Visit Peaks holiday cottages are ready to go!

We are delighted to have achieved the Visit Britain Good to Go quality standard for re-opening on 4 July.  We have been working hard behind the scenes getting the cottages ready and whilst we have had to make some changes we have also been making sure that your holiday will be a safe one.

Our cleaning protocols are compliant with guidance and our housekeepers are now making the final touches and spring cleans before we re-open.  We have put lots of information for guests online and will continue to give guests as much help as we can to make the holiday one to remember.  Everyone that books will be sent our new Out and About information, which we are constantly updating so you will have at your fingertips a handy guide to safer walks, attractions that are open and which pubs are open or doing takeaways. 

We are mostly full for the summer but things are quite fluid at the moment so if you’d like to be put on a waiting list for July and August dates we can do that.  Some groups are still making decisions about their holidays and we understand if people do not feel that the time is right to travel.  So there may well be a last-minute cancellation and the best place to hear about that is on social media.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.   

Our only availability currently for July and August is four nights from 4 July at Riverside House.  If you are a family group or in two social households we would love to welcome you.  There’s £100 off this short break.

For those of you that are not feeling confident about travelling abroad we can provide holidays throughout the year and have updated our website prices into 2021 with no price increases.   Visit our websites for further details of availability.

We wish all our guests well and safe during these difficult times. 

It has been a difficult time for everyone with the Covid-19 outbreak, but we are now turning our minds to hopefully reopening our cottages in early July. 

We've already been getting some interest for autumn 2020 and bookings are on the increase for 2021.  We have now added dates to the Valley View bookings calendar up to the end of 2021 so that you can plan ahead. And there are no price increases so you will pay 2020 prices.

For all new bookings we will send you our new terms and conditions.  If there is a further wave of Covid-19 and the Government prevents travel and holidays, including staying in holiday cottages full refunds will be given.  Of course if you are able to travel our normal terms and conditions will apply.  

There is likely to be a staycation boom over the coming months and possibly into 2021 so don't leave it too late to get in touch.  You will deal direct with Wendy the owner of Valley View and Riverside House holiday cottages.  There is no agency and no booking fees.  Book direct and get personal service.

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Treat your family to a holiday in some gorgeous English countryside and getaway from it all without the fuss and bother of a trip abroad. 

There's still plenty of availability in the Peak District at Visit Peaks cottages including the end of March, a couple of weekends in April, and some breaks left in May, June, July and even August.  So a summer holiday is still on the cards.

If you are looking for a holiday at home this year get in touch and we can let you know what weekends/weeks we have left.

Valley view holiday cottage sleeps 13+2 in 6 bedrooms and Riverside House sleeps 9+2 in 4 bedrooms. Both cottages are dog friendly and in lovely Peak District locations with walks in all directions from the door of the cottages.   

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Just released £150 off remaining March weekends at Valley View holiday cottage and Riverside House holiday cottage.

Valley View is available from 6 March for up to four nights and is now £995 for up to 13 + 2 guests and dog friendly.

Riverside House is available from 6 March or 20 March for up to four nights and is now £763 for up to 9 + 2 guests and dog friendly.

At both cottages your booking will include bed linen and towels and unlimited and free logs for the log burners.

So why not get your family and friends together and have a group break away?

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Would you like to stay somewhere with green all around?  With lovely views of the green hills of Dovedale in the Peak District? Valley View cottage is just the place.

The gardens front and back provide lovely peaceful areas to drink in the scenery and relax and unwind. And there are two fields surrounding the property so it is lovely and quiet. There are walks everywhere too in so many different directions either along the river Dove, through the Peak District hills or on the numerous footpaths all around. 

Why not visit Valley View holiday cottage this year for your blast of green and the great outdoors? 

Now booking short breaks throughout 2020. Valley View sleeps 13+2 in six bedrooms so why not grab some family or friends to soak up the views and get a blast of green all around?

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Snuggle up and keep warm and toasty at Visit Peaks holiday cottages. As part of your booking with us you get unlimited free logs and kindling, plus matches and firelighters too.  So plenty of nights in by the log fire after those long winter walks.

And banish the New Year blues and book one of our remaining January weekends now with £150 off!  

Valley View holiday cottage is available the weekend of 17 January and sleeps 13+2 in six bedrooms.

Riverside House holiday cottage is available the weekends of 24 and 31 January and sleeps 9+2 in four bedrooms.

Both cottages are dog friendly.

Get in touch for a cosy winter escape now and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

The Peak District Lead Mining Museum & Temple Mine, Matlock Bath

Discover the life of a Derbyshire Lead Miner.  Investigate the equipment the miners used to extract the lead ore from the ground, clamber and crawl through our tunnels or visit Temple Mine, a real mine, on a guided tour and then pan for minerals.

The mining museum offers something for everyone in the family from the youngest, who love the mouse hunt and dressing up, the more adventurous children (and adults) who clamber through the tunnels, through to those with a special interest in industry, engineering, geology and mining.

