Our local area is one of outstanding natural beauty…
The Peak District is so varied. Market towns nestle between rocky hills, sweeping grasslands, and craggy rocks. You can leave everyone else far behind, or join a bustling market day, whichever suits your mood on each day.
Please check on local information before travelling - locals are welcoming careful visitors back to the Peaks with delight, but there have been a few changes:
Click HERE to see the Respect, Protect and Enjoy Visitor Charter for the Peak District National Park
Wildlife is part of our life, at Foxes’ Retreat
We have plentiful squirrels, nuthatches, song thrushes, coal tits and great tits all chasing the sparrows out of the way of the seed and nut supplies. Pheasants wander around the fields at all times of year, cheekily getting in on the farmyard routines of feeding the birds and our chickens each day.
Harry the Heron stalks up the adjoining field, in full sight of the Hayloft front door in the early afternoons, on his way to and from the Mill Pond and the River Dove at the bottom of the fields.
Kingfishers dart in and out of the reeds in the Mill Pond, across the parkland, ten minutes of walking from the farm gate.
The hedgerows are full of elderflowers to make fresh cordial in the summer, and wild garlic grows by the stream, just a field away from us. The farm track is lined with cherry trees and we have blackberries, damsons and sloes growing by the bucket-load to make jams and crumbles.
Betty the Buzzard lives in the trees at the top of Okeover Park, and swoops over to sit in the farmyard when looking for a sheltered post to wait for her lunch.
There are two families of hares in the valley that we see often (and probably many more) - one in the field to the south of the farmyard, and another in the field behind the old Mill.
Arbor Low
We are lucky to have a Neolithic Henge, just a short drive from us at
Foxes’ Retreat.
It is well worth a visit and we are always happy to accompany our
guests as they watch sunrise from this incredible spot.
The Limestone Way
The Limestone Way passes within 20 yards of Foxes’ Retreat and is a waymarked long-distance footpath in Derbyshire, England. It runs for 46 miles through the White Peak of the Peak District National Park, from Castleton south to Rocester over the county boundary into Staffordshire. The trail is named for the limestone scenery along its route.
The Stepping Stones at Dovedale
Walk along the footpaths on the River Dove’s banks to the famous Stepping Stones. You can keep it as a flat walk, or enjoy a scramble up to Thorpe Cloud or Bunster Hill, for spectacular views through the valleys.
Carsington Water
A large reservoir, surrounded by all weather walking/cycling paths, totalling 8.5 miles, complete with Visitor Centre, local craft shops, cafe, restaurant and an ice-cream parlour.
There is cycle hire (including electric bikes), as well as a Watersports Centre offering tuition, as well as Canadian Canoe hire, Paddleboard hire and dinghy sailing.
A place for all seasons…
Whatever the season, there is a stunning view to be found in the Peak District.
Buxton Opera House
Why not visit the Opera House whilst you are in the area? They have a wide range of shows, and the buildings in Victorian Buxton are a delight to meander amongst.
The Museum of Childhood
Sudbury Hall, a National Trust property, boasts gardens, a splendid tea room, a fascinating historic house, as well as the National Museum of Childhood.
Stately homes
Visit beautiful Chatsworth, for the house, the grounds, or the superb afternoon teas!
Ashbourne
Our local town is only five minutes or so away by car and has a range of independent shops and cafes for you to enjoy. There are many historic buildings and a large well kept park with a bandstand at the end of the High Street.
Dimmingsdale
Take a stroll along the old railway line from Oakamoor to Alton, perhaps calling in at the Rambler’s Retreat for a light lunch or a luxury hot chocolate to break your journey. There are many side tracks and smaller public footpaths through these woodlands, allowing a delightful exploration into denser woods, should you venture off the main path.
A meander through Foxes’ Retreat’s Peak District corner
The countryside around Foxes’ Retreat is accessible and stunning in its diversity. The softness of the valleys of the White Peak contrasts with the severity of the Dark Peak, higher up towards Sheffield.
Ancient historical site
The Neolithic Stone Circle at Arbor Low is a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise at both Summer and Winter Solstice days. The views and sense of history are truly inspiring. It is twenty minutes away by car from Foxes’ Retreat.
The Tissington Trail is just across the valley from Foxes’ Retreat, and provides 13 miles of traffic free walking, cycling or horse-riding.
The Tissington Trail is a disused railway line that is now used for cycling, walking and horse riding. It runs from Ashbourne town centre to Parsley Hay, where it links the High Peak Trail and the Penine Bridleway - all the way to Scotland!
Carsington Water is home to nature, water sports, quiet picnic spots and a fabulous visitor centre.
There are three different car parks to use, depending on if you want to be in the hub of the action, or to be out quietly by the water.
Sudbury Hall:
The National Trust’s National Museum of Childhood
Sudbury Hall has beautiful grounds, a cafe and outbuildings to explore, as well as the inside of the house itself. There are often outdoor theatre events held in the grounds - which we very much enjoy! (15 minutes by car from Foxes’ Retreat)