Self-Catering Archives

8 August 2026

Autumn Breaks in the Peak District: Cosy Cottages, Colourful Walks and Country Pubs

There is something rather special about autumn in the Peak District. The busy days of summer begin to give way to a gentler pace, the hills and valleys change from green to shades of gold and copper, and cooler days make it the perfect time to pull on your walking boots and explore. Padley Gorge, Peak District

For us at Peak Holidays, autumn is one of our favourite times of year. A Peak District holiday cottage gives you the freedom to enjoy the season at your own pace. Spend the morning walking through colourful woodland, stop for a leisurely lunch in a country pub and then return to your cottage for a quiet evening together.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family getaway, a walking holiday or a few days away with the dog, here are some of the reasons we think you should experience the Peak District this autumn.

See the Peak District in Its Autumn Colours

The changing landscape is perhaps the biggest reason The Peak District has miles of pathways across open country to explore to visit the Peak District at this time of year. As September moves into October, trees gradually turn shades of yellow, orange, red and gold. Fallen leaves cover woodland paths and the softer autumn light can make even familiar Peak District views look completely different.

Padley Gorge is particularly beautiful in autumn. Its ancient woodland, rocky paths and tumbling stream make it a wonderful place for a morning walk. The countryside around Chatsworth is another favourite. The estate’s parkland and surrounding woodland are transformed by the season, with plenty of opportunities to combine a walk with a visit to Chatsworth itself. You can also explore the woodland and waterside routes around Ladybower Reservoir, or simply step outside your Peak Holidays cottage and discover the footpaths closer to home.

Perfect Weather for Walking

Summer walking has its attractions, but there is a lot to be said for an autumn walk in the Peak District. The cooler temperatures can make longer routes much more comfortable, while crisp mornings and changing colours provide a wonderful backdrop.

For dramatic views, try Stanage Edge, Curbar Edge or Froggatt Edge. You don’t necessarily need to tackle a huge hike either – shorter routes can still provide some spectacular views across the Peak District countryside.

Monsal Trail Peak District For something gentler, the Monsal Trail is always a good choice. Following the route of the former Midland Railway, it offers relatively easy walking through some beautiful countryside, including the famous Headstone Viaduct and several old railway tunnels. Best of all, an autumn walk gives you an excellent excuse for what comes next: finding a cosy pub.

Country Pubs, Roaring Fires and Long Lunches

Few things go together quite as well as the Peak District and a traditional country pub. After a few hours outside, there is something wonderfully inviting about stepping through the door of a village pub, taking off your coat and settling down for lunch.

Autumn is the season for proper comfort food – warming soups, pies, Sunday roasts and hearty seasonal dishes. Staying in a self-catering holiday cottage in the Peak District means there is no need to rush. Enjoy a long lunch, explore the village afterwards and head back to your cottage when you’re ready. That’s the beauty of a cottage holiday. Your time is your own.

Explore Bakewell and the Peak District Villages

Autumn is also a lovely time to explore the area’s historic towns and villages.

Bakewell in the Peak District Start with Bakewell, one of the best-known towns in the Peak District. Wander beside the River Wye, browse the independent shops and cafés and, of course, sample the town’s famous Bakewell pudding. From there, you have plenty of beautiful villages to discover. Ashford-in-the-Water, just outside Bakewell, is perfect for a gentle stroll. Eyam offers a fascinating glimpse into Peak District history, while Tideswell is home to the magnificent church known locally as the “Cathedral of the Peak”. Head north and you can explore Hathersage, Castleton and Hope, surrounded by some of the Peak District’s most impressive scenery. Autumn’s slightly quieter pace means you can take your time and really enjoy them.

