Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, market towns and proper pubs, all within a short drive of the cottages. These are our own recommendations, gathered over eleven years of pointing guests the right way.
Tap any circle for its name and our note on it.
A visit wouldn't be complete without Chatsworth. Beyond that, plenty to fill a fortnight. Do check their websites for opening hours before visiting.
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. House, garden, mini-farmyard and adventure playground.
A rare estate-owned village, frequently used for historical filming. Jacobean hall, well dressings, tearooms.
Medieval hall on the Wye, a short drive from The Round House and Woodside.
Georgian market town: delicatessens, antique shops, boutiques.
Kedleston Hall, Sudbury Hall and Ilam Hall, including the stepping stones at Dovedale.
Cable cars over the Derwent gorge, hilltop park, caverns and views.
Family theme park on the hillside, made for younger children.
A gem of an Edwardian theatre: opera, comedy, music and the summer festival.
Explore the thrills and spills of this famous theme park.
A host of wonderful walks and trails, directly from both doors. Always worth checking a route is open before you set out.
Flat and safe, walk or cycle. Hire bikes at Mapleton, just outside Ashbourne. Maps and guides in every cottage.
Walking country from the back door towards the stepping stones and beyond.
Walks towards Chatsworth parkland and Haddon Hall.
Just some of our favourites, do remember to book.
Handsome country house hotel with a serious restaurant, minutes on foot from both cottages.
Friendly village pub for an easy supper, no car required.
Chatsworth's own kitchen and shop at Peak Village, a stroll away.
Owned by Chatsworth, and it shows. Excellent.
The other Chatsworth-owned inn, equally excellent, by the farm shop.
Elegant hotel dining on the edge of the Chatsworth estate.
Buzzy gastro pub, delicious food and great atmosphere.
Local friendly pub in a stunning village.
A proper local with roaring fires and hearty food.
Perfect pit-stop if you've been walking at Dovedale.
Village pub with really tasty food.
Fine dining in their award-winning restaurant.
Fine dining and tasting menus, worth the drive south.
A modern British restaurant with a casual country vibe.
Modern British dining with a riverside terrace.
Writer, broadcaster and executive chef Tessa Bramley serves modern, innovative and locally sourced food.
Award-winning country house hotel, five minutes from Swallow's.
Riverside cafe, bakery and shops in a converted timber yard.
Exceptional farm shop with an excellent cafe.
Bakery and cafe, heavenly cakes.