The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire
Fine dining, dry fly fishing and film star guests are de rigeur at this charming but homely boutique hotel. Set in the Peak District National Park, the Peacock at Rowsley is just a 5-minute drive away from Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and the town of Bakewell.
Sit in the cosy bar with its log fire and enjoy a generous gin and tonic garnished with a sprig of rosemary and slices of cucumber and lime.
Dine in the restaurant with its distinctive Mouseman furniture and seasonal dishes.
Then sink into a supremely comfortable bed before drifting off into a deep and restful sleep. Mr Hendricks can come too because they simply love dogs at The Peacock.
For foodies, this is the perfect place to stay in the Peak District. Wonderful cuisine, great walks and Chatsworth House just up the road. I loved it.
Stay in an Old Manor House
The Peacock at Rowsley was built as a Manor House by John Stevenson back in 1652.
Once the Dower House to nearby Haddon Hall, this superb country house is now a marvellous 16-room hotel with gardens leading down to the river Derwent.
When first a hotel in 1820, it attracted bathers who plunged in the nearby river Wye.
Admire The Mouseman Furniture
Expect dark wood furniture, taupe or aubergine walls, hunting scenes, portraits of Edwardian actors, subdued lighting and splashes of bright colour.
In the bar and restaurant, you’ll see Mouseman furniture. Robert (Mouseman) Thompson was a British furniture maker. His oak furniture features a carved mouse on almost every piece (visit Yorkshire’s Ampleforth Abbey to see more).
Appreciate The Small Touches
The staff are friendly and helpful and it’s the small touches stand out.
There’s fresh milk for tea in your room, riddles to solve at breakfast, daily walk suggestions and snippets of history about the hotel and the local area.
At bedtime, a chocolate on your pillow with the next day’s weather forecast.
Enjoy Some Fine Dining at The Peacock
If your budget doesn’t stretch to a stay, why not treat yourself to a fine dining experience instead? The restaurant has been awarded 3 AA rosettes.
Dinner always starts with an ‘amuse bouche’ such as butternut squash and Parmesan soup served with a pork croquette and apple sauce. And, just when you think you’ve only got room for dessert, you’re presented with an elderflower parfait and raspberry granita ‘pre-dessert’.
Go Fly Fishing
The hotel attracts fly fishing enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy ‘the Golden Age of Dry Fly Fishing’ with a day ticket for fishing in the river Wye for native brown trout. A book in the hotel reception records catches of the day (all fish are returned to the river).
Visit Haddon Hall
Nearby Haddon Hall was used as the setting for the latest screen adaptation of Jane Eyre starring Judy Dench.
She stayed at The Peacock while filming, and apparently enjoyed ‘lemon sole with a glass of champagne’. Guests can visit the Hall at a discounted price.
Tips
- Visit in September for the Chatsworth Country Fair or in August for the traditional Bakewell Show
- Caudwell working flour mill is literally just across the road
Ready to Start Planning a Short Break at The Peacock in Rowsley?
Check availability and find the best rates available for The Peacock at Rowsley.
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
The Devonshire Arms
Pilsley, Peak District
For alternative accommodation nearby, try the Devonshire Arms at Pilsley which also has a good reputation for food. Like the Peacock at Rowsley it is very convenient for visiting Chatsworth House. Check rates and availabilty here.
Ready to start planning a Peak District break? View all Best Places to Stay in the Peak District
Dogs
They love dogs here so you can take me too. Their daily walk suggestions will give you plenty of ideas of where to take me.
How to Find the Peacock at Rowsley
The Peacock at Rowsley
The Peacock at Rowsley, Bakewell Road, Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2EB
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.