Spend a Day at Chatsworth

If you’re staying with Peak Holidays this autumn, make time for a visit to Chatsworth House. Chatsworth House, Peak District

Set beside the River Derwent and surrounded by beautiful parkland, Chatsworth is impressive at any time of year, but the surrounding landscape looks particularly special as autumn arrives. Explore the house and gardens, take a walk through the estate or simply enjoy the views. You can easily spend most of the day here before heading back to your holiday cottage for a relaxing evening.

Bring Your Dog Along

Dogs Welcome, Curbar Edge Calver The Peak District is made for walking – and that makes it a wonderful destination for a dog-friendly autumn holiday. Cooler temperatures can make longer walks much more enjoyable for dogs, while the area’s huge network of paths and trails means there is always somewhere new to explore.

Many Peak District pubs and cafés are dog friendly too, so your four-legged companion can often join you for a well-earned rest afterwards. If you’re booking one of our dog-friendly Peak Holidays cottages, pack the lead, walking boots and plenty of towels for those muddy paws!

And If It Rains?

We can’t promise sunshine every day. It is the Peak District, after all. But autumn weather is part of the experience. Pack waterproofs and good walking boots and you can still enjoy the countryside when the weather is less than perfect.

Alternatively, spend the day discovering local attractions, historic houses, shops, cafés and pubs. And if the rain really does come down? Head back to your cottage, put the kettle on and enjoy having absolutely nowhere else you need to be.

Your Own Cosy Peak District Cottage

After a day exploring, one of the best things about an autumn cottage holiday is coming home. Kick off the walking boots, make something warm to drink and settle in for the evening.

Bridge Cottage, Castleton, Peak District Holiday Many of our Peak Holidays cottages have log-burning stoves and fires, making them particularly inviting as the evenings become cooler. Light the fire, cook dinner together and relax with a book, film or bottle of wine. Outside, the temperature may be dropping. Inside, you’re warm and comfortable in your own little corner of the Peak District.

Book Your Autumn Peak District Escape

Autumn doesn’t last forever. Before long, the leaves will have fallen and winter will be arriving. So if you’ve been thinking about escaping to the countryside, this is a wonderful time to do it. At Peak Holidays, we offer a choice of holiday cottages across the Peak District, giving you the perfect base for walking, exploring, eating, drinking – or simply slowing down for a few days.

Come for the spectacular scenery, colourful autumn walks and beautiful villages. Stay for the cosy pubs, peaceful evenings and the simple pleasure of having your own cottage to come home to.

Find your perfect Peak Holidays cottage and start planning your autumn escape to the Peak District.

30 January 2026

Bakewell: Beyond the Tart (or Pudding)

Bakewell, Derbyshire Peak District

Say “Bakewell” and most people think of almond icing, jam, and a pub debate about whether the pudding or the tart came first. Fair enough — both are excellent. But reducing Bakewell to a bakery pit stop does the place a real disservice. So, maybe get beyond the tart…. this is a town made for wandering, lingering, and accidentally staying longer than planned. If you give it a full day, Bakewell quietly turns into one of the Peak District’s most satisfying little escapes.

Morning: Rivers, Bridges, and a Slow Start: Start early, before the coaches arrive and while the River Wye still feels like it belongs to the ducks. Bakewell is at its best in the morning light: honey-coloured stone, shopfronts just waking up, and the soft clink of cups from cafés setting up for the day.

Walk over Bakewell Bridge first. It’s medieval, slightly lopsided, and exactly Bakewell Bridge, Peak District the sort of bridge you’d expect sheep to have crossed long before cars existed. Pause halfway. Look upstream. This is your cue to slow down.

From here, follow the river path. It’s flat, peaceful, and gently smug about how pretty it is. You’ll pass anglers, dog walkers, and people pretending they’re “just popping out” when they’re clearly on holiday.

Coffee options are plentiful, but don’t overthink it. Bakewell rewards decisiveness. Find a window seat, order something hot, and watch the town come to life.

Late Morning: Markets, Makers, and Mild Noseying: Bakewell has had a market since the 1300s, and market days still feel like the town’s social glue. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s worth a wander: local cheese, fresh bread, vegetables that look like they were pulled out of the ground five minutes ago.

