A Weekend Escape in the Peak District

The Peak District is one of England’s most beautiful and unspoilt areas and a perfect destination for a weekend escape.

With its rolling hills, lush meadows, and dramatic limestone crags, the Peak District is a walkers’ paradise. And with charming villages, historic towns, and excellent pubs scattered throughout the region, there’s something for everyone.

Here are a few of the best places to visit in the Peak District if you’re new to the area and are here for just a few days:

Chatsworth House: the UK’s Most Magnificent Stately Home?

This magnificent stately home is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Peak District. It’s home to a stunning collection of art and furniture, as well as extensive gardens and parkland. You can visit Chatsworth using Wheeldon Trees discounted tickets – £18.50 per ticket instead of £28.50.

Ladybower Reservoir: A Dam Busters’ Fan’s Paradise

The Ladybower Reservoir is a must-visit for any fan of the 1955 classic film, The Dam Busters. The reservoir was used as a filming location for the film, and its stunning beauty is still evident today. A short walk across the bridge gives you a panoramic view of the reservoir, and you can even see the remains of a village that was flooded in the 1940s. When the water levels drop, the village becomes visible, providing a haunting reminder of the power of nature. In addition to its historical significance, Ladybower Reservoir is also a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and boating. There are several trails that lead around the reservoir, and you can also rent boats and canoes from the nearby visitor centre.

Haddon Hall: This medieval manor house is another must-see for history buffs. It’s been lovingly restored to its former glory, and its interiors are a feast for the eyes.

Bakewell: More than Just a Tart

Bakewell is a charming village in the Peak District that is famous for its namesake tart. But there’s more to Bakewell than just its delicious pastries. The village is also home to a number of historical sites, including Bakewell Old House and All Saints Church.

Bakewell Old House is a museum that tells the story of the village’s history. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to share their insights with visitors. All Saints Church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The church is worth visiting for its stained glass windows and its tranquil setting.

In addition to its historical sites, Bakewell also has a number of charming shops and cafés. If you’re looking for a traditional English pub meal, the Rutland Arms Hotel is a great option. And of course, no visit to Bakewell would be complete without trying a Bakewell Tart.

Castleton: Deep Dive

This picturesque village is nestled in the heart of the Peak District, and it’s a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. There are several caves to explore in Castleton, including the famous Blue John Cavern.

Kinder Scout: The High Point

Kinder Scout: This is the highest point in the Peak District, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit, and it’s a popular spot for both walkers and cyclists.

Award-Winning Rural Retreat

Wheeldon Trees offers the perfect weekend escape. We have 10 stunning cottages set in 12 acres of Peak District National Park. What’s more, we enjoy some of the best views in the Peaks.

Alongside luxury cottages, our rural retreat offers free EV charging and an honesty shop packed to the brim with goodies. In addition, we have a fantastic games room where you can play pool, air hockey or ping pong. We also have two new electric bikes for you to borrow to explore the local area.

In 2023 five of our cottages were rated 5-Star Gold by VisitEngland. The Farmhouse retained its 5-Star Gold rating from 2020. And now Priestley Cottage, Ollerenshaw Cottage, Nadin Cottage and Mycock Cottage join it with top marks. The remaining five cottages – Sheldon, Walker’s Rest, Critchlow, Elliott and Lomas were all rated 4-Star Gold. In addition, TripAdvisor recently named Wheeldon Trees in the top 10% of places to stay in the world. Thanks to our visitors’ amazing reviews, we were delighted to be awarded the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2022. To complete the hat trick, we were also the runner-up in best self-catering accommodation at this year’s Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

You can view our availability and pick your perfect cottage by following this link – view our availability.