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.

• Enquire direct

  Riverside House Hotel

  Bakewell, Derbyshire

  Civilized, genteel small country house hotel in traditional Derbyshire village. Floral and chintzy, good afternoon teas, fine garden on the riverside.

  10 rooms from $234

  Four poster beds  -  In floral, chintzy rooms.

  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
• Enquire direct

  Alstonefield Manor

  Nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire

  Exquisite bed & breakfast in a pretty, unspoilt village in peaceful rural setting on the southern edge of the Peak District. Mix of family home and mini boutique.

  3 rooms from $129

  Secluded setting  -  With a quiet, walled garden.
• Enquire direct

  The Devonshire Arms Beeley

  Derbyshire

  Stylish country pub with boutique bedrooms and good food close to Chatsworth. Excellent for local sightseeing and walking. Good, contemporary style brasserie.

  14 rooms from $256

  Exclusive offer  -  Celebrating Chatsworth from just £99 per person.

  Sights nearby  -  Chatsworth on the doorstep.

  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
• Enquire direct

  Horsleygate Hall

  Derbyshire

  Delightful, unpretentious bed & breakfast with country views in charming country house with a magnificent garden. Simple, charming interiors, quiet, with homemade breads and jams. Owners are garden designers.

  3 rooms from $113

  Garden  -  Hosts are garden designers

  Quiet

  Restrictions on children  -  Children over 5 only

  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.

  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
• Enquire direct

  The Old Hall Hotel

  Buxton, Derbyshire

  Ancient ivy-clad hotel, steeped in history, perfectly placed for a night at the Buxton opera in July. Four poster beds and good food. Traditional.

  38 rooms from $137

  Great walks  -  Discover the delights of the Peak District on foot.

  Sights nearby  -  Stately homes everywhere
• Enquire direct

  Hassop Hall

  Derbyshire

  Understated elegance in this glorious country house hotel set in sweeping parkland. Comfortable, sometimes chintzy bedrooms, four posters, roaring fires, and a quiet setting, where you order 'luncheon'. Well suited to families.

  13 rooms from $161

  Garden  -  Sweeping manicured lawns and a topiary.

  Traditional  -  Afternoon tea and luncheon.

  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

  Views  -  Great views from hotel
• Enquire direct

  Callow Hall

  Ashbourne, Derbyshire

  Small, pretty country house hotel surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfectly positioned for walking in the Dales and Peak district. Fly fishing also available. Comfortable rooms and a gourmet restaurant - quiet and relaxing. Family suites.

  16 rooms from $209

  Restaurant  -  2 AA Rosettes

  Great walks  -  Across unspoilt countryside of the Peak District and Dovedale.

  Fishing  -  On a mile long stretch of the Bentley Brook

  Four poster beds  -  1 room only
• Enquire direct

  Stanshope Hall

  Nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire

  Imposing 17th century manor with lovely garden in an unrivalled, rural position not far from Dovedale. Secluded, quiet, with great walks in all directions. Well suited to children, and great views. Pub with walking distance for dinner. Large bedrooms.

  3 rooms from $145

  Great walks  -  Lovely rambles along the River Dove.

  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
• Enquire direct

  Peacock at Rowsley

  Derbyshire

  17th century manor first opened as a hotel in 1820. Recent renovation has created a stylish mix of traditional and contemporary, with luxurious trappings and outstanding food in the middle of the Peak District. Come for walking and fly fishing on a seven mile stretch of river.

  16 rooms from $250

  Exclusive offer

  Fishing  -  The hotel is right on the river for fly fishing

  Restaurant  -  3 AA Rosettes

  Romantic  -  Good for couples.

  Sights nearby  -  Discounted entrance into nearby stately homes

  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
• Enquire direct

  The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley

  Derbyshire

  Stylish country pub with occasional antiques and great bathrooms, interior designed by the Duchess of Devonshire. Good food from the Chatsworth Estate, and walks from the door.

  7 rooms from $127

  Exclusive offer  -  Good Things Come in Threes... 3rd Night Free Offer

  Great walks  -  Extensive walks around the estate.

  Sights nearby  -  Close to Chatsworth.

  Recommended by  -  Sawdays

Written by  Clare Mann, posted Wednesday, 19th May 2010