About the Accommodation

Entrance / Vestibule

On arrival make yourself comfortable on the old English church pew. The vestibule is decorated with vintage 'sticks for walking' and even a old barometer to help you plan your day ahead in the stunning Peak District National Park. After an amazing day out in the air you'll find plenty of space for your shoes, coats and muddy boots.

We also provide sturdy wall hanging bike racks for four bicycles.

Dining Room

From the vestibule and into the dining room is a stone fireplace with an inset wood burning stove.

An ample old cottage pine dining table with seating for 6 people.   In addition to its primary use as the spacious family dining room,  the two traditional 'Carver' chairs are perfect to sit and enjoy a quiet read, pour over a map or guide book to plan your next excursion or just simply relax.

Kitchen  

Our Shaker Style kitchen is fully equipped with everything you will need for your holiday, including; Full size fridge/freezer, microwave, cooker/hob, dishwasher, large toaster, espresso / cappuccino machine and counter top instant hot water machine perfect for your morning tea or coffee, as well plentiful pots, pans & utensils to help the most ambitious chef.

In addition to the ample counter tops, fitted floor and wall cupboards and pine dresser, there is small table and chairs to seat 3, ideal for breakfast or to enjoy your tea or coffee overlooking the garden and the hills beyond and (at the right time of the year) watch the sheep and lambs in the field behind or the white ducks running around enjoying the pond.

Utility Room

Leading from the kitchen is the Utility Room fully equipped with automatic washing machine and separate tumble dryer as well understair storage where we keep the housekeeping essentials including iron & board, clothes airer and even a baby high chair.

Sitting Room

The Sitting Room with a front aspect has a three seat sofa and three armchairs providing ample comfortable seating for 6 guests.

Character features include a stone fireplace with inset log burner for those cosy, chilly evenings and beamed ceiling.  Entertain yourselves with the freeview TV or for the more traditional of you enjoy a few games of draughts on the antique board.

Landing Snug-Lounge 

At the top of the stairs are a couple of easy chairs. It is a perfect relaxing area which looks out over farmland and hills beyond.

A selection of books on local walks and places to visit are available. There are children's books, games and puzzles for your enjoyment as well as a DVD player and hundreds of DVDs for all the family.

Bedrooms

Master Bedroom with front aspect & views across the valley towards Chapel en le Frith, has a pine double sleigh bed, bedside tables with lamps and a dressing table with a mirror. There is also a fitted wardrobe for hanging clothing. In here you’ll also find a travel cot.

Please note the left hand set of wardrobes are private and locked & the fireplace is ornamental and cannot be used.

The Twin Bedroom also with a front aspect, has two single beds, antique victorian 'pot cupboard' bedside cabinet,  a beautiful French antique pine wardrobe and a tall-boy chest of drawers.

The Bunk Room set at the rear of the house, with views over the farm behind and hills beyond, has bunkbeds and a tall boy chest of drawers and a victorian washstand bedside table.

Bathrooms.

We have a separate bathroom and shower room both with WC and wash basins. They are set at opposite ends of the house; the bathroom right next to the Twin bedroom and the shower room directly opposite the Master Bedroom and next to the Bunk Room  

Bathroom

The bathroom has an inviting free standing roll top bath , wash basin and wc.

Shower Room

The Shower Room Located opposite the Master Bedroom has a moder electric shower in a shower cubical as well as a wash basin, wc and wall mirror. 

Garden

Outside you will find a delightful cottage garden with a small lawned area with a bench perfectly set to relax and take in the view up the hill.   There is also an area with a large table and 6 chairs for al fresco dining.   The low dry stone wall separates us from the farm behind where you will find the Ducks and Chicken often alongside the flock of sheep & lambs

Amenities

Neighbourhood

Smithy Cottage nestles next to the Methodist Chapel in the hamlet of Sparrowpit in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

A well equipped 18th century cottage, spacious & perfect for families or up to 6 adults but still cozy enough for couples.

The Olive Tree Farm shop and Cafe is a 1minute short walk to the top of the lane. Selling essentials, cakes, bread and vegetables as well a cafe and even take away home cooked food to order on a Friday evening. 

There are plentiful shops and amenities only 5 mins drive in Chapel-en-le-Frith and famous Spa Town of Buxton only 15 mins drive away.

Local attractions include Castleton; home of the Blue John caverns, Winnats Pass, Mam Tor and many more.

Transport

Here are a few ideas of places to go and things to do while you are in the Peak District plus some useful links:

WALKS

Winnats Pass.
You may have driven through the gorge if you came from Castleton. Winnats Pass known as ‘Windy Gates’ has beautiful scenery and stunning views.
To start a walk, park in the small car park opposite Speedwell Cavern as it is a little distance from Smithy Cottage. Paths and trails are close to the road and some can be quite challenging but well worth it to make it to the top. You could also continue on to Mam Tor. The road itself is very popular with cyclists but you would have to be very fit! Be aware of the sheep as they wander into the road. The Gorge was thought to have originated as a large collapsed cave. A more recent explanation is it was once under a tropical sea. The limestone is full of fossils and sea creatures from over 350 million years ago. It is a protected area so rocks and plants are not to be removed. 

