Do you want to keep up to date with holiday cottage offers and deals in the Peak District?  The Visit Peaks Peak District newsletter is the main place where we advertise reduced price availability and for some breaks it is only in the newsletter that you'll get our exclusive short break discounts.  

The March newsletter will go out at the end of the month and if you sign up you will also get our Peek at the Peak District guide for free.

On top of that the March newsletter will include a further reduction on our June deal at Riverside House holiday cottage, exclusive to newsletter readers only! Currently our short break, Saturday 8th to Thursday 13th June, is reduced by £150 but watch out for the newsletter and an even bigger discount.

The newsletter provides a handy guide to events going on in the Peak District, in both Staffordshire and Derbyshire.  There's a round-up of places to eat and drink too, not forgetting dog friendly places to visit.  

Walks for all abilities are regularly included in the newsletter as well as our top picks of places to entertain the family, young and old alike.

The Peak District is an ideal area for cycling traffic free whatever your level.  We've selected our top three trails plus included details about a cycling festival held annually in the Peak District, Eroica Britannia.

High Peak Trail

A lovely seventeen mile cycling trail from near Buxton to Cromford.  The High Peak Trail follows the old railway line and passes by Cromford Wharf on the canal, with old buildings, a smithy and cafe.  If you have time it is well worth visiting Arkwright's Cromford Mills with its visitor centre and it is the site of the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mills in the country.  Refreshments and gift shops on site.

Monsal Trail

Right on the doorstep of Riverside House holiday cottage this eight mile trail connects Bakewell to Chee Dale (outside of Buxton).  Following the former railway line you will cycle through four former railway tunnels (cycle lights needed) and over the stunning Monsal Viaduct with fabulous views (shown in the picture).  Why not visit Hassop station with electric bike hire, cafe, gift shop and bookshop.  Cycling The Monsal Trail from Riverside House to Bakewell is a great family day out and take time to explore Bakewell's shops, cafes and restaurants.  

Tissington Trail

A traffic free trail following the old railway route and running thirteen miles from Parsley Hay to just north of Ashbourne.  It is easy to visit Ashbourne from the Trail and there are plenty of shops, pubs, cafes and a market too.  Along the route take in the pretty village of Tissington with pond, cafe, shops and picturesque cottages.  A visit to the Tissington Trail is idea for guests of Valley View holiday cottage as it is only five minutes by car or cycle from the door along the lane (note this is steep on the way up to the Trail).  If you are looking for a pub on the route we suggest lunch at The Old Dog in Thorpe signposted on the Trail and only a couple of minutes detour. 

Eroica Britannia

A weekend festival of classic bike rides all held in the Peak District cycling through some lovely villages and countryside.  For 2019 only there is a day only event on Saturday 18 August.  This is the '500' a one-off event to celebrate the 6th year of Eroica Britannia and it will start and finish in the market town of Bakewell.  As Bakewell is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Bakewell Show in 2019 Eroica will be a smaller event for 2019 only.  The full festival weekend with the three different cycle rides will return in 2020.  

For more details about holiday cottages in the Peak District close to these cycling trails contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

When we visited Valley View holiday cottage in January we visited a few pubs, new and old and we were so impressed by the refurbished Greenman pub in Ashbourne that we wanted to write a blog on it.

We really cannot fault anything about our visit.  The pub is done out in a modern style and there's plenty of room around tables.  The open plan style kitchen allows you to watch the chefs at work and the staff are all very friendly.  In fact the service was excellent.

But it was the food that was so impressive.  Home made pate, venison pie, the best fish and chips my husband has ever had and all accompanied with wonderful wine.  Everything is made on site, including any of the smoking, curing, baking, bread and more.  And much of it is sourced locally.

If you are staying at Valley View holiday cottage or visiting Ashbourne in the Peak District, we highly recommend a visit to The Greenman.  It is an old coaching inn dating back to the eighteenth century, but it feels modern and welcoming.  It is part of a small complex, through the arch, which also includes Jack Rabbits cafe, run by the same team.  We haven't visited there yet, but it is on our list of places to try out too.

November and December can be a magical time to visit the Peak District.  Crisp, crunchy walks and bright blue skies and the changing colours of the trees are some of the delights of a stay at this time of year.  What’s more you will have space in the Peak District to yourself;  the walks and views may well be quiet with fewer people taking time off.

