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.

A fabulous new bathroom has been completed at Valley View holiday cottage.  This is a downstairs bathroom off the main hall and it now has a brand new shower, basin and w.c. along with new floor tiles and wall tiles.  We are delighted with the results and our first guests to use it last weekend reported back that it is a great improvement. 

It is handy for families and mobility impaired guests as it is a downstairs bathroom off the hall and close to the kitchen and lounge.  

Valley View holiday cottage in the Peak District has three bathrooms, six bedrooms and sleeps 13 guests plus two on a sofa bed.  A cot and travel cot are available and the cottage is family and pet friendly too.

www.dovedaleholidaycottage.co.uk 

An update on works in progress at Valley View holiday cottage.

The downstairs bathroom is undergoing a complete refurbishment and that is about half-way through.  A completely new walk in style shower, toilet and basin are being installed.  As well as new wall and floor tiles, new lighting, mirror and towel rail.  We can't wait to see the results!

This new bathroom will be ideal for mobility impaired guests too.

Other improvements to start next week include new carpets in two of the bedrooms along with new carpets in the Annex lounge and staircase.  

These are just some of the things we are doing to keep our holiday cottages fresh and new and ready for our 2019 guests. 

For more information on Valley View holiday cottage visit www.dovedaleholidaycottage.co.uk 

Or contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sniff out these dog friendly holiday cottages in the gorgeous Peak District National Park and treat your dog to a holiday in 2019.

Riverside House and Valley View holiday cottages accept up to five dogs at both cottages.  There are loads of lovely walks from the doorsteps of both cottages and dog friendly pubs all within walking distance. 

And it gets even better at Riverside House holiday cottage as we have just introduced a doggy welcome pack. 

Contents for our four-legged visitors will include:

• dog treats
• poop bags
• dog shampoo
• dog bowls with non-slip mat
• dog bed
• dog throw
• dog towels

Other benefits of staying with multiple dogs at Riverside House:

• Pleny of downstairs space with open plan layout and easy to clean flooring
• Outside taps for washing down after muddy walks
• Safe, fully enclosed grassed and patio area
• Cosy, warm log burner with fire guard for relaxation after the long walks
• Walks from the door including the traffic free Monsal Trail (just across the bridge at the back of the cottage and up to the Trail)
• Very dog friendly pub, The Angler's Rest, one mile from the cottage

Riverside House holiday cottage is now looking super cosy and ready to welcome Christmas and New Year guests.

Some recent additions include:

• new Bosch washing machine in the utility room
• a selection of dishes and baking dishes for seasonal cooking
• wine and champagne glasses re-stocked with more than enough for a drink in hand as well as a set in the dishwasher
• new fluffy bed runners
• fresh new paint on the towel rails
• logs moved right next to the house and kindling topped up for cosy nights in
• brand new large toaster in the kitchen

Getaway and grab 20% off any weekend at Riverside House holiday cottage in January, February or March 2019 (subject to availability)

This large family friendly self catering accommodation sleeps 9+2+cot in four bedrooms and has three bathrooms.  

Plus huge separate games room, Sky movies and sports, BT sports - all in surround sound, wi-fi, unlimited logs and kindling for the log burner are all included.  Bed linen and towels included as well.  

Riverside House holiday cottage is dog friendly too.  Bring you pet for £15 for the short break.  

Take advantage of this 20% off deal now and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

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.

Got the Autumn/Winter blues? Why not shake off the cobwebs and getaway to the Peak District with friends and family? A short break is just the ticket.

The Peak District is beautiful at this time of year (take a look at the picture above of the river Wye in its crispy winter gown) with crunchy walks and winter wonderland vistas.  

Or is snuggling up next to a cosy fire or hunkering down under a warm duvet and feeling warm underfloor heating between your toes more your thing?

All this and more is ready and waiting at Riverside House holiday cottage an ideal self catering getaway for friends and family to share. 

Riverside House sleeps 9+2 guests (and cot) in four bedrooms, it has three bathrooms and a super large games room.  

Save £100 and grab one of the weekends still available this winter:

From Friday 30 November for up to four nights or;

From Friday 14 December for up to four nights
(some flexibility with arrival and departure dates)

Now £769 for 9+2 guests (that's only £69 per person based on full capacity)

And bring your pets too.  Dog friendly accommodation for up to five well-behaved dogs (£15 per pet per stay applies).

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

Autumn is here and it makes us think of hot soups, steaming stews, spicy curries and warming desserts and cakes.

We love a bowl of roast butternut squash soup with crusty white bread, here's our tips for the best ever version!

• Cut the pumpkin into wedges and deseed (no need to peel at this stage)
• Roast in the oven with a drizze of olive or rapeseed oil
• When soft and cooled down take off the skin
• Add to a pan of already sauted and softened onions in butter
• In a separate pan make a white or cheese sauce
• Add some veg stock to the sauted onion and pumpkin
• Add the white/cheese sauce
• Wizz altogether for ultimate, rich pumpkin soup
• Add salt and petter to taste

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  

Check out this great offer at Valley View holiday cottage in the Peak District.

From Monday 29 October to Friday 2 November the price is reduced by £100 to £991.

Valley View holiday rental sleeps up to 15 guests in six bedrooms and is in a stunning location with views all round Dovedale, one of the best known areas in the Peak District.  It is ideal for walks or relaxing.  There's a log burner with unlimited free logs and kindling and your booking will include all bed linen and towels.