The museum has artefacts ranging from a simple tallow candle up to huge water pressure engine originally designed by Richard Trevithick. These help to tell the story of the old lead miners who have mined this area from Roman Times through to the 1980s.

A guided tour of Temple Mine, a 20^th Century lead and fluorspar mine, provides an underground experience where hard hats are needed and most people have to bend down in the lower passages! Your guide will explain about the equipment the miners used and about the geology of the hillside you are in.  After the mine tour there is a chance to pan for minerals – you may even find something that glitters like gold.

The Museum also houses the Matlock Bath Through Time exhibition which explains how the village changed from a Georgian Spa Town to a popular Victorian day out, through to an almost sea-side-like village nestled in a beautiful valley.

For more information visit the website http://peakdistrictleadminingmuseum.co.uk/

This offer is for November only.  Book a 2020 break in November with Visit Peaks holiday cottages and pay only £100 deposit.  

Secure your 2020 booking today!  Grab some friends and family and organise your group accommodation for 2020.

Riverside House holiday cottage sleeps 9+2+cot and Valley View holiday cottage sleeps 13+2+cot.  Both cottages are dog friendly and located in lovely Peak District locations.  

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 07980 390520 

What an array of beers in bottles and cans at Mason due Biere in Ashbourne.  We visited a couple of months a go for supplies to take to the holiday cottage and we really were spoilt for choice.

There are locally brewed beers as well as far flung selections, stronger and weaker beers and dark and light beers.   

And it doesn't just stop at beer.  There's a great selection of gins too including some from the Peak District.

If you need to quench your thirst straight away there's even a pub at the back with a few beers on handpump.  And it is dog friendly too!

We highly recommend a visit to this top spot on Ashbourne's high street.

 https://www.maisondubiere.com/

Last Minute Holiday Discounts

It’s never too late for a short break in the Peak District.  Gather some friends and family together and getaway together this November.

Grab a bargain – these November weekends are now reduced by £150!

Riverside House holiday cottage, sleeps 9+2+cot and dog friendly 

8^th and 22^nd November for up to four nights

Was £913 now £763

Valley View holiday cottage, sleeps 13+2+cot and dog friendly

1^st November for up to four nights

Was £1145 now £995

All bookings will include bed linen and towels, some tea towels, heating, unlimited logs and kindling, and a welcome pack.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 07980 390 520

Holiday cottage deal in the Peak District National Park.  

Four or six-bedrooms cottages - any remaining November weekends now reduced by 10%

Riverside House a stones throw from the Monsal Trail with traffic free walks

Valley View in stunning Dovedale and views all around from the cottage 

Both cottages are dog friendly

Valley View sleeps 13+2

Riverside House sleeps 9+2+1 

Let's go!

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We've got an amazing £150 off at Riverside House holiday cottage in the Peak District for the weekends of 4 or 11 October.  The holiday cottage is now reduced to £925 for up to four nights and a maximum of 12 guests. 

Riverside House is dog friendly too and we can accept up to five pets.  There's plenty of space for everyone with a huge lounge and great dining room and kitchen space.  And not forgetting the games room for family fun.  There are walks from the door in all directions many of them traffic free and the dog friendly pub is one mile along the lane. 

These offers won't last long so get in touch.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

We are counting down the days until we stay and work at both our holiday cottages in the Peak District.  There's plenty of behind the scenes work that goes on to keep the cottages in tip top shape and we will be spending three days at both cottages.

These are some of the plans:

•  an understairs cupboard being built at Valley View extra duvet storage 
•  stone wall repairs to Valley View front garden area
•  fitting a grab rail in the Valley View Annex bathroom
•  two new wooden composters at Valley View for all our garden/shrub waste
•  a new bench at Valley View so customers can enjoy those splendid views
•  a new utility work surface at Valley View above the dryers for extra laundry space
•  some extra planting in the gardens to fill up a few gaps
•  fence painting
•  restocking the crockery at Riverside House

Those of you that have large group holidays or large family holidays to plan will understand how important it is to plan far in advance.  

Large self catering holiday cottages book up fast and if you have an area or cottage in mind you do have to get in there quick.

That's why at Visit Peaks holiday cottages we have now added our availability dates and prices going forward to September 2021.  There's no hidden prices, you can do the research and find out which seasons and dates work best for your group or family holiday. 

Visit Peaks have two large holiday cottages in the Peak District, Riverside House or Valley View sleeping up to 15 guests at Valley View.  We have been running group and family group holidays for 13 years and can help with caterers, spa breaks, the best pubs, walks and things to do in the area.  

If you are planning your large group accommodation for family or friends, just get in touch and we will help.  Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 07980 390 520 to speak direct to Wendy today.   

We visited the new Refreshment Room cafe on the Monsal Trail July 2019.  It is an ideal location on the Monsal Trail for both walkers and cyclists. 