That’s not to say that there isn’t plenty to see and do.  Take a look at our round up of events below.

Peak District events in November and December

Chatsworth Christmas market

16 Nov to 4 Dec

Grand Bazaar and Christmas lights switch on, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

23 Nov

Ashbourne Christmas lights switch on

24 Nov

Matlock Victorian Christmas market

30 Nov – 2 Dec

Bolsover Lantern Parades, 25^th Anniversary

1 Dec

Sleeping Beauty and other Tales at Haddon Hall

1-23 Dec

Street food and craft market, Chesterfield

14 – 17 Dec

Matlock Farm Park, breakfasts with Santa

2 and 9 Dec, 9 – 10.30 am

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about a winter Peak District short break.

Ashbourne is a lovely market town in Derbyshire in the south of the Peak District and an ideal place to spend some hours wandering around the lovely shops or for sampling tea and cakes, real ale or an evening meal.

Some of our favourite places to visit are the antique shops on Church Street.  You could literally browse here for hours such is the choice. Or you could visit the Market Place on Thursdays and Saturdays for the local market, whilst the artisanal market is every second Sunday in the month.  

Ashbourne has a wide selection of independent stores and boutiques in the lovely cobbled streets.  The Village Rainbow is our favourite gift shop, it's an ideal place to pick up birthday presents or just to wander round.  The Gin Gaf is worth a visit with a selection of gins that are not easily bought elsewhere.  And for a great selection of beers try Maison Du Bierre. 

If like us you can't resist a good old fashioned DIY shop do pop into David Neil Mica Hardware, it really does have a fabulous selection of all things DIY and a good cookware selection too.  

If food is what you crave, Ashbourne does not disappoint.  Our top cafe picks are either The Flower Cafe or Dillons, but the well known, The Gingerbread Shop, which our kids when younger loved, is great too.  The building itself dates back to 1492.  

For a spot of lunch try Bramhall's Deli and Cafe or some gorgeous breads, rolls and pizzas to take away at The Ashbourne Bakehouse.  

For an evening meal Anaya's Indian restaurant is good, and on the spicy note we also like The Thai Basement.  The Lamplight restaurant is highly recommended for a special evening meal with English/French style dishes.  Finally the Market Place Fish and Chip shop is an institution and not to be missed for proper 'newspaper' fish and chips.

For beer drinkers do not miss Smiths Tavern a High Street pub with fabulous ale.  As it has a small frontage a bit like a shop be careful not to miss it.  Dogs are welcome at all times and children up to 9 pm.  The only food though is pork pies and bar snacks.   

Finally, we couldn't write about Ashbourne without mentioning the traffic free Tissington Trail at the top of the town.  It's a great spot for walkers and cyclists as the setting off point for the Trail.

So plenty to see and do in Ashbourne.  It's only 15 minutes by car to our holiday cottage, Valley View, so next time you are in the area with friends and family why not think about staying? 

For more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

It feels as if summer may be coming to an end and the weather is a bit more autumnal.  In the Peak District things quieten down a bit and Autumn can be a lovely time to come and visit for a short break or longer if you are lucky to have the time.

One of our favourite things to do in the Peak District in the Autumn is to visit The Monsal Trail.  This is a traffic free stretch of former railway line running from Bakewell to outside of Buxton.  

There's a great bike hire option at Hassop Station, with electric bikes too, as well as a cafe, book and gift shop and plenty of parking.  If you start from here we suggest heading in the direction towards Buxton and you can cycle through several railway tunnels and stop at the Monsal Head Viaduct to enjoy stunning views (see the picture above).  A refreshment pit stop is also available at The Stable Bar at the top of the Monsal Head, but it is a steep walk up, so note with bicycles it could be tricky.  

If you happen to be staying with us at Riverside House holiday cottage, The Monsal Trail is only a short walk across the river Wye at the back of the cottage and up a small slope to access the Trail.  If you are feeling fit and energetic walk all the way to Hassop Station, or even Bakewell and back.  Allow a few hours and extra time to wander around Bakewell.  Or simply enjoy a stroll in either direction from Riverside House holiday cottage to take in the industrial heritage such as lime kilns, railway tunnels and some stunning vistas.  

