THE PEAK DISTRICT

Suzanne King

The Peak District isn’t solely confined to the national park of the same name. The region extends beyond that, and some of its best-known destinations – including Buxton, Matlock and Ashbourne – actually lie outside the park boundaries. These fringe areas make good hunting grounds when you are after extra value for money, but even within the national park itself there is still plenty of affordable accommodation on offer this summer – and far more choice than there was this time last year.

Looking for a cute hideaway for two? Shepherd’s Crook (shepherdscrookhuts.co.uk) fits the bill perfectly. Tucked away in a private corner of a working sheep farm in Wincle, it is a cut above the usual shepherd’s hut, with its own little summer house, a fire pit and lovely views over the rolling Cheshire countryside. There is good availability in July and August from £550 per week.

Rather grander in scale is Peak House, a luxurious, historic home in the pretty conservation village of Winster, near Matlock. There is room for 14 people to relax in style here, gathering round the log-burning stove or playing croquet in the walled garden, depending on the vagaries of the weather. It has good peak season availability from

£3,739 per week (or £38 per person per night) through the Wow House Company (thewowhousecompany.com).

When it comes to country cottages, there are still plenty of places offering character, comfort and charm without costing a fortune. In the upland Staffordshire

village of Longnor, the streets are lined with attractive stone buildings, including Jack’s Cottage (oneoffplaces.co.uk/jacks-cottage), all flagged floors and exposed beams and available for £475 a week (sleeps two).

A couple of miles from Ashbourne, Parkfields Stable works well for families, with a peaceful rural setting, plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around in, and an assortment of children’s books, toys and CDs available. The owners throw in a welcome hamper and home-made cake as well. There are plenty of dates still free in July and August from £820 a week (sleeps four) with Premier Cottages (premiercottages.co.uk).

Travelling with a dog? Your pet will be welcome at Brookside Cottage in Beeley, a 17th-century village house that also delivers on the location front. From here, you can walk through parkland to the glorious Chatsworth House – mentioned by Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice – and it is mere yards from the front door to the Devonshire Arms: one of the Peak District’s best country inns. Dog Friendly Retreats offers dates in July and August from £885 a week for six people (dogfriendlyretreats.com).

i Great outdoors: Parkfields Stable has plenty of space for children to run around