Located in the heart of the Peak District, The Peacock at Rowsley has been a hotel since the 1830s and is part of the Haddon Estate. Owned by Lord and Lady Edward Manners who live at nearby Haddon Hall, this luxury hotel offers the perfect base from which to explore the beautifully unspoilt scenery of Derbyshire and the nearby villages and towns. We recently sat down with Lord Edward Manners to find out about life at The Peacock at Rowsley and his favourite things to do in the Peak District.
We asked Lord Edward about the history of The Peacock at Rowsley and he told us…
‘The hotel dates back to 1652, when it was built for the Steward of Haddon Hall. It then became a dower house for my family, the Manners, before becoming a hotel in 1832. I bought the hotel in 2003, bringing it back into the Manners family and it has been wonderful to welcome guests from far and wide ever since’.
Being a Great Inn…
When asked what makes The Peacock at Rowsley a Great Inn of Britain, Lord Edward explains that ‘The Great Inns of Britain are renowned for their exceptional hospitality, seasonal menus and ensuring all our guests have an unforgettable stay.’
‘Here at The Peacock at Rowsley, we have an award-winning Restaurant that has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes. Our Head Chef, Dan Smith has created a mouth-watering Fine Dining menu, using locally sourced ingredients, which is complemented by a wide range of wines and hand-pulled barrel ales.’
‘The hotel enjoys an abundance of character, from the moment you step through the front door, to sitting down in our bar, or relaxing in one of our 15 bedrooms, the charm and personality of The Peacock at Rowsley is carried throughout this historic building.’
Perfect for fly fishing!
We asked Lord Edward what his favourite aspect of the hotel was, and he told us, ‘Our spectacular location is one of my favourite things about the hotel. Not only are we located in the heart of the Peak District, but The Peacock at Rowsley is also situated close to the River Wye, Lathkill and Derwent, which enables us to offer some truly spectacular fly fishing. Fishermen come from all over the world, and the Derbyshire Wye is famous for being the only river in the United Kingdom with wild rainbow trout as well as wild brown trout’.
A day at The Peacock at Rowsley…
We asked Lord Edward how he would spend a day in the Peak District if he were a guest at The Peacock at Rowsley and he said, ‘There’s plenty to keep you busy when you stay at The Peacock, but first and foremost I’d make the most of the stunning countryside that surrounds the hotel, whether this be by walking, cycling, hiking, or fishing.’
Lord Edward also recommends taking in some of the fascinating historical locations that are on their doorstep. Including the stunning Haddon Hall, described as ‘the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages’, parts of the house date from the 12th Century, sitting like a jewel in its Elizabethan terraced gardens, and overlooking the River Wye.
Only a stone’s throw from The Peacock is Chatsworth House, where you can discover fascinating historic stories and enjoy one of Europe’s most significant art collections, before discovering the 105 acres of garden with giant water features, sculpture, beautiful flowers and magnificent views of the park.
The Peacock at Rowsley has now reopened for overnight stays and indoor dining, in line with the current Covid-19 guidelines.
