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6 Guests
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3 Bedrooms
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3 Bathrooms
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Pets Yes
Features
- Off road parking
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
63 Customer Reviews
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"Comfortable cottage, enjoyed our stay."
Having an owner who was close by was appreciated, not least for the friendly personal welcome in person, and the complimentary, freshly-baked cake. Wonderful location, right next to the river path and v handy for walking the dog. Very well-equipped kitchen. Poor wifi was a bit of a downer, although appreciate this was due to the local network (no fibre available) and nothing to do with the owners of the property.
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"Wonderful accomodation in beautiful and peaceful area."
Many lovely walks from the door enjoyed by us and two dogs. The young ones in our party enjoyed the separate unit.
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"Lovely clean cottage with everything we needed."
Very comfortable beds and furniture. Has lots of character and it’s very peaceful.
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"We really had a great time in River Lodge the setting was perfect and the facilities were excellent."
Thanks so much for the home baked lovely cake and prosecco and milk in the fridge a lovey touch and we would highly recommend River Lodge as a great place to stay. The Old Dog in Thorpe was our favourite pub and not far away the food there was excellent as was the service. Our two dogs really enjoyed the fantastic walks on our doorstep and also would like to come back soon. Once again thankyou for a lovely break in the wonderful Peak District.
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"We had a lovely stay at River Lodge."
The house has everything you need and is in an idyllic setting next to the river and close to great walking and exploring. The cake and Prosecco was enjoyed on the first night!
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"Outstandingly clean."
Great communication with the hosts. A perfect stay in a lovely quiet part of the country. Could not have been better.
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"What a beautiful place, perfectly situated, beautifully presented with everything you could need."
Julie even baked us a beautiful cake, left a bottle of milk as well as a bottle of Prosecco,. The property wants for nothing and Julie is a great host! Can't wait to come back in the summer!
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"River Lodge is beautifully presented."
It is very comfortable and very well equipped. The stunning setting was perfect and the terrace was ideal after a day of exploring the area.
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"I will definitely stay there again in future."
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"We had such a lovely stay at River Lodge, pretty area nice and quiet and we need to come back to see more."
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"Beautiful cottage set in beautiful surroundings."
Our second visit there and will definitely come back.
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"We had a four night stay at River Lodge together with our Danish friends in June 2023."
We found the cottage to be in a fantastic location with a superb view. The accommodation was very comfortable with everything we needed for a great stay. We particularly enjoyed the cake made by Julie and left for our arrival. I would definitely recommend this property for anyone wanting a quiet location with great local walks and plenty to see and do within a short drive.
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"River Lodge was great, the position was lovely and the cottage itself was well equipped."
Its location is amazing right next to the river and in easy walking distance of Ilam. The area is so quiet and relaxing. We went on a number of walks directly from the house. The house was also dog friendly with the garden being safe, apart from the rabbits, squirrel’s etc.
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"A lovely property in a beautiful location."
We were lucky the river at the back of the garden was in flow and we could watch the ducks and other birds. Everything you could possibly need was there, it was like home from home. Walks straight from the door so perfect for our dogs who loved it. The garden was lovely and private and the separate barn for one of the rooms gave a little extra privacy for our son and his fiancee. Would definitely recommend and would love to visit again.
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"Such a lovely holiday home with walks from the door."
Great for kids as well with a lovely garden and comfortable space. So much to see and do in the area with a quiet and peaceful cottage to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Highly recommend.
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"Beautiful property in a perfect setting."
We booked the Lodge for our grandson's first birthday celebrations. 6 adults, the birthday boy and our 2 dogs had a wonderful week. Communication with the owners was excellent. John greeted us and filled the bird feeders, which are located adjacent to the lounge window. The feeders were quickly mobbed by beautiful birds and cheeky squirrels, much to the delight of our grandson and adults alike. The Lodge was furnished and equipped to a very high standard. It was clean, cosy and very comfortable. Home made cake and Prosecco was a lovely gift from the owners. Would highly recommend this Lodge to anyone who needs a peaceful break in the middle of unspoilt spectacular countryside
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"Really lovely place, very well equipped."
Quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk straight from the cottage.
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"The cottage is beautifully presented and in a lovely location alongside the river."
The kitchen is fully equipped and the demo of the aga oven was very useful. The beds were very comfortable, with views across the local area. The Christmas decorations were lovely adding to our winter break. There are many walks from the cottage and we enjoyed walking into Ilam and enjoying a snack at the national trust cafe. The patio area overlooking the river, was a great location to watch the local wildlife and the enclosed garden was greatly enjoyed by our dog.
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"Fantastic cottage with an owner who maintained excellent contact and was so friendly !"
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"A very special place to stay, wonderful views and tranquility, and a charming house."
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"River Lodge is a peaceful, well equipped house set in lovely grounds with a great view."
