Luxury group accommodation Derbyshire style
Think beautiful stone farmhouses and country homes, set in the Peak District or on its edge. Some sit in open countryside with long views. One is located right above Matlock Bath, a short walk from the shops. The spacious ones have a bathroom for every bedroom, which takes the queue out of the morning.
Sizes start at ten guests and stretch up to the mid-thirties, so a family reunion and a big birthday both have a place to fit. This is large group accommodation on a self catering basis, so you cook together or bring in a caterer and nobody watches the clock at breakfast.
Nearly all have an open fire for the evenings. Most have a village pub close by when nobody fancies cooking. Some are dog friendly too (use the dogs filter to narrow it down).
Choosing the right place
Start with the people, not the postcode. Sleeping arrangements come first, because a bedroom nobody wants is a bedroom wasted. Count heads, then count each bedroom, because a cottage that sleeps your group on paper can still feel tight if couples want their own room and bathroom.
- Hot tub: handy after a day on the hills, so use the tub type filter to see what each one has.
- Pool: a treat for children, though only one of the stays has one.
- Dogs: some stays welcome them, so check before you book.
- Amenities and features: look at the kitchen and dining area photos with the size of your party in mind.
If you're comparing farmhouse and country house stays, our large houses to rent in Derbyshire cover the full range. If a soak under the stars is top of the list, browse the large cottages with hot tubs first.
Which part of Derbyshire suits your group?
Around Matlock you're in the middle of Derbyshire. The Heights of Abraham cable car is about eight minutes from Starkholmes. It suits a large group who want walking and attractions without long drives. If you're after luxury self catering in Matlock, this is the location to start with. Our group accommodation in Matlock page goes deeper.
Belper and the Derwent valley sit further south. You get riverside paths and an easy run to Derby, but the Peak District is a bit further off.
Out west, the stays near Ashbourne and Brassington sit in quiet farm countryside on the southern edge of the Peak District with Dovedale not far away. It's peaceful, so plan who's driving if you want an evening at the pub.
Up in the north west the feel changes. Tideswell and Chapel-en-le-Frith put you much closer to the high moors. Winter evenings by the fire feel earned up here and the views are big, but it's a longer haul from the south and the Midlands.
Getting there
Most of these luxury large holiday homes in Derbyshire are inside the national park or a short drive from it. The Peak District National Park became Britain's first national park in 1951. You can read more on the Peak District National Park website. Pick where you're setting off from and the table gives the drive to Matlock, which sits in the middle of the county for guests arriving from all directions.
| Setting off from | Drive to Matlock (minutes) | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Derby | 29 | 21.1 |
| Nottingham | 38 | 25.3 |
| Sheffield | 41 | 23.4 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 61 | 38.7 |
| Leicester | 68 | 51.4 |
| Birmingham | 78 | 64.5 |
| Leeds | 84 | 65.4 |
| Manchester | 87 | 47.3 |
The northern stays are nearer Manchester while the Belper ones are nearer Derby. If your stay is down a farm lane, read the access notes before you set off.
Things to do from your door
From a base near Matlock, Chatsworth House is about 23 minutes away. Bakewell and Haddon Hall are both around 21 minutes. The Chatsworth website is the place to check opening days. Carsington Water is only 12 minutes off for a lap of the reservoir and Peak District walks start close to many doors.
The Dovedale stepping stones are about 28 minutes away and Alton Towers about 43, so the thrill seekers can have their day out too! Alton Towers is worth booking ahead in the summer holiday. Either way, a large group with mixed ages can split up for the day and meet for dinner back at the farmhouse to unwind.
Tip: book a cook or a big supermarket delivery before you arrive, so the first night is about the fire and not the shopping. Everyone can relax from the moment they arrive.
When to go and what to book ahead
Autumn colour on the hillsides is lovely. Winter is made for open fires and long dinners. Summer brings longer evenings for walks on the Monsal Trail.
Of all the luxury group accommodation Derbyshire offers, the biggest places go first, so book early for school holidays and bank holidays. Ask everyone for dates well ahead because group stays need a lot of diaries to line up. Book any caterer at the same time. Check Visit Peak District for what's on.
For celebrations, our party houses in Derbyshire are worth a look. Anyone who'd like a swim should see the large houses with swimming pools. For every big stay we list, head back to Derbyshire Group Cottages.
Questions people ask
How many people can stay in a luxury group cottage in Derbyshire?
Places start at ten guests and the biggest sleeps in the mid-thirties. Use the sleeps and bedrooms filters to match your party. Check each listing for bed layouts.
Do any of them have hot tubs?
Most do. The tub type isn't the same everywhere, so use the tub type filter and read each listing.
Can we bring dogs?
Some are dog friendly, so use the dogs filter.
Which area is best for a big group?
Matlock is central for pubs, walks and days out in the Peak District. Tideswell and Chapel-en-le-Frith suit groups who want the high moors close by. Belper is the pick if you'd like a market town on the doorstep.
How far is it from Manchester or Sheffield?
Matlock is about 87 minutes from Manchester and 41 minutes from Sheffield. The stays near Buxton and Chapel-en-le-Frith are closer to Manchester.
Are they self catering?
Yes, so you cook for yourselves or bring in a caterer. Each listing shows the kitchen and dining space.