Matlock, Peak District

Heritage That Earns Its Rosettes

Where the Peak District's wild beauty meets a kitchen that knows exactly what to do with it.

Tucked into the rolling landscapes of the Peak District, The Peacock at Rowsley is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with a passport. This 15-room manor house hotel carries its heritage with effortless grace — think four-poster beds, centuries-old character, and interiors that whisper rather than shout their elegance. It is, in the very best sense, a discovery: intimate enough to feel like a private escape, yet polished enough to remind you that luxury and warmth are not mutually exclusive.

The real jewel in The Peacock's crown, however, is its kitchen. Holding 3 AA Rosettes, the restaurant turns the Peak District's larder into something genuinely extraordinary. Saturday evenings bring an eight-course tasting menu that changes weekly — a love letter to seasonal, local produce that will linger in the memory long after the last course is cleared. Even Sunday lunch, that most reliably comforting of British traditions, is elevated here into something worth making the journey for. From the first Champagne on the lawn to the final forkful of a Michelin-inspired lunch, every moment is edible theatre.

For couples seeking a romantic retreat, foodies chasing their next great meal, or Peak District wanderers in need of a beautiful base — fly fishing on the River Wye, Chatsworth within easy reach — The Peacock at Rowsley delivers something increasingly rare: a staycation that genuinely rivals anywhere abroad. Come for the history, stay for the food, and leave, as they promise, with a story entirely your own.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

15 rooms
Four-poster beds
3 AA Rosettes
Peak District ingredients
Manor house

Gallery

Inside & Out

The Peacock at Rowsley — interior and exterior view 1

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Guest Voices

What They Say

“Excellent service and atmosphere, this was a cold night and getting pre-dinner drinks was a very nice experience. Being able to order while still in the bar was a nice touch. We only had time for appetisers and mains, all were very well done. Great place!”

Igor Zaika5/5

“Went for food there after a walk. Unfortunately very disappointing. Overpriced. Nicely presented but the chips were rubbery. Hardly any salmon in the scotch eggs. The burger bun was dry and a pretzel bun didn’t really suit the burger. The burger meat was nice. Homemade. Great attentive service. Lovely atmosphere. Wouldn’t go again for food. Drinks would be fine”

Conny Chrobok2/5

“We stayed 1 night after visiting Chatsworth House & Gardens & Christmas Market. I have eaten at the Peacock many years ago but never stayed, its fabulous. The situation within Rowsley village is beautiful with ample parking. We were greeted very warmly on arrival and offered drinks and coffee. The lounge is very cozy and comfortable with reading material to sit and relax. Our room was a suite with every facility you needed from coffee/tea making facilities, radio, TV etc. The furniture is excellent and bed linens and drapes very high quality. The superking bed was like sleeping on a cloud, with a wonderful mattress topper. Beautiful products in the bathroom also. Great shower ! The full English breakfast was delicious, with great staff serving. Check out again was friendly and every effort had been made to ensure we had a good stay. Im sure we will be back in the future, our stay was excellent.”

Linda Artingstall5/5

“Booked the Christmas weekend to visit Chatsworth and enjoyed an overnight stay at The Peacock at Rowsley. Dinner needed to be pre-booked. The room is modernised but retains its traditional old Tudor-style stone building charm, nice and clean. For dinner, we had fillet steak and a superfood salad. The service was lovely—thank you for the hospitality.”

W Huang4/5

“We had a wonderful lunch at The Peacock, the bar has a quiet elegance in a beautiful old building. The staff are very good, they really know how to look after the guests, attentive and professional but still keeping it warm and friendly. The food is very good, well presented and tasty.”

Jason Spiller5/5