The Hay Loft

Once part of a stable block, The Hay Loft is a simply stunning barn loft conversion at Vicarage Farm based in the heart of the High Peak.

The cosiest of cottages at this historic church farm, The Hay Loft is perfect for families of five or less. Gone are the horses and groom – in their place you’ll find chilled out first floor living with a uniquely modern feel and spades of original character.

Leading from the beautiful hallway with exposed natural stone wall, everything is within reach. You’ll find a wonderfully light open plan living area with vaulted ceilings and contemporary painted beams. Comprising a lounge area with comfy sofas, a dining zone and kitchen, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and dine together. Not forgetting the picturesque views from the dining table and sofa onto open countryside towards Miller’s Dale.

The Hay Loft has two bedrooms and a shower room, ideal for two couples or a family. One is a cosy double room and the second has a double bottom bunk with single bunk on top (under 12s only).

Wallow in the range of communal facilities on hand. Or simply kick back and relax on your private patio overlooking the courtyard is a delightful spot to relax at any time of day!

Fire up a game of family doubles on the all-weather tennis court and let mini guests loose on the well-established playground. You’ll also find a communal outdoor gazebo and barbecue terrace nestled within the tranquil settings. Twinkling fairy lights and an under cover open log fire make it magical for evening celebrations!

The Hay Loft at Vicarage Farm provides a peaceful refuge in the heart of the Peak District National Park and you would be hard pressed to find a more idyllic and serene location. Ideally located in the ancient farming hamlet of Wheston, the ancient farmstead is set in six acres of tranquil grounds and was historically a church farm that provided produce for the Tideswell parish.

Locally, all you would ever want is on the doorstep at Tideswell, two kilometres distant - from an artisanal butcher, bakers and ice cream parlour to a plethora of restaurants, pubs and cafes. Tideswell is one of the most ancient settlements in the central Peak District and is famous for its most remarkable 14th century church, known as "The Cathedral of the Peak", with its regular concerts from local groups. The village is also noted for its well dressing, carnival wakes and the Tideswell Food Festival every year in May, with demonstrations, stalls, and entertainment.

Positioned close to other popular towns of the Peaks, The Hay Loft makes an ideal base for discovering the splendour of the Peak National Park.

Take the short journey to the elegant Spa town of Buxton, and immerse yourself in its Georgian and Victorian architecture nestled in between independent shops and cafes. Here you can enjoy live entertainment at the grand Buxton Opera House, or, if that's not for you, journey underground into the two-million-year-old Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park.

Also worth a trip, is the beautiful, historic market town of Bakewell, home to one of the nation's favourite sweet treats - the renowned Bakewell Pudding.

There is a fantastic array of attractions to take your pick from! Visit Eyam Museum to learn about the Plague, get your thrills on an epic tree-top adventures at Go Ape Buxton, and explore the fascinating Caverns at Castleton. Tour the imposing Haddon Hall or magnificent Chatsworth House - fans of the 2013 film adaption of Pride & Prejudice are sure to recognise it as Mr Darcy's 'Pemberley' residence.

Scenic walking and cycling surrounds The Hay Loft too. Notably, the farmstead leads directly onto the Pennine Bridleway, one of the first and longest trails in England. There is direct access to Limestone Way, Monsal Trail and many circular routes one can explore via foot, horse or cycle.

Tideswell Dale Nature Reserve and Deep Dale Nature Reserve are within easy reach too, along with plenty of larger peaks to test your stamina on, including Rushup Edge, Eldon Hill, Wardlow Hay Cop and Monsal Head. Carsington Water is 50 minutes away for an adventurous circular walk or bike ride around the lake

The other three cottages in the family of cottages at Vicarage Farm are: The Piggery (sleeps 7+1); The Cow Shed (sleeps 4+1) and Hope Cross Stables, a fully accessible cottage across the road (sleeps 4). Cottages may be taken individually or in any combination for get-togethers of up to 22 guests. Up to 13 can dine together at The Piggery and you can all share the communal facilities, while allowing for a quiet space to retreat when needed.

