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.

This could be your next family holiday in the Peak District National Park ....

Book your next family holiday at Riverside House in the Peak District
*Sleeps 9+2+cot in 4 bedrooms
*3 bathrooms, one ensuite
*Huge games room
*Free wi-fi
*All bedding and towels included
*Unlimited free logs and kindling for the log burner
*Off-street parking
*Safe enclosed garden and patio area
*BBQ
*Dog and pet friendly
*Welcome pack and doggy welcome pack on arrival
SPECIAL OFFER SAT 8 TO THURS 13 JUNE £150 OFF!
NEXT AVAILABILITY 4 OCT WEEKEND - HURRY DATES GO FAST!

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This is our last holiday cottage special offer for a while at Riverside House.  We have reduced the price by £150!

From Saturday 8 June (3 pm check in) to Thursday 13 June (10 am check out)

Sleeps nine plus two on sofa bed, one on z-bed and a cot.

Dog friendly, bring your pets for £15 per pet per stay.  Doggy welcome pack provided.

Huge games room.

Lovely location a stones throw from The Monsal Trail, which is traffic free all the way to Bakewell.  Ideal for cycling and walking.  

Plenty of walks from the door in all directions.

Unlimited free supply of logs and kindling for your stay.

Wi-fi, Sky and BT Sports in HD, Sky movies in HD.

Fully equipped kitchen with everything you need for a family or group self catering rental, including Nespresso coffee machine.

Fully enclosed and safe garden.

Off street parking for up to four cars.

Price was £1163 NOW £1013, SAVE £150!

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

www.riversidehouse-peakdistrict.co.uk 

Chatsworth House reopened to the public on Saturday 24 March and the current exhibition is all about dogs.

This four-legged exhibition reflects the Cavendish family's love of dogs.  Included are paintings, drawings, sculptures, photos and contemporary art, including a huge sculpture in the gardens by Ben Long. There are dog friendly works of Constable, Gainsborough, Landseer and Stubb.

If you decide to take your four-legged friends with you please note that House itself doesn't allow dogs except guide dogs, although part of the restaurant is now dog friendly inside.   The courtyard area around the restaurant and shop also has plenty of seating outside and it is all dog friendly.

There are also some great dog friendly walks around Chatsworth including Stand Woods and lots and lots of steps up to the Tower folly and two lakes further up, which are well worth wandering around.

If you come with children and visit the farm there are areas to leave your dogs securely teathered so that you can all visit the animals.

All in all Chatsworth is highly recommended for dog lovers and their four-legged friends.

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 

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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!

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