Staycations are advertised everywhere – are they a new thing?

Peak District Staycation with Peak Holidays

A staycation, in fact, isn’t a new thing. The word can be traced back to 1944, when an advert for beer encouraged readers to help the war effort by tending to their victory gardens, writing to soldiers on the front and: “Take a Stay-cation instead of a Va-cation, this year. Trains and buses are crowded. Gasoline and tyres must still be conserved.”

Since the pandemic, in which foreign travel has ranged from discouraged to impossible, ‘staycation’ has become a buzzword that’s used to promote any holiday that isn’t abroad. But call it what you like – staycation, holiday, vacation, break, leave, respite, honeymoon, time off  –  now is the time to think about visiting the Derbyshire Peak District…… you could say, take a Peak Staycation. Or how about #PeakStaycation ?

Travelling to a destination in the UK means you’re only a few hours away – 50m people live within 4 hours of the Peak District – you can just pack up the car and head off on an adventure. There’s no waiting around for hours to check in and board that plane.

Whatever your tastes and interests, Peak Holidays have a selection of holiday cottages which provide easy access to all of the Peak District. Choose a relaxing break or explore the numerous local attractions with family or friends, or for the thrill-seekers enjoy an activity holiday – walking, cycling, sailing, water-sports, horse riding, climbing – the options are endless.

Discover our Peak District Holiday Cottages  >>>>

Peak Holidays are local – based in Bakewell & Sheffield, truly independent – we have no affiliations with any of the national providers, and experienced – we have been in business for 25 years.

Dogs Welcome – House Rules

Hello, I’m Joe, an 8 year old labrador – this is me jumping through the snow a couple of years ago. As my humans started this blog, I thought I should paw a few words so the puppies amongst you will know where you can go and what there is to sniff in the Peak District.

Whenever you go to someone else’s cottage it is always best to understand the house rules before you go. In conjunction with my humans, I have agreed the following house rule on behalf of all dogs staying at the cottages:

  • Ensure the humans keep off the floors at all times – these are strictly for dogs to lie on. If they must sit down make sure they use the chairs provided. To ensure they have no excuse for sitting on the floor, you should not get up on the furniture.
  • I have found that the humans have some odd bedroom and washing habits. Therefore, it is best that you keep out of the bedrooms and bathrooms at all times – stick to the living areas of the cottage where you can be cosy and the bonus is you avoid their snoring, which only keeps you awake all night.
  • Do not allow yourself to be left at the cottage on your own. How would they like to be locked in a strange place alone? It is your holiday too and those humans need to find places to go where you are welcome – and there are plenty of them in the Peak District, so there are no excuses!

We welcome well behaved dogs at all of our cottages, at no extra charge.

We do not set arbitrary limits on the number of dogs take but like to ensure that the cottage is large enough for them to be comfortable.

Special Offer – 4 nights for the price of 3

Great deals from Peak HolidaysIs 3 nights ever enough to explore the wonderful Peak District?

Well, our Peak Holidays special offer may help a little bit – though we do still have longer holidays available – take a look at our cottages.

If you take a 3 night stay with us during June or July 2017, you can stay an extra night free. Quote 443@2017 when booking.

All our cottages are available throughout the year and we will always be flexible wherever we can to accommodate the start date and length of holiday you prefer.  Pets are welcome at all our cottages at no extra cost. There are no additional charges – the price you see advertised is the price you pay.

Wetton – A Peak District hidden gem

Of all the beauty spots in the Peak District, this western corner where it merges with the Staffordshire Moorlands is one of its hidden gems. The pretty village of Wetton is little changed from a time when most of its cottages were the homes of agricultural labourers, when farming was more labour intensive. The jumble of lush interlocking hills that tumble over one other to form the Manifold valley is one of the natural world’s great wonders, and from nearby Thor’s Cave you’ll get a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the scene that will have you gasping with pleasure (and possibly pain too – it’s a steep-ish climb up).

It’s very easy to just explore: all the footpaths, bridleways, and lanes are clearly marked. The area is perfect for exploring with a network of footpaths and the Dove and Manifold Valleys. The disused cotton mill at nearby Wetton Mill houses a National Trust tea room and is also the starting point for many walks. Cyclists are well catered for with quiet lanes to explore and the disused railway line converted into the Manifold track about 3 miles away at Hulme End, which also hosts the Manifold Valley visitors centre. Nearby Milldale is the start of the downstream walk to the stepping stones at Dovedale and the village of Ilam. Upstream, a quieter river side walk takes you to Hartington just 5 miles away and has a range of shops, pubs and eateries.

The quiet stone village of Wetton, with a population of around 150, houses the 14th century Church of St. Mary and the popular Ye Olde Royal Oak pub which are both near the village green. Just around the corner, is the old school tea room, where homemade cakes are always on the menu!

With so much to explore, why not stay in the village at our lovely new Stone Cottage? A spacious, well equipped cottage, that sleeps 6 in 3 bedroom. The cottage is also pet friendly, with a large enclosed garden at the rear. They cottage is available from Peak Holidays, with prices starting at £230 for a 3 night break – and Peak Holidays offer flexible breaks all year around; arrive on a day that suits you, for the length of holiday you want. Find out more at http://www.peak-holidays.com/Stone_cottage/Stone_cottage.htm