Stanage Edge
Stanage Edge is one of our favourite areas to walk. When we first saw photos of it, we thought it looked like you could be walking on the moon! It is the largest of the gritstone edges with views across to Hathersage and Castleton. It is a fairly easy walk up , flat at the top and 4 miles long. Great for walkers , it is extremely popular with climbers. See if you can spot them from the car park. It is very exposed from the top so even if the sun is out, it could be quite windy at the top.

Dovedale
On the River Dove near Ashbourne, Dovedale is known for its stepping stones and popular walks. Also ideal for a paddle in the river and ideal place to enjoy a picnic. There are a variety of walks , you could follow the river up to the stepping stones where you can cross (weather permitting) and climb up to Thorpe Cloud . With beautiful views. Walk along to Milldale too , around 3 miles from the car park which includes steep climbs in places.

Places of interest

Ilam Park
Nearby to Dovedale is Ilam Park owned by The National Trust. Lovely walks and gardens. There is a tea room with views over the terraced gardens of the Peaks. (check opening times depending on season).

Caverns Peak Cavern
The Cavern is one of the four caves in Castleton and is set below Peveril Castle. It is also known as Devil’s Arse because of the flatulent sounding noises from inside the cave when it is draining away! The entrance chamber is the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles. Within the entrance are remains of an ancient village where a whole community lived making ropes for lead mines. Guided tours are available which are well worth doing and concerts at certain times of the year including a Christmas Carol Concert.

Speedwell Cavern
The Cavern is a boat trip set under the foot of Winnats Pass to the ‘Bottomless Pit’. There are remains of blast holes in walls and ceiling. Two miners drilled holes, one held and rotated the drill and the other hit it with a 6kg sledge hammer which took 2 hours. 15 to 20 holes were needed for each blast. The passage took about 4 and a half years to complete.

Blue John Cavern.
The cavern takes its name from the semi-precious mineral Blue John. It is still mined in small amounts out of season and made locally into jewellery. Guided tours are available.

Treak Cliff Cavern
Also known for its Blue John stone, there are guided tours through the mine and cavern with some of the largest stalactites and stalagmites in the Peak District. All the caves are damp and cold so wrap up warm and the steps can be very slippery.

Peveril Castle
Owned by British Heritage Peveril castle is set up high overlooking Castleton. Very steep climb up but rewarded with the views of villages and peaks. A great place to sit for a picnic.

Chatsworth House
A stately home about 30 minutes drive from Smithy Cottage , is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. There are 30 rooms to explore -the Painted Hall, State Rooms and Sculpture Gallery. Talks and tours are available, 105 acre garden to enjoy and a maze. Garden Buggy tours are available around the garden , also a farmyard, a park and many walks. There are activities taking place throughout the year in school holidays and Christmas. The farm is open only certain times of the year and the animals can be handled. Also there is a trailer discovery tour in school holidays. A whole day could be spent there.

Haddon Hall
A Tudor and Medieval house near Bakewell overlooking the River Wye. When entering the main house,the highlight of the visit is the Banqueting Hall with a minstrel’s gallery. There are guided tours available and the terraced gardens are worth a visit just as much as the Hall is. There is a chapel near the courtyard and there is also a restaurant and gift shop.

Tissington Hall
The hall is set in an estate village in Tissington near Ashbourne. It has guided tours , take a look round the church , visit the tearoom and old fashioned sweet shop.

Ashbourne itself is worth a visit too. A pretty town with listed buildings, shops ,cafes and a market. It’s famous for Royal Shrovetide football match. Unlike a normal game people from all over the area come to watch as its so chaotic and exciting. It’s played every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, taking place over two eight hour periods! The goals are three miles apart with very few rules. Played with a larger ball, it is filled with cork to keep it a float if it ends up in the river. It is legal to kick , throw or carry it and takes place in roads, fields and rivers with hundreds of villagers. ‘Goals’ are scored by hitting the millstone three successive times and it is a huge honour to do so.

Arkwright’s Mill
A World Heritage site built in 1771 , this is the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Enjoy the projected tour around the mill. Take a walk along the Cromford Canal or a trip on a Horse - drawn canal boat, the Birdswood (selected days only) and enjoy a cuppa in the cafe.

Renishaw Hall and Gardens Chesterfield
A tour will allow you to see collections of art and furniture from generations. In the stable block is the Sitwell Museum with a collection of uniforms and dresses which belong to the family. The gardens are laid out in an Italian design divided with hedges and statues. There are lakeside and nature walks and ornamental ponds.