Vicarage Farm Cottages are just the job for families and friends to gather for a weekend break, special celebration or a walking holiday. The central location is ideal for those meeting up from different parts of the UK with easily accessible transport routes from the north and south.

LOCAL INFORMATION - TIDESWELL (1 mile)

The village of Tideswell, one mile from Vicarage Farm Cottages, in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Tideswell is probably best known for its unusually large and impressive St John The Baptist Church otherwise known as "The Cathedral of the Peak" with many unusual medieval wooden and stone carvings of hybrid mythical creatures.

The village is also noted for its well dressing and carnival wakes.

Wakes Week: Every last week of June near the summer solstice, the village holds a week long festival known as Wakes. There is well dressing and a number of activities and events culminating in 'Big Saturday', which includes a large scale procession with dressed floats and improvised costumes, followed by an evening Torchlight procession led by Tideswell Brass band playing a unique tune called "The Tideswell Processional" accompanied by villagers dancing a traditional weaving dance - www.tideswellwakes.co.uk

Food Festival: Since May 2011 Tideswell has been host to an ever increasingly popular food festival which draws more visitors and suppliers each year with an expanding array of independent food suppliers. Stalls host local and well travelled independent suppliers all sharing one thing in common, a passion for good quality hand made food. The food festival is held on a Saturday immediately after or the first May bank holiday - ideswellfoodfestival.co.uk

Arts: There is an Annual Tideswell Arts festival in Tideswell Wakes Week in the last week of June, and other concerts and events are held during the year including plays, visiting groups and the very popular "Tideswell Last Night Of The Proms". www.facebook.com/TideswellArtsFestival

Tideswell is beautifully-adorned with charming stone-built buildings and home to a some good pubs and places to eat, where you can sample real ales and home-cooked meals. There’s also a chemist, artisanal butchers and bakers and individual curiosity shops. Pop into the convenience store for your own ingredients, open daily until 10pm, or pick up a takeaway to enjoy from the comfort of your holiday home for when you don’t feel like cooking!

GROCERY SHOPPING:

Tideswell has a Co-op Food; Buxton has a Waitrose, Morrisons and Aldi.

Co-op Food - Tideswell, Commercial Rd, Tideswell, Buxton SK17 8NU. Opens seven days a week from 7am to 10pm (1.2 miles/4 minutes).

Litton Village Shop, The Old Smithy, Litton SK17 8QP - award-winning community-run shop, with a post office counter and general supplies, plus a small café. Open seven days a week (2.2 miles/7 minutes).

Waitrose & Partners Buxton, Spring Gardens Centre, 33 Station Rd, Buxton SK17 6DF (7 miles/18 minutes).

Morrisons, Bakewell Rd, Buxton SK17 9TB (7.1 miles/19 minutes).

ALDI, Station Rd, Buxton SK17 6AQ (6.9 miles/18 minutes).

PUBS NEARBY:

There are eight food-serving pubs within a 10 minute drive – please check for food serving times.

The Horse & Jockey, Queen Street SK17 (1.4 miles/5 minute drive). T - 01298 871 211; www.horseandjockeytideswell.co.uk The Star Inn, High Street SK17 8LD (1.1 miles/4 minute drive). T - 01298 872 725; www.facebook.com/thestarinntideswell
The George Inn, Commercial Road SK17 8NU (1.3 miles/4 minute drive). T - 01298 871 32; www.georgeinn-tideswell.co.uk
The Anchor Inn, Four Lanes End SK17 8RB (1.9 miles/6 minute drive). T - 01298 871 371; www.theanchortideswell.co.uk
Red Lion Inn, Church Lane, Litton SK17 8QU (2.5 miles/7 minute drive). T - 01298 871 458; theredlionlitton.co.uk
The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow SK17 8RT (3.8 miles/9 minute drive). T - 01298 211 949; www.theblindbull.co.uk
Anglers Rest, Millerdale SK17 8SN (3.5 miles/9 minute drive). T - 01298 871 3231; www.anglersrestmillersdale.co.uk
Queen Anne Inn, Main Street, Great Hucklow SK17 8RF (3.4 miles/9 minute drive); queenanneinn.co.uk