The Monsal Trail is ideal for dog friendly walks as it is traffic free and in the Autumn there are less cyclists and walkers on the Trail.  If you pick the right time early in the morning or later in the day it can almost feel as if you have the place to yourself.  

We have some limited availability this Autumn at Riverside House holiday cottage so if you want to take a short break and enjoy The Monsal Trail why not get in touch?  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

There's still plenty of fun to be had this summer at Chatsworth House in the Peak District.  Here's a few highlights:

Chatsworth Country Fair: 31 Aug to 2 Sept - includes JCB Dancing Diggers, Household Cavalry Musical Ride, Celebrity Chefs (including Mary Berry) and K9 Aquasport.  There's 10% off tickets up to 27 Aug and it should be a great event for all the family to enjoy.

Chatsworth Renewed - every day and included in your admission there's a trail which highlights people involved in building, conserving and looking after Chatsworth House.  In the Inner Court Yard you can create your own urn too.

Baalington Lamb - every day and included in your admission try and find Baalington Lamb hidden throughout the house.  Each time you find him he has a fun fact or task to do.

Belvedere Tours: 12-3 pm - get a great view of the garden and park in this part of the house that is not often open to the public.

Paxton's Conservatory - every day and included in your admission meet by the maze and virtually tour the Great Conservatory with expert guides. 

Face painting: weekends and included in the admission price - near the maze.

Garden Games - around the maze area there's skittles, giant jenga and croquet.  Guides in vintage costume can answer questions about the rules of the games if needed.

Bands in the Rose Garden: weekends and included in the admission price - 18, 19, 25 and 26 August.

Heritage Crafts in the farmyard and playground: 21 Aug - have a go at wool spinning.

Milking Demonstrations - every day at 3.30 pm and included in the admission price.

For further information about what's on for all the family at Chatsworth House click here

For more information about staying in the Peak District contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Peakzip is a new zip wire experience in the Peak District National Park.  Located in private woods near Whaley Bridge, this is an experience not to be missed for the fun seeking, young at heart and anyone that wants a bit of an adrenalin rush whilst on holiday.

There are three different zip wires; the first, which is a warm up to get you going, is the Main Camp zip; the Flying Fox zip with a steep 50 metre plummet into a quarry bay and the Big Zipper a 50 metre crossing in the open air.  The whole experience will last approximately two hours with all equipment and an instructor provided and no prior experience is necessary.  An average level of fitness is required. 

The zip wires are suitable for ages 10 and over and all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. There is private free car parking and toilets provided.  Access to some areas maybe a little steep, but it is short and suitable footwear and clothing for the weather conditions are highly recommended.  In total 600 metres will be walked to access the zip wires.  

Prices are £19 per person but group discounts are available for larger parties (6 plus) or private events.  

Current dates available, which must be booked in advance:

28 and 29 July (this is the launch weekend with a 3 for 2 deal availble by contacting Peakzip and quoting 'VisitPeaks' for this offer)
2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 27, 28, 30 and 31 August
2 September

The Peakzip reopens in October after these dates.

For further information contact http://peakinstruction.com/peakzip.htm

Relax, recharge, have fun and getaway.  A few of the reasons why people choose a short break weekend away.  The Peak District National Park can offer plenty of opportunities to do all of these things and more.  Don't take our word for it though, here are some of the comments of past guests at our holiday cottages, who have enjoyed short break self-catering holidays with friends and family.

A weekend in Riverside House holiday cottage - 'walks from the door, past the babbling river, feeding the ducks, over the wooden bridge. We walked the Monsal Trail, loved the living local history there and visited the spa town of Buxton.'

A short break at Valley View holiday cottage - 'we hired bikes on the Tissington Trail, walked up the hill to a smart pub, along the river Dove (shown in the picture) to Ilam and Thorpe and had great fun crossing the stepping stones. We visited the market town of Ashbourne, saw water mills, water stones and mill stones- the kids loved it.'

So many things to do, so much fun to be had, so why not consider a break away and take time out for laughs, happiness, the great outdoors and just enjoying being away from it all. 

For more information on a short break holiday cottage stay in the Peak District contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

As the days get warmer and the evenings get longer it's a great time to get out and about.  If the Peak District is on your list of places to visit we've got a few events and festivals picked out for you during May and June. 

