Holly Bush Farm Retreat

Country Pubs

• Royal Oak, Hurdlow - Our award winning pub offers open fires, hidden corners, local ales and of course ‘great homemade pub food’ as it should be. Please call to make a reservation.

• Ye Olde Gate Inn, Brassington - A 17th century village pub serving gastro pub style food. 

• Sycamore Inn, Parwich - Quaint Robinsons village pub serving  home cooked food. Beer garden and dog friendly

• The Red Lion, Birchover - Traditional Derbyshire village pub serving great food, they also brew their own beer! 

• The Old Bowling Green, Winster - Cosy country pub with open fire serving nice food.

• Devonshire Arms, Hartington - Centrally located in the heart of the village – good stop for lunch. 
  

Restaurants

• The Greyhound Restaurant and Bar, Cromford - Serves British gastro pub style food, located on the square in Cromford. 

• Stones, Matlock - Fine dining restaurant in the centre of Matlock, ideal for a special occasion.

• Maazi Indian Restaurant, Matlock - Indian restaurant serving authentic dishes in a relaxing atmosphere with excellent service.They also offer a take-away service and can provide outside catering.

• Viva Italian, Matlock - Italian restaurant in the centre of Matlock

​Cafes

• Fat Buns Hartington - Insanely good cinnamon buns and coffee, tucked away in Hartington village, it’s definitely worth hunting this place down, but you need to be there early if you want your pick of the best buns!

• Mad Hatter Matlock - A great tea room and cocktail bar, with scrumptious cakes! Look out for the ‘cake and cocktail’ offer!

• Hassop Station Café & Bookshop - A family friendly cafe with outdoor covered seating and play area. Enjoy brunch, lunch or afternoon tea on the terrace next to the Monsal Trail or in the newly refurbished station building.

• Scarthin’s Bookshop and Cafe Cromford - Arguably one of the quirkiest bookshops in the country. Selling about 100,000 new, used and antiquarian books in 12 rooms over 3 floors and has a fantastic vegetarian cafe with indoor & outdoor seating.
  

Fresh Delivered Meals and Take-Aways

• My Peak Event - fantastic selection of home made prepared meals from local chef/cooks -great for large groups.

• Scoff - Delicious, home-cooked food, delivered to you in the Peak District

• Maazi- Sumptuous Indian meal or buffet delivered to your door. Numerous catering options and can also provide waiting on staff and even take away the washing up.

• China Rose, Matlock Bath - Chinese take-away and restaurant

• There are a selection of fish and chip shops in Matlock Bath, Promenade Fish Bar, Riverside Fish and Chips, Tucker Fish and Chips, Kostas Fish Bar, Halls Traditional Fish and Chips to name a few! 

It is always best to check the websites for any seasonal opening times as some places do shut early  or close over the winter months.

1. The High Peak Trail

With the High Peak Trail on your doorstep you can walk/cycle for miles along this old railway line, this 17.5 mile trail runs from the High Peak Junction, near Cromford all the way to Dowlow near Buxton (the nearest access to the trail is 0.5 mile walk up a track from Pikehall.) The High Peak Trail follows the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. This was one of the world's first long-distance railway lines, built between 1825 and 1830. Many important railway buildings and features can still be seen, including High Peak Junction Workshops, Middleton Top Engine House, Hopton Tunnel and Hopton Incline. Surrounded by beautiful countryside the traffic-free trail is ideal for horse riders, cyclists and walkers of all abilities. The nearest cycle hire to property is at Middleton Top Cycle Hire. 

Please click here for further information on the High Peak Trail.

2. Carsington Water

Carsington Water is a 2 mile long reservoir managed by Severn Trent Water which is only a 20 minute drive from the property. There is plenty to see and do including cycling/walking around the reservoir there are two routes, a 3 mile route perfect for little legs (and big ones too) and an 8 mile cycling route for those who want a bit more of a challenge. There is also the opportunity for bird watching, fishing and water sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and paddle boarding. A large modern visitor centre at the reservoir includes a restaurant, shops and water sports centre. There is also large outdoor area suitable for picnics and BBQ facilities for those warm summer days and a fantastic children’s outdoor play area for the little ones to enjoy.

