lovely places to stay
One of the gorgeous views of Belper. Photo by Joy Meakin.
Belper truly is a gorgeous place to live, work and play, and with the historical name ‘Beaurepaire’ (meaning ‘Beautiful retreat’) locals really are always delighted by the beauty of Belper’s walks and countryside, fantastic arts and heritage, brilliant local shops and great community spirit.
It makes sense that we want to share it with friends and family by inviting them over to visit. Maybe you have a special event coming up and loved ones coming from far and near to celebrate with you or maybe you’re planning a visit to Belper yourself and could do with a few recommendations. Whatever your reasons, there are a surprising number of accommodation options in and around Belper including self-catering and hotels and even some gorgeous glamping options. Here are just a few of our favourites….
Romantic getaway?
Why not try Swinney Wood Log Cabins Sleeps 2
Swinney Wood is a place of outstanding natural beauty located on the east side of Belper, with amazing views of the countryside to the north and west.
The site has four beautiful log cabins, individually hand scribed out of Western Red Cedar tree trunks and each with a stunning and unique location nestled within the woodland.
For adults only, these luxury cabins boast a range of extra special features including log burners, outdoor hot tub and sauna, not to mention a rainforest shower, all gorgeously immersed in the beautiful Swinney Woods.
Visit Swinney Wood Log Cabins for more information.
Eco-friendly getaway in the country for small to large groups? Try Sycamore farm Sleeps 4 to 20 people
Sycamore Farm, tucked away in the hills just ten minutes north of Belper, used to be a dairy farm, but is now a rewilding farm, with woodland, young trees, wildflowers and ponds.
The farm has three lovingly restored and furnished self-catering barn cottages onsite which can be rented individually or connected, each with underfloor heating from a wood boiler, using locally-sourced wood, with a carbon positive rating meaning that the site actually absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits!
Visit Sycamore Farm Website to explore further.
Beautifully refurbished and presented rooms
A taste of Belper history? Louise’s 18th Century cottage Sleeps 2
This one bedroom World Heritage Cottage was originally built for the mill workers in 1790! Nestled in the heart of Belper, this quirky little cottage has had rave reviews and recommendations due to its unique historical character combined with gorgeous renovation and brilliant customer service. With solid wood flooring, original fireplace and every facility that you could need, the cottage is a beautiful great value booking option.
Great value family accommodation at Stone Trough Cottage Sleeps 5
At just £86 per night this 18th Century Country cottage, just ten minutes drive from Belper, represents fantastic value for a family of five with many original features including original oak beams plus all amenities including a log burner.
Make sure you visit The Spotted Cow with an amazing pub and cafe (with truly fab locally baked cakes) It’s owned as a local social enterprise but offers fantastic food and service. There’s even a guest room available.
Double rooms in a cosy pub? The Bulls Head at Belper Lane End Sleeps 2 (2 x rooms available)
Just outside The Bulls Head, gorgeous views and walks
The Bulls Head is a traditional Belper pub based at Belper Lane End, five minutes drive from the centre of Belper. Located in a tiny hamlet in the hills near Belper, the Bulls Head offers two luxurious double rooms that combine comfort with attention to detail and customer care. Downstairs meanwhile is a traditional countryside pub offering a wonderful freshly cooked menu that uses locally sourced ingredients. Any Belper folk will also tell you that there are truly gorgeous walks straight on your doorstep.
Tannenbaum - truly special camping and glamping
Camping with a difference…it’s got to be Tannenbaum!
With a range of fantastic value glamping options, Tannenbaum is definitely the go-to campsite, with plenty of Belper locals making annual trips there. Whether it’s the super cute outdoor bar, coffee van, live entertainment and even facepainting on summer weekends, the warm and friendly customer service from Sharon or the beautiful location with wide reaching countryside views and Bike Barn mountain bike hire next door, there’s something about Tannenbaum that makes you want to come back every year!
Make sure you visit: Belper Bike Barn just next door with brilliant bike hire and mountain biking skills days.
The Strutt Arms at Milford
Need a local hotel with plenty of rooms?
Belper has three excellent traditional hotels, all offering a fantastic range of accommodation options with beautifully furnished rooms, breakfasts and evening meals. The Lion Hotel’s fresh pizzas are definitely something to make room for, The Strutt Arms at Milford is fantastically situated for walks over the Chevin (just a big hill away!) and Makeney Hall Hotel offers stylish accommodation in a country house setting.
If you’re staying in Milford, make sure you visit The Hollybush Inn for a wonderful country pub experience with food.
Something special for a family group? Try Highfield House Sleeps 8
Highfield House is part of a 19th Century house located a 20 minute drive from Belper and surrounded by the stunning Oakerthorpe Nature Reserve and gorgeous countryside.
With outstanding reviews from guests, the property offers additional hot tub, along with home cooked meals (please check for menu), cream teas and loads of extras for your special occasion.
A unique experience for larger parties: Hollywood House
Hollywood House offers luxury group accommodation for weekend breaks & celebrations for up to 40 people, in the gorgeous countryside on the outskirts of Belper.
Centuries-old Monkey Puzzle trees line the impressive winding driveway up to this stunning country house, set in 5 acres of spectacular gardens overlooking the Derwent Valley. Then on entering the house be transported to another era, with each room individually decorated after Hollywood icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.
With a wide range of fabulous activities to keep all ages entertained including a luxury hot tub and plunge pool, not to mention a 'Casino Night' included in the price, and gorgeous walks through the undulating gardens and woodland, Hollywood House offers the perfect setting for a memorable celebration.
Find out more about Hollywood House
And here are some more great places recommended by our friends on Facebook…!
Shining cliff Youth Hostel Sleeps 20
The beautifully located Shining Cliff Hostel for full forest immersion!
For a hostel stay with a difference try Shining Cliff Youth Hostel. Sleeping 20 people, the hostel is in the heart of Shining Cliff Woods, a beautiful ancient woodland near Ambergate, home to the Betty Kenny Tree, where the ‘Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top’ originated.
The hostel offers full facilities including a fire pit nearby and a warm shed seating area for day activities. The community-interest-company hostel offers a range of events including forest school events and activities run by qualified and friendly professionals.
Make sure you visit: White Peak Distillery and Betty Kenny’s Tree
The Marle Sleeps 11
Once a traditional Gentleman’s residence, this grand three storey detached holiday home is set upon the hillside overlooking the Derwent Valley, offering the perfect location to enjoy walks and cycling from the doorstep into the surrounding countryside and is just a short drive from Belper.
With a farmhouse style kitchen including large Lacanche range, American style fridge freezer and log burner plus games room housing a full-size snooker table, hot tub hire (subject to availability/at an additional cost), the house even boasts an outdoor pizza oven!
Beech Hill Holiday Cottage Sleeps 3
This gorgeous quirky cottage had several recommendations on the Reunion Facebook Page. It offers the comforts of fresh fluffy towels and bed linen, log burner and basket full of logs and extensive library plus a hot tub, perfect for a countryside break!
