Take a Spin Through History

If you want a break from hiking, or you need to clear your head after a big night out, there’s nothing like stepping on the pedals and taking a spin in the fresh country air. Try the magnificent Monsal trail, a traffic-free 8.5-mile ride along a disused railway line from Buxton to Bakewell, or cycle a loop around the Ladybower reservoir, where WWII pilots trained for the famous Dambusters raid.

Experience Treasures Beneath Your Feet

The caverns of the Peak District are its hidden gems, none more so than Poole’s Cavern near Buxton. Known as “The Wonder of the Peak’ since the 1500s, this astonishing underground chamber is filled with glittering stalagmites and stalactites. Or combine a trip to the Peak Cavern, aka the Devil’s Arse, and the Speedwell Cavern where you can take an underground boat trip to a fabulous subterranean lake.

Hit the Heights of Abraham

Another of the Peak District’s long-standing attractions, the Heights of Abraham have been thrilling visitors since the 18th century. Nowadays, this blend of natural wonder and human engineering is best viewed from the breath-taking cable car, where you can take a spectacular voyage across the beautiful Derwent Valley and watch as spring unfurls beneath you.

Take a Thrill Ride

If you’re staying at one of our Self-catering cottages for hen parties in the Peak District then you won’t want to miss out on one of the country’s best theme parks. Enjoy Galactica, a stunning virtual reality rollercoaster, or a round of crazy golf like no other! With its blend of cutting-edge technology and adrenaline rides, Alton Towers is too good to miss!

Step Back in Time

Chatsworth is one of the most beautiful historic stately homes in Britain, with over 30 rooms and landscaped gardens to enjoy. Or take in the spectacular views from the ruins of Peveril Castle, made famous by Sir Walter Scott, or visit imposing Kedlestone Hall with its neo-classical facade.

However you want to enjoy your trip to the fabulous Peak District, we can provide luxury self-catering accommodation that combines flexibility with style. Contact us today to book your springtime break in the Peaks.

1. Explore The Best Winter Walking Routes

The White Peak has some brilliant walks on offer from the challenging 10-mile Manifold Valley walk from Wetton to Ilam. It may be tough, but it’s certainly worth the views! Or why not try the Ilam Park to Dovedale stepping stones walk and discover the beauty of the limestone countryside of the southern Peak District? Famous for its wildlife and geology, this is perfect for all fitness levels. If you enjoy exploring woodland areas then the Woodland Explorer Walk is the perfect choice for you. You can discover medieval fields and ancient oak woodlands. Or, if you want to try and spot some deer this winter then the Red deer and edges walk is one for you to try. This is in the southern part of the Peak District National Park and is set within the iconic, dark landscape which is well-known for its different types of wildlife.

2. Caving In The Peak District

This is a great activity to get yourself moving in the cold winter weather. Explore some of the area’s most beautiful underground caves with Dolomite Training. As well as caving activities, they also offer a varied range of other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and more. Perfect for the whole family, caving routes can be tailored to your level of fitness.

3. Cycle The Monsal Trail

The winter months are a perfect time to cycle the Monsal Trail as it’s less busy and offers an intimate experience of the fascinating industrial heritage that surrounds the trail, such as old railway tunnels and lime kilns. You’ll also be greeted with beautiful vistas and stunning wildlife such as short-eared owls and mountain hares.

If you’re searching for accommodation for walkers in the Peak District then check out our range of holiday and self-catering cottages. Contact us today to start planning your winter escape to the Peak District.

1. Dovedale

This is the perfect walk for all abilities. So, whether you’re searching for a pleasant afternoon stroll with the family or a catchup with friends, then this is your ideal spot. With a slight rise in places, this walk stretches 2.5 miles and takes you from a starting point at Ilam Wood to the brilliantly beautiful Dovedale gorge.

The full route should take you approximately 50 minutes to complete – which makes it a perfect autumn walk, since you can time it for the warmer parts of the day.

2. Bradford Dale

Starting in the Moor Lane car park, the Bradford Dale walk is 8 miles of good terrain. This moderate walk will take approximately five hours to complete, ideal for a day out in the stunning greenery. With plenty of little criters you can see and take a snap of. Make sure to have your camera ready for the many beautiful locations you will encounter along the way!

