Situated in the Heart of England and stretching across five counties, is Britain’s oldest national park, the Peak District. Comprised of 555 square km of rolling hills, dales, moorland and plateaus, the landscape is dotted with mysterious caves, awesome waterfalls and dramatic gorges, not to mention fantastic holiday cottage options. The Peak District is the ideal place for a self-catering holiday, whether you want a challenging adventure break or simply to relax in some of the UK’s most stunning natural scenery.
With hundreds of established walking trails, visitors can choose from wheelchair accessible, child-friendly and challenging options. Those looking for the ultimate Peak District hike can walk part of the Pennine Way which starts at Edale, or perhaps a trek along the plateau of Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the park. In addition to hiking, popular activities include mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and caving, all within easy reach of Peak District holiday cottages.
The well-known towns of Buxton and Bakewell are popular places to stay with great accommodation options, but between these larger destinations are a wealth of charming villages where you'll find a wide choice of self-catering accommodation. From Youlgrave, a fascinating village with its own water supply, to the Eyam plague village or the once industrial Hathersage, with its connections to Little John and Charlotte Brontë, every place in the Peak District tells a story.
Those holidaying with kids should fit in a visit to Matlock Bath, a quirky town built into a limestone gorge, where visitors can enjoy a theme park, amusements and even a cable car. Top historical attractions in the Peak District include the resplendent Chatsworth House, the Elizabethan Lyme Park and the medieval Haddon Hall.
Peak District holiday cottages range from traditional stone houses to purpose-built lodges, all found within stunning scenery and with instant access to the park's walking trails. Choose from pet-friendly or child-friendly accommodation, and discover cottages that are well-equipped for adventure holidays. Many holiday homes boast luxury facilities such as hot tubs, perfect for relaxing the muscles after a long days hiking.