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One of the most challenging parts of planning a trip is working out the best area to stay. If you’re planning a trip to the Peak District, you will be spoiled for choice. There are so many beautiful villages to choose from. So, what are the best areas to stay in the Peak District?
We are locals from Sheffield, and we have spent many happy years exploring the Peak District. Even though we are now a full-time travel family, the Peak District is still very close to our hearts. We are going to share a range of different places – including bigger towns, romantic villages & some hidden gems.
In this article, we will give you a feel for the best areas to stay in the Peak District. We will include information such as: things to do, amenities (like shops, cafes, and restaurants) and the vibe of the area. We will also give you a feel for the range of accommodation in the area so that you can pick a place that meets all of your needs. For each place that we recommend we will also give you a little context so you can start to plan and picture other adventures in the area.
If you like the cover image it is taken on Bamford Edge – a short drive from Hathersage Village
So if you’re planning an epic peak district trip, grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy this article.
Map of the best areas to stay in the Peak District
1 Castleton Village (TOP PICK)
It is no accident that Castleton is right at the start of our list. Castleton really is one of the best places to stay in the Peak District. It is not cheap, and you may find it hard to get a place, but you won’t regret booking your stay in Castleton. Castleton really is right at the heart of the Peak District. It is genuinely one of the most scenic villages in the Peak District (and perhaps even in the UK). It has a beautiful, quintessential, historic English countryside village feel. There is a beautiful historic Anglican church. Peveril Castle is perched on the hill overlooking the village, and Castleton is framed by dramatic steep green peaks.
This is a fantastic spot for countryside hill walks. You can also visit the panoramic Winnats Pass or take a scenic walk up Cavedale (there are plenty of public footpaths in the area, and the signage is good). There are several caves and caverns that you can visit in the area (including Treak Cliff Cavern, Peak Cavern, and Blue John Cavern). During the gloomy winter months, Castleton is also illuminated by very beautiful, romantic Christmas lights.
This lovely village also has a very good number of shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is a small fish and chip shop (the perfect chance to try a classic British dish), and there are several traditional English country pubs. The country pubs in Castleton have a very authentic feel, with large wooden rafters, antique furniture, and open fireplaces—the perfect place to try some traditional British cuisine or a pint of real ale. The main challenge of Castleton is its popularity. This village can get particularly busy during weekends and bank holidays. It can also be quite challenging to find parking in the area.
Why do we love Castleton?
Castleton is also perfectly situated to access other areas of the Peak District, such as Hope, Hathersage, Mam Tor, and Edale (which is a fantastic spot for some more intrepid hikes). In our humble opinion, Castleton really is one of the best areas to stay in the Peak District. It has a perfect balance of village conveniences, nature, history, and charm.
BEST CASTLETON HOTEL
We highly recommend the Bulls Head Pub & Hotel in Castleton – this pub is traditional, stylish and packed with character and charm. It is situated right in the heart of the village and even has a beer garden. It is also great value for money.
- RESERVE IT HERE – Bulls Head on Booking.com
- BOOK YOUR ROOM – Bulls Head on Agoda
2 Edale Village
Edale is one of the best places to stay in the Peak District if you are hoping for some more intrepid wild adventures. As a village, Edale is much smaller than Castleton. There are fewer shops, cafes, and restaurants, and things are more likely to be closed early. We don’t recommend staying in this village without your own transportation. Edale is generally pretty quiet, so you will rarely struggle to find parking space, and it is almost never crowded.
Edale is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a more peaceful and tranquil break or if you are hoping to do some more serious hill walking (there are some great family friendly walks around here too!). You can walk up the rugged path leading to the top of Kinder Scout. Be aware that the weather can change quickly on the hilltop, and navigation can be very challenging. Always make sure that you are well prepared with suitable clothing, water, food, and a map and compass. The top of Kinder Scout is a large flat plateau with undulating peat bogs; navigation can be very difficult, and the trails are not well signed.
If you’re looking for a real challenge, you could even try walking the Edale Skyline. This is a very long and challenging route with lots of beautiful scenery. Edale is on the train line that connects Sheffield and Manchester. It is also a short drive from Hope Village and Castleton Village. Edale has a couple of pubs serving food and drinks. If you are staying in the area, we recommend bringing supplies.
BEST EDALE HOTEL
We highly recommend the charming Lose Hill House Hotel and Spa – this is a spacious luxurious resort a short drive from Edale village in a lovely secluded spot.