RESTAURANTS NEARBY:

The Merchant's Yard, St John's Road, Tideswell SK17 8NY (1.2 miles/4 minute drive). A two rosette restaurant with delicious seasonal and locally sourced dishes (Wheelchair Accessible). Booking in advance essential due to its popularity. T - 01298 8872 442; www.themerchantsyard.com
The Chequers Inn, Froggatt Edge, Froggatt S32 3ZJ (1.4 miles/18 minutes). T - 01433 630 231; www.chequers-froggatt.com
Stella’s Kitchen, Cross Low Farm, Foolow Road, Hope Valley S32 5QS (5 miles/12 minutes). African/Caribbean food during the day on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and sit-down meals on Friday and Saturday although space is limited. www.stellas-kitchen.co.uk
Curry Cottage At Lovers Leap, The Dl, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley S32 4TF (6.4 miles/13 minutes). Indian restaurant and takeaway. www.currycottagerestaurant.co.uk
Curry Cabin, 10 Castleton Rd, Hope, Hope Valley S33 6RD (7 miles/17 minutes). Indian restaurant and takeaway. currycabin.co.uk

TAKEAWAYS NEARBY:

Elliotts Fish & Chips, Commercial Rd, Tideswell SK17 8NU (1.3 miles/4 minutes)
Corner Chippy, Bank Square, Tideswell, Buxton SK17 8NL (1.2 miles/4 minutes)
Toll Bar Fish & Chips, Stoney Middleton S32 4TF (6.5 miles/13 minutes). T - 01433 639 800
The Pizza Merchant, 5 Whitecross Rd, Tideswell SK17 8PD (1.3 miles/4 minutes). T - 01298 871 060. Collection or Delivery
Hope Valley Pizza, Calver, Hope Valley (7 miles/15 minutes drive). T S32 3XH, - 01433 631 706; www.facebook.com/Hopevalleypizza. Collection or Delivery
H&D’s Bistro (1.3 miles/4 minutes). T - 01298 872 574. Alternating Caribbean, Tapas or Thai food - Friday and Saturday Night (eat in or take out). Also Take-away pizza Friday and Saturday evenings (Advance booking recommended)
Stella’s Kitchen, Cross Low Farm, Foolow Road, Hope Valley S32 5QS (5 miles/12 minutes) - Caribbean & African cuisine
Curry Cottage At Lovers Leap, The Dl, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley S32 4TF - www.currycottagerestaurant.co.uk; T - 01433 630 300; Collection or Delivery
Curry Cabin, 10 Castleton Rd, Hope, Hope Valley S33 6RD (7 miles/17 minutes)
Maazi Indian, 6 The Square, Hathersage S32 1BB (9.5 miles/22 minutes). T - 01433 650 725; maazi.co.uk; Collection or Delivery
Kwei Lin (Chinese Takeaway) 1-2 Lower Hardwick St, Buxton SK17 6DQ (7 miles/18 minutes). T - 01298 77 822; Collection or Delivery
The Great Panda Restaurant (Chinese Takeaway) 7 Eagle Parade, Buxton SK17 6EQ (7 miles/18 minutes). T - 01298 237 03; Collection or Delivery
August Moon (Chinese Chippy and Takeaway) 32 Market St, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak SK23 0HY(6.6 miles/16 minutes). T - 01298 813 931; www.facebook.com/pages/August-Moon/156123737752844

CAFES NEARBY:

