Peak District Staycation

Here’s why you should visit

Let’s face it – some UK counties get all the attention. And there’s good reason. There are several factors that contribute to why people want to visit or indeed move there. These include natural beauty, historical sites and natural beauty to name a few. But it has been said that some of the marketing teams behind them are giving them an extra push and putting them in the spotlight. However, some are incredibly underrated and don’t receive the same level of coverage. And I believe this to be true of the Peak District following a recent visit.

It’s not the first time I’ve headed to the county, I recall having fond memories of it. However, each time I mentioned the Peak District to others, I’m often asked ‘what’s there to do there?’ So, I took it upon myself to return and experience all that it has to offer and document my visit.

The Peak District is an interesting area because it was the first of Britain’s national parks to be designated as such in 1951. One of the most accessible national parks, it covers 555 sq miles and sits in the heart of England about the size of Greater London. It reaches five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. And while it’s connected to a good few major motorways, I was delighted to enter the small winding countryside roads to mark the start of my adventure.

My first stop after a three-hour drive is The George in the Derbyshire village of Hathersage. I’m warmly welcomed by homely vibes at this centuries-old yet modern pub with rooms. Walking through corridors passing bedrooms, I notice names linked to Charlotte Brontë (notably Lady C Brontë suite). She included a fictional version of this former coaching inn in the Derbyshire village of Hathersage as part of Jane Eyre, even penning some of her notable novels here.

Today the inn has been modernised and the 24 uniquely shaped and sized rooms are cheery with bright, bold colourful decor and trendy furniture. It’s an ideal space for hikers and cyclists alike to rest after a day in the countryside.

Part of the six-strong Peak District-focused Longbow group, the ground-floor bar and restaurant is a cosy hub thanks to its stone walls and oak-beamed ceiling. It serves traditional well-executed gastro pub grub – think wood-fired pizza, homemade pies, burgers and hearty fish and chips all served with friendly staff. The capacious courtyard is a welcoming breakout space to hang out in to continue al-fresco vibes. The bar has a range of local craft ales and spirits.

I’m particularly drawn to a cute bureau hideout just off the lounge housing a small desk facing the window and a mini walled library. I manage to delve into some research about the area with zero distractions before embarking on a hike around Little John’s grave just a short amble across moorland behind the hotel. For those of you unfamiliar with the name, Little John is said to have been Robin Hood’s right-hand man and was said to have originated from Hathersage. His grave (although disputed by some) is in the graveyard of St. Michael’s Church, in the heart of the village.

Aside from hikes and trails, Hathersage has independent shops, bars and tea rooms to mooch around in. And if you’re a swimmer, you may want to book a session at Hathersage Swimming Pools. The 1930s lido is a marvel to dip in while surrounded by countryside.

Leaving Hathersage the following day I head towards the quintessential English market town of Bakewell which is famed for its eponymous puddings. My visit coincides with National Bakewell Tart Day and I duly indulge in a free Bakewell Tart handed out by The Bakewell Tart Shop where the almond-flavoured delicacy is widely believed to have been concocted in the late 19th century. I reasoned I could do with the calorie intake after completing the stupendous Monsal Trail. The 8.5-mile trail runs from Blackwell Mill in Cheedale to Cooms Road in Bakewell. The flat terrain follows the former Midland railway line and is suitable for hikers, cyclists, dog walkers and wheelchair users alike. It’s a great route through the limestone dales of the Peak District.

It was a pleasure to take the weight off my feet at The Peacock at Rowsley (part of the Longbow Group). This beautiful 17th-century manor house with its distinctive mullioned facade just outside Bakewell is one of Derbyshire’s most cherished venues. It has 15 individually styled bedrooms, and my corner suite came complete with a dark wooden four-poster bed, with furniture from a bygone era to match. Before heading to dinner, I indulge in complimentary Holdsworth Chocolates and tea while amusing myself with the motorised hidden TV that emerges from the foot of the bed.

With its three AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, dinner at The Peacock is a real treat whether you’re staying at the hotel or just dropping by. You’ll find You’ll find a team of Michelin-trained chefs creating pleasing dishes on multiple senses from the best of local and British produce.

The quality of the food is evident from the get-go when decadent canapés arrive at my table. It kick-starts my appetite and I devour the salmon starter followed by another fish dish perfectly executed. Those wishing to go all-out can treat themselves to a 10-course tasting menu (£90). On fair weather days, I highly recommend sitting in the hotel’s garden overlooking the River Derwent to tuck into the popular afternoon tea.