- BOOK YOUR ROOM – Lose Hill House Hotel and Spa on booking.com
- RESERVE YOUR STAY – Lose Hill House Hotel and Spa on Agoda
3 Bakewell Town
Bakewell is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a larger town in the Peak District but you still want that charming English village vibe. As a larger town, Bakewell offers a greater range of options when it comes to accommodation. Bakewell is definitely more of a town than a village. It has its own park, supermarket, shopping streets, farmers market, and a large public car park (you can normally get a feel for a town by its car park!). Bakewell can get very busy, especially during weekends and public holidays.
There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Make sure you try a traditional Bakewell pudding at the Bakewell Pudding Shop. Bakewell is well connected to other areas of the district by bus. It is a short drive from Ashford in the Water, Monsal Head, the Monsal Trail, and Chatsworth (don’t miss the Monsaldale waterfall walk). The countryside scenery around Bakewell is mild and tame with rolling grassy hills and limestone walls. It is very different from the wild, rugged heather and bracken terrain of the Dark Peak (in the North Peak District). There are some very beautiful walks around Bakewell.
BEST BAKEWELL HOTELS
Looking for a luxurious & unique place to stay? We recommend the Rutland Arms Hotel. It is situated right in the centre of Bakewell, a short stroll from the river and very close to the best shops, cafes and restaurants.
- BOOK YOUR STAY – Rutland Arms Hotel on booking.com
- RESERVE YOUR ROOM – Rutland Arms Hotel on Agoda
4 The Chatsworth Area
If you are looking for a classy, traditional area to stay in the Peak District, then we highly recommend some of the hotels in the Chatsworth area. This area is for anyone who loves period dramas and classic English culture. The countryside surrounding Chatsworth is particularly beautiful. You can find plenty of cozy traditional English pubs and posh stately homes. There are plenty of lovely walks (it is free to walk around Chatsworth estate grounds, and you can get excellent views of the house). Alternatively, you can walk up onto some of the edges overlooking Chatsworth (such as Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge). And of course, make sure that you explore Chatsworth House itself. Chatsworth House is extensive, and you could easily spend a few days exploring the impressive house and gardens. There is also a farm and kids’ play park. Chatsworth House is also a short drive from Bakewell.
BEST CHATSWORTH HOTEL
If you’re looking for a classy and stylish English countryside hotel near Chatsworth we recommend the superlative Fischers Baslow Hall. This elegant hotel is stylish, regal and very luxurious.
- RESERVE A ROOM – Fischers Baslow Hall on booking.com
- BOOK YOUR STAY – Fischers Baslow Hall on Agoda
5 The Calver & Curbar Area
Calver is definitely a hidden gem in the Peak District. Sadly, many people miss this charming little village. (Normally, people pass through when they are on their way to Chatsworth or Bakewell and don’t take time to stop here.) Calver is a small village with a couple of pubs, a convenience store, and a few small shops. Calver is perfectly situated to explore some of the best areas of the Peak District (it is an excellent destination to access Bakewell, Eyam, Grindleford, and Chatsworth). The village itself has a unique tranquility and beauty. You can take a scenic walk from the Calver Weir to Grindleford and even to Padley Gorge and Hathersage if you have time. As a hidden gem, this village is also quieter than more popular destinations. Parking is easier, and you don’t need to worry about overcrowding.
BEST CALVER HOTEL
Check out the View Luxury Studio situated in Curbar Village (right next to Calver Village) – stylish, clean, modern and luxurious – and great value for money!
6 Grindleford Village
Grindleford is a charming little village with a beautiful river and a handful of traditional country pubs. It is a fantastic spot for hill walking. We particularly recommend the Grindleford Station Cafe and Padley Gorge. You can also walk up onto the beautiful Longshaw Estate (all of these walks can be done in a few hours, and the trails are pretty easy to follow and navigate around). Grindleford Village is a fantastic location for exploring other destinations around the Peak District. There is a railway station and a bus line connecting you to Sheffield and other villages. Grindleford is also not too far from Chatsworth House and Bakewell. This is a relatively small village, so there are not a lot of shops in the area. If you’re staying around Grindleford, you may want to bring some supplies.
BEST GRINDLEFORD HOTELS
If you’re hoping to stay in the Grindleford area don’t miss the classy Maynard Hotel. This beautiful stately property is packed with style, character and charm – enjoy that traditional English countryside ambiance in a fantastic location.
