Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton
Peak District
A New HF Country House for 2027
Lee Wood is our 43-bedroom Georgian property in the historic spa town of Buxton, opening 29 January 2027 with a special celebratory launch week. Not only does our newest country house have excellent rail connections, with Buxton station only a short walk away, it also has easy access to a wonderful variety of Peak District walking routes. Surrounded by the Peak District National Park, our Buxton base offers a wealth of walks across the dramatic gritstone edges of the Dark Peak, through the gentle valleys of the White Peak, and routes that delve into the region’s industrial past, history, and heritage.
Other nearby highlights include the Derbyshire Dales and the Hope Valley, home to picturesque villages such as Hathersage, Eyam, and Castleton, which is famed for its show caves and is crowned by the dramatic ruins of the 11th-century Peveril Castle.
When you’re not out walking, unwind in the well-kept gardens, or enjoy plenty of space for socialising and activities in the roomy bar and lounge areas.
If you want to take it easy or fill a free day, Lee Wood’s excellent location puts you steps from Buxton’s many highlights. Visit Buxton Opera House to catch a show in an authentic Edwardian theatre, stop by the iconic, Grade I-listed Buxton Crescent building and browse its fascinating museum, or simply stroll through the landscaped parklands of the Pavilion Gardens, which first opened in 1871. Alternatively, take a 25-minute walk to Poole’s Cavern, a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Lee Wood Hotel
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• 43 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 68 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounges • Lawned grounds • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point
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Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.
Then & now at Lee Wood Hotel
The Lee Wood Hotel was originally built in 1830 as three houses by William Canendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire. The so-called “Bachelor Duke" was one of the biggest landowners in the United Kingdom, as well as an ambassador to Tsarist Russia, and a renowned horticultural enthusiast who owned over 200,000 acres of land. Cavendish transformed the three houses into a hotel in 1860, to capitalise on the growing influx of visitors arriving via the newly built Derby–Manchester railway line. At the time, the town was beginning to prosper as a Victorian spa resort, drawing people keen to enjoy the therapeutic properties of its thermal spring waters.
Acquired by Margaret and Derwent Millican in 1957, the hotel reopened the following year after a brief renovation. It remained in the care of the Millican family for almost 70 years, becoming a much-loved hotel known for its warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service, attracting many returning guests.
In 2026, HF Holidays purchased the property and, in the spirit of our member-owned co-operative, hopes to carry that legacy forward when Lee Wood opens as an HF Country House in 2027.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Lee Wood Hotel has 43 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865.
House calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Discover Peak District
Places to visit
Perfectly placed in the heart of the Peak District, Buxton offers easy access to some of England’s most inspiring landscapes, charming villages, and historic landmarks. Whether you’re enjoying a guided, self-guided walking or special interest holiday, there’s always the opportunity to linger for longer. Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of the Lee Wood Hotel in Buxton.
The Peak District’s best-loved landscapes
Step straight into the Peak District National Park, where a network of well-maintained trails leads you through dramatic dales, rolling hills and rugged moorland. Discover the limestone valleys of Dovedale and Monsal Dale, with their iconic stepping stones and sweeping views, or explore the wild beauty of the Dark Peak, where gritstone edges like Kinder Scout and Stanage Edge offer a more dramatic backdrop.
Buxton’s heritage, gardens & caves
Closer to home, Buxton itself is rich in history. As England's highest market spa town at 1,000 feet above sea level, there’s more to this place than water. The town’s spa heritage and leafy parks make it an ideal place to relax after a day in the hills. Stroll around the elegant Georgian Crescent, explore the beautiful Pavilion Gardens, or visit the historic Opera House to catch a show in an authentic Edwardian theatre. From musicals and stand-up comedy to operatic performances, it's one of the Midlands' prime entertainment venues. Poole's Cavern is also well worth a visit – a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave.
Historic houses and stately grandeur - Chatsworth House, Bakewell & Castleton
The surrounding countryside is dotted with picturesque villages, each with its own charm. Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, this magnificent 17th century mansion is set in over 1,000 acres of stunning parkland and formal gardens. Inside, there are over 30 rooms to explore, including the State Rooms, Sculpture Gallery, and Painted Hall. Castleton, located at the head of the Hope Valley, is known for its caves: Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, and Treak Cliff Cavern - and historic Peveril Castle, while Bakewell offers riverside walks and its famous pudding. Closer to Buxton, villages like Tideswell – home to the impressive “Cathedral of the Peak” – provide welcoming pubs, local history, and a slower pace of life. Haddon Hall, overlooking the River Wye, is a fairytale-like manor house with its fortified exterior dates from the 12th century. Every part of the property is steeped in history, but the banqueting hall, chapel, and kitchens are particularly worth exploring.
Cromford Mills
Part of the UNESCO-listed Derwent Valley Mills, the world's first water-powered cotton spinning mill developed by Richard Arkwright in 1771 is known as the birthplace of the modern factory system. The mill museum and visitor centre are both worth visiting.
Dovedale Stepping Stones
The limestone valley of Dovedale steals the limelight as one of the best-loved – and most visited – beauty spots in the Peak District National Park. Don’t miss the famous stepping stones located about half a mile from the car park (check the National Trust website for news of Stepping Stones opening/access due to repairs).
Trails, railways and scenic routes
Enjoy traffic-free walking and cycling along the Monsal Trail, following a former railway line through tunnels and across viaducts with spectacular views. For a nostalgic day out, the Peak Rail heritage railway offers a leisurely journey through the Derwent Valley, while the surrounding area is crisscrossed with gentle routes perfect for guided and self-guided exploration. Crich Tramway Village - a recreated Edwardian-style village and home to the National Tramway Museum is located near the village of Crich. Highlights include the woodland walk, sculpture trail, and collection of over 60 trams built between 1873 and 1982.
Getting to Lee Wood Hotel
Getting here
Address
The Park,
Park Rd,
Buxton
SK17 6TQ
Tel: 01298 23002
By train
The nearest station is Buxton, approximately 0.5 miles from the house.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
You may wish to call one of our local taxi companies on 01298 72123 or 01298 72333 on arrival for transport to and from the train station.
By car & parking
Lee Wood Hotel can be approached either via The Park or to the rear via Manchester Road (A5004 Long Hill to Whaley Bridge). If you are using SatNav, our postcode is SK17 6TQ. Parking is available around the hotel, and there is additional unrestricted parking on The Park, to the south side of the premises.
