Now is the perfect time to visit the Peak District in Derbyshire- Britain’s first ever designated national park. Whether you’re seeking a holiday that’s laid-back, full-on, or somewhere in between, the Peak District can cater for all.
From the wilderness of its moorlands to its rich range of historic buildings, the Peak District is perfect for those keen on exploring the English countryside.
For thrill-seekers, the Peak District hosts several renowned theme parks, including Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Go Ape, and Gulliver’s Kingdom.
The Peak District is also home to several towns, each worth visiting for the day, including Derby, Chesterfield, Bakewell, and Buxton.
In order to get the most out of the Peak District, comfortable accommodation is a must. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best types of accommodation available throughout Britain’s original national park.
Lodge Breaks
There are a range of luxury lodges available throughout the Peak District, catering both for those seeking tranquillity, and for those seeking fun and adventure.
If peace and quiet is what you’re after, look no further than the luxury lodges offered at such parks as the Rivendale Lodge Retreat in Ashbourne. Lofty hillsides perfectly seclude this tranquil retreat, with nothing but countryside in the surrounding areas. Both luxurious lodges and treehouse accommodations are available.
For the more activity-based, or family-orientated holiday makers, Explorers Retreat Matlock Bath boasts a terrific location to set out on hikes and bike trails and is located 450 yards from Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park. These Peak District luxury lodges offered at this resort provide a terrace, with picturesque treetop views of the surrounding wildlife. The lodges cater well to children, with pirate themed rooms available. This site also has table tennis facilities, a children’s playpark, and even a library.
Dog-Friendly Lodges
For those who cannot holiday without taking their four-legged friend along, the Peak District offers many dog-friendly luxury lodge retreats. The Peak District National Park boasts some of the best walks in the country, so you won’t want your dog to miss out.
Farm Stay, a company that offer a range of farm-based accommodations throughout the country, have several locations throughout the Peak District- from snug log cabins, to self-catering cottages. Many of the properties they have on offer are totally enclosed, ensuring the upmost safety is guaranteed for your pet.
Hoe Grange Holidays claims that ‘a holiday at Hoe Grange is doggy heaven!’ which might well be true, as their log cabins and skylark pods offer the very best in dog-friendly holidaying. Located in Matlock, Derbyshire, this peak district luxury accommodation has a two-pets per cabin limit, with an easy access to the High Peak Trial – the perfect walk for any dog. Hoe Grange also offers a doggy pack, which includes a dog bed, a throw, and a dog bowl. They even offer a pet photography service!
If you’re seeking luxury contemporary accommodation, the Mulino Pods, located next to the Carsington Water, are advertised as dog-friendly, with a two-dog maximum rule. This is an exclusive getaway, with only three pods available on site, but one worth trying to book for the quality and scenery on offer. Although the pods appear small from the outside, one of them has a six-person capacity, while the other two sleeps three people.
Hot Tub Lodges
With its idyllic setting, the Peak District is an ideal location to sit back in the hot tub and take in the beautiful views that the national park has to offer.
Landal Darwin Forest in Matlock offers a luxury lodges in a stunning location, surrounded by a woodland that makes for the perfect atmosphere in the evenings. The best way to take in this atmosphere is through sitting in the hot tub- underneath the veranda- with a glass of champagne! This site also features a gym, a bar, a café, a restaurant, and a spa.
Adults only accommodation is available at the likes of Swinny Wood Log Cabins in Derbyshire, who offer luxury two-story log cabins, catering exclusively for those seeking a romantic couple retreat. Facing the Derwent Valley, each cabin comes equipped with an outdoor spa and sauna, a sizable outdoor balcony, and a four-post king size bed.
High quality, luxury log cabins can be found at Oakland Country Lodges, Derbyshire, where each log cabin is kitted out with a private, contemporary hot tub. Located on the outskirts of Redfern’s Farm, these cabins are surrounded by an acre of well-catered grounds that is full of plants and wildlife. This campsite only comprises of three cabins, so if you’re looking for a tranquil, less busy, site to spend your holiday at, Oakland Country Lodges could be for you. It’s even pet friendly!
Swainswood Luxury Lodges take the getting-away to another level; not only do all their lodges come kitted with a hot tub, they even have a spa on site which offers several services, including a Swedish full body massage, eyebrow shaping, and pedicures.
As a side note, several cottages throughout the Peak District also offer hot tub facilities, including the Farmhouse near Biddulph.