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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.If you fancy something a little quieter, the site also has some wonderful gardens.
Also within 1/2 hour's is 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 here, 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.
Well dressing is one of the best known customs in Derbyshire and the Peak District. The custom dates back hundreds of years and the true origin still remains unknown. Please visit www.welldressing.com for the 2009 calendar.
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.
Horse riding is available at Tissington Trekking Centre run by Susan Torr: telephone 01335 350276.
Clay pigeon shooting is available at two local shooting schools, each of them within 20 minutes drive of the Hall, both of them able to provide equpiment and tuition for absolute beginners and experts. The first is Joe Neville who is coach to the British Olympic team on 01629 582859. The second is the Yeaveley Estate www.yeaveley-estate.co.uk
The family run paintballing and Quad bike trekking site is available at Brailsford within 20 minutes drive of the hall www.wildparkleisure.co.uk
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. 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.
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.
With so much to do why not arrange to have your shopping delivered to the door, both Sainsburys and Tesco will do this. For an extra special treat Peak District Fine Food will prepare a welcome pack for your arrival. Catering can also be arranged.
This is just a small flavour of what Derbyshire and the Peak District has to offer, please visit the following sites for more information.