3. Hartington

This 6-mile walk is composed of mostly flat terrain and one steady climb through an area of deeply rutted rock. Beginning in Hartington village, you will walk across woodland, a river, limestone valleys, and finish with a stunning view of the village. As a moderate walk, it’s perfect for a bit of a challenge but nothing too extreme, providing you with beautiful scenery and quality time with your fmaily and friends.
If you’re ready to escape this autumn and you’re looking for top accommodation for walkers Peak District, then look no further than Offcote Grange. With a wonderful selection of accommodation on offer, we’ve got the perfect place for you to relax after a busy day of adventure, so get in touch today.

Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood

As a Grade I listed building maintained by the National Trust, Sudbury Hall is an important piece of UK history. It was built by George Vernon between 1660 and 1680 and leased for three years by the widow of William IV, Queen Adelaide.

With a tea room and a gift shop, you can have a quiet and relaxed day while exploring the museum and the gardens surrounding Sudbury Hall. The National Trust Museum of Childhood is perfect for the little ones, as they can have a fun but educational experience admiring objects that compare life in the 19^th century to the present!

Distance from Offcote Grange: Around 25 minutes by car.

Dovedale National Nature Reserve

Dovedale is filled with beautiful wildlife and scenery, having the river Dove run through it for three miles. There is evidence of both the Bronze Age, dating back to 13,000 BCE, and Viking settlements, which may be as old as 800 BCE. Limestone rocks form Dovedale’s geology, and rock attractions such as Ilam Rock are a must-see for the whole family.

Considered the loveliest of the Derbyshire Dales, Dovedale is owned by the National Trust. You can stroll through Dovedale and experience its beautiful farm lands, climb its peaks, or visit its caves. Ilam Park is another stunning spot to visit, with gothic architecture and a footpath that makes sure you can return to Dovedale quickly. You can also find the famous stepping stones in the River Dove present in many Peak District photos!

Distance from Offcote Grange: Around 20 minutes by car.

Kedleston Hall

Owned by the National Trust, Kedleston Hall is a beautiful English country house dating to the 18^th century. Standing as an architecture marvel with a stunning glass oculus on a dome, three floors, and a neoclassical interior design, the surrounding grounds are just as impressive.

Whether you want to take a walk on the parkland or enjoy a relaxing day with gorgeous scenery as background, Kedleston Hall is an important part of English architecture that you can’t miss.

Distance from Offcote Grange: Around 30 minutes by car.

At Offcote Grange we have 5-star luxury self-catering accommodation that is perfect for you to celebrate your wedding anniversary – and give you access to all of these stunning locations!

Here at Offcote Grange, ensuring you have a perfect wedding is our priority, which is why we provide high-quality, luxurious self-catered accommodation and a stunning wedding reception venue. The spring and summer seasons offer lush green scenery with stunning displays of colourful flowers all around. It is a lovely time for your wedding, with nice weather and breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation on Site

With plenty of private off-road car parking, your friends and family are assured stress-free parking on your special day. Our luxury self-catering accommodation provides you with five or six bedroom cottages, ideal for a relaxed stay.Billy’s Bothy is located on the wedding reception venue’s site and can sleep a group between 12 and 16 within six ensuite bedrooms. Just four miles away is Hillside Croft, with five bedrooms that can sleep between 10 to 14 guests.

With a venue site for 70 to 150, you have complete flexibility to create the wedding of your dreams, with some fabulous marquees, tipis, or yurts. We want you to have an experience that you’ll never forget!

Stunning Wedding Photos

With the gorgeous countryside as a backdrop, your wedding photos will be stunning. Your photographer will have a wide variety of shots available, looking across the valley and the lake or in our stunning walled garden, providing you with wonderful memories you can cherish forever. With landscaped gardens filled with flowers and other local flora, planning a spring wedding in Derbyshire is quite a beautiful event.

Regardless of how modern or contemporary your theme is, our venue offers you fantastic opportunities to create your special wedding day. You won’t have to compromise on any detail – simply come around to Offcote Grange, take in the location, and start planning. We will be here on site to plan and advise you.

And Most Importantly…Those Special to You Will Have Fun and Special Memories!

