A PERFECT BASE TO EXPLORE THE PEAKS
FIND OUT ABOUT THE AREATwo luxury holiday cottages in one of the most picturesque rural settings of the Peak District in the hamlet of Milldale, Alstonefield.
An Assured Warm Welcome
Things To Do
Peak District National Park
The UK’s original national park covering more than 550 square miles of beautiful moorlands and dales of the five counties of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Yorkshire and even parts of Greater Manchester.
Considered by many to be the spiritual home of the free access to the countryside we all enjoy – The ‘Mass Trespass’ took place within what is now called The Peak District’s boundary and was designated as such in 1951.
More than 1,600 miles of footpaths and bridleways including 64 miles of accessible paths giving freedom to escape the hustle and bustle.
65 miles of off road dedicated cycling and walking trails and 34 miles of disused railways High Peak Trail, Tissington Trail and Monsal Trail with cycle hire centres.
The highest point is Kinder Scout at 636 meters above sea level and the tallest cave Titan Shaft, Castleton, 141.5 meters is taller that the London Eye.
The National Park Symbol is the millstone.
Milldale
Milldale sits at the entrance to the stunning limestone Valley of Dovedale with its crystal clear waters of the River Dove in the breathtaking White Peak which provides a perfect base for exploring the national park, eight miles from the market town of Ashbourne and twelve miles from Bakewell.
An assured warm welcome from the village ducks, as well as Polly’s Cottage selling hot and cold drinks and delicious snacks, many walkers come from all over Britain to explore the Dove Valley with its famous stepping stones at Dovedale and fascinating rock formations along the routes.
From the doorstep……
Walking
ALSTONEFIELD
Situated on the borders of Derbyshire and Staffordshire in the White Peak. Its location between the valleys of the Dove and Manifold Rivers makes it one of the finest places for walkers and cyclists as it is surrounded by a network of paths and trails.
BERESFORD DALE
A beautiful part of the Dove Valley walking alongside the river passing through Wolfscote Dale and its weirs with woodland and wildflowers growing in profusion. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Cotton who was responsible for introducing Izzak Walton to the Peak District, the pair reflected on the location and wrote the famous fisherman’s ‘bible’ The Compleat Angler written in 1653. The River Dove is still a famous fishing river and is a magnet for anglers.
Fly Fishing day permits can be obtained from here.
DOVEDALE
Owned by the National Trust and is one of the prettiest and most popular dales. It is little more than three miles from Milldale along the crystal-clear river and caves to the famous stepping stones where you can look up to Thorpe Cloud an isolated limestone hill, for the more ambitious, climb to the top giving fantastic panoramic views of the Peak District National Park. The ice cream from the car park concession is also worth a stop.
A twenty-five minute walk from the Dovedale stepping stones takes you to the village of Ilam and Ilam Hall which is a 17th Century gothic manor in National Trust parkland. The stunning Italianate gardens and parkland surrounding the hall are wonderful place for walkers and families to explore, with the Manifold Tea Room, providing delicious refreshments with beautiful views. There is a shop, information centre and a variety of activities from Nordic Walker taster sessions to Hunting for Hedgehog Clues Trail throughout the year.
HARTINGTON
A welcome stop for walkers as located on the central section of the Dove Valley, pretty houses surround the duck pond and green, country pubs and tea rooms. The Village Stores is home to a general grocery and deli purveying fresh, seasonal and local produce to local communities. Fresh sandwiches and coffee can be enjoyed on the terrace outside
Once famous for its Blue Stilton production. In recent years the new Hartington Creamery has revived the stilton manufacture and introduced the new Peakland Blue and White varieties which can be purchased from the cheese shop.
ASHBOURNE
Known as The Gateway to the Peak District National Park, with its beautiful architecture and is famed throughout the area for the ancient tradition of Royal Shrovetide Football. Bearing little resemblance to an actual football, the game is played every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in February. Annual events throughout the year with the Ashbourne Festival in June, Ashbourne Highland Gathering in July, Ashbourne Country and Agricultural Show in August and finally Christmas late night shopping in December makes for a vibrant town.
The town was granted a charter for a market in 1257 and a traditional outdoor cobbled market still takes place twice a week on Thursday and Saturday. The town has lots to offer for shopping with plenty of independent boutiques and antique shops to meander around and explore.