We had a really nice week away here, it has everything you need and the owners left us a couple of pints of milk, a chilled bottle of Prosecco and a home made cake as a welcome. Highly recommended holiday home.
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"This is a beautifully furnished and equipped property set in a lovely location."
The kitchen had everything we wanted and a bit more ie hot tap for drinks, the king beds were especially comfortable and the choice of sitting areas were useful with mixed ages. It's quiet and peaceful but not isolated as several walkers go past plus cars and work vehicles. It was the wrong time for the river but the cattle and sheep in the nearby fields provided entertainment.
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"Lovely rural cottage, with everything you need."
Comfortable beds, clean and well equipped. Perfect
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"The most delightful location and chocolate box cottage, extremely well equipped."
For those of us who delight in our wildlife you are in for a treat. There is a wide range of eateries to please all tastes from good pub grub to fine dining. We will certainly be returning on a regular basis.
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"We had a great break at the River Lodge."
The cottages were very comfortable. The aga was an experience. The garden were well kept and secure our dogs enjoyed many an adventure. The area is secluded with great walks at the door. The hosts were very helpful and welcoming.
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"We had a wonderful holiday at River Lodge."
It is very comfortable, clean and well equipped. There are numerous walks from the door (which our Border Collie loved) and the setting and scenery are superb. It is lovely and quiet and the few locals we met were genuinely friendly. Our daughter thought the barn was great. It seemed to us that a lot of thought had gone into this holiday cottage to make it a place that you would remember fondly and want to return to.
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"Amazing cottage in a beautiful location, great for walking."
The facilities were excellent.
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"We felt very welcome in this beautiful cottage."
It was very comfortable, well stocked and immaculately clean. The owners made sure we were well supplied with all we needed, and were very welcoming. The garden was beautiful, with several sitting areas, overlooking the river and countryside, and full of birdsong. The whole surrounding area was beautiful, perfect for walking, biking or just cruising in the car, with fascinating market towns nearby. Thank you for a lovely refreshing holiday.
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"Amazing cottage very clean beautiful location very spacious."
Excellent large enclosed safe garden. Beautiful area. Definitely short of nothing. Owners very welcoming and responsive. Will definitely return.
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"Lovely location and Julie and John are extremely welcoming."
Beautiful walks without having to drive anywhere. Ilam could do with a local village shop. Perhaps I have found my calling!
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"Beautiful setting,lovely and cosy owners friendly and helpful"
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"Wonderful well equipped cottage in a glorious setting, a perfect place to stay."
Greeted with a delicious home made cake, thanks Julie.
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"Beautiful setting, amazing views, very comfortable and very well appointed."
The owner baked the most gorgeous cake to welcome us along with a bottle of fizz! During our stay we had a problem with a radiator which was fixed within a couple of hours. We had a wonderful week and would definitely return.
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"We really enjoyed our stay at River Lodge."
The setting for the cottage is absolutely stunning. The kitchen is extremely well appointed. Any small issues were dealt with by the lovely owners very quickly.
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"The host Julie was great and even kept the bird feeder topped up!"
We will be going back, if they can fit us in!
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"River Cottage was the most beautiful holiday home we have stayed in to date."
The owners provided everything you could possibly need and more. The kitchen was very highly equipped, with every gadget imaginable. The garden is a delight, we loved watching the birds on the feeder, we had barbeques and used the chiminea. The location was stunning and our party of six fitted perfectly into the house and barn. Would 100% recommend.
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"Perfect location for easy walks along the river to Ilam Hall (where there is a National Trust coffee shop) and beyond to Dovedale - the stepping stones, Thorpe Cloud, the village of Thorpe (sadly pub closed :() but the Okeover Arms at Mappleton was open (good hearty pub grub) ."
.. or more challenging walks, from the door to Dovedale via Castern, Hopedale & back along the River Dove. Sainsbury's delivered, we walked - beautiful scenery, idyllic location - enjoyed just sitting on the patio & taking in the view & counting sheep! Cottage very comfortable, very homely and well equipped.
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"WOW it was just a perfect place to stay."
Views stunning. Welcomed with flowers, bubbly, tea/coffee &milk not forgetting the biscuits. Julie was very very friendly. Probably the best stay we’ve had
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"I would have preferred better fencing near the river and the wall edge to the garden."
The dogs had to be anxiously supervised. I imagine parents would feel the same with young children. Relaxing in the garden ,which is wonderfully situated, became a stress. The cottage is beautiful however and I highly recommend it.
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"Lovely cottage in idyllic location Very cosy Spotlessly clean Really enjoyed our stay"
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"Wonderful cottage with plenty of space for everyone!"
It was completely Covid Secure and felt safe to be in. The nearby Ilam Hall is wonderful to walk to and the hosts even baked us a cake and left a bottle of bubbly for us!
