Take a beautiful Peak District National Park setting, just 3½ miles from Bakewell, add a historic hall (first recorded in the Domesday Book), and an ancient cluster of listed buildings converted to form superb holiday cottage accommodation, and the result is the captivating blend that is Harthill Hall.

Nestling in 14 acres of grounds on an upland called Priest’s Hill with excellent walking available from the doorstep, the properties have the use of an extensive range of leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium and treatment rooms. Noble names have woven the threads of the hall’s long history including Henry de Ferrers, the Cokaynes and the Harthills. Henry VIII is also believed to have stayed at the hall.

It was here in 1259 that Sir Richard de Hartle was issued a Papal Bull by Pope Alexander II, allowing him to appoint his own chaplain. The chapel ceased its functions as a place of worship in 1546 and now takes the form of The Chapel and Hartle Cottage. The eight cottages are furnished with antiques and surround a medieval cobbled courtyard. They all retain a wealth of original features including thick stone walls, large oak beams, mullion windows and flagstone floors. Derbyshire’s bustling market towns, villages, hills, dales and rivers offer majestic scenery, and a rich variety of customs. Boasting a varied and beautiful landscape, they offer a blend of heritage, history and family attractions.

The beautiful market town of Bakewell (3½ miles) is situated on the River Wye, crossed by a 13th-century five-arched bridge which has coffee shops and restaurants. Within easy reach are Matlock, Hall Leys Park, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Buxton. National Trust properties and gardens nearby include Riley Graves, Longshaw, Mam Tor, South Peak, Dovedale, Hardwick Hall and Kedleston Hall. Close by are both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Golf and horse riding are available within 5 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub 1 mile.

A charming contemporary lodge on South Lakeland Leisure Village resting within Lancashire. Open-plan living. Hot tub. Gas fire. Carnforth 2.1 miles; Lancaster 4.7 miles.

Holemoor Cottage is peacefully located amidst the glorious Devon countryside yet only 7 miles from the golden sands of the Cornish coast with Bude and Widemouth Bay, which has excellent surfing, pretty coves and dramatic coastal walks. This delightful wing of the owner’s 17th century farmhouse is situated down a secluded country lane with electric gates to the driveway making this an ideal holiday retreat. Guests can enjoy the luxury of their own private indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi. The whole area is alive with wildlife, so regular sightings of barn owls, rare British birds and roe deer are not unusual. The sunny patio area is the perfect spot for a summer BBQ or a lazy breakfast before exploring the grounds. Children can let off steam in the play field with a swing and slide, and will be thrilled to see the ponies and chickens - they might even be able to help collect the eggs. A cream tea and a welcome pack on your arrival is the finishing touch to make this a holiday to remember.
A superb holiday choice whatever the time of year with the indoor pool it is ideal for families or couples seeking peace and seclusion. If you can bear to drag yourself away, there are water sports and fishing at the nearby Tamar Lakes, coastal and country walking, golf, surfing, horse riding, cycling or simply relaxing. Family theme parks including The Milky Way and The Big Sheep. Pretty fishing villages and spectacular beaches and coves are dotted all along this coastline from Padstow, Tintagel, Crackington Haven to Bude in Cornwall and on to Westward Ho!, Clovelly and Instow in Devon, and for a great day out, the famous Eden Project is within easy reach. Beach 7 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.