High Nelly's Cafe, 2 Bank Square, Tideswell SK17 8LA (1.2 miles/4 minutes). Serves excellent coffee, tea and a tasty Swedish inspired menu. T - 01298 238 75
The Roost, 3 Queen Street, Tideswell SK17 8JT (1.2 miles/4 minutes). Sells fabulous coffee, great food and sells a range of cheeses, dairy produce and other local produce (open seven days a week) T - 01298 384 215
H&D’s Bistro tearoom, The Woodhouse, Queen Street, Tideswell SK17 8PF (1.3 miles/4 minutes). A range of interesting teas, excellent coffee and cakes. Also serves a weekend themed food bistro menu and takeaway food on Friday and to Saturday nights. T - 01298 872 574
The Cherry Tree, Cherry Tree Square, Queen Street SK17 8JZ – a fabulous stop for sandwiches, cakes, sausage rolls and coffee (weekdays only) (1.3 miles/4 minute drive)
Litton Village Shop, The Old Smithy, Litton SK17 8QP - serves tea, coffee and cake (2.2 miles/7 minutes)
The Refreshment Room, Wormhill Road SK17 8SN – located at Millers Dale station on The Monsal Trail (3.8 miles/10 minutes)

SPECIALIST FOOD & DRINK

Tindalls, 6 Commercial Road, Tideswell SK17 8NU – a fantastic bakery/deli open Monday to Friday, and mornings on Saturday. (1.3 miles/4 minutes)
Keepers Cottage Organics, Queen St, Tideswell, Buxton SK17 8JT (1.3 miles/4 minute drive) - An organic Butcher selling much of their home-farmed produce. Open most Fridays and 9am - 3pm Saturday (keeperscottageorganics.co.uk)
Peaches/Queen St, High Street, Tideswell SK17 8JT – Peaches the greengrocers is open six days per week 7.30am – 4pm (till 12.30pm on Saturday) (1.2 miles/4 minutes)
The Bird Cafe And Riverside Herb Centre, Hathersage (9 miles/19 minutes). The centre combines a varied herb shop with a deli and café. Unwind and enjoy the riverside views in the café, before taking home fresh produce from the deli’s selection of cured meats, olives, cheese and bread.
Hope Valley Ice Cream, Thorpe Farm (10 miles/24 minutes). The freshest ingredients including free-range eggs and milk from the Marsden family farm are used in the production of this delicious home-made ice-cream. Flavours include Fuschia’s Cinder Toffee and Gertrude’s Whisky & Ginger. It’s sold in many local cafes and shops and the ice-cream parlour opens at weekends.

OTHER SHOPS IN TIDESWELL

There is a Pharmacy (Fountain Square Pharmacy), a Nail bar and pampering station (Glow), Three Hairdressers – Carol’s, Kay’s and Monet Hairdressing

Peak District Yarns Studio sell hand-dyed yarns, gifts, knitting and crochet accessories, crafty workshops. Open to the public Thursday – Saturday and at other times by arrangement

Tideswell Book Shop has a wonderful collection of second-hand books located in the spectacular surrounds of the old bank. Sweets and cards too. (open Thursday – Sunday

CITIES, TOWNS & VILLAGES

LITTON (2 miles) is a picturesque area and a favourite of walkers and cyclists. Founded after the Norman Conquest, by Sir Dilbert de Lytton, the village was originally a centre for lead-mining. These days village Litton comprises mostly of small cottages and old buildings alongside larger more recently built houses.

EYAM (6 miles) is one of the best-preserved villages in the Peak District National Park, nestled at the foot of Sir William Hill, 800ft above sea level and is surrounded by the most glorious countryside. Eyam has several shops and tea rooms and The Miners Arms pub. Historically the village is known as the famous 'plague village', as it went into voluntary quarantine when the plague was imported from London in 1665 and thus prevented the spread of the disease. There are still mementos of this event within Eyam Museum. There are many fine old houses in Eyam, and parts of the village have been kept as they looked several centuries ago, such as Eyam Hall (National Trust), a beautiful 17th century manor house with delightful gardens, craft shops and tea rooms. Above the village lies Eyam Moor, a fine area for walking, with fantastic views across the Derwent Valley, with its many Bronze Age remains and monuments.