Tideswell Food Festival Sat 5th May, Bank Holiday weekend

With over 50 foodie stalls and many locally produced items, why not pop into Tideswell and sample some goodies.  The local pubs, shops and cafes will all be taking part.  And new this year is a Makers Market based around the stunning Tideswell Cathedral in the Peak (shown in the picture).  With over 20 craft stalls there's sure to be something to take your fancy. 

Devonshire Dome, Buxton, gin event, Sat 5th May, Bank Holiday weekend (afternoon and evening sessions)

The Gin Society Festival returns to the Dome in Buxton, where over 120 gins are available to try.  The gin stations are divided in British, World, Fruit and Cocktail bars and there's a Prosecco bar too.  Over 18s only.

Derbyshire Open Arts, Spring Bank Holiday weekend, 26 May to 3 June

For the 12th year this is a great chance to enjoy the arts and crafts of the county at selected venues, some off the beaten track.  Meet the artists and maybe take something special home?

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 June (10-6.30 Wed to Sat and 10-5 Sun)

In the grounds of Chatsworth House, the RHS returns for a second year.  Highlights include the Great Conservatory full of orchids, a living labratory and a river of flowers (a mass planting of Cosmos).  Plenty of shopping opportunities too!

Eroica Britannia, weekend of 15 - 17 June

A festival of the heritage of cycling with cycle rides on the Sunday over a choice of distances.  Bikes and gear must be pre-1987 only.  Or enjoy the festival itself with music, entertainment, shopping, food and drink and camping.  

Let's hope that there's something here for you and your family to enjoy.  For some events tickets and registration are available in advance, for others simply turn up and enjoy.  

For more information on what's on in the Peak District contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There's nothing better than trying local produce and supporting local shops and producers when staying in and visiting an area.

During your self-catering stay in the Peak District that's hopefully what you will want to do to. 

Cooking with friends and family is great fun when you have time and lovely fully-equipped holiday cottage kitchens.  So here's our choice of two Peak District foodie shops, each one ideally located for access to either of our holiday cottages. 

Tindalls of Tideswell (handy for Riverside House holiday cottage)

Some of the foodie delights to try include a homemade pork pie or a steak and ale or turkey and ham pie, as well as a traditional Fidgety pie made with apples, onions, potatoes and bacon.  It was originally produced in Derbyshire to use up apples during harvest time.  Tindalls have some authentic Derbyshire cakes and biscuits, such as Thar Cakes, Wakes Cakes and a Tidza pud (their take on the Bakewell pudding), all ideal dessert options for self-catering.  Tindalls has a great range of homemade jams, chutneys, pickles, bread, rolls, local made yoghurt as well as a selection of cheeses, olives and pates.  We think your holiday cottage group will all find something to devour here!

The Village Stores Hartington (ideal for Valley View holiday cottage)

This local Peak District shop really does have everything.  Where to start?  Perhaps a fresh coffee while you decide - it really is delicious!  The shelves are full of local jams, pickles, fresh coffee from the Buxton roastery (already mentioned, but truly wonderful), pies, Bakewell pudding as well as plenty of storecupboard ingredients, fresh fruit and veg, fresh meat, cheeses, milk and even traditional sweets.   One of our favourite isles is the selection of beers from Thornbridge Brewery with names such as Tizara, Chiron, AM:PM, Jaipur (our personal fav) and Wild Swan.  We suggesting pairing them with food!  And Jaipur is sometimes available in kegs for the very thirsty!

For more information on staying in the Peak District and cooking in self-catering kitchens contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

One of the great pleasures of visiting the countryside is enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air.  It's even more fun if you are with your family and your dog too.  Dog walks and family walks are a great way to get together and spend some quality time.

We've put together three suggested walks in the Peak District, which are ideal for all family members and your four-legged family too!

One of our favourites is the traffic free Monsal Trail with 8 miles of traffic free walking with tunnels, views (Monsal Head viaduct), cafes, pubs and heritage information on the route.  If you need a pit stop the dog friendly Stable Bar at The Monsal Head is ideal, with views to die for too.  Bike hire is available at Hassop Station, with plenty of parking, a cafe, book shop and gift shop.  Lovely outdoor tables and chairs too.

