6 Hard to Ignore Reasons to Visit The Peak District in February
The Peak District National Park is a glorious place to visit any time of year, but February offers visitors some advantages. Here are six reasons to book self-catering holidays in the Peak District as the first tender signs of spring begin to appear.
1. Value for Money
The first (and maybe the best) advantage is that some great deals may be available. These low-season weekends and mid-week breaks are often open to book with discounts. So, grab some friends and family and go on a getaway! Holiday Cottages are lovely places to come home to at the end of a day in the great outdoors – especially in winter.
Perhaps one of the best things about visiting The Peak District out of season is that cosy feeling after a long walk when snuggled up with a crackling log fire. Grab a book, a cup of tea or maybe a glass of wine and relax. If it is dark, chilly and snowing outside, there is nothing like a real fire. If having a crackling log fire to warm your toes appeals, look for a cottage with plenty of free logs and kindling.
2. Peace, Quiet and Views
Our favourite reason for visiting at this time of year is for the peace and quiet. There are fewer walkers on the trails, fewer cars on the roads, and more views from which to soak up on your own. It can feel like you have the whole place to yourself, so it’s an ideal time to unwind and recharge the batteries. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do. Many places stay open, and there are plenty of local markets to visit. On a crisp, cold, clear February day, the sound of silence at the top of a peak with far-reaching rural views is unbeatable.
One of our favourite views is that from Monsall Head across Monsall Dale. It’s probably one of the most photographed views in Derbyshire; such is its beauty.
You can also enjoy a good walk along the Monsall Trail to reach it. This eight-mile walk and cycle path (once a Midland Railway line) runs from Bakewell (Coombs Road) to Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale.
Discover holiday cottages in Matlock. Sleeps 18.
3. Peak District Pubs
With peace and quiet in mind, the local village pubs are often more relaxing at this time of year with fewer tourists.
Why not enjoy some real ales and log fires with some locals and find out what we think is at the ‘heart’ of the Peak District? You’ll also find a healthy selection of traditional hostelries that serve terrific food - perfect for long lazy lunches on a winter afternoon.
4. Local Markets & Farmers Markets
The Chesterfield flea market is great for picking up a bargain or finding a long-lost valuable antique or two. It is open on Thursdays from 9 to 4.
If you want a double whammy of market fun, the High Road Food Hall at New Mills is open from 5.30 to 7.30 pm on Thursdays. Check out the artisanal foods, local beers, breads, locally sourced meat and much more. Other markets are Bakewell on Mondays (9-4), Ashbourne on Thursdays and Saturdays (both 9-4) and Wirksworth on Tuesdays (9-2).
As holiday cottages have such well-equipped kitchens, why not plan a few meals from fresh, deliciously tasting local produce? Spend an hour or two browsing the stalls at a Peak District Farmers market in
Bakewell - Last Saturday of the month at the Agricultural Business Centre (9 am-2 pm)
Buxton on the first Thursday in the month at The Pavilion Gardens (9.30 am – 2.30 pm)
Leek – on the third Saturday and third Wednesday of the month in the Market Square
Matlock: The invitingly named ‘Make it Bake it Grow it’ market is held on the third Saturday of the month at The Memorial Hall and Gardens, from 9 am to 2 pm.
5. Matlock Farm Park
A great place to stay is Book Derwent House in Matlock. Sleeps 12. Pets welcome.
If you visit in February with young children, Matlock Farm Park is an ideal place to visit, with more opportunities to get up close to the animals.
The Park has just opened the Rainforest Play Barn, perfect for wet-weather days when you need to get the children out of the house to burn off some energy somewhere warm and dry.
The Farm has special winter entry rates: adults £7 and kids £5, and there is no extra charge to enter the Rainforest Play Barn (warm and cosy too!).
Click here for details of all events and opening times at Matlock Farm Park.
6. Chatsworth
Rakes Cottage - Remote Farm Cottage near Bakewell. Sleeps 4
Take children with energy to burn to The Adventure Playground and/or The Farmyard at Chatsworth House; there’s a fantastic woodland playground, sandpits, trampolines, slides and a rope park.
It’s a perfect place for families to enjoy fun together during the February half-term.
The farmyard offers cuddly animal petting opportunities and a pirate-themed tractor-trailer ride for children from February 16 to 24 (2019).
Click here for details of opening times at Chatsworth.
So, what are you waiting for? There are plenty of good reasons to visit the Peak District in February! Click the link to any of the featured cottages to learn more about them and their availability, or, for a wider choice, visit our Peak District Holiday Cottages Page.
Add Your Own Recommendations
If you have other suggestions for Peak District places to visit in February, please leave a suggestion in the comments section below. Please note that these are moderated to ensure only relevant comments are published.
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