BUXTON (7 miles) is a spa town, home to the world-class Buxton Opera House with a busy events calendar. Attractions include the Buxton Museum & Art Gallery, The Pavilion Gardens. At Grin Low and Buxton Country Park you can visit Solomon's Temple for fantastic views, Poole’s Cavern which runs deep beneath the hillside Go Ape! for a hire wire adventure.

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH (7 miles), the historic Capital of the Peak.

CASTLETON (9 miles) is home to four underground show caves, all worth a visit, for their own interesting features. These are Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Peak Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. One famous attraction is Blue John Stone, a form of Fluorspa, can be seen within two of the caverns - Blue John Cavernand Treak Cliff Cavern. Jewellery can be found on sale in the village from the small pieces that are still mined and then polished. The village boast six pubs and numerous cafes scattered amongst it's winding lanes and footpaths, all of which lead back to the main street and bustles with activity all year round. Peveril Castle ruins (English Heritage) stand high above the pretty village.

BAKEWELL (10 miles) is a picturesque market town which holds a livestock market every Monday and the home of the world famous Bakewell Pudding. It offers a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as Old House Museum. There are great walks along the riverside on the banks of the river Wye and the Monsal Trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill and Coombs Road at Bakewell.

HATHERSAGE (10 miles) is an interesting village with a fine church and with historical associations to Robin Hood and the Eyre family, popular with walkers and rock-climbers as it is overlooked by moorland and a line of gritstone edges of which Stanage Edge is the largest with picturesque views.

EDALE village (10.5 miles) nestles under Kinder Scout and is the start of The Pennine Way, the first and the longest public footpath in England opened in 1965.

HARTINGTON (14.5 miles) is an attractive busy little village dating back to the early 1200's. It is close to The Tissington Trail and also a good place to start walking along Beresford Dale. Nearby is Arbor Low Stone Circle (English Heritage).

CHESTERFIELD (18 miles), famous for its crooked spire, an historic market town.

MATLOCK BATH (18.5 miles) attractions include the Heights of Abraham with its famous cable cars and park featuring underground tours of Masson and Rutland caverns, Gulliver's Kingdom theme park and Temple Mine, the Peak District Mining Museum.

SHEFFIELD (19.5 miles), with all its culture.

CROMFORD (21 miles) is steeped in industrial history and often called the cradle of the industrial revolution, and has an interesting walk as well as Arkwright's Cromford Mill, now a World Heritage Site.

BOLSOVER (24 miles) is home to Bolsover Castle (English Heritage), along with specialist food shop, Jaquest’s.

BELPER (27.5 miles), winner of the 2014 Great British High Street Awards.

DERBY (36 miles) with its contemporary, vibrant culture.

CASTLES, FOLLIES, HOUSES & GARDENS

Eyam Hall located within Eyam village (6.5 miles), is a small but charming. historic house and gardens.

Peveril Castle (English Heritage), Castleton (7.5 miles). Discover the breathtaking views from the top of the castle ruins above the village of Castleton.

Solomon’s Temple (10 miles). The tower itself was built in 1896 to replace an earlier structure constructed by Solomon Mycock a local farmer and landowner. Although not in the true spirit of a folly, that is having no practical purpose whatsoever, Solomon's Temple actually occupies a site of ancient significance. It rises from the centre of an ancient burial mound, and during the tower's construction an archaeological dig here revealed several Bronze Age skeletons from the "Beaker Period", along with later Roman items.

Haddon Hall (11.5 miles). Offering events throughout the year, it's a wonderful day out. Haddon Hall is probably the finest example of a fortified medieval manor house in existence. Present-day Haddon Hall dates from the 12th Century to the early 17th Century, whereupon it lay dormant for over two hundred years from 1700 until the 1920s, when the 9th Duke and Duchess of Rutland restored the house and gardens, and once again made it habitable. Haddon Hall was the location for the film The Other Boleyn Girl.