Here at Offcote Grange you will have our self-catering accommodation exclusively for you and your friends and family, enjoying the luxurious surroundings and the panoramic scenery Derbyshire offers. Your friends and family will benefit from a lovely retreat in the countryside while celebrating your special day, feeling the exclusiveness of the event.

With city sounds far away, you are assured a fantastic wedding event and stay in our lovely cottages.

Why don’t you visit us to see our wedding party venue? You can easily picture your own wedding party in our grounds, alongside your family and friends. Just give Pat or Chris a call on 01335 344795 or 0780 8899493 to arrange a viewing!

Going outdoors and being active will ensure that you can see the wonderful sights Derbyshire has to offer whilst having a great time.

Theme Parks

Specially made for families with children between the age of 2 and 13, Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park is just 6 miles from here, and  for older children and adults of course there is Alton Towers with all its thrills, about 30 minutes away which  is sure to provide a fun day. Another venture for great family activities is  Wildpark Leisure with Paint Ball, Laser tag, Archery and quad biking great fun for all about 6 miles from here. Take a break and enjoy a fun-filled day with your family!

Carsington Water

Carsington Sports and Leisure at Carsington Water offers land and water activities like windsurfing, sailing, paddlesports, mountain bike hire, walking, a bird hide,shops and a restaurant. With training for inexperienced sports enthusiasts, your entire family can have a relaxing and fun day out while trying out watersports.

Only four miles down the road from Offcote Grange, you can pop down to Carsington Water for a day filled with shopping, walking, and cycling in between enjoying the stunning scenery. Unique wildlife such as birds can be found in Carsington Water, with some species only found in the area.

Our self-catering cottages are perfect for a getaway and a holiday of fun with your little ones. Start the year with a relaxing adventure; simply get in touch with us on  0780 8899493 – our friendly team is always happy to answer any query you might have!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter to see our latest news and updates.

Each year has seen us host some wonderful guests in our holiday cottages in the Peak District. If you’ve stayed with us, we’d love to extend our gratitude to you for choosing Offcote Grange as the base for your stay, and hope that you enjoyed staying with us as much as we loved having you around! You have a choice of Hillside Croft now belonging to our son www.hillsidecroft.co.uk  a beautiful historic cottage dated 1709 sleeping up to 14 within 5 beautiful  bedrooms or Billys Bothy  a large 6 bedroom cottage  www.offcotegrange.com

Christmas is a time for family, which is something that we are passionate about here at Offcote Grange. Our location means that we are the perfect choice for a variety of attractions and things to do which are perfect for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking for a getaway in the stunning Derbyshire countryside, a pamper-packed holiday with your friends or even a base for your corporate away day, you can guarantee that Offcote Grange can provide s comfortable, friendly atmosphere!

New Year’s resolutions are also rife during the festive season, and promising yourself to get out into the great outdoors more often is a great example of an achievable goal. Whether you want to head out on one of the many local walks around where we are located, take to the countryside on horseback or take advantage of the wide range of activities which are nearby, we’re proud to be able to provide an accessible, comfortable accommodation for your stay.

Holidays don’t have to mean blazing hot sun and beaches, so if you’re looking for a very different holiday this year and see the beauty that we have right here in Derbyshire, don’t hesitate to give us a call and make sure you secure your stay with us. Full self catering available for you, eat when you choose with great facilities for your holiday.  We know that two holidays are never the same, and want to make sure that we’re catering to your personal requirements. Whatever you want to achieve from your holiday, let Offcote Grange help!

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank every single one of our guests and website visitors for your continued support, and we hope that you have a peaceful, happy Christmas period.

If you would like to chat about planning a stay with us in the future, be sure to contact us directly where we will be more than happy to help you!  0780 8899493

So after deciding that you want to take your employees out on an away day to receive the benefits that team building exercises can offer, you then have a very important decision to make: choosing the activities and the venue, as well as the accommodation.

What Do You Want to Do?

Choosing the activities may seem easy, but the truth is that it’s one of the most important decisions you can make when planning a corporate away day. Before choosing an activity, you should always consider what you want to achieve with the team building activities; do you want your employees to start working better as a team? Do you want to see who has leaderships skills?

