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Christmas Markets & Winter Walking in the Peak District

The Peveril of the Peak

■ 3 nights at an HF Country House

■ Availability Nov 2026

■ One itinerary available

■ Full Board

■ Grades 2, 3 & 4 details

■ 50kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£459

pp

Members From

£429

pp

Members Save: on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. You can become a member during the booking flow. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Add an extra sprinkling of magic to your winter. Our Christmas Markets & Winter Walking breaks combine a choice of guided walks in the Peak District with visits to some of the best festive experiences in Britain.

Accommodation

HF Country House
Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.  There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.
10662_0071 - Peveril of the Peak - Exterior

What You’ll Love

  • Exploring the winter landscapes of the Peak District on foot 
  • A choice of guided walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders 
  • Admiring Chatsworth House in its full festive splendour 
  • Getting into the festive spirit at Chatsworth’s Christmas market 
  • Exploring this stately home and setting for many a TV period drama 
  • Staying at Peveril of the Peak, our country house in the Peak District 

What's Included

  • Entry to Chatsworth House
  • En-suite accommodation in our 3-star country house 
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Spend the day exploring Chatsworth House at this very special time of year. Expect Christmas shopping, carol singers, yuletide treats, and this grand stately home at its festive best.

Option 1 - River Dove and Coldwall Bridge

Distance: 2½ miles (4.5km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: Descend round Thorpe Cloud to the River Dove. There is then an option to take a footbridge into Staffordshire and walk to the iconic Stepping Stones. Cross and return if you dare and then return to the footbridge and Derbyshire. The River Dove is then followed to Coldwall Bridge. View this 100 yard long river crossing before ascending on the old coach road and through Thorpe Village back to the house.

Highlight: Visiting the beautiful Stepping Stones.

Option 2 - Blore and Ilam Circuit

Distance:  6 miles  (9 Km)

Ascent and descent:  935ft (285m)

In summary: The walk descends to cross the River Dove into Staffordshire on an historic bridge before ascending to the hamlet of Blore.   We then visit Ilam with it’s  Park, Hall and village before crossing back into Derbyshire and back to Peveril of the Peak.

Highlight: Blore and Ilam churches both have interesting memorials. In beautiful Ilam Park we can see the River Manifold as it emerges from its underground route.

Option 3 - Dovedale Gorge

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)  

In summary: Beginning with a descent to the famous stepping stones we follow the River Dove to Milldale. Following the zig zag path we then return through pasture land high above the gorge.

Highlight: The famous limestone gorge of Dovedale is just a stone’s throw from our country house with its rock formations, caves and verdant flora.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3 Grade 4

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

The Peveril of the Peak

Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.  There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.

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. 

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.

•  46 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 63 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  •  2 travel cots & 2 high chairs  •  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  •  Extensive grounds  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, The Peveril of the Peak has 46 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 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for The Peveril of the Peak

Getting here

Address

The Peveril of the Peak
Thorpe
Dovedale
Ashbourne
Derbyshire DE6 2AW

Tel: +44 (0)1335 350396

By train

The nearest stations are Derby or Buxton. 

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By taxi

From Buxton railway station a taxi takes approximately 35 minutes.

From Derby railway station the 18-mile journey takes approximately 40 minutes.  

Telephone: 01332 345 343
Email: info@albatrosscars.co.uk
https://www.albatrosscars.com

By bus

There is a bus service as far as Ashbourne, about three miles from The Peveril of the Peak. You’ll need to take a taxi from Ashbourne, taking around 10 minutes, or use the Derbyshire Connect Service (telephone +44 (0)1335 342951).

From Buxton you can use the 442 service or from Derby catch the SWI service.  

Check online for up-to-date bus times.  

By car

From the south  
Leave the M1 at junction 24 and head to Ashbourne via the A50 and A515. Continue north on the A515 towards Buxton. One mile north of Ashbourne turn left, signposted to Thorpe, Dovedale, and Ilam. After a further two miles the road bends sharply left by the Old Dog pub. The Peveril of the Peak is at the bottom of the hill.  

From Buxton  
Take the A515 south towards Ashbourne. After 17 miles turn right at the crossroads following signs to Thorpe. After one mile turn right by the Old Dog pub. You’ll find The Peveril of the Peak at the bottom of the hill.  

From the west  
Leave the M6 at junction 15 and head via the A50, Cheadle (A521), and Oakamoor (A5417) to the A52. At the junction of the A52 and the A523 take the minor road signposted to Ilam. After 1.5 miles turn left and descend the hill. Cross the bridge at Ilam, turn right, and follow the road through Dovedale and Thorpe village. The Peveril of the Peak is on the left-hand side at the end of the village. 

By air

The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport.  
 
We recommend pre-booking a taxi direct to The Peveril of the Peak, which is about 30 minutes away. 

From London Luton Airport you’ll need to take the shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station, then catch the train to Derby with one change at Leicester. 

From Manchester International Airport there are trains every hour to Buxton with one change at Manchester Piccadilly. Allow one hour 40 minutes to Buxton. 

Flying to London Heathrow Airport is another option but you’ll need to allow three hours to reach Derby. From Heathrow first take the Piccadilly line to London St Pancras. From here take a train direct to Derby. 

National Rail has up-to-date train information. 

More Information

Packing list - Christmas Markets & Winter Walking

For sightseeing

Much of your day will be spent on your feet at a venue, so we recommend bringing sturdy shoes. There may also be stairs to climb, uneven surfaces (cobbles or rocky paths), or wet and muddy paths as expected at this time of year. 

For walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing. 

Essentials

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip 
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable) 
  • Waterproof overtrousers 
  • Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat) 
  • Rucksack 
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
  • A small torch 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Mobile phone and portable charger 
  • Watch 
  • UV sunglasses 

Recommended 

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve) 
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters 
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat  
  • Spare pair of socks 
  • Energy snacks 
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables 
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace) 
  • Wallet/purse 

Optional extras

  • Walking poles, useful for descents 
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box 
  • Gaiters 
  • Blister kit  
  • Waterproof rucksack liner 
  • Head torch 
  • GPS device 

Carbon Footprint - 50kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

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Dates & availability

Christmas Markets & Winter Walking in the Peak District

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

27 Nov - 30 Nov 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£459

pp

Members

£429

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£459

pp

£429

pp
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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.

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