Then there’s the delightful Dovedale with its famous stepping stones across the river Dove, idyllic picnic spots, caves and wooden bridges to explore.  All traffic free but some parts of the walk dogs need to be on a lead, especially in lambing season.

And finally the Tissington Trail another traffic free gem with probably one of our favourite pubs just off the Trail.  The clues in the name, The Old Dog, 100% dog friendly with open fires, sheepskin throws and a modern twist on heritage architecture as a theme.  The burgers are pretty amazing too! 

For more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

It’s never too late to start a new hobby or get fit.  Even for the less active hiring an electric bike in the Peak District National Park is a great way to enjoy the countryside.

On the traffic free Monsal Trail you can have a great day out.  From Hassop Station on the Monsal Trail you can hire electric bikes (book in advance) and the pedal assist makes for effortless cruising. My husband and I enjoyed setting the speed and level of assistance on the bikes which are easy to use and ideally suited to leisure users.

The bikes have an upright position offering the most comfort for cycling and even come with a handy basket to carry your essentials for the trip.  They are heavier than a conventional bike because of the battery but you can start in gear and with power assistance and once going they feel lighter and easy to pedal.

There is plenty of parking at Hassop Station plus once you have enjoyed a power assisted cycle the Hassop Station Café serves a delicious range of homemade food including locally sourced produce. There’s even a sun terrace, covered outdoor area, bookshop and gift area.

So if you want a silver biking day out in some glorious traffic free countryside why not try hiring an electric bike in the Peak District?

A bit about us

Visit Peaks holiday cottages are owned and managed by Wendy Boast.  Wendy and her family have been going to the Peak District for 30 years and have detailed knowledge of the area and things to do.  Wendy can help tailor make a family holiday, activity holiday or leisure break.  Wendy stays in both her cottages on a regular basis with friends and family to make sure that everything is in place for a welcoming break in the Peak District. 

We often get groups of friends and families celebrating special birthdays or anniversaries at our holiday cottages.  Well there's nothing quite like a special afternoon tea as a way to celebrate a special event.  We've chosen three places that would make a great afternoon tea celebration. 

There's always plenty to do in the Peak District during February half term.  Here are our top picks for all the family.

• Medieval Mayhem and Bolsolver Castle - take a trip in time and test your skills and fun in medieval games.  Open 19-23 Feb 11 - 3. The castle is also worth a visit to soak up the Age of Chivelry.  There's a fairytale little castle, atmospheric ruined terrace and interesting Venus Gardens. 
• Matlock Farm Park - On Sat 15 and Sun 16 February there's a reptiles event featuring bearded dragons, geckos, a tarantula and Lucy the seven foot boa constrictor!  Bring cameras for photo opportunities.  There's so much more to do at Matlock Farm Park, with lots of animals to visit, horse riding, trails, play areas and a cafe.  
• Arkwrights Cromford Mills - visit the Derwent Mills World Heritage site where there is something for everyone.  Interactive films with a Sir Richard Arkwright hologram, the world's first successful water powered cotton mill, narrowboat rides along the canal, walks, trails, galleries, shops and places to eat. 

There's plenty of other things to see and do in the Peak District this half term including Gulliver's Kingdom, Poole's Cavern and Country Park, Heights of Abraham and Chatsworth Farm and Adventure playground.  Have fun!

www.visitpeaks.co.uk 

One of the delights of visiting the Peak District is to enjoy walks centered around visiting pubs.  There are many pubs to choose from in the Peak District and both the holiday cottages, Valley View and Riverside House, are within easy walk or drive to some great pubs. 

During our recent visit to the Peak District in January 2018 we visited some old favourites and reconnected with past haunts.  Here's our shortlist.

The George, Alstonfield

The new owners are delightful, friendly and welcoming.  They are keeping the tradition of excellent food, wine and beer going and are happy to welcome bookings from larger groups staying at Valley View holiday cottage.  There is a room to the side of the bar that can be booked along with a large stand alone room across the courtyard.  

The Devonshire Arms, Hartington

There's always a friendly welcome here from the cheerful landlord.  We visited the walker's bar with our dog but there is also a larger dining room available.  The pub food is of a consistently good standard and the beer is always well liked by the beer drinkers in our group.  

The Church Inn, Chelmorton

Another favourite of ours and ideal for guests staying at Riverside House holiday cottage.  Dogs are welcome in the bar area, the landlord is welcoming and the food is varied and good.  The rabbit pie special went down particularly well.  