Dog friendly too, ask us about holidays for dogs.  

And to top it all off there's a great foodie pub only a short (but fairly steep) walk away in the next village.  

If you are looking for a late Half-Term getaway with friends and family this could be just the deal for you!

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

Booking direct with holiday cottage owners means that you get independent care and attention at all times.  Your not one of many, but one of a few highly valued guests.  And to that end the owners of Valley View holiday cottage stay there on a regular basis, checking out everything that is used by guests as well as sampling the same holiday experiences.  That's not something you always get with the large holiday cottage organisations.

Some recent improvements at Valley View holiday cottage include a complete refurbishment of the utility room.  There are two brand new large capacity drum size washing machines and two brand new dryers.  Not that there's been a lot of rain, but it will be ideal for wet walking gear or general family washing.  And there's a new whirly dryer outside for those great sunny drying days!

The Entrance Hall is also undergoing a revamp with the lovely bench seat taking pride of place to face the views over Dovedale.  We are creating a quiet seating area here and in September it will be finished off with hand-made cushion seating and two side tables for books, tea or wine.  

And in January 2019 work will start on a total refurbishment of the downstairs bathroom to include a smart new walk in spacious shower, new wc, sink and modern tiling throughout.  Valley View holiday cottage will be closed after the New Year guests leave for the whole of January 2019, but the owners will take the opportunity to also replace some bedroom carpets and carpets in the Cottage Annex too.

So book direct and experience the thought and attention that is provided when the holiday cottage owners really care about your holiday. 

For more information about staying at Valley View holiday cottage contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

(Valley View holiday cottage sleeps up to 15 guests in six bedrooms and is dog and pet friendly).

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

Does this glorious weather make you think about summer holidays? The current heatwave in the UK is getting us all in holiday mood.  The sun is out in the Peak District too.  Lovely Dovedale above in the picture reaching 30 degrees!

There's plenty of things going on in this summer in the Peak District; here's a hightlight or two. 

Heights of Abraham - take the cable car to the top of the Heights for great views over Matlock and the Derwent Valley.  There are caves and woodland trails to discover and if the young ones still have energy two adventure playgrounds.  The underground mining caverns are explored by torchlight to get a feel of how things really were. There is a restaurant and bar at the top with spectacular views.  And why not finish off the day with a trip to Matlock Bath and some traditional fish and chips? Dogs travel free on the cable cars and there are 60 acres of estate to explore with your four-legged friends.   

Summer Nights Festival July - Sept - outdoor movie screenings are taking place in lovely heritage locations during the summer.  Bring a picnic and enjoy a film in beautiful surroundings. 
Calke Abbey - Pretty Woman - 2 Aug and The Greatest Showman - 3 Aug
Hardwick Hall - The Greatest Showman - 17 Aug and Dirty Dancing - 18 Aug

Mason Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site - experience life in an 18th Century Mill that was designed by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1783. Feel what life would have been like with the noise of the looms and smell of the textiles all recreated during your visit.  This working museum is one of the finest surving and best preserved of its kind.  There's also a shopping village and English textiles are on sale and other traditional crafted items.  Enjoy lovely tearooms overlooking the river Derwent. 

Chatsworth Country Fair - 31 Aug - 2 Sept - this annual country fair is a fabulous outdoor event which includes JCB Dancing Diggers, Household Cavalry Musical Ride, a cooking theatre and fine food village.  Opportunities to try your hand at country sports and crafts too. 

Derbyshire Well Dressings - the tradition of dressing wells with flowers, petals and seeds continues throughout the summer.
Stoney Middleton - 21 - 30 July
Bonsall - 28 July - 3 Aug
Great Hucklow - 9 - 15 Aug
Foolow - 24 Aug - 1 Sept
Eyam - 25 Aug - 1 Sept

There's something for everyone this summer in the Peak District.  Get in touch if you'd like further information or if you would like a group holiday cottage stay in the Peak District. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

More and more of our holiday cottage guests are bringing their dogs and pets away on holiday with them.  Whether it is a short break or a longer stay our Visit Peaks self catering cottages are now welcoming many happy four-legged friends. 

Some of the advantages of bringing your pets on holiday are:

• Saving huge kennel fees or pet minding fees
• No house sitters needed
• Less stress for you worrying if you dogs and pets are being cared for properly
• Enjoying fun and being away with your pet
• Security for your dogs and pets, separation can be an anxiety for them
• Going on long walks in the Peak District with your dogs as well as plenty of relaxation time
• Pet and dog friendly facilities at the holiday cottages, including plenty of space, easy to clean floors, taps for washing down

Top 5 reasons to book a holiday cottage break at Riverside House holiday home.

• we don't rush you, so stay for up to four nights at the same price as two
• you won't feel the squeeze on space, there's so much downstairs space at Riverside House holiday cottage you can all grab a bit of your own
• want to have some fun?  Riverside House has it's very own games room with pool, air hockey, table tennis (downstairs) and plenty more
• Sky and BT all in surround sound so don't miss a football game or a movie
• And the location?  Just stunning, a stones throw away from the traffic free Monsal Trail and views from the Monsal Head and Viaduct (shown in the picture)
• and a 6th reason unlimited free logs, kindling and matches so that you can get cosy and snuggly by the log fire whenever you want!