Within our Guest Book which is provided for you in the cottage, there are full details of the walks and maps from the doorstep.
For more information on walks in the Peak District
Lets Go Peak District
Click here for more information
Visit Peak District
Click here for more information
Mud and Routes
Click here for more information
Go 4 A Walk
Click here for more information
Cycling
THE TISSINGTON AND HIGH PEAK TRAILS
7.4 MILES 13 MINS VIA A515 – PARSLEY HAY
The Tissington and High Peak Trails both are traffic free and follow the routes the former railway lines of High Peak Railway, through stunning White Peak countryside and villages. The easy accessibility of the trails makes them a firm favourite with walkers of all abilities, leisure cyclists and is also suitable for wheelchair users. The mud free surface is relatively flat and level, with easy access points at a number of points on the way.
TISSINGTON TRAIL
The Tissington Trail runs 13 miles south from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne crossing paths with the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay.
There are a number of access points with parking along the route:
• Parsley Hay – Visitor centre, cycle hire • Hartington • Alsop – 1.2 miles from Milldale • Tissington • Thorpe • Ashbourne – Visitor Centre, cycle hire
Recommended Stop Off
Tissington village is a must with its pretty stone cottages and magnificent Tissington Hall. Herberts Tearoom is very popular serving breakfast, light lunches and delicious cream teas. The village also offers some picnic friendly spots.
If you don’t have your own bikes there is cycle hire in Parsley Hay T 01298 84493, cycle hire is also available in Ashbourne T 01335 353156.
For more information click here
HIGH PEAK TRAIL
The High Peak Trail runs 17 miles from Downlow near Buxton to High Peak Junction Cromford crossing paths with the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay. Please note the majority of the trail is relatively flat however there are some steeper inclines from High Peak junction to just pass Middleton Top at Hopton.
Again there are a number of access points with parking along the route:
• Hurdlow • Parsley Hay – Visitor Centre, cycle hire • Friden • Minninglow • Middleton Top – Visitor Centre, cycle hire • Black rocks • High Peak Junction – Visitor Centre • Cromford Wharf
Recommended Stop Off
Cromford Wharf is the historic terminus of the canal built at the end of the 18th Century. Many of the old canal buildings still stand and is an interesting step back in time, Wheatcrofts Wharf cafe sits by the waters edge serving fresh food to refuel and there is a picnic area for a well earned rest on fine days.
The Royal Oak at Hurdlow is a favourite country pub serving excellent hearty pub food….. delicious!! T 01298 83288.
Click here to view the Trails Map
MONSAL TRAIL
15 MILES 33 MINS VIA A515
The Monsal Trail opened in 1981 runs along the former Midland Railway Line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, Chee Dale and Coombs Road Bakewell.
Ride along the spectacular limestone dales and experience the historical Monsal Trail Tunnels all fully opened and lit in daylight hours taking in the Monsal Viaduct, Cressbrook and Litton Mills along with Lime Kilns make for a great family day adventure.
The trail is flat, level, perfect for walkers, runners, horse riders, cyclists and wheelchair users.
Access points with parking along the route.
Blackwell Mill, Millers Dale, Tideswell Dale, Upper Dale, Monsal Head, Hassop Station, Bakewell Station
Recommended Stop Off
Monsal Viaduct with its spectacular view of the dale and Cressbrook Mill in the distance first opened as a cotton mill in 1783, powered by water from the stream. Litton Mill and the Lime Kilns to the east and west of Millers Dale Station are examples of Commercial Kilns built in the 19th & 20TH centuries to produce quicklime used as an agricultural fertiliser.
Refreshments are available at various sites along the route from Blackwell Mill, Millers Dale Hassop Station, Monsal Head ending in Bakewell.
If you don’t have your own bikes there is cycle hire at Blackwell Mill T 01298 70838/ 71986 and Hassop Station T 01629 810588
Historic Houses
Photo: Chatsworth House
CHATSWORTH HOUSE AND PARK
16.2 MILES 32 MINS VIA A515
Chatsworth is the jewel in the Peak Districts crown and one of the most famous landmarks in the country. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, it is a magnificent English country house set in over 1000 acres of parkland. There is something for the whole family for a full day out with regular events throughout the year from The Horse Trails to the fabulous Country Fair and enchanting Christmas displays.