- BOOK YOUR STAY – Maynard on booking.com
- RESERVE YOUR ROOM – Maynard on Agoda
7 Hathersage Village
Hathersage is definitely one of the best areas to stay in the Peak District. This beautiful village offers an excellent balance of proximity to Sheffield and access to some very beautiful countryside. From Hathersage, you can easily access Stanage Edge and visit the real Robin Hood’s Cave. You can also visit Little John’s grave, which is situated at the church in Hathersage. Don’t miss the Bird Cafe and Stepping Stone Walk. Hathersage is also home to one of the few outdoor swimming pools in the UK (don’t worry, it is also heated). Hathersage is also a fantastic base if you want to explore Ladybower or visit the stunning Bamford Edge (where you can find the Peak District’s answer to Trolltunga!). Alternatively you can explore the beautiful Burbage Valley – there are some very beautiful walks in this area.
Alternatively, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike up Lose Hill. This charming village is also very well developed with a couple of fairly large convenience stores and a good variety of restaurants and local pubs. The main challenge of staying in Hathersage is the popularity of this village. It is right on the doorstep of Sheffield, so it can get busy here, especially at weekends and during public holidays. Parking can be challenging. If you have a car, we recommend that you contact your hotel or guest house to find out more about parking.
BEST HATHERSAGE HOTEL
We highly recommend the charming George Hotel situated right in the heart of Hathersage Village. This lovely country hotel has a charismatic fusion of traditional design with modern stylish interiors. This really is an excellent choice if you are hoping for a special stay in Hathersage.
- RESERVE YOUR ROOM – The George on booking.com
- BOOK YOU STAY – The George on Agoda
8 Buxton Town
This is one of the largest towns in the Peak District, and it is situated in the south of the Peaks. Buxton has plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, and even bars. This is a great area to stay if you are hoping to explore some of the attractions in the south of the Peak District. It is also a fantastic location if you want to be close to amenities like supermarkets and shops (they even have an Aldi supermarket, which is one of the cheapest supermarket chains in the UK!)
What’s more, there are a few fantastic attractions located very close to Buxton. Check out Solomon’s Temple and Poole’s Cavern. Buxton is a great place if you are hoping to explore Chatsworth or you want to visit attractions like Dovedale, Thor’s Cave, Lud’s Church, or The Roaches. There are a couple of disadvantages to Buxton. Firstly, it is a big town, so it lacks the small Peak District village charm which you may be hoping for. Buxton can also be pretty busy, and it can be hard to find parking around the center of the town.
BEST BUXTON HOTEL
If you’re booking a special stay in Buxton consider a stay at the luxurious Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel. This luxurious classy hotel has outstanding facilities including and outdoor swimming pool (a very unique feature in the area!)
- BOOK YOUR STAY – Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel on Agoda
- RESERVE THIS HOTEL – Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel on booking.com
9 Ashford in the Water
Ashford in the Water is another hidden gem in the Peak District. It is situated right next to Bakewell. Ashford in the Water is a particularly beautiful, quaint little village with a lovely river, a small village park, and a traditional English country pub serving real ale and traditional British food.
Ashford in the Water is much more tranquil and peaceful than Bakewell. However, because it is only 5 minutes from Bakewell, you can easily make the most of the cafes, restaurants, shops, supermarket, and pubs in Bakewell (not to mention the fish and chip shops). Ashford in the Water also has a lot of historic buildings. You can take an evening stroll around the village, and in the summer, you can occasionally see the local cricket team practice on the cricket pitch. This really is a beautiful, quintessential British village.
BEST ASHFORD IN THE WATER HOTEL
The Ashford Arms is truly a superlative hotel in the Peak District. From the exterior it looks just like other country pubs in the Peak. Inside, this hotel really stands out. It has a beautiful traditional interior design them. The rooms are spacious and luxurious. It is pricey – but well worth it!
- RESERVE YOUR ROOM – Ashford Arms on Agoda
- BOOK YOUR STAY – Ashford Arms on booking.com
10 Matlock
Matlock is the other main hub in the south of the Peak District (a fantastic alternative to Buxton). Matlock is panoramically situated in a deep valley. It is a relatively big town with shops, cafes, restaurants, and a supermarket. The town has a lovely holiday vibe, and it is very scenic for a stroll. As a larger town, there is a very good range of accommodation to choose from, so you should be able to find a place that meets your needs and budget range.
Matlock is also a great area for families. Make sure you don’t miss Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park if you’re traveling with kids. Matlock can get busy, especially at weekends and public holidays, and parking can also be challenging, especially if you’re staying in the center of town. Matlock is a great hub if you’re planning to see attractions like Thor’s Cave, Lud’s Church, The Roaches, or Dovedale.
BEST MATLOCK HOTEL
For a special stay and great value for money we recommend the Heathbank House B&B for a fantastic, comfortable and affordable stay in the beautiful Matlock Dale.
- RESERVE THIS B&B – Heathbank House on booking.com
- BOOK YOU STAY – Heathbank House on Agoda