Located at the old railway station at Miller's Dale. There is also ample parking if you come by car (pay and display) plus public toilets.

We were impressed with sandwiches, wraps, baked potatoes and a good selection of hot and cold drinks, plus ice creams from the Peak District Dairy.  

There's plenty of seating indoors and out and there's also good access for mobility impaired guests.

If you are coming from Riverside House holiday cottage pick up the Monsal Trail by crossing the river at the bridge by Riverside House and go up the short, but steep bank and onto the Monsal Trail.  Head right and keep walking, you pass over the abseiling bridge with lovely views and a bit further along on the right you will come to the old railway station now the Refreshment Room.  We highly recommend a visit. 

No website is available as far as we can see but if you do want more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Although most of us are thinking of the summer holidays if you are planning a staycation for a large group or large family you do need to plan in advance.  Now is a great time to think of booking for autumn. 

Visit Peaks holiday cottages in the Peak District are now getting enquiries for October and beyond and we've got a few short breaks left:

Riverside House holiday cottage (sleeps 9+2+cot in four bedrooms):

Weekends of 4, 11 October and 8, 15, 22 and 29 of November all available

Valley View holiday cottage (sleeps 13+2+cot in six bedrooms):

11, 18 October, 1, 22 November and 13 December all available

Don't delay!  Book your autumn short break now!

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 07980 390 520 and deal direct with the owner.  

We provide a whole variety of board games at our holiday cottages (just in case it rains - well it is England!!)

There's standard ones such as Monopoly and Scrabble plus old favourites like Frustration and Pictionary. And of course chess and draughts.

We have a giant Jenga and snakes and ladders too.  

Oh and did we mention a games room at Riverside House along with table tennis, pool, air hockey, TV, PS2 and X-box?

Valley View has table football and TV with X-box in the Annex lounge. 

What board games do you enjoy with your family?

Do you have any tips for board games for younger children and teenagers? We are always looking for new ones to provide and especially for our younger guests.

Let us know and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Did you know that we have a great choice of top 10 things to do in the Peak District? 

From things to do for under five's, over five's, teenagers and even for adults, that's the family covered!

And if you bring your four-legged friends on a self-catering holiday we have a list of dog friendly pubs and dog friendly days out in the Peak District.

We've also got top 10 cafes, farmers shops, villages and shopping places to visit.

There's a list of historical places to see, antique centres and even golf courses.

So what are you waiting for?  Check out our top 10 things to do in the Peak District and find your staycation break away now.

For more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 07980 390520.

With the weather hotting up and thoughts turning to summer, check out our recommended things to do in the Peak District when the weather is warmer.

Visit Chatsworth House for the RHS flower show and you won't be disappointed.  It is on from 5-9 June and you can buy tickets at the gate.  We went last year and enjoyed the fabulous gardens, floral displays, foodie stalls, Wedgewood tent, live music and of course the stunning back drop of Chatsworth. Click here for more information.

Well Dressings in the Peak District have started and this unique craft of dressing wells with petals is well worth a visit (see the picture above).  Some of the towns and villages also have festivals and carnivals too.  Some of the dates local to our holiday cottages are: Litton well dressing 20 to 30 June, Tideswell 22 to 29 June, Bakewell 29 June to 8 July and Tissington 30 May to 5 June.  Find out more information here

The Cow Shed Beer Festival returns to Bakewell on 21 and 22 June, opening 2 pm each day and closing at 10.30 pm.  If you love ales, cider and food this is the place for you!  There are 40 ales, local ciders and plenty of food stalls as well as music too.  It's on at the Bakewell Agricultural Centre.  Get the details here

The Chatsworth Country Fair runs from Friday 30 to Sunday 1 September and it really is a spectacular event.  We hope to go this year.  There are ringside events both on the ground and in the air, celebratory chefs and demonstrations, rural crafts, a fine food village as well as dog friendly events for your four-legged friends.  Buy tickets before 30 June and get 20% off too.  Click here for information.  

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

Thornbirds hospitality arrived at Riverside House to cater for a family gathering and to celebrate an 18th birthday.  We've asked them to provide a little taster of what they can do for guests who are celebrating special birthdays and anniversaries at our holiday cottages.

Katharine at Thornbirds says:

'The cottage kitchen is lovely and cosy wihilst being plenty big enough and well equipped, which instantly makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.  We served the following menu:

Starter - pan fried garlic and lemon marinated squid and chorizo served with rustic farmhouse bread

Main - fillet steak served with dauphinois potatoes, honey glazed carrots, french beans and a rich Madeira sauce

Dessert -  triple layered pecan and banoffee pie served with honeycomb ice cream and chocolate flakes

The family were delighted with their meal and we received fantastic feedback after the event'. 

If you have a special birthday or anniversary coming up why not book either Riverside House or Valley View holiday cottage through Visit Peaks cottages and enjoy celebratory catering with Thornbirds Hospitality?

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