Derbyshire Accommodation Guide
Derbyshire is an exceptionally picturesque county in the East Midlands region of England. The county is famous for containing much of the Peak District National Park and the southern section of the Pennine Hills. Derbyshire is also famous for its two spa towns (Buxton and Matlock) and for its stunning collection of country houses and stately homes.
Sometimes abbreviated to just Derbs or Derbys, Derbyshire has much to offer visitors. The Peak District and the wider Derbyshire region attracts approximately 45 million visitors every year. In this brief guide, we will exhibit some of the county’s best accommodation options and explore some of the region’s most famous attractions.
Derby, Derbyshire’s principal city, served as a major town and trading post for the Romans and later for the Saxons and the Vikings (under Danelaw). The town became central to the Industrial Revolution and contained many of the UK’s first spinning mills and large scale factories. Even today, Derby is the home to Rolls Royce Aero Engines and many other manufacturing plants.
The pretty spa towns of Buxton and Matlock are two of Derbyshire’s most popular tourist towns. At 300 metres (984 feet) above sea level, Buxton is the highest spa town in England. With its incredible Georgian and Victorian architecture and world famous ornamental gardens, Buxton is one of county’s most visited destinations. Other notable towns in Derbyshire include Chesterfield, Swadlincote, Ilkestone, Long Eaton, Belper, Dronfield, Ripley, Staveley. Many have also played a key role in manufacturing.
But don’t let the references above to Derbyshire’s large industrial areas dissuade you from visiting this incredibly beautiful county. The Derbyshire Peak District (the UK’s oldest National Park) is one of the most scenic areas in England, attracting people from near and far. Kinder Scout is a good place to start and at 636 metres (2,087 feet) it is the highest point in Derbyshire. Dovedale, Winnats Pass, Cave Dale and Mam Tor are also well worth a visit.
Derbyshire’s beauty also extends to the large number of stately homes and country houses that span the length and breadth of this amazingly beautiful county. Chatsworth House is arguably the county’s most famous house after several films and TV series were filmed here including Pride and Prejudice (in 2005), The Duchess (in 2008) and The Wolfman (in 2009).
Derbyshire’s other notable country houses include Harwick Hall, Haddon Hall, Bolsover Castle, Calke Abbey, Kedleston Hall, Renishaw Hall, Sudbury Hall, Elvaston Castle and Melbourne Hall. The majorty of these are open to the public either as museums or as garden attractions. Many of these incredible houses have also been used as film locations too such as Haddon Hall which starred in the film Mary Queen of Scots (2019).
Whether you are looking for a holiday house or cottage in the Derbyshire area or a self-catering apartment for a business trip, our accommodation search engine will help you find the perfect place. From plush hotels to converted barns and wooden lodges, we have range of accommodation options to suit your taste and budget.
As one of the larger counties in the East Midlands region, Derbyshire shares a land border with Nottinghamshire to the east, Leicestershire to the south east, Cheshire and Staffordshire to the west, Greater Manchester to the north west, West Yorkshire to the north and South Yorkshire to the north east.
Derbyshire / Tourist Information
- County Town: Matlock
- Land Area: 2,547 km2 (983 square miles)
- Population: 802,694 (2019)
- Population Density: 315/km2 (820/square miles)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 20°C)
- Days Of Rain: 169 days of rain / 197 dry days per year
Best Attractions In Derbyshire
Chatsworth House: Chatsworth is one of the UK’s most famous stately homes and it remains the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Often called ‘the jewel in the Peak District’s crown’, Chatsworth and its incredible grounds are open to visitors on most days of the week. People can explore over 25 rooms in this incredible house including the State Rooms, Painted Hall and Sculpture Gallery.
Derby Silk Mill: This important museum documents Derby’s involvement in the production of silk and lies within the former site of Lombe’s Mill. The museum makes up part of the Museum of Making. The museum is located at the southern end of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Derwent Reservoir: This incredible reservoir is the middle of 3 reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley and has large ornate dams (Derwent Dam and Howden Dam) at either end. The reservoir is approximately 2.4 Km (1.5 miles) in length and covers an area of 70 hectares (172 acres). Derwent is a haven for nature lovers, anglers, sailors, windsurfers, walkers and cyclists.
Best Accommodation In Derbyshire
Highcroft (Turnditch): Imagine eating your breakfast in a beautiful farmhouse garden with deer peering across at you from the adjoining paddock. This is exactly what you can do at this idyllic farmhouse in Turnditch. Sleeping 10 people across 6 bedrooms, this amazing holiday house is hard to beat. It is ideally located within the Peak District and close to Carsington Water.
The Farm House, Wildersley Farm (Belper): This incredible holiday cottage is perfect for larger groups or family reunions. Sleeping 12 people across 6 bedrooms, this amazing holiday property has some incredible features including oak beamed cielings, a sunken fire pit, summer house, outdoor hot tub and large log burning stove. Without question, this is one of the nicest holiday rentals in Derbyshire.
More coming soon…
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the Derbyshire area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
