Local Attractions

The Peak District really does offer something for everyone all year round. Below are just a few places to visit all a short car ride from our holiday cottages.

Local Towns and Villages

Amongst the breathtaking scenery of the Peak District lie towns and villages steeped in history. The largest is the spa town of Buxton 1000ft above sea level and known as the cultural centre of the Peak District. Buxton has numerous festivals throughout the year mainly centred around the Opera House recently restored to its full 1903 glory. Other towns include Ashbourne, Leek and Bakewell. Bakewell is definitely worth a visit and there is much more to discover than the famous Bakewell pudding and the internationally renowned agricultural show.

Small villages and hamlets appear throughout the Peak District and there are literarly too many to mention here. Hartington, famous for its stilton cheese and local brewery both of which can be sampled locally, is the closest to our cottages. The picturesque village of Eyam to the north of the Peak District has a particularly interesting history. In 1665 bubonic plague arrived at Eyam via a parcel of cloth from London but the selfless villagers who showed immense personal courage and self sacrifice stayed within the confines of the village to minimise the spread of the disease which claimed the lives of at least 260 villagers. It's impossible to visit this unspoilt Derbyshire village and not be moved by the tragic events that took place there almost 350 years ago.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is one of Britain most famous historic houses. Chatsworth has something for all the family including a farmyard where children can meet numerous animals, parks and gardens, a maze and an adventure playground.

Chatswoth hosts spectacular outdoor events, from international horse trials to the largest country fair in the country. Visit Chatsworth's web site from our links page to see what's on during your visit.

Theme Parks

For the more adventures Alton Towers, Britain's best loved theme park is less than 30 minutes drive away from our holiday cottages. With roller coasters, rides, live shows, and water parks there's something for everyone regardless of age.

For younger thrill seekers Gulliver’s Kingdom is a family theme park designed to cater for families with children between the age of two and thirteen. Situated at Matlock Bath its rides and attractions are designed to offer the whole family a day of fun and excitement.

Carsington Water

Carsington Water has been a very popular visitor attraction since the 750 acre reservoir was opened in 1992.

There is a visitor centre which has a permanent exhibition explaining the role of water in our daily lives, and a wide range of facilities including shops, a cafe, children's adventure playground and a restaurant. However Carsington is an excellent centre for outdoor activities with sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, powerboating, raft building, orienteering, mountain biking and walking and fly fishing being amongst the available activities. Carsington is also home to a vast array of wild birds with over 200 different species of bird have been recorded each year.

Casleton - Caves, caverns and castles

Castleton "the gem of the Peak" is one of Britain's most appealing villages, set in a magnificent location with wonderful views in all directions.

The village is dominated by the keep of Peveril Castle originally built by William Peverel, a favourite knight of William the Conqueror. King Henry II built the stone keep in 1176 which still stands today this English Heritage site is open for viewing everyday from April - October. (check their website for other available dates and events) Castleton is most famous for its four caverns of which only Peak Cavern, which has the largest cave entrance in Britain, is a true cave. Blue John Cavern is famous for its semi-precious stone, Treak Cliff Cavern for its stalactites and Speedwell Cavern for its half-mile subterranean boat trip.

Nearby Mam Tor often called the 'Shivering Mountain' because of its layers of soft shale and crumbling gritstone beds and Winnats Pass offer strenuous but rewarding hill walks, the Iron Age Fort near the summit of Mam Tor offers superb views.