The side streets are where Bakewell really flexes. Independent shops, antiques, outdoor gear stores that quietly suggest you could climb a hill today if you wanted to. You probably won’t. That’s fine.

Pop into the Old House Museum if it’s open. It’s small, slightly quirky, and gives context to all that stone and history you’ve been admiring without thinking about it too hard.

Lunch: Pub Logic Applies: By midday, you’ll have earned lunch — not because you’ve done anything strenuous, but because that’s how holidays work.

Bakewell is blessed with proper pubs. The kind that understand gravy, don’t rush you, and treat Sunday roasts with the seriousness they deserve. Pick one near the river if you can. Sit down. Order something local. Let time blur a bit.

This is also when you’ll notice how relaxed the place feels. Bakewell doesn’t hustle you. It assumes you’ll stay.

Afternoon: Walk It Off (Gently): Now’s the moment to stretch your legs — and Bakewell gives you options without demanding heroics.

Numerous walking & cycling trails have been created on disused railway lines in the Peak District The Monsal Trail is ideal: an old railway line turned walking and cycling route that glides through limestone cuttings and tunnels. You don’t need to do miles. Even a short stretch gives you that “I’ve been outdoors” glow without breaking a sweat.

Alternatively, head up toward Bakewell’s hillside paths for views back over the town. The climb is manageable, the reward instant. Stone rooftops, green folds of countryside, and that quiet Peak District drama that never shows off too much.

Late Afternoon: Yes, Have the Tart (or Pudding): Only now — now — is it time.

By leaving it this late, you’ve done two things

1. Avoided queues.
2. Earned dessert spiritually.

Bakewell Pudding — Puddings use flaky/puff pastry with a soft-set, gooey egg-and-almond custard. Tarts use shortcrust pastry, filled with firmer almond sponge (frangipane), usually topped with white fondant icing and a cherry.

Whether you go tart or pudding is a personal, emotional decision. Both are good. Both will be eaten too quickly. Pair it with tea, sit somewhere calm, and accept that this is part of the Bakewell experience whether you like it or not.

Evening: One Last Loop: Before heading off, take one final walk through town. Early evening is when Bakewell exhales. Day-trippers drift away, lights soften, and the river goes quiet again. If you stay for dinner, you’ll eat well. If you don’t, you’ll leave already planning your return.

The Thing About Bakewell: Bakewell isn’t flashy. It doesn’t demand attention or try to reinvent itself. It just gets on with being good — at food, at scenery, at giving you space to enjoy a day without a schedule.

Come for the tart if you must – Stay for the town.

25 January 2026

A First-Timer’s Guide to the Peak District

Planning your first holiday in the Peak District National Park? You’re choosing one of the UK’s most popular countryside destinations — known for scenic walks, charming villages, and relaxing short breaks. This article is a first timers guide to the Peak District to help you make the most of your visit.

This first-timers guide is for visitors planning to stay in a holiday cottage, helping you decide where to stay, what to do, and how to get the most from your Peak District break.

Why the Peak District Is Ideal for First-Time Visitors: The Peak District is

The uplands in the high peak area are a dramatic contrast to the white peak.

easy to explore and incredibly varied. In just a few days you can enjoy hilltop views, gentle valley walks, traditional villages, and cosy pubs — all without long drives. Perfect for:
✔ Short breaks & weekend getaways
✔ Walking holidays for all abilities
✔ Couples, families & dog-friendly stays
✔ Guests wanting countryside without isolation

Where to Stay for Your First Peak District Holiday:

- Stay in or Near a Village : Village locations are ideal for first-time visitors. You’ll have pubs, cafés, shops, and well-marked walking routes close by — making your stay easy and relaxing. Best if you want:
  - Walks from the door;
  - Local amenities nearby;
  - A traditional Peak District feel
- Choose a Rural Holiday Cottage: For extra peace and privacy, rural cottages and lodges offer scenic views and quiet evenings. These stays are perfect if you want to relax after days exploring the countryside. Best if you want:
  - Tranquillity and space,
  - Countryside views,
  - A slower pace of holiday

Chatsworth House in the Peak District, one of the many stately homes to visit

What to Do on Your First Visit: You don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy the Peak District.

