Gatherings & Retreats at Darley House

"Find your centre"

Introduction

Darley House offers an elegant and private setting in the Peak District for intimate retreats, workshops and hosted gatherings.

With space for up to 14 guests, generous communal rooms and beautiful gardens, the house provides comfort, flexibility and a natural sense of calm for wellness leaders and their guests.

Recently featured in the Centre of It All campaign promotional video — where the narrator invites visitors to “Find your centre” — Darley House quietly embodies that idea. It is a place where people gather, slow down and reconnect.

You can read more about how we can help people find their centre and watch the campaign video in our journal, Proud to Feature in the Visit Peak District “Centre of it All” campaign video.

The House as Your Retreat Base

Darley House offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 retreat guests, with additional space for up to four retreat hosts, across six bedrooms and five bathrooms.

At the heart of the house is the exceptionally spacious kitchen, with dining for up to 14 gathered around the table. Previously featured in a BBC Hairy Bikers series, it is both impressive and welcoming — a natural setting for shared meals, relaxed evening conversations and even informal cooking demonstrations or chef-led experiences.

The layout supports the natural rhythm of a retreat:

A generous 30ft x 18ft studio (our games room), with wooden flooring, grand fireplace, underfloor heating, decorative ceiling and garden views — ideal for yoga, movement and workshops
A spacious sitting room that comfortably seats the whole group with an open fire.
A smaller, characterful panelled sitting room with television and log burner — perfect for quieter conversations or breakout sessions
A striking 30ft entrance hall, with maps, a library of books and a wood-burning stove, offering an additional informal gathering space
An acre of private ornamental gardens designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, with both open lawn and more secluded corners for reflection
A covered pergola terrace and Big Green Egg BBQ for outdoor gatherings

One of the bedrooms is a double bunk room sleeping 4, used by retreat hosts, allowing the remaining rooms to be dedicated to guests.

There is parking for up to 10 cars (6 to the front, 4 at the rear), and Matlock station is nearby for guests travelling by train.

Retreats in Practice

Darley House has hosted walking weekends, women’s wellness retreats and curated group experiences.

The house supports a natural rhythm — mornings in the studio, afternoons exploring the Peak District, evenings gathered around the kitchen table.

Many retreat leaders return, reflecting how comfortably the house supports the flow of a well-designed retreat.

Words From Retreat Hosts

Katie Hoyle – Granola Girlies
“I wanted to say a huge, huge thank you for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home over the weekend. It was the perfect house for our retreat and all the small touches really made the weekend so special. Having done a number of retreats now I can honestly say Darley House was the perfect set up for what we do at Granola Girlies.”

Jess Claringbold – Time Seekers – Women’s wellness
“We love the house! It’s the first time we’ve chosen to return to the same UK property.”

Both groups have chosen to return to Darley House for future retreats — something we are always pleased to support.

Enhancing Your Retreat

While retreat leaders design and deliver their own programmes, we are happy to connect you with trusted local professionals who can complement your plans.

Seasonal and plant-based private chefs
Yoga teachers, wild swimming hosts and mindful workshop facilitators (see Experiences – Wellness).

Practical Details at a Glance

Sleeps up to 14 guests (including hosts).
Six bedrooms (including one double bunk room).
Five bathrooms (three ensuite and two more)
30ft x 18ft studio with wooden floors and underfloor heating.
Dining for 14 within the kitchen.
Two additional sitting rooms and large entrance hall
One acre private ornamental gardens.
Outdoor pergola terrace and
Big Green Egg BBQ.
Parking for 10 cars.
Easy access to Peak District walking routes.
Matlock train station nearby.

Enquire About Hosting Your Retreat

If you are considering Darley House for a forthcoming retreat, we would be pleased to discuss availability and practical details.

Please contact us to explore dates and arrangements.