Peak Experiences

Things To See & Do

As well as being the first national park to be created in the UK, the Peak District National Park is one of the most visited in the world and the setting for many famous films.

Why not experience something different during your holiday? We have teamed up with some fantastic local individuals and companies to provide exclusive offers for our guests, so please mention that you are a Darley House guest if you book any of our recommended activities. Click on the headings below to access our partners’ websites.

And for full information about what is happening in the Peak District see www.visitpeakdistrict.com 

***The photo of the salt cellar on our home page, leading here, was taken by James Grant who has kindly allowed us to use his photograph.  He is featured below and can take you off the beaten track to photograph some of the iconic beauty spots.

Pampering

Hot Tub Hire

Vicki and Tim at The Hot Tub Hire Company can arrange a portable hot tub freshly filled and heated for your arrival. Contact Vicki to book and payment is direct. Prices are £190 for a weekend break and £250 for a week.

Email: admin@thehottubhirecompany.co.uk

Yoga & Wellbeing

Helen is an experienced and certified yoga teacher, reiki practitioner, Indian head massage therapist and wellbeing coach. She can tailor bespoke sessions to suits the needs of your group at Darley House whether it's a fun group yoga class in the gardens, a calming relaxation session or individual treatments for guests.

Email: helen@helenfiddler.com

KM Pamper Parties

Book a pamper party at Darley House with KM Pamper Parties. Choose from a range of holistic and beauty treatments to suit your individual needs and special occasions or gatherings. Discuss your requirements with Kathleen who has 20 years experience. Bookings in advance and minimum 2 hours.

Email: info@kmpamperparties.co.uk

Experience Something New

Wild Swimming

Ever wanted to try this but a little nervous? Carey loves introducing beginners to wild swimming around the Matlock area and will give you the encouragement and support you need as well as taking you to suitable waters.
Carey offers to take private groups from Darley House for no charge - it is her passion. <br

Zantium Craft Courses

Zantium Studios near the pretty artisan town of Wirksworth run craft courses including: mosaic, stained glass, jewellery, book-binding and calligraphy for 6 - 8 people. Book a date from their programme or speak to Peter and Alison about arranging a private bespoke workshop. Also read our blog - Willow Sculpture in the Heart of Nature.

Email: studios@zantium.co.uk

Foraging Courses - Wild Food UK

Learn how to identify plants, flowers and fungi discovering their culinary and medicinal uses. Wild Food UK run their Derbyshire courses starting from the Miners Arms car park in Eyam. After a foraging walk with safe identification you will enjoy a wild food light lunch. Ideal for both the total novice and the intermediate forager it is also ideal for groups. <br

Email: admin@wildfooduk.com

James grant Photography Courses

Award winning photographer and author of the photography location guidebook "Peak District Through The Lens”, James offers a variety of workshops. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or an advanced amateur looking to expand your sense of adventure, he can run a group or 1-2-1 workshop to suit you.

Email: admin@jamesgphotography.co.uk

Hot Air Ballooning

Take a bird's eye view of the beautiful hills and countryside that Derbyshire has to offer with a hot air balloon ride. Wickers World has a site just down the road from us at Rowsley, so all you need is good weather.

Email: office@wickersworld.co.uk

Get Active

Outdoor Activities

Dolomite Training is a qualified Peak District outdoor activity & training centre. Their activities are available for everyone from beginners through to people wanting more advanced courses. Have a go at caving, cannoning, climbing, abseiling, white water paddleboarding or create a bespoke activity day for your group.

Email: info@dolomitetraining.co.uk

PeakEPedals - 10% Off

E-bikes are a great way to explore the Peak District. With a small motor and battery - to help you up those hills - you can enjoy an off-road scenic cycle, no matter what your fitness level. Simply choose your route and degree of difficulty. There is a base at the Great British Car Journey in case groups wish to do different activities.

Email: sales@peakepedals.net

Peak Walking Adventures

Enjoy the spectacular Peak District scenery and leave the navigation to Rachel, a friendly, knowledgeable guide on some of the best walks in the area. All you need is a good pair of walking boots and outdoor clothing. Suitable for individuals and groups.

Monsal Trail Bike Hire

Cycle the traffic-free Monsal Trail, starting at Hassop Station, through spectacular scenery and tunnels. It is suitable for all the family with bicycles, tag-a-longs and kids trailers and there’s no need to book in advance, unless you want to book electric bikes and tandems. Open all year round.

Email: mail@hassopstation.co.uk

Wild Swimming

The MAD Chatters - Wild Swimming Matlock are an amazing group of people who love open water swimming. You can join their Facebook group and go along whilst staying at Darley House. Or arrange a private session for your group with Carey who especially loves introducing beginners to her passion.

Art & Culture

Haddon Hall - 15% Off

Described as “the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages”. Film-makers flock to Haddon Hall to use it as a location. Lovely artisan markets at Christmas.

Chatsworth House

The house is renowned for the quality of its art, landscape and hospitality. Today Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4000 years as well as 105 acres of beautiful gardens and a fun farmyard for children, so there’s something for everyone. All attractions open until end of December. Book in advance.

Cromford Mill

This UNESCO World Heritage Centre is the birthplace of the modern factory system.  Explore the history, enjoy the artisan shops, have a coffee and take a walk by the Cromford Canal. We include some wonderful local cheeses from the Cromford Mill Cheese Shop in our welcome hamper.

Great British Car Journey - 15% Off

This is a unique and award-winning attraction near Ambergate. "Rediscover the cars you grew up with...and will never forget." Alex's parents are sadly no longer with us but we found their first car - an Austin Seven which features in the photo his sister keeps on her desk! Adults book in advance to drive a wide selection of cars and there is Junior Land Rover Drive for 4 - 10 yrs olds. For the less keen car enthusiasts there are lovely walks from the door and a cafe. There is also a Peak E-Pedals hire base next door.

Markets & Local Producers

Amber Valley Vineyards

This family run business, in the beautiful nearby village of Wessington, planted their first vines in 2012. You can hear their incredible journey and taste the award-winning wines. Enjoy a picnic or cream tea in the orchard after your tour - open Saturday and Sunday. There are also Friday sunset tours. Full info and bookings online.

Email: hello@ambervalleywines.co.uk

Bakewell Farmers Market

For high quality local produce, visit the farmers market in the beautiful town of Bakewell on the last Saturday of every month from 9am - 2pm. It’s a great place to stock up on food and drink made in the area, such as Brock & Morten rapeseed oils.

Wirksworth Farmers Markets

Every Tuesday and first Saturday monthly. This local farmers and artisan market has a wide range of stalls - sourdough bread, fruit and veg, jewellery, hand-made soaps, coffee and much more. All stalls are run by small independent businesses.