The house was built in the 1550s in the English Baroque style and it is an imposing sight as visitor’s approach, with intricately carved stonework and bight gilding to the window frames. There are more than thirty rooms open to the public, with lavish furnishings and a world famous collection of art including ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture and masterpieces by renowned artists from Rembrandt to Lucien Freud.
The Farmyard and a fabulous woodland Adventure Playground delivers hours of fun for children of all ages, with animal handling, milking demonstrations, farmyard daily activities as well as the rope park, trampoline, slides, water and sand play for a great day out.
The formal gardens all 105 acres were designed by Capability Brown and never fail to impress with what’s on offer from extravagant water features, outdoor sculptures and monumental rock gardens to kitchen gardens, sensory trails and a maze for adventurous explorers.
To re-fuel there are a number of restaurants, café and tea shops throughout the estate and a trip to the award winning Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop is a must, located a short distance from the house in the village of Pilsley.
Click here for more information on Chatsworth House and Park
Photo: Ilam Park
ILAM PARK
4.3 MILES 14 MINS VIA HOPEDALE
Ilam Park is situated on the banks of the River Manifold and beneath the steep sided hills with beautiful views of Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill. The hall features and Italian Garden and the surrounding parkland is open to visitors, as you wander around the park look out for the ridge and furrow, the Saxon cross on Paradise Walk, Bertram’s well and Boil Holes. The Manifold tearoom is a perfect stop of a cup of tea and cake.
TISSINGTON HALL
3.4 MILES 9 MINS VIA A515
The Hall has presided over the pretty estate village for over 400 years and was built by Francis FitzHerbert to repalce the moated fortification that guarded the Norman Church of St Mary’s. The FitzHerbert family to this day live and run the estate welcoming visitors each year on open days. Herbert’s tearoom is a must.
Photo: Haddon Hall
HADDON HALL
14.5 MILES 35 MINS VIA A515
Haddon Hall is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful medieval manors houses in the whole of England. Its castellated stone walls are covered with ivy and climbing roses in an idyllic setting on a hillside outside Bakewell over looking the River Wye. More recently it has been a favourite location for film makers, featuring in Jayne Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth, The Princess Bride and The Other Boleyn Girl.
With parts of the hall dating back to the 12th Century, it is remarkably well preserved, with most of it unchanged since the days of Henry VIII. The rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into history, and the banqueting hall, chapel and kitchens are particular favourites. The gardens are perfect to stroll amongst to give inspiration and the licensed restaurant in the 17th Century stable block provides wonderful views of the estate and open to visitors of the Hall and the general public serving fresh local ingredients.
Bakewell is located a short drive away from Haddon Hall, famous for ‘Bakewell’ pudding, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon wandering around the local shops or take a walk along the River Wye and over the five arch bridge. Plenty of places to stop for refreshments with local coffee houses, restaurant, and pubs.
Photo: Bolsover Castle
BOLSOVER CASTLE
28.3 MILES 58 MINS VIA B5057
English Heritage own Bolsover castle and was created as an extravagant retreat by playboy, poet and courtier Sir William Cavendish. The ‘Little Castle’ as it was known has been brilliantly preserved and restored with medieval style turrets and towers, the labyrinth of sumptuous rooms with their painted ceilings, Riding House and fountain gardens are a treat to explore. English Heritage have recently restored the Wall Walk allowing visitors to stroll along the castles walls for the first time in 250 years with spectacular views of the vale.
For a welcome break there is a tearoom and children’s playground on site.
Away Days
- CARSINGTON WATER
- BUXTON CRESCENT SPA
- CASTLETON CAVES
- CRICH TRAMWAY MUSEUM
- GREAT BRITISH CAR JOURNEY
- HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM
- PEAK DISTRICT WELL DRESSINGS
- ALTON TOWERS
Photo: Carsington Water
CARSINGTON WATER
13.6 MILES 28 MINS VIA A515
Carsington Water is a 2 miles long reservoir in a wonderful location for getting busy in the outdoors. There are cycling/ walking routes, a 3 mile well-made, level trail suitable for children whilst the 8-mile trail offers a little more of a challenge and all traffic free.
A great range of water sports from Kayaks, paddle boards, sailing boats through to fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Introductory taster sessions for the various water sports are available to have a go. The centre is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised training centre and also delivers British canoe Union courses.