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"Lovely hosts welcomed us and communicated by email prior to our stay so we could let them know our preferences."
Little welcome treat of homemade cake and milk in the fridge etc. Beautiful views from the garden and fantastic walks literally from the garden gate!
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"A wonderful place to stay."
The pictures do not do the cottage justice. The owners made it all very easy, there was plenty of information and definitely all safety procedures in place during this pandemic. A breath taking area to stay in and a delightful cottage to spend the rainy days in.
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"All in good condition, excellent, with attentive owners available (although not needed)"
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"It is worth a mention that if the holiday maker has never used an AGA before to let the owner know so that a more detailed instruction can be given if required."
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"Beautiful setting."
The cottage is gorgeous with lots of space. Amazing views and walks from the garden.
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"Lovely cottage in a great location."
Really well equipped kitchen, comfy beds and good bathrooms . Homemade cake and Prosecco waiting for us on arrival. The house was very clean and warm .
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"The cottage was in a lovely location, plenty of walks nearby."
The cottage was spotlessly clean, nice to return to a log fire and rest, the bed was very comfortable, kitchen perfect, the cottage was very dog friendly with a enclosed garden, lots of wildlife around, Bakewell, Leek, nice places to visit, one of our best cottages we have stayed in, and love to return
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"River Lodge ticked all the boxes, the cottage is Beautiful as is the interior, it is in a stunning location with the River Manifold on the doorstep."
We cannot wait to go back we will be booking a return in 2020 we highly recommend this lovely cottage.
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"The amazing lodge was godsend to us - we are parents, two small children (3 & 6), a lively dog and grandparents - it surpassed all of our expectations and needs!"
The view is breathtaking as it is practically on the doorstep of National Trust Ilam Park. Heavy rain did not bother us as there was plenty to do! The separate annex helped the grandparents to enjoy in peace away from kids and dog being too playful! The two living rooms did the trick very well as kids could choose to watch their channels while we adults get to enjoy the calmness in the other room! The dog was very lucky to have own sleeping space. The best finishing touch was homemade brownies! Thanks guys!
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"One of the most stunning places we have stayed in."
The location of the propriety is beautiful and the cottage itself is so warm and inviting. The rooms are so comfortable to relax in after a long days hillwalking, which is easy to do from the door !
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"The cottage was absolutely beautiful."
Everything was thought about, and we wanted for nothing. Lovely to meet the owners who came just to check all was ok, on the night we arrived. The flowers, and brownies were a very thoughtful touch. Beautiful rural setting, and a gorgeous cottage. We hope to visit again soon.
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"We thoroughly enjoyed the cottage and it's facilities."
We were especially impressed with the beautifully landscaped outdoor area which we enjoyed to the full thanks to gorgeous weather. The Uk weather being what it is we then spent the following rainy day huddled around the open fire! This was a weekend stay, we would have no hesitation in returning for longer in the not too distant future. Thanks to our host!
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"An extremely well appointed property in a wonderfully secluded location."
The cottage is very clean, comfortable with many walks right from the door Bailey our Beagle loved it. the concessionary walk right by the cottage along the river right into Elam park was brilliant. A glass of wine on the terrace above the river was very relaxing. The owners John and Julie were very kind and helpful. The cake and biscuits on arrival where most welcome along with the vases of Flowers. I strongly recommend this cottage, it should have a 5 star rating.
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"We had a lovely holiday at River Lodge."
Very welcoming, hospitable and generous hosts. We experienced the river in full flow after the rain. We enjoyed mastering the Aga to cook with. The scenery and surrounding area is enchanting, prepare yourself for a thoroughly relaxing break.
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"Absolutely beautiful cottage, very clean and spacious, had everything you needed and the welcome gifts on arrival was a lovely surprise."
Ideal location with great views, lots of wildlife and good walks from cottage.
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"Originally set up as the owners main residence, some of the equipment including a boiling water tap exceeds expectations."
We experienced a week of torrential rain which changed the river from long grass with a few puddles to a raging torrent. This was worth seeing and we were dry and snug in the lodge after our wet walks. The owner left generous welcome goodies and popped in to check everything was alright. Highly recommended for nature lovers who like to escape for peace and quiet. There is no mobile signal but good WiFi.
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"Beautifully located cottage."
Peaceful and stunning scenery. Lovely welcome basket and homemade chocolate brownies. Lovely walks around local area.
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"The reason I have given 3 out of 4 for accuracy is because the description leads one to believe that there are 3 bathrooms."
In fact there are 2 bathrooms and a bath in the bedroom. As there were only 4 of us in the accommodation the room arrangement suited us perfectly, as one couple used the annexe. However, if there were 3 separate couples the arrangement would be more difficult. We loved the cottage and it’s situation. It was perfect for us and very central for walking. We hope to book this cottage again.