Because there are many activities you can do together, it’s important to only pick the most relevant ones – those which can help you achieve exactly what you’re looking for.

Where Should You Hold the Event?

The location and venue will depend on which activities you want to participate in. At Offcote Grange we offer the opportunity for in-house team building;  providing a cottage to hold private corporate events in. This is ideal for idea collaboration, as you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings.

In addition, you’ll find that this space is fully equipped with a projector, screen, whiteboard, flipchart, wireless internet and anything else you need to hold a great corporate away day. Whether you plan on developing your employees’ communication skills or ensure that you simply spend a few days relaxing and doing nothing after a few stressful weeks at work, we have the perfect place for you!

If you’re looking for activities you can hold outside instead, it pays to choose somewhere where you can have access to the outdoors.

Due to the location of Offcote Grange’s cottages, you’ll have the opportunity to explore nature with your employees by going on walks, attend events in the area and have fun in Alton Towers Theme Park. We’re even situated near Wild Park which has a variety of exciting activities for you to get involved with! We believe that team bonding is extremely important for a company’s success, so we strive to provide our guests with plenty of opportunities to do so!

Where Should You Stay?

The accommodation is also something that shouldn’t be overlooked or left to the last minute when planning a corporate away day. You need a base in which to relax and unwind after a full day of team building activities, since you and your employees are probably going to be exhausted – in a good way!

Our luxury retreat cottage for private corporate events is perfect for this, as we can offer an amazing evening of relaxation with a sauna, hot tub, full-size snooker table and many other fun, stress-free activities in our premises. The perfect ending to a perfect day!

When it comes to food, we provide catering at our cottages, so you don’t have to worry about cooking. However, if that is something you’re looking forward to, we also have self-catering cottages on offer. There are also plenty of local pubs and restaurants nearby if you prefer to eat out.

We endeavour to provide everything you need to enjoy an outstanding away day and leave feeling satisfied that your goals were achieved, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 01335 344795 to learn more about what we can do for you and your business.

Choosing your wedding location can be a tiring process, but it’s worth finding the perfect place for your loved ones to gather to celebrate your special day. England has some of the world’s most stunning views, sure to give you memories that last a lifetime. 

Advantages of a Summer Wedding

The outdoors offers beautiful scenery as the weather is delightfully sunny in the summer. The weather tends to be more consistent and the average temperature is likely to be high, which will allow you to wear the wedding dress of your dreams.

With enough notice, you have more chances of a big guest turnout in the summer than you do in any other season. If you schedule it in the middle of summer it’s more likely that couples with children can attend, as school will be out.

Think about all the bright colours you can have in your wedding, and how they will shine under the sun. You can make gorgeous colour combinations of bright pinks and blues, and they will easily look the part. The local flowers will also be in bloom, and they will make your bouquet stand out.

You will also save more money with a summer wedding. If you love warm beaches you are more likely to have nice weather in the summer, which will let you stay closer and not spend as much on plane tickets. If you want to visit another country, summer will give you more options to choose from that will still allow you to keep to your budget.

Before the Wedding

The Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales are stunning places to have a party with your closest friends and loved ones. Our luxury, 5 star self-catering cottages are located just outside Ashbourne, and it’s the perfect place for a hen party. With 6 all ensuite bedrooms a large lounge and lots of fantastic gardens to enjoy.

You can accommodate 12-16 guests in the picturesque heart of England, enjoying the last days of single life in the best possible comfort. You can choose pampering options like massages and nail treatments, or even a relaxing sauna or hot tub dip. The cottages have BBQs for a nice meal during your fun-filled stay.

The Big Day                           

Here at Offcote Grange we want you to have an amazing, memorable big day.  We have 5 star luxury accommodation with five or six bedrooms,  all ensuite to  make yourselves beautiful and providing the best self-catering accommodation for your guests and family to stay before and during the wedding.

Our wedding venues are two luxurious locations on the same site ,with gorgeous landscaped gardens for beautiful photos of your wedding. One site fits around  90 guests and the other around 150 to 200,guests, and they are completely flexible to allow you to create and celebrate the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.

If you have any questions about how you can book our beautiful, luxurious cottages in the stunning Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales, you can contact us on 01335 344795 and our friendly team will happily help you.