Please click here for general information on Carsington Water and here for details on sports and leisure at the reservoir.

3. Visit the pretty town of Matlock

The town of Matlock is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park. A former spa town lying alongside the River Derwent, Matlock is the historic County town of Derbyshire. The popular tourist resort of Matlock Bath is a short distance away following the course of the river valley which is renowned for its industrial heritage sites. Within Matlock and Matlock Bath there is abundance of places to visit, if you have children within your group then Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock Farm Park or the Heights of Abraham are all great days out. For those interested in history then obviously Sir Richard Arkwright’s Mills are worth a visit, the Peak District Mining Museum is also in Matlock.

Click here for further information on Matlock.

4. Chatsworth House and Park

No visit to the Peak District would be complete without visiting the fabulous Chatsworth House. At Chatsworth there is something to do for every member of the family. The Farmyard and Adventure playground is a brilliant day out for children of all ages - with animal handling, milking demonstrations and daily activities, plus a woodland adventure playground with slides, trampolines and more! Then there is obviously the House itself, steeped with history it’s one of Britain’s greatest stately homes and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. The Gardens are equally as impressive as the house, over 100 acres and as well and the beautiful flowers and plants, there are giant water features and sculptures dotted around. Again suitable for all the family, with the maze, the garden trails, and the famous water cascade to keep the little ones occupied. 

Click here for a link to Chatsworth House and Park.

5. Alton Towers

Arguably one of Britain’s best theme parks, Alton Towers is only a 40 minutes’ drive away. The infamous Alton Towers resort offers a great family day out, as well as the renown rides which provide enough excitement even for the most ardent fun seeker, the Cbeebies land is a great addition to cater for the youngest family members. The waterpark is also not to be missed, with rides for the adrenaline junkies as well as relaxing areas for those who just want to chill out in the Lagoona Bay. 

Click here for further information on Alton Towers.

A basic weekend supply of the following essentials are supplied (as there are no staff on site if you run out you will have to replace):

• ​Hand soap

• Loo rolls (1 x on the holder and 1 spare per bathroom)

• Bin bags

• Washing up liquid

• Cling film & kitchen foil

• 5 x Dishwasher tablets 

• Tea towels & 1 x dish cloth

• Basic cleaning materials

• Utilities - electric, gas, heating and hot water

• Free Wi-Fi​

• 5 travel cots available throughout the  site

• 6 high chairs available throughout the site

Please note that the Games Room has now slightly altered to how they appear on the photos and virtual tour. There is a table tennis table in the main area along with the comfy sofas, TV and extra bean bags. In the back room alongside the tea / coffee making area and w/c  there is the pool table​

The Barn

Useful Information

• 2 x High Chairs (if requested)

• 2 x Travel Cots. We provide basic travel cot's that comply with BSI. Please note that due to health and safety reasons, you will need to bring cot linen and any extra padding you require over and above the lightly padded standard base that is supplied by the manufacturer, we do not supply a mattress.

• Hair dryer (if requested)

• Fresh linen with beds made up upon arrival

• Fresh towels - Bath towel for each guest & hand towels in the bathrooms

• Iron & ironing board and indoor clothes airer

• Hoover and mop.

• Washing machine and separate tumble dryer

• 1 x Blue tooth speaker compatible with any phone or device with blue tooth. 

• There are 3 TV’s located in the open plan living area (1 x 55” LCD smart TV) and bedrooms 6 and 9 (2 x 32” SMART TV’s – no DVD player) All TV's have HDMI facility but guests do need to bring their own cable

• Christmas - throughout December the property will have a Christmas tree decorated with a set of lights

• Should you need a DVD player for your stay we do ask guests to please bring one with them along with the relevant cable.

