Derbyshire hotels

Photo by flickr user Chris Morriss

Derbyshire is a county of dramatic contrasts and breathtaking beauty. Wedged between Derby, Sheffield and Manchester the Peak District is its crowing glory. The Pennine Way starts its journey north from the hamlet of Edale. The magnificent flat peaks, and windswept moorlands shrouded in mist inspired one of our best-loved authors, Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre was set in the village of Hathersage. Dove Dale, best known of the limestone dales is defined by narrow gorges, hump backed bridges, crystal clear brooks and drystone walls enclosing neat fields as far as the eye can see. Contented sheep and cattle graze pristine pastureland. There are unspoilt villages, such as Alstonefield, Tissington and Hartington, where the hiker will find country pubs with coal fires, casket ales and locally produced dishes chalked up on a black board. The market town of Ashbourne is delightful (with a proper country market) whilst the Georgian spa town Buxton is the home of the flourishing Buxton Opera, which produces over 450 shows during the year. There are magnificent stately homes and gardens to visit: Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall, Calke Abbey, Sudbury and Tissington Hall. Around Castleton are deep underground caves and disused mines to explore. For the more sedate visitor the Peak Railway from Matlock to Rowsley takes passengers by steam train through a slice of perfect English countryside. To round it all off: Bakewell tarts for tea from one of Bakewell’s tearooms.

Written by Clare Mann