1. Take in an Iconic Walk: Popular routes such as Mam Tor and the Great Ridge are ideal for beginners — offering incredible views without technical difficulty.
2. Visit a Market Town: Bakewell is a favourite with first-time visitors, combining riverside walks, independent shops, cafés, and local food.
3. Historic Houses: Visit one of the many stately homes in the Peak District. Many like Chatsworth House also have events, gardens and tea rooms to visit.
4. Balance Walking with Relaxation: Many guests choose one main walk per
  Dogs are welcome in the Peak District and at all our cottages.
  
  day, then enjoy relaxed afternoons and evenings back at their cottage or try one of the many pubs or restaurants, serving locally sourced food.

We have an on-line guide with more ideas of what you can do during your stay at www.peak-holidays.co.uk/the-peak-district/

How Long Should You Stay? For first-time guests, 3–5 nights is ideal. This allows time to explore, unwind, and enjoy your holiday cottage without rushing….. 2–3 nights: Great for a weekend break; 4+ nights: Ideal for walking and sightseeing

Make Your cottage Part of the Experience: Choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference. A comfortable, well-located holiday cottage lets you explore easily, return to relax, and enjoy the Peak District at your own pace.

Peak Holidays offers a wide range of holiday cottages across the Peak District. We offer short breaks throughout the year and all our cottages welcome well-behaved dogs at no extra charge. We are an independent family run local business in the Peak District.

Many first-time visitors quickly discover why the Peak District becomes a place they return to again and again for a holiday. We hope you have found our First Timers guide to the Peak District helpful, and if you have any questions or want to find out more, drop us a message or give us a call.

15 July 202316 July 2023

Enjoy the Summer Holidays

Peak Holidays Summer Deal We have a few dates left now for the school holidays, so why not enjoy your summer holidays in the Peak District?

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.

And, why not get a last minute deal at the same time – get 20% off selected cottages for holidays taken before 31st August 2023. To claim your discount, book online and put the code for your chosen cottage in the booking page, and 20% will automatically be taken off the total, for any of the cottages listed below.

Rock Lodge Farm: Sleeps 14 in 7 bedrooms. Rock Lodge Farm is located in the rural hamlet of Priestcliffe, and is the ideal holiday location for larger families or groups meeting up ……. Code: RLFP23

Brew House Bakewell: Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. Located a short walk from the centre of Bakewell, this spacious ‘upside down’ family cottage has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and private parking …… Code: BHB23

Candle House, Winster: Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. This spacious cottage located in a quiet lane the village of Winster, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with a local pub a short walk ….. … Code: CHW23

Church Corner Cottage, Youlgrave: Sleeps 7 in 3 bedrooms. This 17th century Grade II listed cottage located in the heart of the thriving village of Youlgrave, surrounded by beautiful countryside, near Bakewell………Code: CC23

Bridge Cottage Castleton: Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. Located in the heart of the thriving village of Castleton and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Bridge Cottage, has been lovingly renovated to maintain the character ………. Code: BCC23

Anne Cottage, Bakewell: Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. This cosy family cottage is located near the centre of Bakewell, retains lots of character, exposed beams and modern home comforts ……..Code: ACB23

Cherry Cottage, Youlgrave: Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. This cosy cottage is full of character and located in a quiet lane near the River Bradford in the thriving village of Youlgrave, with shops and local pubs nearby and just a few miles from Bakewell ……..Code: CCY23

Sandy’s Barn, Foolow: Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom. This cosy & compact cottage located in the heart of the village of Foolow, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with a local pub a short walk from the cottage …..Code: SBF23

Joiners Cottage, Ashford in the Water: Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom. This 300 year-old stone cottage is full of character and extremely well-furnished throughout, is just a short stroll from the famous Sheepwash bridge in the village of Ashford in the Water ……Code: JC23

31 May 202331 May 2023

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.

