This gentle riverside walk takes about 20 minutes and is beautifully scenic. If you’re feeling extra-energetic, climb to the top of Thorpe Cloud, a huge hill overlooking the Stepping Stones, and soak up the views below.
Best Places to Shop:
Beer and Gin sampling at Peak Ales - Barn Brewery
Peak Ales is a microbrewery which is home to numerous award-winning ales on the Chatsworth Estate, as well as their newly crafted gin! Visit the Visitor central for a drink or for a beer and gin tasting session.
Browse local produce at Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop
Stock up on locally-sourced produce at this award-winning Farm Shop, previously voted the ‘Best in Britain’. More than half of all products sold here are either produced or prepared on the Chatsworth Estate. There is an astounding amount of variety, from cakes to meats to fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s also home to a fantastic farm shop café serving local delights such as Derbyshire Oatcakes!
Sample the world-famous Bakewell Pudding at The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
Accidentally invented in the Peak District town of Bakewell in the 1860s, these scrumptious treats involve a layer of pastry, some jam and then frangipane. The secret recipe is held under lock and key, but at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop visitors can purchase these unique treats and have a go at making their own Bakewell Pudding to take home.
That’s my guide to your staycation in the Peak District. Let me know if there are any more sights you’d add to the list in the comments below.
Her Favourite Food & Travel x
In association with Visit Peak District.