Holiday rentals and lettings in the Peak District

• Choice of stays: From traditional stone cottages and converted farmhouses to spacious holiday homes and cosy B&Bs, there are self-catering bases to suit couples, families and groups across the National Park.
• Where to stay: Buxton, Bakewell, Castleton, Edale and Matlock Bath are all great choices, offering everything from spa heritage and market-town food to serious hiking and family days out.
• Highly rated by guests: Top properties score well above 9.0, with reviewers praising the warm welcomes, peaceful settings and easy access to the surrounding hills and dales.
• Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn bring the quietest trails and finest colours, whilst summer is liveliest for festivals and family outings.
• Plenty to do: Cable cars, stately homes, vintage trams, Bakewell puddings and the thrills of Alton Towers mean there is something for every kind of traveller.

The Peak District offers a wonderful spread of self-catering accommodation, from traditional stone-built cottages and converted farmhouses to spacious holiday homes for larger groups and welcoming B&Bs for shorter stays. Many properties are built from the local stone that defines the landscape. The most popular amenities include:

• Fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Private gardens and outdoor spaces
• Cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing soak
• Pet-friendly homes so the dog can come too

For something extra special, luxury rentals with premium touches are dotted right across the National Park. Alternatively, go rustic with log cabins and lodges tucked away in the countryside.

What are the best areas to stay in the Peak District?

For a first visit, Buxton makes an excellent base thanks to its spa heritage and central setting. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Our Peak District holiday rentals are rated highly by guests, who regularly praise the warm welcomes, the peace and quiet and the easy access to the hills.

Here are our top-rated holiday rentals from the past year:

1. New Cottage Farm - 10.0: A spacious three-bedroom cottage for five with a private yard in the heart of the Peak District, praised for its roomy interiors and wonderfully peaceful setting.
2. Manifold Cottage - 10.0: A cosy one-bedroom cottage for two with its own yard, this charming retreat near the Manifold valley is ideal for a quiet couples' break in the countryside.
3. The Causeway - 9.8+: Set in the historic village of Eyam, this two-bedroom cottage for four with a sunny yard won guests over with its warm welcome and walker-friendly location.

The Peak District sits at the southern end of the Pennines in central England, spread mainly across Derbyshire with parts reaching into Staffordshire, Cheshire and Yorkshire, framed by the cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby.

✈️What is the best way to get to the Peak District?

Getting to the Peak District is straightforward, with good options by road, rail and air. Here are the most common ways to reach the national park:

• Car: The park is easily reached from the M1 to the east and the M6 to the west, with the A6 running through Buxton and Matlock and the A515 linking Ashbourne to Buxton. The scenic A57 Snake Pass crosses the high moors between Manchester and Sheffield, though it can close in bad weather.
• Train: The Hope Valley line links Manchester and Sheffield with handy stations at Edale, Hope and Hathersage, whilst a separate branch runs from Manchester to Buxton and another from Derby up to Matlock.
• Plane: Manchester Airport and East Midlands Airport are both within easy reach, each around an hour away by car or via a train connection.

🥗Where to eat in the Peak District?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is among the best-rated places to eat in the Peak District. Below is a table showing five highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Rachel and Paul recommend Aitch's Wine Bar & Bistro in Bakewell: a relaxed, friendly spot for a long lunch or a leisurely evening meal, with thoughtful local dishes and a well-chosen wine list.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The Peak District is a year-round destination, but late May to early September brings the warmest, driest weather for walking and outdoor days. For quieter trails and the finest colours, September and October are hard to beat, whilst spring carpets the dales in wildflowers. Winter is atmospheric and best suited to cosy pub lunches and shorter, well-planned walks.

Spring (March to May)

• Best for: Wildflower walks, lambing season and quieter villages before the summer crowds arrive.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fresh mornings and the occasional bright, clear afternoon.
• Atmosphere: Calm and reawakening, with daffodils and bluebells brightening the dales.

Summer (June to August)

• Best for: Family days out, festivals and the famous well dressings across the villages.
• Weather: The warmest and driest of the year, ideal for long days on the hills.
• Atmosphere: Lively and busy, especially in honeypot spots like Bakewell and Castleton.

Autumn (September to November)

• Best for: Peaceful hikes, golden woodland colours and uncrowded country pubs.
• Weather: Crisp and increasingly cool, with misty mornings over the moors.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and scenic, a favourite time for keen walkers and photographers.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Peak District local expert, Diane of The Causeway, recommends exploring the historic village of Eyam, famous for its plague history, before heading to the gardens at nearby Chatsworth for an afternoon. You can read more local tips on Diane's page.

1. Soar above the valley on the Heights of Abraham cable car
2. Step inside the splendour of Chatsworth House
3. Travel back in time at Crich Tramway Village
4. Taste an original Bakewell Pudding in Bakewell
5. Ride the rollercoasters at Alton Towers

1. Soar above the valley on the Heights of Abraham cable car

   From the village of Matlock Bath, glide high above the wooded Derwent gorge in the Heights of Abraham cable car. At the top you can tour a show cavern and former lead mine, wander the hilltop park and gardens, and let the children loose in the play areas. The views back down the valley are some of the finest in the park.

2. Step inside the splendour of Chatsworth House

   One of England's grandest stately homes, Chatsworth House offers a fascinating glimpse into how the British aristocracy once lived. Explore the lavish state rooms and art collection, then lose yourself in the 105-acre gardens with their famous cascade, trick fountains and modern sculptures. The estate also has a farmyard and adventure playground for younger visitors, plus a farm shop and restaurant.

3. Travel back in time at Crich Tramway Village

   At the Crich Tramway Village you can ride beautifully restored vintage trams all day long and step into a recreated period street complete with pub, sweet shop and tea rooms. Regular events bring the place to life, including wartime Home Front reenactments that are a real hit with families.

4. Taste an original Bakewell Pudding in Bakewell

   No visit is complete without trying a warm Bakewell Pudding, a flaky pastry case filled with jam and a rich almond custard that is quite different from the better-known Bakewell Tart. The closely guarded traditional recipes are found nowhere else in the world but the market town of Bakewell. Time your visit for the lively Monday market if you can.

5. Ride the rollercoasters at Alton Towers

   On the edge of the Peak District, Alton Towers is one of the country's most popular theme parks, home to some of the most extreme rollercoasters in the world. There is plenty for everyone, from white-knuckle thrills to gentler rides and the colourful CBeebies Land for little ones.