The Peveril of the Peak
Peak District
For those easily seduced by the charm of the Peak District, this characterful country house is a dealbreaker. Set in the tiny village of Thorpe, you’ll be less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones – a series of 16 limestone-capped stones that were laid out in the 19th century to allow for a safe crossing over the River Dove. There’s plenty of big-name attractions nearby, most fabulously the Twelve Apostles that is best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap. And there’s no shortage of walking thrills, either, especially around the Roaches and the impressive Stanage Edge. Equally fabulous is the cone-shaped Thorpe Cloud, a limestone hill on the southern end of Dovedale and along the rolling green hills of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.
The Peveril of the Peak
| • Open February to November and during the festive season • 46 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 63 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • 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 |  |
Then & now at The Peveril of the Peak
Named after Sir Walter Scott’s 1923 novel, The Peveril of the Peak was most likely to have been built in the 1830s. By 1863, the Derby Mercury reported the transfer of an alehouse to Randel Williams and by 1871 it was owned by George Huggett. At the time, it was described as a ‘hostelry recently enlarged and made attractive, not only by its position, but by the imitable capacity of the landlord’. Operating as a ‘tourist house of good repute’, it was later auctioned at the Grand Hotel Birmingham and used as a hotel thereafter. The cast and crew of Ridley Scott’s 2010 blockbuster, Robin Hood, stayed here in 2009 while filming scenes at nearby Thorpe Pastures. Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe has since cited the Peak District as one of his favourite places on the planet. Perveril of the Peak has been part of our HF Holidays line-up since 2012.
Nowadays, there’s 46 well-appointed guest rooms in three categories (Classic, Premium, Superior). The house has a comfortable lounge with a wood burner for chilly days, a dining room for a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients, a licensed bar, a large function room for dancing and activities, and books and games to borrow during your stay. You’ll also find a boot and drying room, extensive grounds, plus an outdoor terrace that’s perfect for soaking up beautiful countryside views. Elsewhere, the Discovery Point offers a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and easy-to-follow information for self-guided walks. There’s a carpark with a footpath leading to the Dovedale Stepping Stones, too. But unless you’re planning on driving to Chatsworth House or the villages of Bakewell and Castleton, you’ll probably be happy just staying put.
Rooms
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, and comfortable mattresses.
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, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: Room 2 on the ground floor for its extra space (it also has a door opening on to the grounds). Also lovely is the Chatsworth Room for its four-poster bed.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. 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.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
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
House calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Discover Peak District
Places to visit
Whether you’re enjoying a guided or self-guided walking 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 Peveril of the Peak.
Dovedale
Less than a mile away, 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.
Ashbourne
Approximately three miles away, this market town charms with cobbled streets, interesting Tudor and Georgian buildings, lovely shops and cafés, and the spectacular St. Oswald’s Church – one of Derbyshire’s loveliest famed for its 212-foot spire.
Chatsworth House
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’s over 30 rooms to explore, including the State Rooms, Sculpture Gallery, and Painted Hall.
Crich Tramway Village
Just a 45-minute drive away, this 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.
Buxton
As England's highest market spa town at 1,000 feet above sea level, there’s more to this place than water. Must-see sights include the Devonshire Dome building, the Edwardian Opera House, and Poole's Cavern – a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave.
Castleton
Located at the head of the Hope Valley in the heart of the Peak District National Park, this beautiful village is as famous for its semi-precious stone, Blue John, as for its show cave superstars: Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, and Treak Cliff Cavern.
Bakewell
There’s more to this market town on the banks of the River Wye than jam-filled pastry. The best attractions include the honey-coloured stone houses, specialist markets, Lovellock Bridge, and the famous summer carnival reputed as the biggest in Derbyshire.
Alton Towers
Just a 25-minute drive away, this Staffordshire theme park is perfect for those with adventurous and excitable kids in tow. Thrillseekers can enjoy over 40 rides (including 10 rollercoasters) as well as a water park. There’s entertainment for younger children, too.
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 visit-worthy.
Haddon Hall
Overlooking the River Wye, this 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.
Getting to 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.
For pricing, please contact Ashbourne Taxis directly.
Ashbourne Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ashbourne Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1335 345198 / +44 (0)7398 783706
Email: ashbourne-taxis@hotmail.co.uk
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at The Peveril of the Peak.
*Ashbourne Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
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.
