"The most important archeaological site in Derbyshire" (from a Peak Park Survey). The valley has seen 4,000 years of farming where stone-age man toiled to feed his family, and left us the evidence of his ploughing, village, and burial chambers.  Across from Haddon Hall, one of our fields has the remains of the deserted medieval village (DMV) and associated field systems from the medieval village of Nether Haddon, which is a scheduled ancient monument. While DMV's are not rare in the UK, to find a village which has the residual evidence of field systems unharmed from modern farming methods is rare. Our farming practices are mindful of the preservation of this heritage and enhance the environment for the benefit of our animals and all wildlife.  The Peak Park is a great place to visit; diverse, beautiful, yet so accessible.  The atmospheric henge and stone circle of Arbor Low is a few miles west of Bakewell - a very impressive place to visit.

INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

Here is the cradle of the industrial revolution - Sir Richard Arkwright lived and worked here, built his mills and his business empire in these valleys. Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, afraid to reveal the true extent of her huge gambling losses to her husband, the 5th Duke of Devonshire, borrowed the money instead from Sir Richard!  Georgiana was a Spencer and an ancestor of the late Princess Diana.  There are similarities in these two lives (both popular and prominent beauties of their day, both with troubled marriages that weren't quite what they had envisaged in their youthful optimism... I could go on - ask me for more when you come!).  Keira Knightley is playing the part of Georgiana in the film "The Duchess" about Georgiana's turbulent and interesting life. 

HADDON HALL (link)

A unique and wonderfully original medieval manor house dating from the time of William the Conqueror, preserved by chance and brought to us in a time capsule. Don't miss it!  Film makers have thought it perfect to conjure the backdrop to their tales -"Pride & Prejudice" (with Keira Knightley),  "Elizabeth", Franco Zefferelli's Jane Eyre, BBC's Moll Flanders and The Prince and the Pauper and The Chronicles of Narnia, The House of Cards.  Award-winning rose gardens.  Open to visitors from April until October, and in December, decorated for Christmas.  Meanwhile, the best view is quite possibly from the public footpath on the hill opposite, which is on our farm.

CHATSWORTH HOUSE (link)

If you're a "Pride & Prejudice" fan, you'll recognise this beautiful house -- many people's favourite and the most popular "heritage" house in the UK, crammed full of paintings, ceramics, sculpture, furniture, with spectacular varied and beautiful gardens. Spend some time at Chatsworth and you'll remember it always.

Sir Joseph Paxton (of Crystal Palace fame) came here as a head gardener for the 6th Duke of Devonshire in early Victorian times. Together they made history and Paxton became one of the most prominent Victorians. The gardens today are beautiful -  120 acres of varied designs to wander around.  There's always different things happening - have a look at their website for a list of events.  We love the Behind the Scenes Days.  After the heritage and the stroll, enjoy the shopping at Chatsworth's gift shops and Stud Farm Shop at Pilsley.

WALKING

The Peak District offers a uniquely diverse and interesting walking location. Because it's a National Park there is a very well marked network of public footpaths that connect the combination of exquisite villages and fabulous beauty spots. Whether you're after a short stroll to a local pub with a blazing fire or the rugged challenge of a Dark Peak trek or something in between, it's here and we can help you plan it. The Tourist Information Centres are also very helpful in all the major Peak District towns as well as at Ladybower, Edale and Castleton.  There's great craft centres and shopping, too.  The Farmer's Market takes place once a month in Bakewell & Buxton, and is crammed with great stalls of food and crafts to make your picnic a feast.

We love the Peak District. There is so much variety in a relatively compact place. Once here, there is no need to sit in traffic queues, or even touch your car keys again. Whatever your taste or timetable, there is more than enough here to captivate and blow the cobwebs from a work-worn spirit.  Your base should be our beautiful farmhouse B&B because we're right in the heart of the National Park.  There's great views, and everything is indulgently comfortable.  My guests tell me how much they enjoy the breakfast banquet. The welcome is sincere.  We try to give you what you want.  Twenty years' experience has revealed what you expect and want to find - and we really try to exceed your expectations.  We want to make your precious time away perfect in every way.

You work hard - your time away makes the fabulous memories which sustain.  Give me a ring, tell me you've read this far on my web site (by mentioning "coyote") and I'll be pleased to chat with you about availability and prices, and your hopes for your time away.  You'll find something extra 'specially welcoming in your room on checking in!