• For the safety and well-being of all our guests, we kindly ask that you bring any personal first aid supplies you may need, as first aid kits are not provided in our properties

• Please note that some rooms may have been updated with new furnishings and decor since the photos or virtual tour were taken

Cooking and Dining

Any kitchen items that are absolutely vital for your stay, please check with us before your visit to ensure that it is at the property (as things do sometimes get broken).

• Pots, pans, roasting tins, crockery and cutlery

• Champagne Flutes, Wine Glasses

• 1 x under counter microwave

• Kitchen scales

• 2 double Range ovens with 7 burners on each oven sections measuring 40cm wide x 30cm deep and 22 cm wide x 30cm deep

• 1 x Large tall fridge and 1 x fridge/freezer 

• 2 x Double toaster

• 5 x Cafetieres

• 4 x Kettles 

• Hand Blender (The Barn kitchen only)

• 2 x Dishwashers

• Dining for the maximum number of guests can be offered if pre-arranged prior to your stay.  This will reduce the sofa seating area when the table is set up as the maximum and will have to stay in place for the duration of our stay. You will use a combination of benches and chairs for the seating at the table. 

• The standard table set up on arrival would be for around 24 guests and using bench seating only.

• Each Table measure 120cm width  x 250cm length

• Current layout are 4 tables with an area of 500cm x 240cm - tables can be in any layout.

• 4 large jugs (ideal for Pimms or water)

• Baking trays, various but there are oblong ones and 2 x round 7" cake tins

• 2 x Nespresso Coffee Machines - 1 in the Barns and 1 in the Farmhouse - a handful of original size pods to get you started
  

The Farmhouse

Useful Information

• 2 x High Chairs (if requested)

• 2 x Travel Cots. We provide basic travel cot's that comply with BSI. Please note that due to health and safety reasons, you will need to bring cot linen and any extra padding you require over and above the lightly padded standard base that is supplied by the manufacturer, we do not supply a mattress.

• Hair dryer (if requested)

• Fresh linen with beds made up upon arrival

• Fresh towels - Bath towel for each guest & hand towels in the bathrooms

• Iron & ironing board and indoor clothes airer

• Hoover and mop.

• 3 x Blue tooth speaker compatible with any phone or device with blue tooth. 

• There are 4 TV’S located throughout the property. 1 x 43” LCD Smart TV in the lounge and 1 x 43” LCD Smart in the snug in the cellar. Bedrooms 2 and 6 both have 22” LCD Smart TV’s. All TV's have HDMI facility but guests do need to bring their own cable.

• Converted cellar room - ideal for children with comfy seating and TV- please be aware that there are the original 100 year old stone steps leading down to the cellar and some are a little uneven - there are 2 handrails provided on either side

• Christmas - throughout December the property will have a Christmas Tree decorated with a set of lights

• Should you need a DVD player for your stay we do ask our guests to please bring one with you along with the relevant cable

Cooking and Dining

• Pots, pans, roasting tins, crockery, glassware including champagne flutes 

• 1 x Microwave

• 1 x Kitchen scales

• 1 x Double electric oven with grill with oven sections measuring 40cm wide x 30 cm deep

• Further single electric oven 42cm wide x 33cm deep

• 7 x Gas ring hob

• 1 x Tall fridge/freezer 

• 1 x Further fridge in utility room 

• 1 x Double toaster

• 3 x Cafetieres

• 1 x Kettle

• 1 x Food processor

• 2 x Dishwashers

• Dining table and chairs for 12 guests

• Baking trays, various but there are oblong ones and 2 x round 7" cake tins

The Annexe

Useful Information

• ​1 x High Chairs (if requested)

• 1 x Travel Cot. We provide basic travel cots that comply with BSI. Please note that due to health and safety reasons, you will need to bring cot linen and any extra padding you require over and above the lightly padded standard base that is supplied by the manufacturer, we do not supply a mattress.

