Biggin Hall.
Biggin-by-Hartington, Biggin-by-Hartington, Derbyshire.
Biggin Hall Country House Hotel stands in its own spacious grounds of eight acres and is a Grade II * listed historic building. The present owners have completely renovated it, keeping all its original character yet blending that with modern expectations. Dating from the 17th century, the hotel is AA 3 star rated and is a convenient base for touring the Peak District, close to Dovedale and Chatsworth House.
The lounge has the date 1672 above the massive stone fireplace and the main entrance contains an oak panelled lobby of considerable antiquity. Visitors have a choice of two sitting rooms, one with a library, the other with a large open fire place. In the bar, there is a choice of real ales, guest beers, superb house wines and a highly commended wine list to complement a meal.
Dinner in the oak-beamed dining room, which looks out across the lawn, is one of the highlights of your stay, when the open fire, excellent food, and a good selection of wines all combine to create a convivial atmosphere for an enjoyable meal. Championing a whole host of local produce and seasonal ingredients embracing a passion for tradition and excellence, Head Chef Mark Wilton makes full use of the Peak District's natural larder when selecting produce for the regularly changing menu. Many ingredients are of local origin, with the accent on free-range, wholefoods and natural flavours, together with a seasonal selection of vegetables. Full English and Continental breakfast is served here in the morning, followed later by lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
In the Main House the star of the show is the 'Master Suite' - a luxurious four poster bedded room. In addition, there are six double/twin bedrooms in the main house, each with their own bathrooms en suite, plus a suite of two rooms sharing an adjoining bathroom for a family. The Courtyard rooms are double/twin en-suite rooms situated 30 yards from the main house, in a recently converted 18th century stone building. Dogs are permitted in the Courtyard rooms, but not on the beds or in the main house. The Lodge is 70 yards from the main house and adds two more doubles, a twin room and a single room. Whichever room you choose you will find individuality, antique furnishings, a television, tea-making facilities and a silent fridge.
The Peak District is one of England’s finest for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. The diverse nature of the Derbyshire landscape with its dry-stone walling, deep-wooded valleys, heather-clad moorlands and timeless market towns and villages, provides the perfect setting for a relaxing break. Biggin Hall is the ideal base from which to explore and enjoy stunning landscapes and glimpses of past grandeur and bold enterprises now preserved as industrial archaeology. There are numerous grand houses, most notably Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, and National Trust properties nearby.