A renowned spot for bird watching, the open water and areas of native woodland provide a great habitat for a wide variety of animals. Kingfishers, little owls, little grebes, terns, common redshanks, and buzzards are just a few of the species identified at the site.
There is a large outdoor area suitable for picnics and BBQ facilities for summer days and a fantastic outdoor play area for children. There really is something for everyone to get busy in the outdoors.
Photo: Ensana Spa
BUXTON CRESCENT SPA
16 MILES 28 MINS via A515
The spa at Buxton Crescent is a luxury spa experience to unwind and relax from the hustle and bustle with traditional beauty therapies, wellness and holistic treatments to the thermal waters in one of three pools to choose along with steam room, saunas and a salt cave. A real treat.
Photo: Treak Cliff Cave
CASTLETON CAVES
26 MILES 44 MINS VIA A515
The Castleton Caves are some of the best show caves in the country and is home to Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern (with an underground boat trip) Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. The amazing interiors are quite unbelievable and one of the most popular things to do in Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Photo: Bowes Lyon Bridge
CRICH TRAMWAY MUSEUM
18.8 MILES 34 MINS VIA A5012
Step back in time, stroll along the recreated period street and experience tram rides in a stunning location. There is an indoor exhibition that takes you on a journey through a hundred years of tramway development, taking in horse, steam and electric trams with more than sixty on exhibit. A new Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail is an opportunity to stretch your legs.
If you have time, there are a number of places to eat and drink including the Red Lion pub which serves cask ales.
Click here for more information
Photo: Cavedale
Photo: Great British Car Journey Show Area
GREAT BRITISH CAR JOURNEY
19 MILES 32 MINS VIA A515
Over 130 carefully chosen vehicles tell the story of The British Motor Industry on an interactive journey spanning the last 100 years.
Guided by an audio-visual tablet, visitors will meet the two founding fathers of the industry: Herbert Austin and William Morris, whose vast manufacturing plants in the Midlands produced millions of cars which were exported all over the world. British cars heralded a global transport revolution mobilising billions of people.
Photo: Cable Car at Heights of Abraham
HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM
15.8 MILES 30 MINS VIA A5012
Stretching across the steep limestone gorge with beautiful views between Matlock and Matlock Bath, a spectacular trip if you have a head for heights in one of the cable cars takes you to the top of Masson Hill with lots to enjoy. There are show caverns to explore, High Fall and Treetops visitor centres with a geology and palaeontology museum to wander around. Woodland walks and an adventure playground for little ones makes for a full day out.
PEAK DISTRICT WELL DRESSINGS
MAY TO SEPTEMBER THROUGOUT VARIOUS VILLAGES
The ancient custom of Well Dressing dates back to Celtic times and according to may sources it is a tradition in which wells, springs and other water sources are intricately decorated with elaborate designs created from flower petals to ensure a continued supply of fresh water. They certainly are mesmerising sights.
ALTON TOWERS
19 MILES 30 MINS VIA A515 AND A52
Packed with family things to do, Alton Towers is home to one of Britain’s leading theme parks, a water park, a golf attraction, rope courses and spa offers a great day out. Thrilling rides for the braver members of the family and a wonderful range of family rides and the interactive CBeebies Land for the little ones, the theme park has rides to suit all ages and tastes.
Extraordinary Golf is an opportunity to putt around two nine-hole crazy golf courses past miniature versions of the famous rides and attractions. The Waterpark boats lots of fantastic water rides from floating down lazy rivers, to braving the speed of the Master Blaster water coater or just some relaxing time in Lagoona Bay or the the bliss of the Bubbly Wubbly Pool.
If a more relaxing day is on the cards a trip to the Spa is a great place to unwind with therapies and treatments.
Click here for more information
Photo: Cavedale
Golf
Photo: Matlock Golf Club
The Peak District is home to several highly rated golf clubs within accessible reach of Milldale and all of which will entertain a non remember daily Green Fee.
Ashbourne Golf Club please click here
Matlock Golf Club please click here
Kedleston Park Golf Club please click here
Cavendish Golf Club please click here
Eat
Some of our favourites to name a few of the wonderful eateries in the Peak District and beyond.
