The cottages and Hall are conveniently situated for some of the most magnificent stately homes in the United Kingdom. Within 20 minutes drive, is Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. At Chatsworth, there are marvellous walks, a fantastic children's play area for both teenagers and toddlers, and breathtaking formal gardens. Also within 20 minutes drive are Haddon Hall, Sudbury Hall and Hardwick Hall, each of which are completely different in character and with their own equally impressive grounds and gardens.

For the more adventurous, within 1/2 hour's drive there is Alton Towers with its adrenalin-releasing rides of Nemesis and Oblivion, and many other spectacular rides.

Also within 1/2 hour's drive is the Great American Adventure Theme Park, the National Tram Museum, the National Stone Centre, Heights of Abraham (a cable car ride over the River Derwent) with its interesting tour of an old lead mine, and Gulliver's Kingdom (specifically for youngsters up to the age of about 10 years).

There are numerous walks from the cottages, around Carsington Reservoir with its excellent Visitors' Centre which has an animated display by Severn Trent Water Authority showing how rain is created, collected, dispensed into our homes, subsequently re-collected and re-dispensed. At the reservoir Visitors Centre, bicycles for all ages (including baby seats or towed buggies) can be hired, as can canoes, sailboards and rowing boats. There is excellent trout fishing either from the bank or from boats. Other walks from the cottages are to the village of Brassington where there are two excellent pubs and, on a clear day, absolutely stunning views over the Reservoir and into neighbouring Staffordshire. Within 15 minutes by car are the fabulous walks in Dovedale, the Manifold Valley and Tissington to name a few. The charming small towns of Bakewell and Ashbourne with their markets, antique shops, restaurants and tearooms should not be missed.

Within 300 yards of the cottages is the local village pub, which is extremely child-friendly, provides good local beer and excellent local food with a special children's menu. About 45 minutes walking takes you to the village of Brassington where there are two extremely good pubs both providing food. Approximately 5 minutes by car takes you to the Red Lion in the village of Hognaston where the food is truly excellent. In Matlock (15 minutes by car) the Strand Bistro restaurant provides excellent French cuisine. At Callow Hall, a family owned and run country house hotel 10 minutes drive away, you can enjoy some of the finest food available in the Midlands.

For cyclists and walkers, the 8-mile bridle path around the Reservoir provides some challenges as does the High Peak Trail, a disused railway line only 3/4 mile from the cottages. The High Peak Trail joins the Tissington Trail which is approximately 30 miles of totally traffic-free walking and cycling from Ashbourne to Buxton over high ground with marvellous scenery. Cycle hire is available for these trails at three places, all within easy access.

This is an area conveniently located in the heart of England in some of the most picturesque countryside that the United Kingdom has to offer. Within 1/2 hour of the cottages there are many activities and a large range of interests for all ages. The cottages are all maintained to an extremely high standard with the indoor, heated swimming pool available, exclusively for use by the cottage guests, throughout the year.