Greener Tourism

Peak District Farm and Country Holiday members are forward thinking and passionate about our special Peak District environment. We are lucky to live and work in the most stunning countryside; the Peak District National Park is nationally recognised as an exceptionally valuable landscape.

Many members are keen to conserve our beautiful scenery by farming using sustainable methods, managing resources efficiently and creating as little waste as possible.

As part of these initiatives they have invested in renewable technologies, including photovoltaic solar panels, air source heating, biomass boilers and wind turbines.

Come wind, come rain, come shine, our holiday guests will have power, heat and light. Book a holiday in the Peak District with us and you can find out more.....

 

The BIG, Bird, Bug, Beast and Botany Hunt

Members Paul and Elspeth Walker are hosting their fabulous BIG, Bug, Beast and Botany Hunt this Sunday 10th June at the Dove Valley Centre, from 11am to 4pm. 

FREE fun for all the family, from river dipping, to a minibeast safari, wildflower walks and willow weaving. to join in the fun call Martin on 01538 309416. Don't forget to take a packed lunch and your wellies!

Silver Award for Sustainable Tourism

Congratulations to our members David and Felicity Brown, of Hoe Grange Holidays who scooped Silver in the Sustainable Tourism category at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence 2012, held in Leicester. This follows on from last year’s success winning Gold for ‘Access for All’. 

To be recognised for two consecutive years at the National Tourism Awards is quite exceptional, and shows their outstanding commitment to high standards throughout all aspects of their self-catering holiday business. It is wonderful to have such high quality holiday accommodation within the Peak Disrict Farm Holidays group, who are willing to share ideas and top tips which benefit all our properties, and of course you our guests.

David and Felicity are both passionate about their self-catering holiday business and creating a wonderful holiday experience for all guests, whilst leaving a minimal impact on the special Peak District landscape.

The prestigious awards recognise the high quality, sustainable holiday accommodation offered by the business.  Judges were particularly impressed with the emphasis placed on renewable energy, including ground source and air source heating and photovoltaic solar panels which track the sun.  The business also actively encourages guests to leave a lighter carbon footprint, promotes car free days out, local foods and products, and manages the farm with a view to conservation of the beautiful landscape. Hoe Grange Holidays already hold the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark, and Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award.

Look out for other group members who also have these sustainable awards - you can be assurred of a quality experience when you stay with Peak District Farm Holidays!

Stunning Snowdrops

It’s that time of the year again - our Snowdrops are out covered with a delicate dusting of snow- a sign that despite their frosting Spring is on its way.

The Peak District offers some wonderful places to see Snowdrops in full bloom - wander up the valley at Milldale near Alstonefield which is carpeted with them. Rhode Hall Gardens, near Scholar Green and Hopton Hall near Carsington are open to the public throughout February and also offer refreshments to warm you after your winter walk.

Environmentally Friendly Accommodation

Exciting news !

One of our members, Beechenhill Farm, has been shortlisted for the Sentinel Environmental Business Awards!

These prestigious awards are seeking “Companies that have introduced environmental improvements which are enhancing the quality of life within North Staffordshire.” Beechenhill Farm has done extremely well to be shortlisted and is up against a large business and a multinational company! We all wish them luck in the finals.

A number of our Peak District Farm Holiday members are also committed to sustainable business practices and conserving the beautiful Peak District environment in which we live and work, and have been awarded either the Peak District or the Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark. Look out for the award logos on the farm website entries - you can be sure of a quality eco holiday with us.

Meanwhile on the farm, the snow hit a few days ago, melted a little and has now frozen solid. We are expecting more this evening!

The chickens have been pottering about in the snow but seem to have been a little discombobulated by it and keep gathering in snow free patches – we assume to chat about the weather!

The snow will shortly disappear giving way to warmer weather - why not book a holiday with us and enjoy the Peak District countryside in all it's summer glory. Our free range hens will be back in full egg production by then so you can enjoy a tasty breakfast.

Dove Valley Centre celebrates it's 10th Birthday

One of our fabulous self catering properties is celebrating it's 10th Birthday this year. The 2 cottages and spacious studio are set in spectacular countryside near Sheen and have been thoughtfully modernised using environmentally friendly methods and materials.


After the eco renovation of their redundant barns involving much muck, hay and farming memories, Paul and Elspeth Walker opened for holiday business in 2002. Not without some trepidation they thought - what if no one came? Who would be interested in ‘greener’ holidays?

But the Christmas and New Year periods were booked almost immediately and soon the calendar was filling. Since then, visitors have arrived from near and from California to Hong Kong, from Germany to Scandinavia - many returning each year.

Two of their first visitors got engaged there and Elspeth and Paul were invited to their wedding and later welcomed them back with their baby!

Because of their interests in art education and wildlife conservation, courses are regularly run in painting, crafts and countryside activities, many through partnerships with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Peak District Ranger Service and various charities. These have expanded to include annual free family events including biodiversity and Apple Days with an ever- increasing number of families participating.

With the opening of the Studio two years ago as the base for courses and events, their daughter Sarah is now increasingly involved in the business.

To help celebrate this anniversary, throughout the year new and returning visitors will receive a special welcome pack of homemade and local produce.

Get Here!

"Get Here" and discover the fabulous Peak District and all it has to offer.

The emotive soundtrack was recorded by Lady Manners School Orchestra with the wonderfully talented singer Chelsea Redfern from Chesterfield, of X Factor fame. Wow, what a powerful voice, it sends a tingle down your spine!

View the amazing video of our special area for yourself. You’ll find something for everyone here in the Peak District; superb scenery, exciting activities, delicious food, fascinating attractions and a matchless wealth of history and heritage - make the most of your holidays and stay on a farm - Get here, if you can!