Chatsworth House & Gardens (11.5 miles). The magnificent Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, was Mr Darcy’s home in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice. The house has over 30 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, Regal State rooms, newly restored Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. Explore the 1000 acre park, the farmyard behind the house, and the small adventure playground. It is beautifully dressed around the Christmas period. Chatsworth House and Gardens has many year round events to offer.

Lyme Park (National Trust), Disley (16 miles). Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park. Step back into Edwardian times and explore the1,300 acre estate.

Lea Gardens, Matlock (23.5 miles).

Bolsover Castle (English Heritage), Bolsover (24 miles) is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Chivalry.

Renishaw Hall & Gardens, Renishaw (24 miles).

Hardwick Hall (National Trust), near Chesterfield (26.5 miles).

Tatton Park, Tatton Park Gardens, Knutsford (34 miles) with its fine Georgian mansion full of art treasures and original furnishings.

KIDS ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

Peak Llamas, Stanley Moor Farm, Great Hucklow (4 miles), offers llama trekking in the Peak District.

Eyam Museum, Eyam (6 miles) - 01433 631371. Discover the history of this Plague Village.

GO APE at Buxton Country Park, Buxton (8 miles). Tree top adventure centre with zip wires, obstacle course and trips in the forest using electric subways.

Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Buxton (8 miles).

Miniature Train, The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton (7 miles).

Chatsworth Farmyard & Adventure Playground, Chatsworth House, Bakewell DE45 1PP (12 miles): The farmyard offers an almost guaranteed hit with children of all ages. They can meet ponies and lambs, have a trailer ride followed by swings, climbing and a splash around in the open air.

Buxton Swimming Pool, Buxton SK17 6BE (7 miles)

Castleton Visitor Centre, Castleton (8.5 miles) - 01433 620679.

Speedwell Cavern, Winnats Pass, Castleton (8 miles) - 01433 623018.

Swain's Centre, Buxton SK17 9JL (9.5 miles). Go-karting centre, races for young and older!

Longshaw Estate - National Trust, Longshaw (11.5 miles) is a lovely area to explore with the kids on circular waymarked walks through ancient woods and hay meadows, and venture up to gritstone edges for spectacular views. Check the website for exciting family events and activities such as climbing and abseiling.

Matlock Farm Park, Matlock (17.5 miles).

The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath (18.5 miles). Hilltop park reached by cable car, with cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and cafe.

Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath (18.5 miles).

Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath (18.5 miles), is a fun theme park for children aged 2-13. With exciting rides, an enticing dinosaur area and even a safari zone, the kids are bound to burn off some of that excess energy with a day at the park.

Tittesworth Reservoir, Leek (19 miles). Lovely walks around this reservoir with ducks geese and lots of other wildlife.

The Play Mill, Bonsall, Matlock (20.5 miles).

Chesterfield miniature railway, Hady Hill, Chesterfield (18.5 miles).

Jump Heaven, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 5BW (19.5 miles). With huge wall to wall trampolines, climbing areas and a Total Wipeout challenge, there is lots to keep energetic children happy and busy.

Crich Tramway Village Museum, Crich (24.5 miles) - be transported by vintage trams.

Carsington Water, Ashbourne (24 miles).

Stainsby Mill (25 miles). Situated on the NT Hardwick Estate take a look around and explore this working watermill.

Alton Towers Theme Park (28 miles) is the ideal day out for the whole family. Get your heart pumping on Rita, your stomach dropping on Oblivion and your pulse racing on Nemesis.

Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood (The National Trust), Sudbury (35 miles) lets you explore the delights of 17th-century craftsmanship. Then feel what it was really like in the olden days – be a chimney sweep, a scullion or a Victorian pupil.

Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre, Creswell, Worksop (30 miles) - 01909 720378.

The National Brewery Centre, Burton-on-Trent (43 miles). The 'brewing experience' incorporates the original Bass Museum.

Derby Museum & Art Gallery, Derby (35 miles) displays collections relating to the history of Derby.

CYCLING

For cyclists the Peak District offers an abundance of quiet country lanes which criss-cross the limestone plateau between the high drystone walls which surround the village of Tideswell.

Slightly further afield is the traffic-free Monsal Trail, which follows the former Midland Railway threading through the deep gorge of the river Wye past some of the most spectacular dales scenery. Suitable for cyclists, wheelchair users, walkers, joggers and horse riders. It runs for 8.5 miles between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill (near Buxton).

CYCLE HIRE

Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire are situated at the start of the Magnificent Monsal Trail and hire out bikes at competitive rates - www.peakblackwellcyclehire.com.

WALKING

There is excellent walking with rugged peaks to the north, gentle hills and dales to the south and Millers Dale. Mam Tor and Castleton are only a few miles away and the popular Spa town of Buxton is within a 15 minute drive.

Towards the southern end of Tideswell village is Tideswell Dale Nature Reserve offering a lovely local walking area and featuring a fun sculpture trail.

The Upper Derwent Valley (13 miles) dominated by three great reservoirs, is renowned for its spectacular scenery, with its deep wooded valleys and bleak, rugged moorland. It is the perfect place to enjoy some the UK's most beautiful landscapes and to experience the great outdoors. You can walk for miles around the dams, as well as up and over the moors.

Whether you are a serious walker or enjoy a leisurely stroll there is a walk for you! Here are some suggestions:

Monk's Dale, Miller's Dale and Tideswell Dale, 6.7 miles moderate circular walk from Tideswell - www.walkingenglishman.com/peakdistrict19.html
Litton, Tansley Dale, Cressbrook Dale, Miller's Dale, Tideswell Dale, 5.46 mile circular walk, from Litton - www.walkthepeakdistrict.co.uk/litton--tansley-dale--cressbrook-dale--miller-s-dale--tideswell-dale.html
Stunning, circular walks in the Peak District between 1 and 3 hours - www.walkthepeakdistrict.co.uk. Walks to be found here include the Peak Forest, Jewelknoll Plantation, Limestone Way 3.62 miles circular walk and Miller's Dale car park, Monk's Dale, Peter Dale, Wormhill, Miller's Dale 5.77 mile circular walk.

GOLF

The Buxton and High Peak Golf Club, Fairfield, Buxton (6 miles) suitable for those of all abilities.

ADVENTURE

For those looking for a little adventure Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern, Castleton (8 miles) offer underground experiences not to be forgotten.
Peak Cavern is one of the UK’s largest guided tours, taking you down underground for a closer look at the unique rock formations.
For an even more unusual trip underground, head to Speedwell Cavern, where you can hop on a boat tour of the 18th-century lead-mining cavern 450m below ground.

Blue Mountain Activities offer adventure activities including rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, caving, mountaineering, team building and problem solving. Suitable for family groups, hen groups, corporate events. 01246 231767.

Carsington Water (24 miles) is a great day out, with an adventure playground, bird-watching and watersports all on offer. Sail, powerboat, windsurf or kayak.

For the bigger kids Wild Park Derbyshire, DE6 3BN (32 miles) offers paintballing, quad biking and bike trekking.

EVENTS

FEBRUARY

Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (25 miles).

MARCH

Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (25 miles).
Leek Food and Drink Festival (19.5 miles).

APRIL

Bakewell Food Festival, Town Centre, Bakewell (9 miles).
Tour of the Peak Sportive, Bakewell Showground (10 miles).

MAY

Bakewell Food Festival, Town Centre, Bakewell (9 miles).
Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Tideswell Food Festival (1 mile). 10am-4pm tideswellfoodfestival.co.uk

JUNE

Ashbourne Festival, Ashbourne (25 miles).
Streetfest, Ashbourne (25 miles).
The Cow Shed Beer Festival, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (10 miles).
Peak Model Railway Exhibition, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (10 miles).
International Day of Dance, Town Centre, Bakewell (9 miles).
Bakewell Carnival Week, Town Centre, Bakewell (9 miles).
Tideswell Wakes Week (1 mile) - held in the last full week of June every year and culminates on the last Saturday of June with Big Saturday.
Tideswell Arts Festival (1 mile) - held in the last full week of June every year.