The Old Gate Inn, Brassington

It's been over 10 years since we paid this pub a visit and we regret not going back sooner.  A roaring log fire, great beer and excellent food and service makes this pub well worth a visit.  Dogs are welcome too.  

Of course there are plenty of other lovely pubs to visit in the Peak District, and we can advise you when staying with us at our holiday cottages.  We've visited quite a few (all in a days work) so do ask us!

For further information about our holiday cottages and visiting the Peak District contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There are many events and things to do in the Peak District this Spring.  Here's our pick.

Free guided walking weekend on 19 and 20 May.  

On Sat 19 May start and finish at Hathersage car park and enjoy this lovely circuit with scenery from the tops of Stanage Edge and White Edge as well as the gorgeous Derwent Valley.  This days walk is approx 12 miles and you can bring a friend, your dog or come alone. 

On Sun 20 May the walk starts at Chatsworth House and is a 5-mile loop finishing at the river.  

What an ideal way to get a free taster of the Peak District countryside!  

Tideswell Food Festival on 5 May

Visit the charming town of Tideswell with is Cathedral in the Peak and enjoy the annual food festival too.  Over 60 food stalls as well as entertainment and for 2018 new this year is a Makers Market for gifts and craft products.  This will be the biggest yet!  

Chatsworth renewed opens 24 March

A glimpse of all the work that has been taking place at Chatsworth House.  Visit hidden areas, meet skilled tradespeople, see vast tracts of the new lead on the roof, discover what's under the floor in Chapel Corridor and admire newly renovated tapestries.  

Chatsworth International Horse Trials 11-13 May

A world-class three-day event of sport with family entertainment.  And if you book before 31 January there is 50% off!

For more information on visiting the Peak District contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit Peaks are family run large holiday cottages providing accommodation in the Peak District for over ten years.  Contact us for further information or visit www.visitpeaks.co.uk

It's Dickens time at Chatsworth House.  From November the halls at Chatsworth have been decorated and transformed into Dickensian London.  You can visit scenes from Dickens stories this Christmas at Chatsworth House. Tickets need to be booked.

Dickens by twilight can also be booked for Thursdays and Fridays from 23 November to 22 December.  This will include a mince pie, wine and live music from traditional bell ringers and strings trio.  

Don't miss out the Chatsworth garden and farm shop too while visiting Chatsworth House this Christmas.

To book tickets click here

For more information about visiting the Peak District contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Another blog I know about the Asbourne food market, but it really is becoming a highlight of the Ashbourne and southern Peak District area. 

The next market is on 25 November 2017 and will coincide with the switching on of Ashbourne's Christmas lights. The market stalls will include scrumptious foodie delights, seasonal gifts, handcrafted items all from artisans in the area.  There are vintage dealers and hot street food sellers too as well as local musicians. 

The market is located in the Market Place very central in Ashbourne and there are plenty of car parks in Ashbourne too. Don't miss 8 Dec (the twilight market) and 9 and 10 Dec (the Christmas markets). 

Click here for more information. 

Autumn is here, the leaves on the trees are looking beautiful and the Peak District is gearing up for Halloween.

Here are our top choices for things to do this Halloween in the Peak District.

• Chatsworth House has spooky goings on in the garden, farmyard and playground.  Why not join in the half-term fun activities?  There's a trail of pumpkins, spooky stories or let the little ones weave a spiders web or even become zombies! 
  
• Chesterfield Ghost Tours running on 5, 12, 19 and 26 October.  Thursdays starting at 7.30 pm.  Take a tour round the historic streets of Chesterfield and discover a ghostly past, murders and more!  Booking essential.
  
•  Alton Towers Scarefest on the following dates: 7-8, 14-15, 20-31 October. The theme park stays open until 9 pm on these dates so you can experience the rides in the dark.  There's scary mazes and a freak show too.  
  
• Matlock Farm Park has some Halloween activities from 23 - 31 October.  Try out pumpkin carving, go on a treasure hunt or a spooky guided tour featuring the headless horesman and Wanda the Witch.  

So it's time to get out and about in the Peak District for half-term and Halloween this October.  

For information on our holiday cottages in the Peak District contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it