Among England’s many celebrated landscapes, from the jutting cliffs of the Cornish coast to the rolling hills of Sussex, the Peak District remains one of the country’s most dramatic natural expanses. With its imposing limestone dales, moody heather-clad moors, and fable-esque villages, the area is rightly lauded for its natural beauty and offers the kind of warm, old-world hospitality one may expect to find in such weather-worn parts.
For those who want to thoroughly explore the national park in all its glory without forgoing any comforts, the region hosts a smattering of suitable hotels that offer exactly the sort of welcome and respite weary explorers need. Whether it be a grand manor house steeped in centuries of history, curious cottages hidden away in wildflower meadows with treehouses and spa cabins, or full-blown resort complexes, all of the following have exceptional service and lodgings to make for a memorable trip into the wilds of this glorious part of the country.
Wildhive Callow Hall
A Victorian country house transformed into a boutique sanctuary, Wildhive Callow Hall is surrounded by 35 acres of manicured gardens and wild meadow. Its 15 guest rooms are individually styled, combining natural wood, stone, and honey-toned textiles. At the property’s edge, a scattering of woodland hives and treehouses offers secluded stays among the leaves, complete with plush beds, freestanding tubs, and private terraces for stargazing and taking in the refreshing morning air.
Notable highlights include The Garden Room restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering framed views over the estate while serving a seasonal, locally sourced menu. At the heart of the hotel, the Coach House spa delivers organic treatments using Peak District botanicals, including its signature honey facial – a balance of rustic charm and wellness. With Ashbourne and nearby trails just minutes away, this is one property that truly encapsulates the magic of the Peak District without compromising on comfort.
Losehill House Hotel & Spa
Tucked high above the Hope Valley, Losehill House combines the warmth of a country retreat with modern elegance, as evidenced by its 22 rooms that are a mix of oak-panelled charm and rich velvet upholstery. Many bedrooms open onto private balconies or come with bay windows that give way to some of the park’s most spectacular views.
The Thalgo spa is a highlight, featuring a heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, alongside inspired natural therapies. Dining here celebrates the Peak District’s reputation for locally foraged food, with dishes drawing on game, heritage vegetables, and fresh herbs. An intimate setting brimming with character, Losehill House offers a fine setting to indulge in the area's stunning natural beauty.
Fischer’s, Baslow Hall
A Grade II-listed manor with just 11 rooms, Fischer’s offers the opportunity for an intimate yet no less lavish break in the Peak District. Each bedroom is individually styled with Egyptian cotton linens, antique tapestries, and crystal chandeliers. To further accentuate the period features, stone fireplaces, heavy drapes, and patterned rugs complete the look and add yet more unbridled glamour at this charmingly old-world country estate.
Boasting an acclaimed Michelin Guide restaurant within the property, diners may delight in sampling wild game, foraged herbs, and Peak District lamb, all cooked using classic French techniques. Whilst the hotel and grounds are resplendent throughout spring and summer due to the well-manicured lawns, ponds and flower beds, the sight of the glorious old manor covered in snow is a particularly stunning spectacle that’s begging to be visited during the colder months.
The Old Hall Hotel
Reputedly England’s oldest hotel, The Old Hall has welcomed guests since the 16th century, although its most high-profile patron is arguably that of Mary Queen of Scots, who was confined here during her imprisonment in Buxton. Its ivy-covered exterior disguises a warren of wood-panelled lounges bedecked with antique furniture, and spacious guest rooms dressed with four-poster beds and velvet-trimmed drapes.
The atmosphere is steeped in history, but never at the expense of comfort. Set beside the Buxton Opera House and close to the town’s famed thermal springs, the hotel offers a charming base for exploring the delights of Buxton and the wild spaces that lie outside its perimeter. The hotel restaurant serves hearty, locally inspired dishes in surroundings that recall the elegance of England’s storied past. The Old Hall may be old, yet some aspects of service and comfort shall always remain timeless in their appeal, and with good reason.
Buxton Crescent (Ensana Spa Hotel)
A Grade I-listed Georgian landmark, Buxton Crescent has been reborn as a five-star spa hotel, with its sweeping curved façade and grand interior spaces restored to their former glory. Inside, marble floors, gilded mirrors, and sweeping staircases show off the extent of the glorious restoration. Elegant guest rooms with deep-soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and wonderfully comfortable beds show that not a single element of comfort has been compromised on as part of this loving rejuvenation of a glamorous old building.
The spa makes full use of Buxton’s celebrated mineral waters, offering thermal pools and hydrotherapy suites. A rooftop garden offers views of the surrounding townscape that will enchant guests and leave them firmly enamoured with this beautiful part of the North of England.
Biggin Hall
Biggin Hall is a 17th-century stone country house, boasting imposing oak beams, crackling open fires, and rooms that feel warmly lived-in rather than re-dressed and re-upholstered from a modern perspective. Its dining room serves hearty dishes with a focus on local produce, often enjoyed by the glow of a log fire, which is particularly enticing on long winter’s nights to stave off the chill.
Noted for its warm and welcoming hospitality, including embracing guests travelling with four-legged friends, Biggin Hall offers a raft of dog-friendly amenities, from comfortable garden terrace rooms to dining in private greenhouses accompanied by pets. With countless walking trails right on the doorstep, and a facade worthy of the cover of a fairytale book, Biggin Hall is very much the quintessential Peak District stay.
