England

Dog-friendly hotels in the Peak District | fresh air and rolling hills

Travel writer Laura shares her childhood memories of holidaying in the Peak District with the family dog, and gives her top tips for a modern-day hotel staycation with the pup.

Ah, the Peak District. It’s where my stepdad once convinced my four-year old sister that the sheep had two legs shorter on one side because they were standing on hills all day… you get it, this is rolling hillsides and dales territory. She believed him for quite a few years…

My sister’s childlike naivety aside, our UK family holidays were always accompanied by our dog. I loved not having to leave her at home, and she loved storming across the fields, darting between trees, jumping in streams and generally lording it up in the countryside. If you want to take the whole family (pooch included) on a break in the Peak District, it’s crucial to find a hotel that will welcome your pet as much as the rest of the household.

So I’ve scouted out a few dog-friendly hotels in the Peak District, so you can ensure the entire brood can enjoy a break in the British countryside.

A quaint dog-friendly hotel near Chatsworth House in the Peak District

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Chatsworth House is one of my must-see sights in the Peak District – its sculpture garden alone is a fascinating place to spend an afternoon – and The Devonshire Arms at Beeley is set right on the Chatsworth Estate. A coaching inn from the 18th century, this hotel’s beautiful village location is perfect for dog walks. A brook runs through the village, you can easily wander to Chatsworth House a couple of miles away, or you can drive to Haddon Hall, Bakewell and Castleton to explore more of the Peak District’s highlights.

This dog friendly hotel is all about the character. In the bar, you’ll find that quaint countryside vibe with wooden beams, stone walls and fireplaces, while the brasserie is a fresh and modern space with contemporary artwork and colourful glass chandeliers. The bedrooms walk the same classic-meets-modern line, with traditional fabrics and elegant furniture elevated with the odd feature piece such as a flamingo bedside lamp or a retro telephone.

Dogs are welcome to dine with you in the bar, they might even get treated to a sausage…

The Devonshire Arms at Beeley

Top rated
Beeley
8.8 Excellent (178 reviews)

An elegant dog-friendly spa break in the Peak District

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A historical pick just a short drive from Chesterfield’s Peak District, the Ringwood Hotel & Spa is all about taking it easy in the countryside. With a grand setting and stately interiors, your pooch will really feel like the king or queen of the manor here.

Rooms in the hotel are plush and elegant, they’re classic in design but with a stylish feel. Outside is just as impressive – award-winning gardens boast manicured lawns and a sea of colourful flowers. Added to that is 30 acres of further hotel grounds – plenty of space for dog walks and wandering.

In the Garden Secret Spa you’ll find a vitality pool, relaxation lounges, treatment rooms and herbal and salt saunas. And there’s no excuse not to enjoy it thanks to the Ringwood Hall Pampered Pooch Experience. This tailored pet sitting service will take your dog out for the day, giving it plenty of exercise and entertainment, and you can even request they have a brush and blow dry. Your dog sitter will also send text updates throughout the day, so you can lie easy on your lounger for as long as you want. Pawfect.

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Chesterfield
8.2 Very good (1506 reviews)

A historical dog-friendly hotel for a traditional Peak District break

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You’re stepping into age-old Derbyshire territory with a stay at Callow Hall. This Victorian, grey-stoned, creeper-covered building feels like it’s from another time, with high ceilings in the lounges, roaring old fireplaces, huge picture windows, a secret garden and a croquet lawn.

Rooms are traditionally decorated, think heavy patterned curtains, chintzy wallpaper and florals, some even boast four-poster beds. There are two dog-friendly rooms at the hotel, on the ground floor, providing easy access to the outdoors and all that countryside walking potential.

Just on the edge of the Peak District, Callow Hall is ideal for exploring the area and it’s also right next to Dove Valley, a favourite spot for my family pooch. 35 acres of private gardens means you don’t even have to leave the hotel to experience the landscape, although dogs must be walked on a lead here, so it is worth venturing further afield if they want a proper run around.

Hotel Callow Hall

Ashbourne
8.4 Very good (86 reviews)

A Peak District dog-friendly spa hotel close to Lyme Park

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Just call me Elizabeth Bennet. Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa sits just a few miles from Lyme Park, made famous for its appearance in the Pride and Prejudice film. A dog friendly hotel that is all about the grand setting, it sits just on the edge of the Peak District, perfect for venturing in and exploring the dales in all their glory.

Dogs are given plenty of fuss here, hotel staff are friendly, and there’s a collection of dog friendly rooms found on the ground floor at the back of the hotel. The rooms back onto the car park, so you can easily escape for fresh air and walks outside.

Although dogs aren’t allowed in the hotel restaurant you are welcome to take them into the bar. You can eat breakfast here too, or you can wander to the terrace, which is beautiful when it’s sunny.

There’s a swimming pool, a golf course and a series of treatment rooms if you fancy some pampering. But of course, the real draw here is the vast countryside, with over 200 acres of grounds on the doorstep for starters. Unfortunately, Mr Darcys are not included.

Shrigley Hall Hotel And Spa

Macclesfield
7.0(2258 reviews)

A stylishly historical dog-friendly hotel in the Peak District

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Set for a romantic stay with your pooch in tow, the New Bath Hotel and Spa sits in a dreamy location surrounded by rolling hillsides, the River Derwent and Matlock Bath. This handsome historical building is as chic as they come, having been recently restored with elegant restraint. Muted tones keep it warm, welcoming and modern, while minimal decor keeps it classy.

The Sourced Restaurant has got your appetite covered, with seasonal dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Then there’s the heavenly hotel spa if you fancy furthering that indulgence with a little pampering.

This is one of the most stylish dog friendly hotels in the Peak District. You’ll find plenty of Fido fuss given by the hotel staff, you can enjoy breakfast together each morning and there is lots of glorious English countryside to explore right outside your door.

New Bath Hotel and Spa

Matlock Bath
7.8 Good (1315 reviews)

A dog-friendly hotel with kitchenette in the Peak District

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Bakewells are on the menu with a visit to Bagshaw Hall, found in the town famed for its tempting, tasty namesake treat. Set in an old period property with private gardens, it offers plenty of fresh countryside air, but Bakewell town is nearby should you want to take a wander with your dog.

As dog owners themselves (look out for Frankie if you want a playmate), this dog friendly Peak District hotel is one of the warmest, you’ll all be made to feel welcome, and your room will offer easy access to plenty of space outside where your dog can roam around and get their own taste of Bakewell.

Rooms are equipped with kitchenettes should you want to cook for yourself, but I strongly suggest you hit the town and get on that tasting tour of the Bakewell pudding shops.

Bagshaw Hall

Bakewell
8.1 Very good (328 reviews)

A writer living in London, Laura is currently working on her debut novel – a fictional tale inspired by her travels across America. When she’s not checking out the ideal hotel bed thread-count, she’s penning short stories, writing for various publications & brands, and sharing fashion tales on her blog, LauLauLand.