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"The welcome email, fresh flowers groceries were all very helpful touches."
The cottage was very clean and well equipped.
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"Brilliant holiday, superb location and so pretty."
The house is amazing. We will be back in November hopefully
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"Gorgeous setting and a beautiful cottage with everything we needed."
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"What a wonderful place loved our stay very welcoming brownies was amazing and ..."
What a wonderful place loved our stay very welcoming brownies was amazing and thank you for the doggy treats would highly recommend River Lodge
Summary
- Three bedrooms. 1 x king-size double in annexe with en-suite shower room with shower, basin and WC
- 1 x king-size double with roll-top bath and double basin. 1 x king-size (zip/link can be twins on request)
- Shower room with shower, basin and WC
- Ground floor cloakroom
- Kitchen
- Dining room
- Sitting room with open fire
- Snug.
- Oil central heating with open fire
- Electric AGA range cooker, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer, wine cooler, 2 x TVs, WiFi
- Fuel, power and starter pack for fire inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Off-road parking for 4 cars
- Garden to rear with lawned area and charcoal BBQ
- Two well-behaved dogs welcome
- Sorry, no smoking
- Shop and pub 5 miles, cafe and bar 1.5 miles
- Note: There is a low ceiling and limited head height on the staircase to the bedrooms
The property
Set within peaceful countryside, beside the rippling River Manifold, is River Lodge.
This detached cottage, formerly the gatehouse to the National Trust's Ilam Hall, offers one of the most picturesque locations in the Peak District.
It oozes character from the outside in, with its stone walls and diamond-shaped mullion windows to latch doors, exposed beams and low ceiling on the stairs.
The country cottage-style kitchen boasts a fabulous AGA range cooker, leading through to the dining room, which has plenty of space for six.
Gather for a delicious dinner and later if you wish, take yourself off for a quiet read in the cosy snug.
The sitting room enjoys an open fire adding warmth to those cold wintry evenings.
If nothing takes your fancy on TV, simply sit with a drink and take in the pleasant views of the garden.
Upstairs you have a king-size double room with a deep-soaking bath tub and double basin, followed by another double boasting a zip-and-link bed, giving you the option of twins on request.
There is also a shower room on this floor and a walk-in wardrobe.
Finally, the annexe adjacent to the cottage houses a king-size double bed with its own en-suite shower room.
Outside, enjoy a spot of relaxation in the garden area benefitting with views of green pastures in the distance.
Listen to the gushing sounds of the River Manifold, as it surges through the valley during the winter months.
The cottage sits on the river bank and due to the nature of the river it is sometimes flowing and sometimes a dry riverbed.
You are also welcome to use the field which backs onto the garden at the rear, although be mindful of the grazing sheep and cattle.
From the cottage, there is a back gate leading to a concessionary walk, which stretches just over a mile along the River to Ilam Hall.
Here you can enjoy a tasty treat from the tea room or grab a refreshing beverage at the bar within the youth hostel.
For more of a challenge, take the 10-mile circular hike through breath-taking scenery featuring Thor's Cave and Wetton village from Ilam Park.
For restaurants, pubs and antique shops, pay a visit to the nearby market towns of Ashbourne and Stoke on Trent, which is famous for The Potteries., whilst those holidaying with kids may find a day out at Alton Towers is just the thrill you need.
Within this beautiful region of the Peak District you also have the delightful towns of Buxton and Bakewell, with Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall all worth a visit.
This chocolate-box cottage offers an indulgent hideaway for you and your loved ones.
This cottage can be booked with ref number 998679, making a total of 8 people.
About the location
ILAM, STAFFORDSHIRE
Ashbourne 5 miles; Stoke-on-Trent 22.2 miles
This picturesque village lies beside the River Manifold, among the limestone hills of the Staffordshire Peak District. Brushing borders with Derbyshire, close to the famous Dovedale valley, this village boasts a historic church and pretty, Alpine-style cottages. Ilam Park, owned by the National Trust, is the perfect place to picnic or stroll with your families and four-legged friends, boasting a riverside backdrop and popular tea-room garden for all to enjoy the year-round. The neo-Gothic Ilam Hall is a stately home now housing a youth hostel within the grounds, as sheep graze peacefully in the open grassland. The views stretch for miles across the Italian Gardens and a challenging circular walk leads you through 10 miles of stunning scenery, taking in Thor's Cave and Wetton village. About five miles away, at the southern end of the Peak District, is the quintessential English market town of Ashbourne, with narrow cobbled alleys, coaching inns and almshouses. There are many restaurants and pubs to choose from, as well as antique shops. For those seeking a thrill from rollercoaster rides, Alton Towers is easily reached from here and further afield you have the cities of Derby and Nottingham. A wonderful location for your next adventure.
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas