Hartington - It needs no explanation really, It is a beautiful place to visit & explore the Peaks. We have been coming here together for years as a family. I’m sure you will do your own exploring, but we thought it would be useful to provide some suggestions of things we have enjoyed doing, and places we have enjoyed visiting.

In the village there are 2 well stocked shops, and a farm shop which sell a good variety of local produce. Keep an eye on opening times, as past 5 o’ clock you will have to drive if you need anything. If you want to do a larger shop at a big supermarket - there are Morrisons, Waitrose & Aldi in Buxton, Co-op & Sainsbury’s in Ashbourne, and other options in Matlock, Leek & Bakewell, all approximately 20 mins drive. We have noticed Tesco & ASDA doing home delivery drops in the village, so it is worth checking if your usual supplier will deliver to the Cottage,

We provide an OS Map, and books with suggestions for walks & cycling routes. As a starting point, why not follow the footpath between the farmshop and the public toilets through the fields in to the woodland & then down into Beresford Dale. If you want a really long walk - you can follow the river Dove all the way to Dovedale. Dovedale is worth visitting by car for those who don’t want to spend the whole day on their feet. The car park and stepping stones can get very busy in the summer months and at weekends. We have provided a book of maps for child friendly walks - we have recently parked at Poole’s Cavern and walk up the hill to Solomons Temple which has spectacular views.

Buxton has beautiful Pavilion gardens, with a minature railway, children’s park, lakeside walks, shops & cafes. Buxton Opera House has events on through the year, and there is a cinema that often has child friendly films. The Buxton Crescent is a grade 1 listed building, and has been spectacularly restored. We particularly enjoy the Buxton Brewery Tap House and The Bar Brasserie next door for drinks and food. We can also reccomend The Lone Star, Simply Thai, and Indian Palace.

Ashbourne has a nice park, shops, pubs and restaurants. We would recommend Segreto Italian Bistro, Beaumonts cafe, and the House of Beer.

Matlock and Matlock Bath are well worth a visit. The Hall Leys park is beautifully kept, and has a boating lake, children’s play area with a water feature in summer. We like The Cafe in The Park, and the Cool River Cafe & Patisserie. You can walk down by the river through to Matlock Bath where there are a number of fish and chip shops, arcades, pubs and restaurants. Younger ones will enjoy the Aquarium, and who doesn’t enjoy 2p machines! You can also go up to The Heights of Abraham on cable cars which is quite exciting.

Bakewell & Ashford in the Water are beautiful, with lots of shops, pubs, restaurants and nice walks. We love the Thornbridge Brewery Tap Room which does great pizza, and is child friendly. Bakewell has a market on a Monday, and is somewhere we are hoping to explore more!

We are only 30 minutes from Alton Towers and their indoor Waterpark. It’s well worth booking in advance as they are very popular.

Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House are beautiful, and have events on through the year.

The Hartington Farm shop and cafe is great for lunch, as it the Beresford Tea rooms (try the Derbyshire Oatcake). The Devonshire Arms does excellent food and drink; Kieran and Dallas give a warm welcome. Check their Facebook page as there are monthly quizzes & live music. The Charles Cotton is packed with history and does good food and beer, and monthly live music. It’s worth booking at either pub to avoid dissapointment.

We have also been to the Greyhound in Warslow and had a lovely meal. They have live music & events, and are on the bus route if you don’t have a designated driver. We have been going to The Royal Oak in Hurdlow for the last 12 years and always have a great time; again you need to book. We also recommend the Bulls Head in Monyash; the village play area backs on to the pub and is great for kids.

In the summer months there is a fish and chip van on Fridays evenings next to the duck pond, they only accept cash. There is an Indian restuarant in Leek, the Pabna, that will deliver to Hartington. You need to be very specific in the delivery instructions about the location of the cottage being on the corner of Hall Bank & Market Place - or they won’t find you - and don’t have phone reception to call. The nearest takeaways are Buxton, Matlock Bath & Bakewell if you are collecting an order.

If you find anywere else that we should be recommending to our guests - please let us know. We would love to hear from you.