Things to do and see near our cottages in the Peak District

There are so many things to see and do near our cottages in the Peak district that visitors to Swainsley Farm will wonder how on earth they will fit it all in. Perhaps that's why so many guests come back year after year!

Situated in an elevated position with amazing panoramic views overlooking the river Manifold, fantastic walking and cycling can be enjoyed straight out from the front door of your cottage. Fishing, pony trekking, water sports and cycle hire are all also available locally.

The Manifold River flows through spectacular crags and wooded valleys before joining the River Dove several miles downstream of Swainsley. The Manifold Trail is easily accessible from Swainsley Farm and gives wheelchair users (and mums with pushchairs) easy access to wonderful scenery, offering gentle walks with wild flowers in proliferation and safe cycle riding for children.

Tip: The Peak District National Park visitor centres offer good advice on memorable walking trails such as the Limestone Way, Gritstone Way, the very spectacular hike up the floor of narrow Dovedale and the rugged Pennine Way which climbs from Edale onto the moors of Kinder Scout.

For the more adventurous the area has excellent facilities for rock climbing (The Roaches), canoeing, caving and hang gliding.

Located 3/4 mile from the pretty village of Butterton guests can easily enjoy shops and pubs in the village and also the hamlet of Hulme End (1 1/2 miles along the Manifold Trail). Other renowned traditional pubs are to be found in the village of Warslow (3/4 mile across the fields!).

Local landmarks and famous towns

There are many National trust properties close by (such as: Sudbury Hall, Lyme Park, Kedleston Hall, Tatton Park, Biddulph Grange and Little Morton Hall) and many other great houses and magnificent gardens.

Elegant Chatsworth House and Park is 4 miles east of Bakewell while Buxton, a spa town founded in 79 AD by the Romans has its Opera House and landscaped gardens.

Bakewell, home of the famous almond flavoured tart, lies on the banks of the River Wye. Two miles south the medieval manor of Haddon Hall (described as the most perfect house in England) can be found with its beautiful gardens.

Alton Towers and The Potteries

Swainsley Farm is only 10 miles from the world famous Alton Towers theme park, and Matlock Bath.

The Potteries is only about a 20 minute drive from Swainsley Farm and has many family attractions, cinemas, and factory shops as well as Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Spode visitor centres.

Further Affield

Due to the very central location of the Peak District within the United Kingdom, most important tourist destinations are readily accessible by car (e.g. London 2 1/2 hours, York 1 3/4 hours, Chester 1 1/2 hours, Stratford-upon-Avon 2 hours, Lake district 2 1/2 hours).