Self catering accommodation in the Peak District

Self-catering in The Peak District - the South Pennines

The Peak District was Britain's first designated national park, established in April 1951. The enduring appeal of this area continues to draw in visitors from across the UK and abroad. There's a broad selection of holiday accommodation in the Peak District, from luxury hotels to self catering cottages or campsites.

The National Park covers nearly 1,500 square kilometres of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire and boasts over 2,500 public rights of way. It's a walker's paradise, with terrain ranging from gently sloping limestone dales to crystal clear rivers, dramatic slopes and high heather moorland. The Peak Park Rangers lead guided walks at a variety of levels, from serious hikes along the Pennine Way to shorter routes and town walking tours. This south Pennine district landscape is also great for cyclists, riders and rock-climbers.

In the northern area of the Peak District you'll find wild open moorland and plenty of secluded self-catering accommodation in the Peak District from which to explore it. Further south are the wildlife-rich valleys and pretty towns and villages with picturesque cottages and holiday homes.

Bakewell is a pleasant market town dating back to Saxon times. It's best known for the famous 'Bakewell Pudding', and rumour has it that the original recipe was somewhat of an accident resulting from a careless cook mixing egg with the jam rather than the pastry in a strawberry tart. Staying in a self-catering cottage near Bakewell will give you a chance to sample this local delicacy at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding shop.

Chatsworth house and gardens in Derbyshire is one of Britain's finest historic estates. In the house, visitors can marvel at over thirty richly decorated rooms and famous works of art. The extensive grounds include 17th and 19th century water features, a maze and kitchen, cottage, rose and rock gardens. Chatsworth was used in the 2005 film version of 'Pride and Prejudice'. Unfortunately, you can't stay the night in one of Chatsworth's luxurious four-poster beds, but there are some pretty impressive self-catering cottages near Chatsworth to rent.

Peak District cottages for short breaks or an action-packed family summer holiday - here's our top day trips thoughts to get you planning - we guarantee that some wonderful days out for all of your guests:

• Chatsworth House - visit the maze and the Victorian rock garden.
• Stanage Edge - is the largest of the gritstone escarpment in the Peak District - climbers and walkers flock here.
• The Heights of Abraham - is a cable car that gives you break-taking views of the hillsides and caves.
• The plague village of Eyam - in 1665 the black plague was discovered in the village and they tragically and heroically chose to isolate to stop the infection spreading. The museum in the village tells this amazing story.
• Buxton's gorgeously restored Opera House hosts the Buxton Festival, one of the largest cultural festivals inEngland the 16-day Buxton Festival attracts top names in literature, music and opera.
• Pavilion Gardens - in the heart of Buxton, has 23 acres of gardens where farmers markets, dances and fetes are held.
• Lady Bower Reservoir - is in the Upper Derwent Valley at the heart of the Peak District National Park. Many walkers, cyclists and fell runners come to the 'Lake District of the Peak' as it is sometimes called.

Just a few holiday activities, there is plenty more things to do in The Peak District