The Best Hotels to Book Near Chatsworth House, UK

This historic hotel started out as a coaching inn – built in 1804 in the heart of Bakewell, its original host was the inventor of the town’s famous pudding. In the early days, the clientele was mostly the aristocracy and other wealthy visitors to the High Peak, including the Duke of Devonshire and Charles Dickens. Today, it welcomes a more eclectic crowd. Unchanged is the high level of service – hospitality here is a team effort.

This intimate, boutique hotel has 12 beautifully decorated rooms. Decor varies: some are classically elegant while others embrace contemporary design, not least the pair furnished with four-poster beds. Guests can opt to eat in for breakfast and also have the option of afternoon tea. It would be a mistake merely to view this as a place simply to bed down for the night – as the 10 acres of landscaped grounds, including glorious water gardens, are a treat by daylight.

The Cavendish can trace its history back to the 18th century when it was a turnpike inn between Chesterfield and Buxton. Since 1830, the Duke of Devonshire has owned it and it forms part of the Chatsworth estate. The Duchess designed the Coach House herself, which features period furniture, rich fabrics and luxurious bathrooms. The two suites are divine: one with a four-poster bed overlooks Chatsworth House, while the most spacious boasts its own fireplace.

Baslow Hall is a family-run manor house. Max and Susan Fischer fell in love with the rundown place the first time they clapped eyes on it and set about lovingly restoring this listed building. Today, the grand, century-old property is a successful boutique hotel. Surrounded by 5ac (2ha) of landscaped gardens, the 11 individually styled rooms are an ideal base for exploring the Peak District National Park.

Like many rooms in the pretty village of Pilsley, the Devonshire Arms is built from local sandstone – this charming place offers accommodation in the inn and adjacent farmhouse. Part of the Chatsworth Estate, the Duchess had a hand in designing the decor herself. The result is homely yet elegant rooms – convenient not only for Chatsworth House but within walking distance of the excellent Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop.

Brocco on the Park is a gorgeous Edwardian villa on the edge of Sheffield. Owner Tiina Carr draws heavily on her Nordic roots to create a calm retreat from the city – rooms tap into a Scandi-chic vibe. Best of the bunch is the Dovecote, a generously proportioned room with a freestanding copper bath. From the window, you’ll look out over leafy Endcliffe Park towards Derbyshire’s famous Peaks.

Casa Hotel combines city convenience with easy access to the countryside. Located in Chesterfield, guests can be in the heart of the Peak District in less than half an hour. Rooms are contemporary in design – but for a real treat, upgrade to one of its hot tub and sauna suites. Your own mini-spa awaits as you don a fluffy robe and slippers and step out onto the balcony.

Owners Lord and Lady Edward Manners ensure a warm welcome at the Peacock at Rowsley on the Haddon Estate. This exceptional former manor house is Grade II-listed and boasts a restaurant that’s been awarded the coveted three AA rosettes for its fine-dining menu. It also forms the hub for the Haddon Estate fisheries, which offer some of the best fly fishing for wild trout in the UK. Day fishing passes are available to guests.

Located close to Chesterfield, this hotel is both convenient for the city and surrounded by countryside. Rooms are stylish and contemporary – some have Juliette glass balconies overlooking the lake – and bathrooms are fitted with rainfall showers and double-ended freestanding baths. Suites feature dressing rooms as well as separate living areas and meals are served next door in what was originally a 17th-century coaching inn.