The Old Dog, Thorpe
T 01335 350990
Relaxing fires welcome you to this independent pub. Quality pub food and drinks for all the family and dogs are welcome.
The Sycamore Inn, Parwich
T 01335 390212
Traditional country pub in the pretty village of Parwich.
Delicious home cooked food serving cask ales, worth a stop by.
The Royal Oak, Wetton
T 01335 310287
Family and dog friendly, quality real home cooked pub fayre. Booking is advised.
The Machine Inn, Ashbourne
T 01335 682380
Sit back and relax to enjoy dinner or drinks with modern iterations of traditional British cuisine with a focus on freshness and flavour.
The Royal Oak, Hurdlow
T 01298 83288
Award winning traditional country pub, log fires, cask ales. Hearty English pub food, generous portions. Booking is advised.
The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
T 01335 324275
Modern British food of fine dining quality in relaxed surroundings.
Wildhive, Callow Hall
T 01335 300900
Nestled in 35 acres of gardens, wild meadow and woodland, enjoy flavourful seasonal dishes from the freshest produce in the light airy garden room – a real treat.
The Lighthouse Restaurant, Boylestone
T 01335 330658
Award winning restaurant with a creative menu, a real dining experience.
The Peacock Hotel, Rowsley
T 01629 733518
Gastronomy. Indulgent and fine dining holding three AA rosettes.
Fischer’s, Baslow Hall
T 01246 583259
Award winning restaurant that delivers the ultimate fine dining experience with a beautifully crafted menu which perfects the art of wine and food harmony.
Bear, Ashbourne
T 01335 210322
Breathing new life into an old building Bear serves delicious brunch from Eggs Benedict to Shakshuka, a family friendly evening menu with pizza, great burger choices and a glass of red.
Herberts Tea Room, Tissington
T 01335 350501
Super delicious food serving light lunches and afternoon tea, a must!
Jack Rabbits, Ashbourne
T 01335 342285
Open 7 days a week and serving an all day fresh menu offering delicious breakfasts, tasty lunches and homemade cakes and they welcome Little Bunnies.
The Little Shed, Ashbourne
T 01335 418010
A hidden gem in the heart of Ashbourne, from light lunches to afternoon teas or simply coffee and cake.
Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café
T 01889 590050
A family run farm shop and café on the Staffordshire and Derbyshire border. Mission is to use their own produce from the farm and source high quality local produce from gate to plate.
Wetton Mill, Manifold Valley
Idyllic location in the heart of the Manifold Valley, wide range of sandwiches and scrummy homemade cakes.
Fresh delivered meals.
Carver Cottage Kitchen
Local Holiday cottage catering, delicious cakes and homely suppers. 01335 310047 or clairelinley@hotmail.com
Click here for more information
Sauced Here
Home made prepared meals and grocery produce from local providers, purchased online and delivered to your holiday cottage.
Click here for more information
Scoff
Delicious range of home cooked food delivered to your door in the Peak District
Click here for more information
Pollys, Milldale
A takeaway coffee shop selling hot and cold drinks, hot pasties, sandwiches and ice cream. Always a warm welcome.
A variety of takeaways are also available in the nearby towns of Ashbourne, Leek and a takeaway Fish and Chip Van is in Hartington on Fridays.
Guests can enjoy the very best larder provisions from the local Peak District National Park producers, farmers and independent foodmongers. Several local companies provide a supermarket style grocery delivery service, to include holiday kits, easy meals to hampers.
Deliveries can be arranged from the following:
Fresh Choice Ashbourne – click here
Sauced Here – click here
Local Peak District farm shops provide quality ingredients, butchery and worthy of a visit for provisions to enjoy
Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop – click here
Denstone Hall Farm Shop – click here
Stanedge Grange Butchery – click here
A J Holmes Butchers Tissington – 01335 350186
Hartington Cheese Shop – click here
High street supermarkets also deliver to the local area – Sainsbury, Tesco or Asda.
Deliveries can be arranged for after a guest’s arrival or before if by prior arrangement with ourselves.
Ashbourne has many specialist independent food stores along with M&S Food, Sainsbury’s and Co-op.
TEMPTED TO VISIT
Availability & Booking
It is easy to select dates and book online. Once the booking is confirmed we will send you helpful email reminders of payment dates and provide you with lots of information to help you enjoy your stay in the Peak District.