JULY

Bakewell Carnival Week, Town Centre, Bakewell (9 miles).
Stainsby Festival, Stainsby, Chesterfield (25.5 miles).
Highland Gathering, Ashbourne Recreation Ground (25 miles).
Y-Not Festival, Pikehall (15.5 miles).

AUGUST

Peakender Beer Festival, Bakewell Showground (10 miles).
Buxton Family Festival, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton (7.5 miles).
Bakewell Show, Bakewell Showground (10 miles).
Ashover Agricultural Show, Ashover Showground (20 miles).
Model Tram & Railway Exhibition, Crich Tramway Village (24.5 miles).
Eyam Carnival and Wakes Week, Eyam (6 miles).
Grand Medieval Joust, Bolsover Castle (24.5 miles).
Hope Show, Bolsover Castle (24.5 miles).

SEPTEMBER

Eyam Carnival and Wakes Week, Eyam (6 miles).
Heritage Open Days. A four-day festival celebrating England's local history and giving access to thousands of places usually closed to the public.
Chatsworth Country Fair, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Wirksworth Festival, Wirksworth (21.5 miles).
Matlock Bath Illuminations, Matlock Bath (18.5 miles).
Chesterfield Well Dressing at Chesterfield (18 miles).

OCTOBER

Bakewell Wool Gathering, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell (10 miles).
Matlock Bath Illuminations, Matlock Bath (18.5 miles).
Starlight Spectacular, Crich Tramway Village (24.5 miles) - illuminating the site with special lighting effects and trams in the dark.
Half term Halloween hoot, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Fire garden and fireworks, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Spookyshire- Halloween in the Peak District. Scores of Spooktacular events during an autumn festival of fun. Ranging from Halloween Half Term fun at Gulliver’s, Crich Tramway Village and Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre to name just a few.
Scarefest at Alton Towers (28 miles).

NOVEMBER

Half term Halloween hoot, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Spookyshire- Halloween in the Peak District. Scores of Spooktacular events during an autumn festival of fun. Ranging from Halloween Half Term fun at Gulliver’s, Crich Tramway Village and Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre to name just a few.
Fire garden and fireworks, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Christmas at Chatsworth, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Christmas Market, Chatsworth House (12 miles).
Bakewell Christmas weekend, Town Centre, Bakewell (9 miles). A traditional Christmas market with 80+ stalls, Father Christmas plus entertainment.

DECEMBER

Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints Church, Bakewell (9 miles).
Christmas at Chatsworth, Chatsworth House (12 miles), closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.

Things you need to know about The Hay Loft if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:

• Smoking is not allowed inside the property or in the communal areas
• Sorry, no pets
• Not suitable for stag parties or hen parties
• Minimum stay 2 nights all year except at Christmas and New Year which is a minimum stay of 3 nights
• A £100 security deposit is required and released within a week should there be no claims against it
• Welcome pack contains: Milk, butter, bread, teabags, sugar, a few coffee pods, eggs, a box of shortbread biscuits. There’s hand soap, washing up liquid, clothes tea towels, dishwasher tablets, kitchen roll, cling film and tin foil. Bedding, towels and toilet roll.
• If you would like to book all cottages together, please call Charles Millward on 01275 217575
• We do ask that, in consideration of other guests, noise is kept to a minimum between the hours of 11pm and 7am
• Check-in at 3pm check-out 10am. There may be occasions where an earlier check-in could be possible, please request in advance to check both availability and any supplement payable.
• * Covid-19 measures for this property:
  In full compliance with the hospitality industry cleaning protocols and safety guidance.
  Intensively cleaned and sanitised.
  Contact-free check in and check out.
  Complete privacy and exclusive use of the cottage during your holiday.
  Date changes for all existing and new bookings if the lockdown measures are extended or re-imposed.

*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.