The combination of fine dining and a decent night’s rest on the four-poster bed has me heading in the direction of Chatsworth House. One of the nation’s favourite and the home to the Cavendishes since the 16th century, it’s known equally for its exceptional art collection as well as its aristocratic credentials.

While the Stately Home is a wonder to admire, I particularly like the gardens. The 105-acre garden is the result of 500 years of careful cultivation and includes an arboretum, rock garden, fountains and sculptures. I could’ve roamed around them for hours.

But a PeakEPedals tour beckons. Their tours are different from going on a full-on pounding expedition on two wheels. The emphasis is on providing a leisurely way to tour the countryside leaving you breathless only by the views. With 60 self-guided or guided curated tours to choose from, of varying lengths and difficulty, there’s something for everyone. Not confident on a bike? Then an e-trike may be for you. This e-tricycle will have you changed in your kit in no time.

Run by entrepreneur Andrew and his business partner Michael, the business was launched so they could share the countryside with many. I embark on the half-day Stone Edge & Hidden Hamlets Loop tour with Andrew, starting from Peak Edge Hotel (my abode for the evening offers e-bike tour packages).

The leisurely-paced trail takes us to several cute and charming villages and hamlets including Milltown, Ashover and Alton – made popular in the BBC series Peak Practise. What’s more, Andrew shares his local knowledge of the sites we pass and take numerous stops to take the sites in.

The Peak District was the world’s most important lead mining area in the 17th and 18th centuries with traditions dating back as far as Roman times. The Unesco-protected Cromford — just east of the park — was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the modern factory.

The Peak District is made up of impressive gritstone edges (Dark Peak) and steep limestone dales (White Peak). This particular tour takes you to the Stone Edge Cupola which was built in 1770 (making it Britain’s oldest free-standing chimney).

There’s nothing like tucking into good food after a bike ride (even though it wasn’t strenuous) and unwinding at the Peak Edge Hotel just outside Chesterfield is much welcomed.

The low-rise hotel befits its surroundings and is built from local sandstone in a barn conversion style. But it’s the 17th-century Red Lion pub that oozes character. Fully modernised and equipped with several breakout seating arrangements in and around the bar, with open fires it still retains the charm of stone walls. The two large terraces allow guests and visitors to take in its lush countryside surroundings.

Talking of which, much thought has gone into the hotel’s landscaping with 6,000 young woodland trees and a little lake with koi carp lurking around.

But with dinner on my mind, I head to the two AA Rosette restaurant which features produce from the hotel’s farm minutes away. While not fine dining like The Peacock, the food here is splendidly high-end.

Opportunities for rock climbing in the Peak District are excellent and true to my adventurous spirit, I throw myself into a private one-to-one session with mountain guide instructor James Wheeldon of Pure Outdoors. Following a briefing and safety session, James and I head to Stanage Edge just four miles from the suburbs of Sheffield, which I’m told is the star of the Peak District’s climbing scene.

This long, low gritstone cliff shrieks to be climbed to many already there by the looks of it. It offers more than 1,700 routes, from easy scrambles to muscle-melting walls. Having only ever climbed indoor walls, James takes me through all the basic steps such as tying a double eight-figure knot to what to do if I fall before guiding me through my first ‘easy; scramble.

Granted it’s nerve-racking but with James’s encouragement and my years of yoga experience, I gain the confidence to climb up like Spider Woman. The feeling is exhilarating and my confidence grows each time I attempt the next level. I can’t believe I haven’t attempted this before.

My final night in the Peak District is suitably combined at the Losehill House Hotel & Spa. The mere thought of soothing my fatigued body in the outdoor hot tub with views of the surrounding hills has me in my swimsuit in a flash. The views and sounds of the lambs are so soothing that had I not been hungry, I would’ve whiled away hours in the tub.

Fortunately, the hotel’s AA Rosette restaurant, Grafene, offered me the very same views as I tucked into a salmon fillet with crushed potatoes and buttered greens. I skipped the starter to have pudding. I couldn’t bypass another Bakewell-themed tart.

The Peak District is full of unexpected treats and offers some amazing countryside views, rich woodlands, charming hamlets and quaint villages. And of course, there’s a wide range of outdoor activities to be had to suit families, individuals and groups. So next time you’re looking for a staycation, perhaps check out the Peak District. I’m heading home with a head full of unforgettable sights vowing to return in the very near future.

The room rates for the various hotels are as follows –

A standard double B&B at The George starts from £120 during the week and £210 at the weekend.

The Peacock standard double B&B starts from £200 during the week and £250 at the weekend.

The Peak Edge rates start from £220 B&B

Losehill House Hotel & Spa from £250 for B&B.

For more information on the Peak District visit https://visitpeakdistrict.com/