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.

21 November 202226 November 2022

Our Twelve Days of Christmas

You do know it’s nearly Christmas? And you’re heading to the wonderful Peak District for a cosy cottage holiday?

Well then, it’s time to turn that frown upside down and get into the Christmas spirit with a little help from Peak Holidays. It’s all jingle bells and Ho-ho-hos from here on in with our Twelve Days of Christmas.

Twelve days of Christmas

Day One: Turn up those classic Christmas tunes. Whether Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ or ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Slade, get those Christmas songs playing in the car on your way to the Peak District.

Day Two: It’s time to decorate! If you’re spending Christmas Day in one of our cosy cottages, you can check with us to see if there will be a tree and decorations provided, but if not, why not get creative and head out outside, gather up some of nature’s finest and ‘deck the halls with boughs of holly’.

Day Three: Get baking! Dig out the Christmas recipes and start making your very own selection of treats. When you book a self-catering holiday cottage with Peak Holidays, you’ll be able to explore the local farmers’ markets and artisan stores for local ingredients.

Day Four: Gather in the logs and kindling and get the home fire roaring. When it’s cold outside there’s nothing more inviting than the warm glow of a real fire. The majority of our holiday cottages have a real fire or log burner and we include a pack of logs to get you started.

Day Five: It’s time to rekindle those old family rivalries. With the nights drawn in and the weather wet and wild, why not round off the evening with a board game, a jigsaw or a good old fashioned game of charades. Our cottages have good sized living areas, so you can all gather together comfortably.

Day Six: Join the locals and pop along to the village carol singing service or local pantomime. Many of our cottages are in small villages where the gentle pace of life often revolves around the friendly local pub and the seasonal celebrations at the parish church.

Day Seven: Enjoy a festive tipple to get you into the Christmas spirit. Whether you fancy a hot ladle-full of spiced mulled wine or one of our locally brewed beers, a little Yuletide libation is sure to sweeten the mood and have you puckering up under the mistletoe in one of the village locals.

Day Eight: How about a cheery Christmas film to fill you with those warm, fuzzy, festive feelings. Most of our cottages have a DVD player or a smart TV so you can log into your favourite streaming service.

Day Nine: Embrace the great outdoors with a revitalising winter stroll. When you book a stay with Peak Holidays, you’ll be surrounded by some of the UK’s most celebrated countryside walks. It’s time to round up the family, wrap up warm, and follow the tracks and trails.

Day Ten: Christmas is a time for giving. If you’re racking your brains for gift ideas, look at the many special Christmas markets across the Peak District. Picking out that special something for that special someone is sure to capture the Christmas mood. Santa Paws

Day Eleven: Don’t forget Santa Paws. Most of our cottages are dog friendly but remember to bring everything you need to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable this Christmas.

Day Twelve: Any finally, nothing will put a smile on your face than catching up with old friends and spending precious time with your loved ones. For many of us, this is what Christmas is all about, especially after all the recent COVID restrictions. The Peak District’s central location makes getting together that bit easier for everyone to spend quality time with family and friends.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas from Peak Holidays!

26 June 202026 February 2021

We’re Good to Go!

VisitEngland in partnership with the national tourist organisations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales has today launched a UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for tourism as the sector works towards reopening.

The ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark means businesses can demonstrate that they are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and checked that they have the required processes in place……and Peak Holidays now have a certificate to prove it!

24 May 201724 May 2017

Special Offer – 4 nights for the price of 3

Great deals from Peak Holidays Is 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.

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Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas from Peak Holidays!

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