Eyam Hall
Known by visitors and residents Eyam has been given the name the ‘Plague Village’. The plague was a deadly disease in the 17th century and villagers kept themselves away from the outside world to prevent it spreading to other areas. Learn how the village became infected at the Eyam Museum. After the Plague had died out, Eyam Hall was built and home to the Wright family for generations . Now managed by the National Trust, it is well worth a visit to see embroideries and a library and the walled garden. In the courtyard is a craft centre and a cafe.

Matlock Bath
Set on the river Derwent, Matlock Bath was developed as one of the country’s first tourist destinations since the 17th Century. The riverside Gardens and Lovers Walks are the quieter area just by the victorian cast iron bridge. Matlock Bath also attracts bikers as it’s one of their meeting points which are quite an eye opener all parked along the road , some visitors come just to see them. Along the main parade are fish and chip shops , cafes and ice cream parlours. Amusements are good fun. There is also a small Aquarium best suited for younger children, allow about an hour and ideal if it’s raining. A whole day can be spent there as there is so much to see and do. It’s like being in a seaside town without the sea! Matlock Bath Illuminations Every Saturday and Sunday in September and October the riverside is decorated and the cliffs floodlit with a lovely scene of colour. At weekends are parades of decorated boats. The Venetian Boat Builders Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights. These can be viewed on admission to the gardens and on certain days there are firework displays. Please check details online.

Temple Mine (Matlock Bath) 
Take a guided tour in Temple Mine, a fully operational mine from the 1920’s and 50’s. A hand mine section from 200 years ago which children can pan for ‘gold ‘. Go to the museum too which has a mock up of a mine tunnel.

Heights of Abraham (Matlock Bath)
Derbyshire’s oldest visitor attraction is a hilltop park reached by cable car over the Derwent Valley. Arrive at the summit and you have free access to the Caverns Rutland and Great Masson with tour guides.There are a few gift shops, play areas, cafe and picnic spots. Suitable for any age. We haven’t visited but have seen great reviews.

Gulliver’s Kingdom (Matlock Bath) The Theme Park is set on a hill over Matlock Bath with views of the valley. Mainly for families with younger children between the years of 2 and 13. Activities include a log flume, pirates play area ,drop tower.

Alton Towers Resort
About an hours drive from Smithy Cottage in Staffordshire, Alton Towers is England’s largest theme park. An Adventure Park with lots of thrill rides and attractions for younger children. The park also has a CBeebies Land and ‘Extraordinary Golf’ - two 9 hole golf courses. Adjoining the Splash Landing Hotel is the Waterpark known as the Tropical Lagoon with indoor and outdoor features such as a log flume and an outdoor and indoor whirlpool.Check prices though as some rides you may need to pay extra .

Carsington Water
About an hours drive, Carsington Water is a reservoir about an 8 mile walk. Bikes can be hired and most of the routes are off track. Watersports are available and it’s great for bird watching too. There are picnic areas and a visitors centre. Lovely scenery , an ice cream shop, coffee shop and restaurant , what more could you ask for!

Peak Rail Experience; the diesel and steam railway.
Mostly run by volunteers the Midland Railway line runs 4 miles from Rowsley South Station to Matlock Platform 2. Alongside the line is a bike/pedestrian track so you could hop on the train and walk back. Hop off at Darley Dale Station or carry on to Matlock with plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Bakewell
Set on the River Wye, it is known for the Bakewell Pudding. Legend has it that the famous pudding was created by mistake by a local cook in the mid 19th century. Today the pudding is known as ‘the jam tart that went wrong’. It’s delicious and rich and worth treating yourself to when visiting the town. It’s a lovely little town with a good selection of small shops, gift shops , pubs and cafes.
The fish and chip shop which is a must and very popular as there are often queues out the door. Also there’s a great market to wander round every Monday and it’s worth taking a look in the auction at the livestock market.
There are walks to follow along the river and you can pick up the Monsal Trail here too. We can recommend The Peacock Pub and The Bakewell Pudding Parlour and there are numerous cafes. If you enjoy a cooked breakfast try the Farmers Fayre located by the Auction buildings. A great selection, great value and you can’t beat a decent tea served in a farmers mug! There is a large Co-op Supermarket, Boots Pharmacy

Buxton
Known as the gateway to the Peak District National Park , Buxton is most famous for its natural springs and Opera House. It hosts the annual Buxton Festival and musicals. The park is pleasant to stroll through and wander into the Pavillion Garden conservatory. The cafe there has a shop and plenty of leaflets to pick up of places to see and visit in the area. The town is mainly pedestrianised with a small shopping precinct including a Waitrose. Morrisons is nearby too. The Cavendish Arcade has some small independent shops. Nearby Supermarkets Chapel - en - le Frith Aldi Morrisons Buxton Waitrose Aldi Whaley Bridge Tesco Glossop Tesco Bakewell Co - op