Rugged hillsides, brooding moorland, and gently folded dales – it isn’t hard to see why the Peak District has always been a magnet for walkers. As Britain’s first designated national park, its trails have lured both weekend ramblers and serious hikers for generations, with everyone from aristocrats to acclaimed poets visiting in between. But while the hiking terrain is famously unspoilt, providing a firm challenge for avid walkers, the accommodation options have evolved considerably to ease the strain once the end of the day comes around.
The Peak District is now home to a fine collection of hotels that offer perfect relief after a long walk, soothing tired legs, whether by sipping a stiff whisky beside a roaring fire or indulging in a spa overlooking the picturesque terrain. These are the best hotels in the Peak District to fully experience the areas natural charms.
Losehill House Hotel & Spa
Nestled on a quiet lane near Hope, Losehill House offers panoramic views of the Edale Valley and sits within easy reach of the Pennine Way. A walker’s dream with unbroken ridgelines in every direction, it has direct access to some of the best footpaths at White Peak, one of the most popular walking areas of the Cotswolds.
It hosts 23 stylish bedrooms with soft interiors and a mixture of boutique, and period furnishings, many of which come with expansive views across the valley. After a long hike, guests can unwind in the hotel’s indoor heated pool or the outdoor hot tub, perhaps choosing to make the most of the small but efficient spa and book a massage. The restaurant offers four-course tasting menus that make extensive use of local produce, with guests able to enjoy the sunset from the wide-panelled windows.
The Peacock at Rowsley
The Peacock occupies a 17th-century manor house close to the River Wye and is one of the region’s most elegant accommodations. Inside, the hotel has retained much of its historic character with low ceilings, stone hearths, and lead windows, but the furnishings are anything but dated. Bedrooms feature rich velvet armchairs and roll-top baths, with more modern touches including Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The restaurant offers fine dining courtesy of a seasonal menu that changes daily and a well-curated wine list.
The nearby hiking is varied and top-class, with trails just ten minutes by car from both Chatsworth House and the limestone gorges of Lathkill Dale, as well as a short stroll from the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail. After a full day outdoors, the crackling fire in the drawing room offers a pleasing relief from the cool air of the dales, warming the body amid cosy and comfortable settings.
Callow Hall
Just outside Ashbourne, Callow Hall pushes the boat out when it comes to interiors. Designs here lean towards the bold: a riot of colour and botanical prints plays out across the house’s drawing rooms, with vintage furniture offsetting sculptural lighting. But it’s the Garden Room restaurant and surrounding wildflower meadows that often leave the deepest impression.
Locally sourced dishes are served in a light-filled conservatory, and the hotel’s focus on wellbeing is evident in its range of guided walks, yoga classes, and e-bikes for gentle off-day exploration. It's an ideal launch point for the Tissington Trail or hikes into Dovedale. Accommodation includes both rooms in the main house and sustainably built woodland cabins and treehouses, offering a delightful alternative for those wanting a stay that's a bit closer to nature.
The Cavendish Hotel
Sitting on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, this refined hotel has direct access to over 1000 acres of parkland, as well as easy routes up into Curbar Edge and Baslow Moor. The interiors lean more traditional, with plush carpets, oil paintings, and period furnishings that feel elegant and timeless. Many rooms overlook the surrounding estate and have window seats that practically demand a post-hike cup of tea or a crisp glass of wine.
Dining is a high point at The Cavendish, with two options: The Gallery, offering fine dining with silver service, and The Garden Room, which serves classic British dishes in a much more relaxed setting. One thoughtful touch of service is the picnic option. Guests can pick up their hamper in the morning and head directly into some of the Peak District’s most photogenic terrain. The Cavendish, a leader in luxury in the area, knows what its guests desire most from their stay.
The Maynard
A few minutes from the start of the Padley Gorge walk, The Maynard has been transformed from what was once a humble coaching inn into a stylish country hotel. The Scandi-inspired design of softwoods and bright, airy rooms blends well with antique furnishings and curated local artworks. The rooms are generously sized, with walk-in showers and cloud-like beds, and several offering woodland or moorland views.
The Maynard is perfectly located for shorter day hikes, with the option for walkers to enjoy more gentle loops into the Longshaw Estate or up to Froggatt Edge. These options are easily accessible without the need for a car, offering fantastic alternatives for hikers of all abilities. This particular establishment is an ideal choice for those wanting a more stripped-back stay in the Peak District, especially for leisurely walks that are a lot closer to home.
Biggin Hall
Filled with character, Biggin Hall near Hartington – a tiny Peak District village mentioned in the Doomsday Book – offers a more old-world take on the Peak District’s renowned hospitality. Located within a 17th-century country house and grounds, this stunning period property is surrounded by quiet limestone valleys, making it an ideal spot from which to plan your walks. For those looking to explore paths less trodden, gentle strolls towards the likes of Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale offer perfect options.
As many may expect from such an old property, Biggin Hall’s rooms are simple but full of period charm. Flagstone floors, exposed beams and antique furniture are complemented by modern comforts such as waterfall showers. The restaurant serves hearty, traditional English fare such as roast beef, game pie and homemade puddings, all from locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding farms. Biggin Hall offers a sense of timeless quality and charm that appeals to walkers looking for peace, privacy, and a slower pace whilst exploring the area.
