The Derwent

If you've struggled with where to stay and how to organise a getaway for up to 40 people, the answer is simple: book The Derwent. This a unique self-catering venue that sleeps between 30 and 40 people.

Located in the heart of the Peak District in Bamford village, it’s a cleverly converted former hotel with built-in pub that means you can cook in one of the two professional-size kitchens, dine together in the spacious dining room and then relax in one of the two luxury lounge rooms or play in the games room.

You arrive with plenty of private parking for your guests and once through the door, can then head up the main stairwell to a wide first floor landing to one of the 16 impressive, individually decorated boutique style bedrooms.

Each is individually decorated and furnished with comfy beds, fresh linen and towels. The set-up of bedrooms is flexible – there are nine bedrooms with four with en-suites, two shared shower rooms and one shared bathroom. A further stairwell rises to the second floor to six bedrooms with four en- suites and one shared bathroom. A sixteenth bedroom with en-suite is situated with external access through the garden entrance.

In the area the Peak District sights of Lady Bower Reservoir, Derwent Valley, Edale and Castleton are ideal for country walks, fishing, cycling and breathtaking panoramic views, but the lawned garden complete with a child’s play area provides everything you need at the house.

The extremely spacious dining room has large bay windows that give the room a wonderful ambiance. The kitchen is a dream for foodies – one for food preparation and cooking, and one for serving and clearing.

It has a contemporary Shaker style with solid work surfaces, and is fully equipped with everything you need for mass catering. Alternatively, you could use a highly recommended outside catering contact.

After a meal, repair to one of the two lounges, or get competitive in the luxury games room complete with pool table, table football and dart board. The bar area is located in the central space and naturally evolves into the main social hub. Complete with bar stools, drinks fridges and glassware, you can stock the bar as you wish and serve drinks over the original bar which retains many original features, including non-working beer pumps.

If you do step out, you’re ideally situated to take in the beauty of Lady Bower and Howden Reservoir and the Upper Derwent Valley. It’s also steeped in history, as during the Second World War the reservoir was famously used by pilots for practicing the low-level flights commonly known as the "Dam Busters" raids. There is a visitors centre, fishing boat hire and a cycle hire. There’s also the 1898 founded Sickleholme Golf Club within walking distance to The Derwent, where visiting groups are welcomed.