Charming and elegant, The Peacock at Rowsley is a stylish boutique hotel and celebrated gastronomic destination, where guests can expect first class service, comfortable bedrooms and superb food. Built in the 1600s, and a former dower house for Haddon Hall, it’s been a hotel since 1820. Today it showcases the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary design, with a sense of the family history of the hotel’s owner, Lord Edward Manners, including delightful sketches by his great-grandmother of the great and good of her day. There are 15 distinctively decorated bedrooms with gleaming marble bathrooms, a fine dining restaurant (look for the carved mice in the original Mousey Thompson furniture) and a splendidly atmospheric bar. Food is the heart of the place, with acclaimed head chef Dan Smith creating new menus each season, including a spectacular nine-course tasting menu. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Peak District, with extensive dry fly wild trout fishing on the doorstep.
The Peacock is a stone’s throw from the beautiful Haddon Hall and the Chatsworth estate, both perfect for a day out to soak up the history, marvel at the architecture and wander through the magnificent gardens.
Nip downstairs and enjoy Head Chef Dan Smith’s sublime cooking, which focuses on using the best local and seasonal ingredients.
Head to Bakewell to enjoy browsing the plethora of shops and cafes or look out for the many local markets taking place, including Haddon Hall’s artisan markets.
Nota Bene
Famous guests have included Keira Knightley, Judi Dench and Colin Firth.