• Hair dryer (if requested)

• Fresh linen with beds made up upon arrival

• Fresh towels - bath towel for each guest & hand towels in the bathrooms

• Each bedroom has its own kettle with tea/coffee tray. 

• Games room with table tennis table in the main room, TV and seating located on the first floor of the Annexe. A few board games available

• Kitchenette at far end of games room with fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and pool table. 

• 1 x Blue tooth speaker compatible with any phone or device with blue tooth in games room

• There are 3 TV’s located throughout the Annexe. 1 x 32” LCD Smart TV in games room. Bedrooms 4 and 6 both have 22” LCD Smart TV’s.  All TV's have HDMI facility but guests do need to bring their own cable.

• Should you need a DVD player for your stay we do ask our guests to please bring one with them along with the relevant cable

Parking

• There is a large parking area for 15-20 cars

• There are 2 x 7kw smart Electric Car chargers on site one is located to the front and one to the rear of the small store that is in front of The Barn building. Download the Fuuse App. We suggest doing this before your arrival so you can set up your account in advance. 

• For reasons of both safety and property insurance, under no circumstances should you use the domestic plug sockets in the property to charge any other electric vehicle. Our domestic supply in the property does not have the capacity or set up to support EV charging.  Please use this link, that you may find helpful, for other local nearby charging stations.

Outdoor Space

• In front of The Barn there is a sizeable patio with 6 x 6 seater picnic benches

• The patio area measure 18mtrs x 5mtrs

• The raised lawn area measures 34mtrs x 18mtrs at the narrowest part and 28mtrs at the largest - the area is not a complete square

• To the front and side of The Farmhouse there is a lawn area ideal for ball and garden games

• BBQ - charcoal- there are 2 half oil drum style available from the 1st April to the 31st October, please supply your own charcoal and lighting equipment as these cannot be provided

• Please note the entrance gate has now changed from the photos and virtual tour and is a 5 bar gate

• Please do not move the garden furniture around, this is for your own safety, due to them being very heavy and also damage can easily be caused if the items are dragged

• As Holly Bush Farm is set in a peaceful countryside location, we kindly ask all guests to respect our neighbours and surroundings. Outdoor areas should be vacated by 10pm, with guests returning inside the buildings by this time. See our Noise Policy for more details

Property Quirks

• There are steep external steps with a handrail up to the games room

• The Mezzanine beds in bedroom 5 & 6 in the annexe are suitable for adults only as they have paddle ladders which you need to go down backwards

• In The Barn bedrooms 7 & 8 there are electronic Velux blinds with controls on the wall so please be careful with these

• Access to the Farmhouse cellar is via the original 100-year-old steep stone steps. Some of the steps are uneven, although handrails are provided on both sides.

• Located near to a working farm so you may experience some seasonal farmyard smells, sights and sounds

• The fireplaces do not work - they are decoration only

• Situated near to the main road and we do advise you to supervise children and dogs at all times

• Please note that, due to our peaceful village location and out of consideration for our neighbours, we have installed a Minut noise monitoring device at the property. The device monitors noise levels only and does not record conversations or audio.

Dogs

• We allow 6 dogs at the property 3 max per property (but none allowed in The Annexe). We charge £30 per dog for the duration of their stay

• We do ask for them to be kept off all furniture and out of bedrooms

• Please do clear any litter from the grounds and gardens

• Please do not leave dogs unattended in the property or garden at any time, as there is livestock in the surroundings fields

Wi-Fi

• Satellite Wi-Fi, subject to environmental / atmospheric issues, gives full coverage for the whole site. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge, however, as the Peak District is in a beautiful rural location sometimes there may be intermittent signal which is beyond our control. We also hope you appreciate that we cannot guarantee Wi-Fi if there are technical issues in the area.