Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Derbyshire. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Derbyshire’s most popular rural destinations including Matlock, High Peak, Church Broughton, Alderwasley, Chesterfield, and Edale, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an memorable getaway.
The Peak District National Park in northern Derbyshire has a wonderfully varied landscape, ranging from dramatic escarpments and rolling dales to rugged moorland and tranquil rivers. It’s a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, with routes suitable for all abilities. For a challenging hike, tackle Jacob’s Ladder, a steep, stony path leading to the summit of Kinder Scout, the park’s highest point, or for something gentler, the Monsal Trail follows the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line through spectacular scenery. Ladybower Reservoir, a large artificial lake in the Upper Derwent Valley, is another popular spot, with numerous walking trails and stunning viewpoints. For a different perspective on the Peak District, Speedwell Cavern offers a fascinating boat trip through the workings of a 200-year-old lead mine, culminating in a magnificent cathedral-like cavern containing the awe-inspiring Bottomless Pit, a vast subterranean lake.
Derbyshire has a wealth of historic buildings and stately homes for great days out. Highlights include Chatsworth, a Grade I listed house with stables, a 105-acre garden, a farmyard and adventure playground, and over 1,800 acres of parkland and historic woodland; Hardwick Hall, an English interpretation of Italian Renaissance architecture housing an outstanding collection of 16th- and early 17th-century needlework, furniture, and original portraits; Calke Abbey a Baroque-style mansion left deliberately un-restored, with peeling paintwork, abandoned rooms, a walled garden, and a preserved stableyard; and Bolsover Castle, built by a flamboyant, horse-mad Cavalier courtier and poet, with replica furnishings and a beautiful fountain garden.
Families will enjoy Matlock Farm Park, with a wide range of friendly animals including goats, llamas, alpacas, and meerkats, as well as indoor and outdoor interactive experiences, play areas, and pony rides. Another popular attraction is Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum, where a fascinating collection of vintage trams operates along recreated historic streets complete with a traditional pub, café, and period-style sweet shop.
Derbyshire is dotted with charming villages and market towns. Buxton, known by the Romans as Aquae Arnemetiae (Spa of the Goddess of the Grove), is one of England’s finest spa towns and is renowned for its elegant architecture. At its heart stands the magnificent Buxton Crescent, now a Grade I listed five-star hotel and spa with thermal baths, saunas, a rooftop pool, and luxury treatments. Other notable landmarks include the Devonshire Dome, an 18th-century former stable block with an unsupported dome larger than that of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Grade II listed Edwardian Opera House, which hosts theatre, music and comedy throughout the year.
Bakewell, set on the banks of the River Wye, is another delightful destination, with pretty stone buildings, a medieval five-arched stone bridge, a lively weekly market, including a livestock market, a brewery, and a wealth of independent shops, cafés, tearooms, and pubs. No visit would be complete without stopping at the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop to sample the famous Bakewell pudding (not to be confused with a Bakewell tart), a puff pastry base layered with jam and topped with a rich filling made from egg and almond paste.
For a relaxing, countryside escape, with nearby opportunities for cycling, walking, wildlife watching, climbing, and photography, choose a farm holiday in Derbyshire for your next break.
